You weigh 70 kg, you are 1.72 m tall, and you click to order size L. Two days later the shirt arrives: the shoulders fit, the collar is tight and the sleeves are a little short. This happens all the time, because the men's shirt size L weight range is only a guess; what decides whether a shirt fits is neck circumference, chest circumference and sleeve length. This article gives you a conversion chart for estimating, and how to measure yourself to be sure.
Quick answer
A men's shirt size L generally suits someone weighing about 65–74 kg, about 1.68–1.75 m tall, with collar size 40. Size M is about 58–66 kg (collar 38–39) and size XL about 72–82 kg (collar 41–42). These are reference ranges for a balanced build; to be sure of the fit, measure your real neck and chest.
Men's shirt size conversion chart
The chart below is for a long-sleeved shirt in a basic cut, for a balanced build. Overlapping weight ranges are normal, because at the same weight a different height and build means a different size.
| Letter size | Collar size | Reference height | Reference weight | Shirt chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 37 – 38 | 1.60 – 1.66 m | 52 – 60 kg | 92 – 96 |
| M | 38 – 39 | 1.64 – 1.70 m | 58 – 66 kg | 96 – 100 |
| L | 40 | 1.68 – 1.75 m | 65 – 74 kg | 100 – 104 |
| XL | 41 – 42 | 1.72 – 1.78 m | 72 – 82 kg | 104 – 108 |
| XXL | 43 | 1.75 – 1.82 m | 80 – 92 kg | 108 – 114 |
These figures are for reference only. Each brand cuts a little differently, so check the chart of the place you are buying from.
Collar sizes 37–43: what size is a 39?
In men's shirts, the collar size is the circumference of the shirt collar in cm. It is not your own neck measurement, but a little larger for comfort.
- Size 37: actual neck about 35–36 cm, equivalent to size S.
- Size 38: about 36–37 cm, between S and M.
- Size 39: about 37–38 cm, equivalent to size M.
- Size 40: about 38–39 cm, equivalent to size L.
- Size 41–42: about 39–41 cm, equivalent to size XL.
- Size 43: about 41–42 cm, equivalent to size XXL.
So to the question “what size is a men's shirt size 39?”, the answer is usually size M, with a collar of about 39 cm. And if you wonder “what letter size is a 39” in the letter-size chart, check the M row above.
An easy rule: collar size equals your actual neck plus about 1.5 to 2 cm, so that one finger fits between your neck and the collar.
How to measure your own neck to choose the right size
All you need is a soft tape measure and a mirror.
- Measure your neck. Wrap the tape around the base of the neck, right where the shirt collar will sit. Hold the tape against the skin, just loose enough to slip one finger between the tape and your neck. The measurement plus 1.5 to 2 cm is the collar size.
- Measure your chest. Wrap the tape across the fullest point of the chest, passing under the armpits. Breathe normally; don't puff out your chest.
- Measure sleeve length. From the prominent bone at the base of the neck, over the shoulder and down to the wrist, with the arm slightly bent. A long-sleeved shirt should end at the wrist bone.
- Measure your waist. Important if you choose a slim cut, so the shirt isn't tight through the body.
Sleeve length is the measurement most often overlooked. Two people of the same size L can still need different sleeve lengths, which is why many labels add standard-sleeve and long-sleeve options.
Men's shirt size L weight, and sizes M and XL
If you want a quick look-up of the three most common sizes:
- Men's shirt size M: about 58–66 kg, 1.64–1.70 m tall, collar 38–39. Suits a medium build with shoulders that aren't broad.
- Men's shirt size L: about 65–74 kg, 1.68–1.75 m tall, collar 40. It is the most common size among Vietnamese men.
- Men's shirt size XL: about 72–82 kg, 1.72–1.78 m tall, collar 41–42. Suits tall men or those with broad shoulders.
When your weight falls between two sizes, prioritise collar size and chest. A tight collar makes you uncomfortable all day, while a slightly loose body can be taken in.
Why isn't weight enough to choose a shirt size?
Two people of the same 70 kg can wear two different shirt sizes. A man 1.80 m tall with broad shoulders and a flat stomach will need collar 41 and long sleeves. A man 1.68 m tall with a rounded stomach needs a roomier body but only collar 39 or 40. Weight lumps bone, muscle, fat and height into one number, so it only gives a rough range. That is why we advise you to treat the chart as a first filter, then settle on your actual collar and chest measurements.
Choosing a cut: regular, slim or body?
- Regular: comfortable, suits men with a stomach or who work long hours.
- Slim: moderately fitted, with a trim body. This is a flattering cut for most gentlemen.
- Body: close-fitting, suits an athletic build, but not comfortable if you sit a lot.
If you're undecided, the article what is a regular-fit men's shirt compares each cut in detail. And when choosing a collar style, you can read the article “types of men's shirt collars” in the Handbook section.
One note on cut: the chart above is for the basic cut. In a slim or body cut, the same person usually has to go up one size compared with regular, because the body is narrower. If you fall between two sizes, the closer the cut, the more you should choose the larger size.
A tip from Mon Amie's master tailors
Tailors have a rule: the collar is where you can't pretend. A shirt that's tight across the chest can still be buttoned, but a tight collar makes it hard to breathe all day, while a loose collar means the tie won't sit properly. So when choosing a shirt, put the collar first and the body second.
Second: a new shirt usually shrinks slightly after the first wash. If the shirt is already a little snug when you try it on, choose a slightly larger size or ask the seller about shrinkage.
Finally, if you often find ready-made sizes don't fit, a made-to-measure shirt is the answer. Neck, shoulder, sleeve and chest are measured individually, so the shirt fits from the start. For details of measurements, fabric allowance and the number of fittings, read made-to-measure men's shirts: measurements, fabric allowance and number of fittings.
Frequently asked questions
Men's shirt size L: how many kg?
About 65–74 kg, about 1.68–1.75 m tall, collar size 40. This is a reference range for a balanced build. If you have broad shoulders or a large stomach, you also need to look at your neck and chest measurements.
Men's shirt size M: how many kg?
About 58–66 kg, 1.64–1.70 m tall, collar 38–39. Men with narrow shoulders or a slim build suit this size.
Men's shirt size XL: how many kg?
About 72–82 kg, 1.72–1.78 m tall, collar 41–42. If you're tall and thin, you can choose XL but need a narrower cut.
What size is a men's shirt size 39?
Size 39 usually equals size M, meaning an actual neck of about 37–38 cm plus allowance. It is one of the most common collar sizes among Vietnamese men.
What letter size is a men's shirt size 39 if the label shows only letters?
Usually size M. But every brand cuts differently, so check the brand's own size chart, especially collar size and chest.
An invitation from Mon Amie
If you want a shirt whose collar, shoulders and sleeves all fit exactly, the Bespoke tailoring service takes your individual measurements and keeps them for life, so your next order needs no re-measuring. You can also see sample shirts under products or book a measuring appointment to have an artisan measure your neck, shoulders and sleeves in person.