How To Measure Your Chest At Home: A Quick Guide

If you’re planning to go shopping for a button-up for special events or maybe you’re looking for a new Polo shirt, it’s always smart to know your chest size. Just like it is with any other type of garment.
Whatever clothing shopping you’re planning on doing, being aware of your body measurements will most certainly make the experience smoother and guarantee the expected outcome. Indeed, learning how to measure your chest takes only a few minutes, and once completed, you can own a piece of clothing that fits.

So, read our guide to discover:

Why Should You Measure Your Chest Size?

If you are acquainted with shopping online, you must have also met the ordeal of having to return a package. Unwanted costs, lost time, and the sheer disappointment of receiving a garment that feels incredibly comfortable and is impossible to wear, this is what having to return an order comes down to. 

So, if we are being honest, knowing why chest measurements are important is pretty straightforward.

Proper chest measurement helps in: 

  • ordering clothes that fit your body type, complement its shape, and are a pleasure to wear 
  • lowering the return rate, restoring online shopping its fame as a quick and fun method to purchase items
  • tailoring your own garments
  • tracking your health and fitness goals

Helpful Tips for Accurate Chest Measurement

The very first step to learning new things is setting the stage. So, to make this happen, we’re ready to provide you with several on-spot chest measurement tips to help you complete the process in an accurate manner.

Use a soft, textile measuring tape.

Don’t be quick to brush off that measuring tape that comes with your sewing kit. That’s exactly the instrument you need to perform the chest measurement properly. Since it’s soft and easy to maneuver, this textile measuring tape will do its job right.

If it also has markings in both inches and centimeters, it’s the perfect choice! 

Have a helping hand nearby.

Generally speaking, you can take all your body measurements at home on your own.

However, having a trusted friend to help is always a good idea. It tends to make the entire process simpler and the results more accurate. 

As far as your hip and chest measurements are concerned, you might want to consider having a measuring partner even more than usual, as these areas are prone to measuring errors.
Wear minimal clothing.

Ideally, measuring your chest should be done on your bare torso. Any extra garments you might have on will undoubtedly add a few centimeters to the results.

However, this does not apply to women. In their case, the chest measurement should be over your bra, as this is one garment you usually wear. Choosing to measure without your bra on could impact the results and the clothing you order based on these measurements might end up being too tight.

Watch your posture.

Yes, posture matters in all measurement processes and your chest is no exception. So, remember to stand up straight when you are taking the measurements and breathe normally.

How To Measure Your Chest Size in 3 Steps

Now that we’ve set the stage and gathered the instruments, it’s time to explain how to measure your chest.

Step One: Stand up straight

Take the correct position and breathe normally.

When performing the chest measurement, make sure you don’t stick your chest out or exhale deeply. Simply maintain your normal position.

Step Two: Place the measuring tape correctly.

Dressed appropriately, meaning men should not have any extra garments on and women should measure over their bras, it is now time to identify the correct placement of the tape.

Women should measure the widest part of their breasts, whereas men should measure the widest part of their torso, which is usually above or at the nipple line.

Step Three: Measure your chest right.

Wrap the tape around your chest or torso. Place the measuring tape in a parallel position to the ground, surrounding your body and falling just under your armpits.

The ends of the tape should come together in front, across the widest part of the chest.

Make sure the measuring tape isn’t twisted. If you are measuring alone, use a mirror to verify.

How Esenca Sizing Can Help

Performing the chest measurement on your own using a textile tape isn’t difficult at all. Of course, there are simpler ways to measure your body and Esenca Sizing is, without a doubt, one of them.

 Esenca Sizing is an advanced body measuring solution that offers users hundreds of relevant and highly accurate sizing insights. Having three models, body, feet, and hand measurements, you can discover your size in the simplest and fastest possible manner. 

All you need to do is use the Esenca Sizing app and follow the instructions. After taking two images and taking the right position, Esenca will provide you with the measurements you need to choose the correct clothing fit. And everything happens in under one minute. 
What’s more, Esenca Sizing can be integrated with online stores, adapting your measurements to the appropriate size, based on each brand’s specifications. 

Conclusion

Learning how to measure your chest at home is not only simple but also important. You might think that chest measurement is last on your list of things to learn. In reality, this three-step process that takes only a few minutes to complete brings great benefits. 
Knowing your chest size will help immensely, because, at the end of the day, it’s not enough to choose great-looking clothing designs, if they don’t fit. 

FAQ

  • How do I measure my chest correctly?
To perform correct chest measurement, wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest and bring the ends together in front. Make sure the tape is level and not too loose or tight. 

  • What size shirt should I wear based on my chest measurement?

This depends on the brand, as each has its own sizing specifications. However, knowing your chest measurement will allow you to check the table and select the correct size equivalent. 

  • Should I measure my chest over or under my clothes?

For men, it is important to measure on your bare torso as extra garments might add centimeters. For women, however, it is advisable to measure over your bra to ensure comfortable everyday wear. 

  • How often should I re-measure my chest?

The measuring frequency depends entirely on you and the reason why you are measuring. If you are tracking fitness goals, measuring your chest more frequently, meaning once or twice per week, might be a good idea. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Chest measurement is important: Knowing your correct chest sizing allows you to order adequately fitting garments.
  • Minimal clothing is required when measuring: Men should consider wrapping the tape over their bare torso, whereas women should consider leaving their bra to secure a comfortable everyday fit.
  • Ask for measuring help: When measuring your chest, you might benefit from asking a friend to help.
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