What is 1/2 chest measurement? 

A 1/2 (half) chest measurement is the width of a garment measured flat from one armpit (side seam) to the other, usually taken below the armhole. It is used to determine clothing size by comparing this width to a well-fitting top, rather than measuring the body's full circumference. Doubling this number indicates the garment's total chest circumference. 

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Usage Examples and How-To:

• Fitting: A garment with a 1/2 chest measurement of 50cm usually fits a person with a 100cm total chest circumference perfectly, though you should allow for 1–2 inches for a comfortable fit. 

• Method: Lay a T-shirt, hoodie, or shirt flat. Measure straight across from left seam to right seam directly under the armpits.

• Application:

  If a shirt measures (20 inches) from pit-to-pit, the 1/2 chest measurement is (20 inches). This, doubled ( or 40 inches), indicates the fit.

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Synonyms/Related Terms:

• Pit-to-pit (P2P): Often used in retail for the same measurement.

• Across-chest measurement: The width across the front of the chest.

• Garment Width: The flat, un-stretched width. 

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Note: This measurement differs from "To Fit Chest," which is a measurement of your actual body.