The measurement known as “chest width laid flat,” often referred to as pit-to-pit (P2P), provides a standardized method for assessing the size of a garment. This single linear dimension represents the width of the clothing item when it is not being worn. Unlike a body measurement, this technique measures the garment itself, not the wearer’s full chest circumference. Online retailers and second-hand sellers rely on this specific measurement to convey accurate size information. Performing this measurement correctly ensures a higher probability of selecting a garment that fits as expected.
Necessary Tools and Garment Setup
Before beginning the measurement process, gathering the correct equipment is important for accuracy. A flexible cloth or vinyl measuring tape is the preferred tool, as it conforms easily to the fabric without damaging it, unlike a rigid metal ruler.
The garment must first be prepared on a flat, hard surface, such as a large table or the floor, ensuring it is fully spread out. Any wrinkles or creases in the fabric must be smoothed out completely, as these folds can artificially shorten the width measurement. For items with a closure, like jackets or button-up shirts, the garment should be fully zipped or buttoned up before the process begins to maintain the intended shape.
The Step-by-Step Measurement Technique
The actual measurement begins by precisely locating the two armpit seams, which define the boundaries for the chest width. These seams are the exact points where the sleeve material is stitched to the main body panel of the shirt or jacket. Locating the lowest point of each seam, where the fabric forms a small crease or ‘pit,’ establishes the starting and ending points of the measurement.
Once the seams are identified, the flexible measuring tape is placed horizontally across the garment. The tape should start exactly at the lowest point of the armpit seam on one side and extend in a straight line across the chest. It is important that the tape remains parallel to the garment’s hemline, ensuring the measurement is taken along the garment’s true horizontal plane.
The tape must be laid flat against the fabric without dipping or curving upward across the center. While extending the tape to the opposite armpit seam, it should be kept taut to eliminate any slack, but without stretching the fabric itself. Pulling the fabric can distort the reading, especially with knit materials like sweaters or certain athletic wear.
For garments with a thick construction, such as heavy denim jackets or structured blazers, the measurement should account for the thickness of the material. The tape must measure the distance between the two seams, passing over the highest point of the garment’s chest area. The final reading is taken where the tape meets the lowest point of the armpit seam on the second side.
Certain items, such as unstructured knit sweaters or T-shirts, may require gentle handling to maintain their natural, relaxed shape during the process. Conversely, highly structured items, like tailored suits, must be kept perfectly flat to capture the intended dimensions. The resulting number, typically measured in inches or centimeters, is the garment’s definitive chest width laid flat.
Translating the Measurement for Sizing
Obtaining the laid-flat number is only the first step; understanding how to use it for sizing is equally important. Since the measurement is taken across only one side of the garment, this single figure represents half of the total chest circumference of the clothing item. To compare this number to a person’s actual body measurement, the laid-flat number must be doubled.
For example, a garment measured at 22 inches laid flat has a total circumference of 44 inches. This 44-inch figure is the total space the clothing provides around the body. When comparing this garment circumference to a personal body chest measurement, the concept of “ease” must be applied. Ease is the extra room built into the garment design to allow for comfortable movement and layering.
The required ease varies by garment type. A tailored shirt might only require one to three inches of positive ease, meaning the garment circumference is slightly larger than the body circumference. Conversely, an outerwear piece, like a coat or a loose-fitting sweater, may require four to six inches or more of ease to accommodate layers underneath.
Subtracting the personal body measurement from the doubled garment measurement reveals the specific amount of ease provided by the clothing item. This comparison allows a buyer to determine if the garment will fit snugly, loosely, or somewhere in between, based on their personal preference and the intended function of the clothing.