A simple men's shirt size chart for India: letter sizes vs collar sizes, how to measure your neck, chest, shoulders and sleeves at home, and how to choose between slim and regular fit.
By Atoofa Khushnood | Last reviewed: 25 October 2026
FIND N FORM is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide is based on research: brand and retailer information, public guidance and user feedback. We have not tested products for it, and it does not recommend any specific product.
You wear an M in one brand, an L in another, and a “40” in formal shirts. Then you order online and the shirt is tight across the chest but loose at the waist. Shirt sizes in India are confusing because brands use two systems and every brand cuts a little differently.
This guide explains both systems, gives you a typical size chart, and shows you how to measure yourself in five minutes with a tape.
Quick answer
Casual shirts in India usually use letter sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL), while formal shirts often use collar sizes in centimetres (38, 39, 40, 42, 44, 46). Typically S is 38, M is 39 to 40, L is 42, XL is 44 and XXL is 46.
Measure your chest and neck, then always check the brand’s own size chart, because sizes vary between brands and between slim and regular fits.
The two sizing systems in India
1. Letter sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL). Used for casual shirts, T-shirts and many online brands. They’re based mainly on your chest measurement.
2. Collar sizes (38, 39, 40, 42, 44, 46). Used by many formal shirt brands. The number is the collar (neck) measurement in centimetres. So a “40” shirt has a collar of about 40 cm, which is roughly 15.75 inches.
Most brands that use both show how they line up in their size chart.
Typical men’s shirt size chart (India)
This is a general guide based on common Indian brand charts. Use it to get close, then confirm with the brand’s chart before you order.
Letter size
Typical collar size (cm)
Collar (inches, approx.)
Your body chest (inches, approx.)
S
38
15
35 to 37
M
39 to 40
15.5 to 15.75
38 to 40
L
42
16.5
41 to 43
XL
44
17.25
44 to 46
XXL
46
18
47 to 49
Collar inches are converted from centimetres and rounded. Chest ranges are body measurements, not the shirt’s own measurement.
Body size vs garment size: some brands list your body measurement, and others list the shirt’s measurement laid flat or all around. A shirt is always bigger than your body so you can move. If a chart says “chest 44” for a size M, it’s probably the garment, not you. Check which one the chart means before you compare.
How to measure yourself at home
You need a soft measuring tape (a tailor’s tape). Ask someone to help for the shoulder and sleeve.
Neck: wrap the tape around the base of your neck, where a collar sits. Keep one finger between the tape and your neck for comfort. That’s your collar size.
Chest: measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under the armpits, with the tape level across your back. Breathe normally.
Waist (optional): measure around your natural waist, usually just above the belly button. Helps decide slim vs regular fit.
Shoulder: measure across your back from the edge of one shoulder to the other, where a shirt’s shoulder seam should sit.
Sleeve: measure from the shoulder edge, down the outside of a slightly bent arm, to your wrist bone.
Write these down and keep them in your phone. Measure again if your weight changes.
No tape? Take your best-fitting shirt, lay it flat, and measure it across the chest (armpit to armpit), then double that number. Compare it with the brand’s garment measurements.
Slim, regular or relaxed fit?
The same size can fit very differently depending on the cut.
Fit
How it fits
Best for
Slim fit
Narrow through the chest and waist, closer to the body
Lean builds, people who like a sharp look
Regular fit
Straight cut with room to move
Most body types, office wear, hot weather
Relaxed / comfort fit
Extra room in chest and waist
Broader builds, very hot and humid days
If your chest is in one size and your waist is bigger, a regular fit in your chest size usually works better than a slim fit in a bigger size.
How a well-fitting shirt should look
Collar: buttoned, you can slip one finger in, not two.
Shoulders: the seam sits at the edge of your shoulder bone, not down your arm.
Chest: no pulling or gaps between buttons when you sit.
Sleeves: end at your wrist bone, with a little of the cuff showing under a blazer.
Length: for tucked-in shirts, it stays tucked when you raise your arms. For untucked casual shirts, it ends around the middle of your trouser zip.
If you’re between sizes
For formal shirts, choose by collar first. If the collar fits and the body is loose, a tailor can take in the sides cheaply.
For casual shirts, choose by chest. Size up if you like a relaxed look or the fabric is 100% cotton, since cotton can shrink a little after washing.
Stretch fabrics (with a little elastane or lycra) can be worn a little closer to the body.
Sizes vary between brands, so do this before every order
Open the size chart on the product page, not just the brand’s general chart.
Check whether the chart shows body or garment measurements.
Read reviews for comments like “runs small” or “size up”.
Check the exchange policy. Many fashion listings in India offer easy size exchanges, but not all.
If you are buying new shirts, these two cover the slim and regular fits described above. Check each brand’s own size chart before ordering.
Van Heusen Men’s Cotton Solid Slim Fit Shirt
What it is: A solid-colour cotton shirt in a slim fit.
Why we picked it: Slim fit suits lean builds and a sharper look for the office or under a blazer, as the fit table above explains. It has 4.0 stars from 573 ratings on Amazon.in.
Limitation: A slim fit sits close to the body, and cotton can shrink a little after washing, so the size-up advice above applies.
Best for: Lean builds and office wear. Skip if: You have a broader build or want room to move on hot, humid days.
Price: ₹920 on Amazon.in (price checked on 31 Oct 2026); the price can vary by size and colour. Prices change, so check the current price.
Why we picked it: Regular fit suits most body types, office wear and hot weather, as the fit table above explains. It has 4.0 stars from 888 ratings on Amazon.in.
Limitation: Stock was limited on 31 Oct 2026, so some sizes or colours may not be available.
Best for: Most body types and everyday office or casual wear. Skip if: You want a close, tailored look; a slim fit suits that better.
Price: ₹843 on Amazon.in (price checked on 31 Oct 2026); the price can vary by size and colour. Prices change, so check the current price.
In India, letter sizes (S to XXL) follow your chest, and formal collar sizes (38 to 46) follow your neck in centimetres. Use the typical chart above to get close, measure your neck and chest at home, choose the fit that matches your build, and always confirm with the brand’s own size chart before you order.
Frequently asked questions
What is a size 40 shirt in India?
In formal shirts, 40 usually means a collar of about 40 cm (around 15.75 inches). Many brands match it to size M, but check the brand’s size chart because this varies.
What size is 42 in shirts?
A 42 formal shirt usually has a collar of about 42 cm (around 16.5 inches) and is often matched to size L.
How do I measure my shirt size at home?
Measure around the base of your neck with one finger of space for the collar, and around the fullest part of your chest for letter sizes. Then compare with the brand’s size chart.
Is M size 38 or 40?
Most Indian brands match M to a 39 or 40 collar. Size 38 is usually S. Brands differ, so confirm with the size chart on the product page.
Should I buy slim fit or regular fit?
Slim fit suits lean builds and a sharp look. Regular fit suits most body types and hot weather. If your waist is larger than your chest size suggests, regular fit is usually better.
Do cotton shirts shrink after washing?
Pure cotton shirts can shrink slightly, especially in hot water or a hot dryer. Wash in cold or lukewarm water and dry in shade to limit it.
How we researched this guide: we compared size charts and measurement guides from Indian clothing brands and garment industry references. Sizes in the chart are typical ranges, not a standard every brand follows. We did not test shirts for this guide, and it does not recommend a specific product. Read more about how we research.
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