To measure sleeve length accurately for a shirt or jacket:
- Start the tape measure at the center back of your neck, just below the collar.
- Run the tape measure over the top of your shoulder to the peak of the shoulder.
- Continue measuring down the outside of the arm with the arm slightly bent at the elbow.
- Measure down past the elbow to just above or at the wrist bone, where you want the cuff or sleeve to end.
- Add the measurements from back of neck to shoulder, shoulder to elbow, and elbow to wrist to get the total sleeve length.
This method ensures the measurement accounts for shoulder width and the natural bend of the arm, providing a more accurate and comfortable sleeve length. For jackets, measuring from the shoulder seam down the outside of the arm to the desired cuff end also works well. Key points:
- Keep arm relaxed with a slight bend at the elbow.
- Start at center back of neck or collar.
- Measure over shoulder and down arm to wrist.
- Add segments for precise total sleeve length.
This approach is used by many clothing brands and tailoring experts for fitting shirts and jackets accurately.
