How to measure a T-shirt for fit
Lay a T-shirt flat and measure chest width and shoulder-to-hem length. Double the flat chest width only when comparing with a chart that lists the garment's full chest measurement.
Start with a familiar fit
Use a flexible measuring tape and a T-shirt whose fit you like. Lay the shirt on a level surface, smooth out wrinkles and leave the fabric relaxed. Compare it with the size chart for the item you are considering, using the same measuring points.
Measure chest width and length separately
Measure straight across the front for chest width. For comparison with Goodwork's proposed tops chart, take this measurement 2 cm below the armpits. Double that width to compare with the chart's chest value. Measure length from the high point of the shoulder beside the neck down to the hem. Do not double the length.
Other brands may list flat width or start the length measurement at a different point. Check their diagram before comparing numbers. UNIQLO's measurement guide, for example, distinguishes flat body width from several length measurements.
A worked example from our proposed chart
Our size M tops row lists a 112 cm chest and 70 cm length. The chest corresponds to 56 cm laid flat, approximately 22 inches. The length is approximately 27.6 inches. These describe a proposed garment, not the wearer's body measurements.
If your favorite shirt measures 56 cm across at the same point, its doubled width matches that example. This helps compare room through the chest; it does not confirm shoulder shape, sleeve fit or the finished garment's measurements.
Convert inches and centimeters
Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters; divide centimeters by 2.54 to get inches. The conversion is defined by NIST. Our chart displays inches rounded to one decimal place, so compare in centimeters if rounding puts you between sizes.
Use the numbers to ask better questions
Compare the size chart in centimeters and inches with your measurements. Goodwork's collection is a design preview: confirm the final garment dimensions, fabric and availability through our contact form before paying.
Explore the Everyday heavyweight tee design or learn what GSM tells you about fabric weight.