Why knowing your shoulder size matters
Your shoulder size, or width, is a crucial measurement for more than just fashion. Understanding your body's proportions is a key aspect of general health and fitness. For tailored clothing, like suits and blazers, a precise shoulder measurement is the anchor for a proper fit. In fitness, monitoring your shoulder circumference can indicate muscle growth over time, providing valuable insight into your workout progress. A good fit not only looks better but feels more comfortable and allows for a greater range of motion.
Method 1: The precise measurement with a helper
The most accurate way to measure your shoulder size is with assistance from another person. This eliminates the awkward twisting and inaccurate angles that can happen when measuring yourself.
Step-by-step guide with assistance
- Stand correctly: Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed and your arms hanging naturally at your sides. Good posture is key to an accurate measurement, so avoid slouching or shrugging your shoulders.
- Locate the acromion processes: Ask your helper to find the bony tips at the edge of each shoulder. These are the points where your shoulder meets your arm and are the widest part of your upper body.
- Measure across the back: Have your helper stretch a flexible measuring tape across your upper back, from the tip of one acromion process to the other. Ensure the tape is kept straight and level.
- Record the measurement: Note the number in either inches or centimeters. It's often a good practice to measure twice to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Method 2: Measuring your shoulders alone
If you don't have a partner to help, you can still get a very accurate measurement using a simple wall marker technique. This method minimizes errors by providing a stationary point of reference.
Step-by-step guide for self-measurement
- Position yourself: Stand with your back flat against a wall. Keep your feet together and your shoulders relaxed.
- Mark the points: Use a pencil or a small piece of tape to mark the wall at the outermost edge of each shoulder. Reach across your body to mark the opposite side, keeping your body still.
- Measure the distance: Step away from the wall and use a tape measure to find the distance between the two marks. This is your shoulder width.
Method 3: Using a well-fitting garment
For a quick estimate, you can use a jacket or shirt that already fits you well in the shoulders. This is a particularly useful trick when shopping for similar items online.
How to measure from a jacket
- Lay the garment flat: Place the jacket or shirt face down on a flat surface, like a table or the floor. Smooth out any wrinkles.
- Measure seam-to-seam: Find the point where the shoulder seam meets the sleeve on one side. Measure straight across the back of the garment to the corresponding seam on the other side.
Comparing shoulder measurement methods
To help you decide which method to use, here is a comparison of their pros and cons.
| Feature | Precise Measurement (with helper) | Self-Measurement (with wall) | Garment Measurement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Highest | High, with potential for minor error | Moderate (depends on garment) |
| Convenience | Low (requires help) | High (can be done solo) | High (solo, great for online shopping) |
| Needed Equipment | Flexible measuring tape, helper | Measuring tape, pencil/tape, wall | Measuring tape, flat surface |
| Ideal For | Tailoring, precise fitness tracking | Personal reference, general sizing | Replicating existing fit |
Broad vs. narrow shoulders: What does it mean?
After you have your measurement, you might wonder if your shoulders are considered broad or narrow. While there is no universal standard, you can assess your proportions by comparing your shoulder width to your waist and hips.
How to tell if you have broad shoulders
Your shoulders are likely broad if:
- Your shoulder width is noticeably wider than your hips.
- You find that jackets and tops that fit your shoulders are often too loose around your waist.
- A tailor often needs to adjust the shoulders on off-the-rack clothing.
How to tell if you have narrow shoulders
Conversely, you may have narrow shoulders if:
- Your hips are wider than your shoulders.
- Tops often fit your waist and bust but are too wide in the shoulder area, causing the fabric to bunch or hang awkwardly.
The importance of posture
Your posture can significantly affect the way your shoulders appear and how clothes fit. Slouching can make your shoulders look narrower and more rounded, while standing tall and straight can create the appearance of broader shoulders. Maintaining good posture is beneficial for both your appearance and your overall spinal health.
What if your shoulder size falls between sizes?
If your measurement falls between standard clothing sizes, it's generally best to go up a size, especially for tailored items like blazers. It's much easier for a tailor to take in a garment that is slightly too big than to let out one that is too small. When buying casual wear, consider the fabric and style; a flexible or stretch fabric might accommodate a borderline size more easily than a stiff material.
Conclusion
Understanding how do I know my shoulder size is a simple yet powerful tool for achieving a better fit in your wardrobe. By using a precise measurement method, like measuring the biacromial diameter with a helper, or an alternative like the wall technique, you can find your exact size for tailoring. For a quick guide, measuring a favorite shirt or jacket will provide a solid estimate for online shopping. Ultimately, an accurate shoulder measurement leads to more comfortable clothing and a better understanding of your body's unique proportions.
For more detailed information on body measurements, particularly for sewing your own clothes or more advanced tailoring, a resource like ClothingPatterns101.com can be invaluable, offering guidance on taking all kinds of measurements for a perfect fit.
