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Why Shoulder Measurements Matter for clothes

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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1.

Why Shoulder Measurements Matter 

The shoulder measurement is the cornerstone of a great‑fitting jacket. Ill‑fitting shoulders lead to sleeve misalignment, sagging backs, or pulling across the chest. As per EN‑13402 standard, “Jackets [for men] are sized primarily by chest, height, and waist” — but ensuring the shoulder width matches is the secret to a polished silhouette

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2. How to Measure Shoulder Width Accurately

What You Need:

  • A flexible cloth measuring tape

  • A mirror or a friend to assist (recommended)

  • A pen and notepad

Steps:

  1. Neutral Posture: Stand straight, arms relaxed.

  2. Identify Points: Locate the bony tip of your right shoulder (acromion). It’s where the arm and shoulder intersect.

  3. Measure Across: Stretch the tape straight across your back to the left acromion, passing just below the base of your neck

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  4. Record Precisely: Read the reading in cm, keeping tape flat and firm—balanced between stretched and loose.

  5. Repeat & Average: Do it twice to ensure accuracy.

For jacket-ready accuracy, these measurements mirror those used in bespoke tailoring

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3. What Your Measurement Means

  • Narrow (≤ 43 cm / 17") – Great for slim-fit, Italian-style jackets.

  • Average (44–47 cm / 17.5–18.5") – Works with most off‑the‑peg tailored styles.

  • Wide (48 cm+) – Choose structured or American‑cut jackets to balance proportions.

Keep in mind sleeve length, chest, waist and height also influence the final silhouette. Shoulder alignment ensures everything else falls into place.

4. Choosing Jacket Styles for Your Body Shape

Here’s how to pair measurements with styles:

A. Ectomorph / Slim Build

  • Shoulders: narrow

  • Best styles: Tailored blazers, single‑breast, narrow lapels

  • Fabric: lightweight wool or blends

B. Rectangle / Even Build

  • Balanced shoulders & waist

  • Pick: Structured or semi-structured cuts

  • Tips: Add interest with pattern, texture, and trim

C. Inverted Triangle / Broad Shoulders, Narrow Waist

  • Broad shoulders, narrow waist

  • Styles: Single‑breast with defined waist and streamlined cut

  • Caution: Avoid double‑breast or padded styles—they can look oversized

D. Oval / Soft-Triangle

  • Rounder midsection, moderate shoulders

  • Go for: Single‑breast with minimal shoulder padding

  • Patterns & vertical elements help elongate the torso

E. Athletic or V-Shape

  • Broad shoulders, trim waist

  • Ideal: Slim-fit or modern-straight jackets

  • Style note: A slight taper or dart shapes the waist attractively

5. Other Crucial Measurements

A great shoulder fit isn’t enough—here’s what else to measure:

These align with EN‑13402's guidelines, ensuring that each dimension is accounted for

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6. Why Standard Size Charts Fall Short

Generic size charts are inherently flawed:

That’s why most people test multiple sizes, waste time, and pay return fees. Standard fits frequently produce ill-fitting shoulders, misshapen backs, or closing strains at button points.

7. The Tellar.co.uk Advantage

Enter Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading free sizing tool — no guessing, no awkward returns.

What makes Tellar special?

How it works:

  1. Request a free tape, measure your body.

  2. Create your profile, entering key stats.

  3. Pick a brand or style, and instantly see your perfect size.

  4. Adjust fit preferences (e.g., tapered vs. relaxed).

  5. Checkout confidently with real-time brand guidance.

8. Examples of Tellar in Action

  • 🇬🇧 Principles blazers often fit narrow in shoulders—Tellar shows you whether to size up or down

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  • Our Legacy tops are broad at the body but tailored at the shoulders—Tellar helps you gauge silhouette and proportion

  • Premium womenswear brands like Co Clothing use Tellar to balance your bust, waist, hips and sleeve in real-time

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9. Fit Tips for Jackets

  • Shoulder seams should end at your acromion

  • Sleeves meet wrists, not forearms

  • Front buttons fasten without strain

  • Jacket body skims your torso—not flaring out

Tellar ensures each of these parameters is balanced for you.

10. Shoulder‑Specific Tips

  • Avoid padded shoulders unless you’ve wide shoulders and want definition

  • Slim silhouettes call for minimal structure

  • Vintage or relaxed styles may use dropped shoulders—ensure the shoulder seam aligns close to your real shoulder point

11. Fit Recap by Shape

Body Shape

Shoulder Type

Recommended Jacket

Tellar Tip

Ectomorph

Narrow

Italian slim

 Use Tellar to confirm shoulder vs chest taper

Rectangle

Moderate

 Tailored, soft structured

 Measure chest, pattern adds interest

Inverted Triangle

Broad shoulders

 Single-breasted, no-shoulder-pad

 Increase waist fit slightly

Oval

 Moderate to wide shoulders

 Soft-shouldered, single-breast

 Tellar suggests size that skims waist

Athletic

 Broad & narrow waist

 Slim-straight fit

 Tellar gives balanced shoulder/chest combo

12. Getting Started: Step‑by‑Step

  1. Go to: https://tellar.co.uk/

  2. Request tape: https://tellar.co.uk/measuring‑tape

  3. Create profile, input shoulders, chest, waist.

  4. Use Store Size Lookup, type in brand: select from dropdown

  5. Read brand notes, buy with confidence

13. More Helpful Tellar Sizing Articles

14. Stay Connected with Tellar

Follow Tellar for ongoing advice, brand updates, and sizing insights:

15. Final Thoughts

Mastering the art of jacket fit starts with accurate shoulder measurement. Combine that with chest, sleeve, waist, and height dimensions—and you’re ready to wear any style confidently.

Tellar.co.uk streamlines the process. With your measurements, it automatically matches you to the best size in any of 1,500+ brands—no guesswork, no returns.

👉 Request your free tape

👉 Create your Tellar profile now

👉 Match your body to every brand, in real time

Stop wondering. Start wearing what fits.

Try Tellar today: https://tellar.co.uk/

Why Shoulder Measurements Matter for clothes