Shirt Sizes

For each of our ready to wear shirt’s Collar Size there is a corresponding Chest Size and Sleeve Length.

Below we have created two shirt size tables. Do not worry there is logic in our method.

Table 1) – Customer Body Measurements

Each Label Collar Size corresponds to the customer’s actual Neck Size, Chest Size and Sleeve length.

Our How To Measure page will show you the correct way to measure each of these sizes.

Table 2) – Actual Make Measurements

But of course if we made our shirts exactly to the customer’s measurements then they would be somewhat tight, to say the least!  To help with your sizing decision we have created a second table that shows the actual sizes we make our shirts to. These are larger than the customer body measurements to allow both for freedom of movement and shrinkage. We use high quality cotton poplin fabrics and like most natural products these shrink after the first two or three washes.

Collars

When you receive your new shirt the actual collar measurement will be up to 1/2″ (1.3cm) more than the label size. This allows for shrinkage, something that happens to all high quality cotton poplin during its first two or three washes. By way of example a shirt with a Collar Size Label of 17″ will have an actual make size of up to 17 1/2″ to allow for subsequent wash shrinkage.

Chest

We recommend up to 8″ (20.3cm) over a customer’s actual chest measurements to allow for shrinkage and freedom of movement.

Foster Barry Shirts are generously cut. They are not slim fit, but neither are they oversized.

Sleeves

Sleeve lengths are made to the stated actual lengths. Experience shows that sleeves will shrink by up to 1/2″ after a few washes. Please bear this in mind.

Boxer Short – Waist Sizes

If you are slightly between sizes, for example a 32 1/2″ waist, we would always recommend that you select the larger size. Because cotton is a natural product it shrinks after washing rather than loosening.

Sock Sizes