Choosing the right polo shirt size will enhance your comfort and style. Next, I'll help you learn how to measure yourself correctly to find the best fit, avoid common sizing mistakes, and choose a polo shirt that fits your body shape and personal style preferences.
Whether you're selecting women's golf polo shirts, casual wear, or business attire, finding the right polo shirt size will ensure you look polished and feel comfortable on any occasion. Let's dive in and find out how to determine the best polo shirt size for you.
How to Measure Polo Shirt Size Correctly?
- Gather Tools: Start with the right tools. A flexible tape measure is ideal as it will easily conform to the contours of your body. If you don't have one, you can use a string or ribbon and then measure it against a ruler or yardstick.
- Measure Your Bust: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, usually just below your armpits and over your shoulder blades. Ensure the tape is level and not twisted. It should fit snugly but allow room for your fingers to slip underneath. Take this measurement after you exhale, while breathing normally.
- Measure Your Waist: Locate your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso, usually above your belly button and below your ribs. Wrap the tape measure around this area, making sure it’s parallel to the ground and comfortably snug.
- Measure Shirt Length: For proper shirt length, start at the highest point on your shoulders near the base of your neck and measure down to where you want the shirt to end, typically around mid-hip. This length ensures the polo can be neatly tucked in if necessary and appears balanced when worn untucked.
- Check Shoulder Width: Proper fit across the shoulders is crucial. Measure from one shoulder seam to the other, following the natural curve of your shoulders. This ensures the polo shirt drapes well and doesn’t pull uncomfortably or hang too loosely.
- Sleeve Length: Sleeve length impacts both comfort and style. Measure from the shoulder seam to where you want the sleeve to end, typically at mid-bicep or slightly higher, depending on your personal preference. For long sleeve polo shirts, measure all the way to the wrist for a perfect fit.
Women’s Polo Shirt Size Chart
Below is a common women's polo shirt size chart. Once you have measured your measurements, you can match the measurements with the sizes in the chart and choose the size that suits you.
|
Size
|
Bust (inches)
|
Waist (inches)
|
Hip (inches)
|
|
XS
|
32-34
|
24-26
|
34-36
|
|
S
|
34-36
|
26-28
|
36-38
|
|
M
|
37-39
|
29-31
|
39-41
|
|
L
|
40-42
|
32-34
|
42-44
|
|
XL
|
43-45
|
35-37
|
45-47
|
|
XXL
|
46-48
|
38-40
|
48-50
|
|
XXXL
|
49-51
|
41-43
|
51-53
|
The above size chart for womens polo shirts is only a reference. Sizes can vary by brand, so when a manufacturer provides a specific size chart, it's best to check it or consult the brand's customer service.
Polo Shirt Selection for Different Occasions
Below is a common size chart for women's polo shirts. Once you have your measurements, you can match them with the sizes in the chart and choose the one that suits you best.
- Business Casual: For business events, choose high-quality fabrics such as Pima cotton to keep your business casual wardrobe looking more sophisticated. Pair it with neutral colors for jackets and chinos, and make sure it fits but is comfortable and not too tight to maintain a sophisticated look.
- Casual Outings: For your casual days, choose comfortable fabrics such as cotton or cotton blends. Use bright colors and playful patterns to add personality to your outfit. A loose fit will provide comfort and flexibility for your daily activities.
- Sporting Events: For sporting events such as golf, choose polo shirts made of moisture-wicking materials, like SONEVEN's Black V-neck Short-sleeved Polo Golf Shirt, which will keep you cool and dry during your sporting events. Choose sporty colors and logos to show team spirit, and make sure it fits but allows for a full range of motion.
- Evening Social Events: If you are outing in the evening, choose luxurious fabrics such as dark mercerized cotton for an elegant look. Choose tailored styles to keep your appearance sophisticated and suitable for nighttime social gatherings.
- Travel: Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics in neutral colors to keep your travels stylish and versatile. Choose comfortable styles to ensure you are both stylish and comfortable on long trips.
How to Common Polo Shirt Sizing Mistakes to Avoid?
A common mistake is to choose a size based solely on your weight or height, without considering your body shape. This approach can result in an ill-fitting fit, especially around the chest or waist, where proportions play an important role.
Oversizing is another common problem: while a slightly loose polo shirt may make you feel comfortable, it can often look sloppy if it's too big. Conversely, choosing a polo shirt that's too tight can restrict your movement and be unsightly, as the fabric may pull at your chest or abdomen, accentuating areas you may wish to downplay.
Trying on Polo Shirts: Tips for Finding the Best Size
Before buying a polo shirt, you can try it on to make sure it fits you properly. Here are some quick tips to help you choose the right size.
Check the Shoulder Seams
The seams should line up closely with where the shoulders end. If the seams hang off the shoulders, the shirt is too big. If they slide up toward the neck, the shirt is too small.
Evaluate the Sleeve Length
Polo shirt sleeves should end about halfway between the shoulder and elbow. Sleeves that are too long or too short look disproportionate and take away from your overall appearance.
Evaluate the Shirt Length
For a traditional fit, the shirt should end in the middle of the back. This length allows you to wear it tucked in or untucked into your pants without looking messy. If it's too short, it will keep pulling out when tucked into pants. If it's too long, it will look more like a tunic when worn outside.
Check the Fit at the Chest and Waist
The shirt should fit snugly across the chest and waist, but not too tight. You should be able to comfortably fit a finger or two between your body and the fabric. If the fabric pulls tightly across your chest or forms an X-shape at the button placket, it's too tight.
Move Around
Don’t just stand there while you’re trying on a shirt, move around! Stretch your arms, bend over, and sit down. A good fit means the shirt can move with you without being restricted and sliding up or getting messy.
Consider the Fabric
Keep in mind that some materials shrink more than others after washing. If you’re between sizes and the polo is made of a material known to shrink, consider going up a size to accommodate the potential change.
Care and Maintenance of Polo Shirts
Proper care and maintenance of your polo shirt can greatly extend its life and keep it looking great. Here are some basic tips for caring for your polo shirt:
- Read the Care Label: Always check the care label inside your Polo shirt to learn how to properly wash, dry, and iron to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Washing Tips: Wash your Polo shirt on a gentle cycle in cold water to preserve color and prevent shrinkage. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach and fabric softener to maintain the integrity of the fabric and color brightness.
- Drying: Air dry your Polo shirt whenever possible to preserve its shape and avoid shrinkage. If you need to use a dryer, choose a low setting to minimize wear and tear.
- Ironing: Iron your Polo shirt on a low setting and consider using an ironing cloth to protect the fabric from direct heat and prevent shine marks.
- Storage: Fold your Polo shirts, rather than hanging them, to avoid stretching the shoulders. Store them in a cool, dry place and choose a fabric freshener for lightly worn shirts instead of frequent washing.
Related Reading: What to Wear with Polo Shirt Female?
FAQs
What size is a large polo shirt?
Large polo shirts are generally 40 to 42 inches (102 to 107 cm) across the chest and 34 to 36 inches (86 to 91 cm) around the waist. This size is designed to fit comfortably without being too loose or too tight. However, due to different manufacturing standards and fabric stretch, sizing can vary between brands. To ensure the best fit, always check the size chart for your specific brand and take into account any description of how the shirt fits, such as slim or regular.
Why do polo shirts shrink so much?
Polo shirts shrink because they are made from natural fibers, such as cotton, which shrinks when exposed to heat and moisture. During the washing and drying process, the fibers relax and return to their original, tighter state, causing shrinkage. The high temperatures of a washing machine or dryer can speed up this process, causing a significant reduction in size. In addition, improper handling, such as using hot water or high-temperature settings, can cause further shrinkage.
What is the standard size of a polo shirt?
The standard size for a polo shirt is usually a medium, which measures about 38 to 40 inches (96 to 102 cm) across the chest and 32 to 34 inches (81 to 86 cm) around the waist. However, sizing can vary between brands, so check your specific size chart for exact measurements.
