ElPrincipe
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Hi guys
Just wondering what is the right fit for a formal shirt collar. I've been wearing 15 1/2 inch shirts but recently measured my neck with a tape measure and when pulled completely taught it measures in at 14 1/2 inch. I think a shop clerk had taken the same measurement a while ago, and I had bought some 15 inch collar shirts but those particular ones felt overly tight (literally strangling), and were really uncomfortable on the neck. I wasn't sure whether that was just because those were really cheap, low quality ones (basically bought because I needed something immediately), I later went and bought some better ones from another store at 15 1/2 inch and they seem to fit comfortably.
However I'm just worried I'm wearing a shirt collar with too much room. I've read about the '2 finger rule' and I can fit two fingers in at the front of the collar (in front of the adam's apple) without leaving any room at a stretch, and it's about the same when trying at the side of the collar/neck. So it seems to pass that test. Is it normal to wear a shirt a full inch above your neck measurement ? I did read that you usually take measurement, and go half an inch up.
I ask because I have just ordered in some more shirts and am trying to build a better wardrobe of smart clothing, including better quality, better fitting shirts. The ones I currently have in 15 1/5 inch do seem to fit comfortably and the sleeve lengths are right, but aside from the neck I'd say they are a bit baggy with a bit too much material overall (I know a lot of shirts are like that) - not really a flattering look, I bought these mainly to wear under a suit jacket. I don't know if that is something that could be solved by going back down to a 15 inch, and hoping a better quality shirt will fit more comfortably. However I did order all these new ones in at 15 1/2 (yet to be collected), though half of them are slim fit - I was anticipating that this might give a nicer, closer fit overall (in both neck and body) and thus provide a fit close to what might be something between 15 and 15 1/2.
Judging from size guides it seems as though 15 inch shirts are designed to fit a 38 inch chest roundabouts, and 15 1/2 a 40. I'd say my actual chest measurement is probably around a 38/39, but I do wear a suit jacket in 40 regular (regular fit and length). I had bought the jacket in the slim fit initially (40, slim) but exchanged for a more comfortable feeling regular, which does fit quite nicely (I am quite tall, 6'1" at 182lbs) - I have quite broad shoulders/back and so the slim was too tight in that area. So I guess 15 1/2 does correlate to my actual jacket size.
I guess the best thing is waiting and seeing how the new purchases fit, but if anyone has any comments that would be very helpful! Thanks!
Just wondering what is the right fit for a formal shirt collar. I've been wearing 15 1/2 inch shirts but recently measured my neck with a tape measure and when pulled completely taught it measures in at 14 1/2 inch. I think a shop clerk had taken the same measurement a while ago, and I had bought some 15 inch collar shirts but those particular ones felt overly tight (literally strangling), and were really uncomfortable on the neck. I wasn't sure whether that was just because those were really cheap, low quality ones (basically bought because I needed something immediately), I later went and bought some better ones from another store at 15 1/2 inch and they seem to fit comfortably.
However I'm just worried I'm wearing a shirt collar with too much room. I've read about the '2 finger rule' and I can fit two fingers in at the front of the collar (in front of the adam's apple) without leaving any room at a stretch, and it's about the same when trying at the side of the collar/neck. So it seems to pass that test. Is it normal to wear a shirt a full inch above your neck measurement ? I did read that you usually take measurement, and go half an inch up.
I ask because I have just ordered in some more shirts and am trying to build a better wardrobe of smart clothing, including better quality, better fitting shirts. The ones I currently have in 15 1/5 inch do seem to fit comfortably and the sleeve lengths are right, but aside from the neck I'd say they are a bit baggy with a bit too much material overall (I know a lot of shirts are like that) - not really a flattering look, I bought these mainly to wear under a suit jacket. I don't know if that is something that could be solved by going back down to a 15 inch, and hoping a better quality shirt will fit more comfortably. However I did order all these new ones in at 15 1/2 (yet to be collected), though half of them are slim fit - I was anticipating that this might give a nicer, closer fit overall (in both neck and body) and thus provide a fit close to what might be something between 15 and 15 1/2.
Judging from size guides it seems as though 15 inch shirts are designed to fit a 38 inch chest roundabouts, and 15 1/2 a 40. I'd say my actual chest measurement is probably around a 38/39, but I do wear a suit jacket in 40 regular (regular fit and length). I had bought the jacket in the slim fit initially (40, slim) but exchanged for a more comfortable feeling regular, which does fit quite nicely (I am quite tall, 6'1" at 182lbs) - I have quite broad shoulders/back and so the slim was too tight in that area. So I guess 15 1/2 does correlate to my actual jacket size.
I guess the best thing is waiting and seeing how the new purchases fit, but if anyone has any comments that would be very helpful! Thanks!
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