Written by Sonia Su
Understanding how to measure neck size is essential for achieving a comfortable and well-fitted look when choosing clothing like dress shirts, collared shirts, and suits. After all, a well-fitted suit has the power to shape thinking and has been commonly associated with "dressing for success."
In this comprehensive guide to neck measurement, we will walk you through the steps to accurately measure your neck size, whether for fashion, formal attire, or everyday comfort, ensuring that your neckwear and attire fit you perfectly and make a lasting impression.
Is There an Average Neck Size?
The average man's neck size can vary depending on factors such as age, genetics, and overall body size and shape. However, a common range for adult men's neck sizes is typically between 14 to 17 inches (35.5 to 43.2 centimeters). It's important to note that this is a general range, and individual neck sizes can fall both below and above this average.
When purchasing clothing with collars, it's essential to measure your own neck size for a precise fit rather than relying solely on averages.
Why Measure Neck Size?
Measuring neck size for dress shirt size is essential for:
- Ensuring comfort, fit, and overall appearance,
- Having a polished look,
- Accommodating ties comfortably and preventing them from sliding around,
- Enhancing confidence, and
- Being a hallmark of attention to detail in dressing professionally or for formal occasions.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Neck Measurement
Here are the steps to measure your neck:
1. Gather Tools
To measure neck size, you will need a flexible measuring tape to get an accurate measurement. Avoid using rigid materials like rulers or non-flexible tapes.
2. Prepare Posture
Stand up straight or sit comfortably with your back against a chair. Ensure your posture is natural, as an unnatural position can affect the measurement. Don't tilt your head up or down.
3. Locate Base of Neck
Find the base of your neck, just above your Adam's apple. This is the point where you want the collar of your dress shirts to sit. When measuring, avoid wearing a shirt with a collar, as this can interfere with accuracy. Ensure that the tape measure is level and sits parallel to the ground. It should encircle your neck at the base, where you located it. Avoid tilting the tape measure.
4. Measure Neck
Take the flexible measuring tape and wrap it around your neck at the base, where you located it. Make sure the tape is snug but not so tight as to create unnecessary tension. It should be resting lightly and comfortably around your neck. Leave enough room for one finger to fit comfortably between the tape measure and your skin. While measuring, breathe normally. Don't hold your breath or puff out your neck, as this can lead to an inaccurate measurement.
5. Repeat Measurements
To ensure accuracy, take two or three measurements and calculate the average. This helps account for any slight variations in finding your dress shirt size.
6. Note Measurement
With the measuring tape in place, read the measurement in inches or centimeters. Record the measurement, as it will be useful when shopping for clothing with collar sizes. When recording your measurement, round it to the nearest quarter inch (for inches) or half centimeter (for centimeters) for simplicity.
Remember that neck size measurement can vary among individuals, so knowing this measurement ensures a comfortable and well-fitted look when choosing clothing with collars.
Once you have your neck size measurement, check out these other helpful measurement guides to ensure you look sharp for any occasion:
- How to measure sleeve length
- How to shorten sleeves
- How to measure chest size
- How to measure shoulder width
- How to measure inseam
- How to measure waist
- How to measure pant length
- How to measure pants, trousers, and jeans
Neck Size Measurement Bottom Line
Measuring your neck size allows you to find the perfect dress shirt size and collared attire. By following the steps outlined in this guide on how to measure your neck size, you'll be well on your way to confidently selecting dress shirts that not only flatter your physique but also enhance your overall style.
Frequently Asked Questions about Neck Size Measurements
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How would I know my neck size?
To measure your neck size, use a flexible tape measure. Wrap it around the base of your neck where a collar would naturally sit, ensuring it's snug but not tight as to create unnecessary tension. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters, rounding up if it falls between two numbers. -
Is a 16 inch neck big?
A 16-inch neck circumference is generally considered larger than average, particularly for women, as the average neck size for men typically ranges from 14 to 16 inches and for women from 12 to 14 inches. Therefore, for a man, a 16-inch neck is on the higher end of average, whereas for a woman, it is significantly above average. -
Is a 14 inch neck big?
A 14-inch neck circumference is generally considered average or slightly below average for an adult male, while it is on the larger side for an adult female. For men, typical neck sizes range from 14 to 17 inches, and for women, they range from 12 to 15 inches. Therefore, whether a 14-inch neck is considered big depends on the individual's gender and overall body size. -
How to figure out your neck size without measuring tape?
To estimate your neck size without a measuring tape, use a piece of string or ribbon to wrap around your neck where a collar would sit, then mark the point where the ends meet. Next, lay the string flat and measure its length with a ruler or a standard measuring tool like a ruler or a yardstick. Alternatively, you can use a piece of paper, mark it similarly, and measure it against a known reference, such as a printed ruler or a standard piece of printer paper (8.5 inches wide) for a rough estimate.
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