Dress Shirts for Long Arms
Most stores stop at a 36/37 sleeve. Past that, your cuffs ride up every time you shake a hand.
If you measure longer than 37 inches from the back of your neck to your wrist, here's why that sleeve is so hard to find, and what you can do about it.
Why the 36/37 sleeve is the ceiling
Store shirts usually come in two-length sleeves, like 32/33, 34/35 and 36/37. Each is cut between the two lengths, so even within range the cuff can sit a little short.
Long sleeves are also tied to big collars. A long-armed man with a slim neck often can't find his sleeve length in his collar size at all.
How to get the most out of store sizes
- Measure from the center back of your neck, over the shoulder, to the wrist bone, with your arm slightly bent.
- Look for brands that sell exact sleeve lengths, and "tall" or long-sleeve lines.
- Choose single-length sleeves, like 36 or 37, over two-length ones when you can.
- If you're between two lengths, go with the longer one. A tailor can shorten a sleeve, but there's rarely enough fabric to lengthen one.
- Check the cuff with your jacket on. A quarter to half inch should show.
What changes when the sleeve is cut for you
We cut the sleeve to your exact length, and if one arm is longer than the other, each sleeve gets its own measurement. Your collar size stays your collar size.
Questions
What is the longest standard dress shirt sleeve?
Most brands stop at 36/37 in regular sizes. A few sell 38 in some collar sizes. Past that, it's tall lines, big and tall, or custom.
How long should a dress shirt sleeve be?
The cuff should end at your wrist bone, so a quarter to half inch shows past your jacket sleeve.
We cut the sleeve to your arm, whatever length that is.
Consultations are free, by appointment, at our showroom near the Galleria.