How Do I Measure Sleeve Length?Updated 10 months ago
Contrary to what you may think, the measurement of your sleeve length is actually not simply the measured length of your arm. This is because, when engineering a garment like a sports jacket, particularly with a hood, our designers piece together fabrics in such a way that the sleeve technically starts much higher in order to ensure room inside for your neck, shoulders and arms to move freely and comfortably.
This is why it’s super important that you measure your sleeve correctly – it allows us to help you find the best fitting, most comfortable and functional item of clothing for your body type, and will ensure that your new Free Country apparel is as practical and fitted as possible, to most effectively help you get outside comfortably and safely.
To measure your sleeve length:
- You’re going to need a flexible sewing tape measure or something similar that will be able to bend to your natural shoulder arches. If you don’t have a flexible sewing tape, we recommend getting a large piece of string, and using a marker to indicate the beginning and end of the measurement. You can then hold the string against a sturdy tape measure to read your numerical length.
- We suggest standing with your arms directly by your side, and having someone take the measurement for you for the most accurate reading.
- Once ready, place the beginning of the tape at the back and center of your neck.
- Trace it over the top of your shoulder, and all the way down to the end of your wrist. Try to trace over the top of the shoulder, not behind along your shoulder blade, as this will manipulate the measurement and make your sleeve length appear somewhat shorter than it is.
Be sure not to go past your wrist towards your hand, otherwise this will extend the entire sleeve length, not only making them too long and therefore impractical to use, but also adding extra space all the way up to the shoulder, which will cause the entire jacket to sit incorrectly.