How should shoulder width be measured?

Shoulder width is accurately measured as the distance from one shoulder to the other, capturing the full span of the shoulders. This measurement is essential for determining the fit of garments, particularly in tailoring and ensuring comfort and mobility, as it reflects the natural horizontal spread of the shoulders on the body.

While other options may involve measurements related to the upper body, they do not specifically capture the width across the shoulders, which is crucial for achieving the correct fit in clothing. For instance, measuring from the elbow to the wrist pertains more to arm length and function, while measuring from the center of the neck to the shoulders does not account for the entire shoulder span. Similarly, measuring from the base of the neck to the end of the shoulder focuses primarily on vertical dimensions rather than the horizontal span that is necessary for accurately understanding shoulder width. Therefore, measuring directly from shoulder to shoulder provides the most relevant and practical measurement for garment fitting.