Dress Shirts for a Thick Neck
Your collar buttons, but the shirt fits like a tent. Here's why, and what we do about it.
When your neck is bigger than your chest predicts, the shirt that buttons at your collar is cut for a much bigger man.
The 17.5 collar, 42 chest problem
Every half-size up in the collar adds about two inches to the chest and waist. If you need a 17.5 collar for your neck but have a 42 chest, the body of that shirt is built for a 48.
Wearing a smaller collar unbuttoned under a tie doesn't work for long, and a too-tight collar shows.
Making a store shirt work
- Buy for your neck, then try the slimmest fit the brand makes in that size.
- Have a tailor take in the sides and add back darts.
How we fix it
We pair your real collar size with your real chest and waist, so the collar closes and the body still fits. My dad Dominic takes both measurements at your consultation.
Not sure how far apart your neck and chest are? Our dress shirt size calculator will show you, and what collar size your chest is actually asking for.
Questions
How tight should a dress shirt collar be?
You should be able to slide two fingers into the buttoned collar. Any tighter and it chokes.
What if my collar fits but the shirt is too big?
That's the classic thick-neck problem. A slimmer fit and a tailor help, but a custom shirt solves it.
Your collar and your chest can both fit. Come in and we'll show you.
We make custom dress shirts and suits from your measurements. Consultations are free, by appointment.