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To take advantage of these charts, consumers need to know how to measure their own body dimensions. Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward. All you need is a flexible tape measure.

Using your tape measure, make a note of the following inch or centimeter sizes for:

• Chest and waist width:Measuring the width of your chest will ensure your new garment can fall comfortably over your torso. To calculate your chest width, encircle your tape measure around your body, just under your shoulder blades and armpits. To calculate waist size, drop the tape measure to just below your ribs, and record the width of your natural waist. If you want a body contouring fit, you’ll opt for a size closer to your exact measurements. Alternatively, you can go up in size for a more relaxed fit.
• Body length: Men's shirts can sometimes be a little shorter than women's or unisex shirts, so it's important to ensure you're getting something long enough for your needs. If you’re struggling to measure your own back, from the nape of your neck to your hips, you can use an existing shirt. Measure from the hem to the neckline seam. Remember, some companies offer tall sizes if you’re looking for more coverage.
  
  
• Sleeve length: If you want to make the sleeves on your new shirt as comfortable as possible, you'll need to measure the outer edge of your current favorite tee. Start on the edge of the shoulder, using the seam to guide your tape down to the end of the sleeve hem. Keep the tape parallel with the seam to ensure an accurate measurement.