Choosing the Correct Size for your Custom Dress Shirt
Our made-to-measure system to create the perfect custom dress shirt is one of the simplest around. Rather than relying on amateur measurements that are often inaccurate (been fitted for a rented tux lately?), we use existing sizes that you already know to find the perfect size. It's remarkably accurate and easy-as-can-be.
The following guide will help you determine the best size for each of our 5 measurement variables.
If you can't get to the right size using these factors, we still can probably help you out. Send us an email and we'll get things started. Also, if you have a shirt that fits you well, we can accept shirt measurements via email.
The size suit jacket you wear (40, 42, etc.) is really just an approximation of your chest size. If you always buy the same jacket size, this one should be a no-brainer.
If you're unsure or between sizes:
- What is the size of your best fitting suit? That will get you close – you can round up or down an inch based on your preferences. Most people are guilty of wearing a slightly larger size, so if you still can't decide, round down.
- Have you visited a menswear store to test out a few? (Brooks Brother's is usually a good place to start.) Find something that feels comfortable and go with that size.
Tips/Hints
- If you haven't bought a new suit in five years, head out and try one on. You might be surprised that you prefer a closer fitting jacket than the one you bought five years ago.
If you've bought a dress shirt before, you've made the purchase based largely around the size of your neck. If you already know that by heart, just go with that size.
If you're unsure or between sizes:
- Try on a dress shirt from anywhere and find the size that is snug, but not strangling you when buttoned. You should be able to slide two fingers between your neck and the shirt.
Tips/Hints:
- Don't add to the size to account for shrinkage – we'll do that for you
- If, like so many of us, you've purchased a shirt with the "wrong" neck size so it would fit elsewhere, please use your correct neck size here. That is why you're going custom, right?
Also known as the "center-back length", this is the second number that is used in standard dress shirt sizing. If you always buy the same size, use that here.
If you're unsure or between sizes:
- Most of us tend to wear our sleeves a little on the short side. With a custom shirt, you don't need to do that, so feel free to round up if you're between sizes. Having said that…
- Despite all the "rules" regarding sleeve length, if we've found anything it's that the rules all contradict one another. Go with what feels most comfortable.
Tips/Hints:
- Don't add to the size to account for shrinkage – we'll do that for you
This is the second component of your suit jacket size and will determine the length of the body of the shirt. If you always buy the same jacket length, stick with that.
If you're unsure or between sizes:
- Do you plan to wear the shirt tucked-in or un-tucked? We have designed our signature fit to work well either way, but go with the shorter option if you plan to wear it un-tucked and the longer option if it will always be tucked-in.
- When you tuck in dress shirts from other stores, do you have problems with the sides of the shirttails coming un-tucked? If so, you can round to the longer size.
Tips/Hints
- If you still can't decide, go with "Regular." That works best for most of our customers and we have a great return policy if you need to make changes.
- If you're 6'4" and you would normally choose "long" jackets, but you now buy "Regular" because of Thom Browne, still choose "long" here.
We offer two fit choices at Ratio Clothing: the signature "Ratio Slim Fit" and the "Classic" fit.
The Ratio Slim Fit
Our most popular choice, our signature fit cuts a slimmer, sleeker profile without being too tight or trying too hard. Whether tucked-in at the office or untucked on the weekend, the Ratio Slim Fit is perfect for any occasion.
- Body - Slimmer through the chest and narrower through the waist and hips to create a clean, modern silhouette. No more excess bunching fabric around the waist.
- Sleeves - Smaller armhole openings and slimmer sleeves add to the overall tailored look. Giant pirate sleeves are a thing of the past.
The Classic Fit
Our classic fit takes a more conservative approach. While still slimmer that most off-the-rack shirts, the classic fit provides about 2" more room in the chest and features more traditional sleeves. The classic fit is meant to be tucked in and is a great choice for a conservative office or someone who likes a more relaxed fit.
Tips/Hints
- Most of our customers come looking for a more tailored look and almost always choose the Ratio Slim Fit. If that sounds like you, go with the Ratio Slim Fit.
- The Classic Fit will work best on people with less athletic body types (larger waist in proportion to shoulders)