How to Choose the Correct Pilot Shirt Size
SAVE ON SHIPPING! Minimize the TIME & EXPENSE of size exchanges -
Determine your correct size BEFORE YOU ORDER:
"I have always worn a size __ "
"All the other shirts in my closet are a size __"
"My last shirts were a size __"
These are the infamous words of a pilot who will be returning shirts because he thought he knew his size...
Not all shirts are created equal:
For any given shirt size, the collar, chest and waist dimensions will vary from one model of pilot shirt to another, when comparing a pilot shirt to a dress shirt, and even when comparing a new shirt to an older shirt. So we strongly urge you to invest a few minutes with a cloth or plastic tape measure (not the metal kind in your toolbox!) and measure yourself to improve your odds of ordering the correct size shirts.
Neck/Collar Fit:
The first step is to carefully measure your neck as described below. To insure a comfortable collar fit, we recommend adding 1/4" to 1/2" to your neck measurement - that result is the collar size you should consider. For example, if your neck measures 16", add 1/2" and choose a size 161/2. Do not equate the shirt size directly with your neck measurement - if your neck measures 16" and you order a size 16 shirt, the collar may be too tight and feel uncomfortable. The collar must be larger than your neck to provide adequate room for comfort.
Torso Fit:
The collar size alone does not guarantee that the rest of the shirt will fit your body. You should also measure your chest and waist as described below. You can then compare your measurements with the numbers in our fit charts. (If you are ordering long sleeve shirts you will also need to measure your sleeve length.)
  To measure neck, wrap the tape around the base of your neck where your collar normally sits. Then add 1/4" -1/2" to that number (for comfort) to determine your Collar Size. The collar must be larger than your neck measurement to allow for a comfortable fit. |  Chest is measured in inches all the way around upper body, directly under armpits. Measure over a T-shirt if you normally wear one under your uniform shirt. Waist is measured in inches around fullest part of belly. Do NOT go by your pants size. |  To measure long sleeve length, start from center back of neck and measure across shoulder, down arm, around elbow to wrist; Number of inches = Sleeve Length (please allow for up to 1/2" of sleeve shrinkage) |  The tail length of our shirts is measured from the base of the collar, down the middle of the back to the bottom of the tail. |
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Using our Fit Charts:
Use the charts below as an example: Find your collar size as determined above (neck measurement + 1/2"), then read across the chart. If your chest or waist measurements exceed the corresponding values in the fit chart, you will need to order a larger size or fuller cut shirt. For instance, let's say your neck measures 16", so you are looking for a shirt in size 16 1/2.
- If your chest measures 42" and your waist measures 34", the TAPERED 16 1/2 should fit well.
- If your chest measures 44" and your waist measures 36", the TAPERED size 16 1/2 will be too tight in the torso. Instead, you must choose either a RELAXED size 16 1/2 or a TAPERED size 17.
- If your chest measures 45" and your waist measures 38", the TAPERED size 17 will be too tight in the belly. Instead, you should choose a RELAXED size 17.
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These charts also help illustrate how the torso dimensions change in proportion to the collar size. Each step up in size means the collar increases by 1/2" while the chest and waist both increase by about 2". Finally, these charts indicate the tail length of each shirt as it may be of concern to those who are substantially above or below average height. View and compare all of our shirt size/fit charts here.Before you order shirts, please consider:
> Regardless of what size shirts you have ordered or worn in the past, it is always best to measure yourself and use our fit charts to improve the odds of getting a good fit.
> Many dress shirts have oversized collars and are cut fuller than uniform shirts, so don't be surprised if you need a larger size when ordering your pilot shirts. One brand of shirt will fit differently than another brand, even if they are the same marked size.
> Although size is primarily determined by neck measurement, you may need to order a larger size if you have a large chest, large waist or broad shoulders.
> If you've put on a few pounds or are looking back at 40, you may need to go up a size since your last order.
> You may need to order a size larger if you wear a T-shirt underneath your uniform shirt.
> When in doubt, consider ordering two different sizes or styles, then simply return the shirts that don't fit for exchange or refund. This is particularly good advice if trying our Pilot House Tapered shirts for the first time, because they are much trimmer in the waist than most any other pilot or dress shirts.
> We can't guarantee a perfect fit for every body, but we do offer a 30 Day Return Policy on shirts returned in new, unlaundered condition. Always examine and try on your new shirts upon receipt, PRIOR TO LAUNDERING or packing for a trip, even if you have previously purchased the same item. If a size or style exchange is necessary, we will process your request promptly and have replacement shirts on the way to you quickly. However, if you purchase a shirt that does not fit and you launder or wear it, the shirt is no longer returnable.
