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Neck Size: Measurement Chart and Information

NOTE: This article is over 3 years old and may not reflect current information, despite the page being updated. It may still be useful for research but should be verified for accuracy and relevance.

Published: 2019-06-14 - Updated: 2022-04-05
Author: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World (Disabled-World.com)
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Library of Related Papers: Medical Calculators and Charts Publications

Synopsis: Information on how to measure human neck size. Includes collar sizes measurement chart in inches and centimeters, and possible health implications relating to larger neck sizes. Most adult male neck sizes range between 14 - 19 inches (35.5 - 48.3 cm), with the average neck circumference being around 15 inches. Like excess stomach fat, having a larger neck size is not good for your health. To measure an actual shirt collar that fits you and feels comfortable around the neck simply lay the shirt down on a flat service and measure from the center of the top collar button to the far end of the top collar buttonhole.

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Main Digest

The neck contains blood vessels and nerves that supply structures in the head to the body including part of the esophagus, the larynx, trachea, and thyroid gland, major blood vessels such as carotid arteries, jugular veins, and upper part of the spinal cord. In humans, the neck is defined as the part of the body that separates the head from the torso. Sensation to the front areas of the neck comes from the roots of nerves C2 – C4, and at the back of the neck from the roots of C4 – C5.

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How to Measure Neck Size

Place the measuring tape around the neck at the height where the collar would normally rest – just below your Adam's apple. Do not crane your neck out or squeeze your chin down. The tape should be resting lightly on the skin, not squeezing it.

Hold one finger under the tape measure to ensure some room for comfort. Don't pull too tightly to create unnecessary tension, just enough so that you are getting a true measurement. Make sure the tape is level and not being held at an angle.

If you measure your neck without a finger under the tape, then the dress shirt size should be 1/2 an inch larger. For example: if your neck measurement is 15" or 38 cm – then your dress shirt size should be 15½ inches or 39.5 cm.

Measuring Tips:

Neck Size Measurement Chart
SizeInchesCM
XXXS 14 36
XXS 14½ 37.5
XS 15 38.5
S 15½ 39.5
M 16 41.5
L 17 43.5
XL 17½ 45.5
XXL 18½ 47.5
XXXL 19½ 49.5
4X 20-20½ 50.8
5X 21 53.34
6X 22 55.88
7X 23 58.42
8X 24 60.96
9X 25 63.5
10X 26 66.04

Each clothing brand has different ideas on the proper sizing – which means each brand will fit a little different from the next one. Male and Female Clothing Size Conversion Charts⁣ – Clothing conversion tables showing difference in American, Chinese, Canadian, European, UK, Australian, Italian and Japanese shoe and clothing sizes.

Link Between Neck Size and Your Health

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Yellow measuring tape.
Yellow measuring tape.
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Most adult male neck sizes range between 14 and 19 inches (48.26 cm), with the average adult male neck circumference being around 15 inches (38.1 centimeters).

Like excess stomach fat, a large neck size is not good for your health. A recent study from Brazil showed that people with larger necks, especially males, may be at higher risk for heart disease. The study, analyzing nearly 4,000 men, researchers determined that the average adult male neck circumference is about 15". However, for every 1" increase in neck circumference, males were :

According to study author Cristina Baena, Ph.D., fat deposits around your neck can produce inflammatory substances that lead to plaque buildup in the carotid arteries in your neck, which hampers your heart health. Note, men with thicker necks due to strong, developed trap muscles are not as likely to face the same risk factors.

In addition, people with large neck sizes are vulnerable to sleep apnea as they have a more constricted airway, thus making it difficult for air to pass in and out of the lungs.

Related

Handy Printable Neck Measurements Chart

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Printable neck size chart.
Printable neck size chart.
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References:

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Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Financial support is derived from advertisements or referral programs, where indicated. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.


Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2019, June 14). Neck Size: Measurement Chart and Information. Disabled World. Retrieved June 1, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/neck-chart.php

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