Measuring arm length

Sep 19, 2006 7 Replies

I'm looking at this Folkwear pattern, and for my chest size, it says I have a 34 sleeve length. I used to wear 34-35 sleeves on RTW stuff, but I can't figure out how they are measuring this.



From the ridge of my shoulder, to my wrist, with the elbow slightly bent, it is about 25.5 inches. How is this usually measured?



Dwight


Found it center of back of neck, around elbow, to the side of the knuckle bone of the pinky. 35".

Always start too long...

Incidentally, one of the problem with shirts is that if you end up taking in the torso, the sleeve will now be too short, since the amount of center back to wrist distance covered by the shirt body is shorter, meaning the actual sleeve needs to cover more - one unfortunate reason why alterations to RTW are limited.

I only take in the waist, not the chest. On shirts I end up doing a drop shoulder too.

I understood that in past centuries, there was only one sleeve length in rtw. If it was too long you used arm bands.

I could be wrong. I have not spent a lot of time costuming.

But, why would you do that on a *custom made* shirt? I understand why RTW do it, but a shoulder (armseye) seam which fits properly at the edge of the shoulder is so much more flattering, and looks like care was taken when making it.

Beverly

I find the drop-shoulder look to be more flattering actually. It accentuates broadness. The shirts that end right at the shoulder look to me like 1970's Yuppie dress or something.

Except then it's a blouse, not a shirt, as I learned block terminology.

Kay `.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required