Your Ultimate Men’s Shirt Fit Guide

Whether you’re dressing to impress at the office or putting a smart look together for a special occasion, the perfect shirt is all about nailing the right fit.

The torso should be slim with a little bit of give, but not too much gaping. The sleeves should smoothly taper down the arm, and the shoulder seam should sit right at the top of your shoulder.

Find the right fit for you:

• Regular fit: this classic fit is great for all occasions and everyday wear. It’s fitted without being too tight.

• Slim fit: a modern silhouette that’s a bit more snug throughout the chest and sleeves. Great for layering.

• Relaxed fit: this easy, roomy fit is ideal for casual outfits in breathable materials such as linen.

Your shirt sleeves should be slightly wider nearer to your shoulder and smoothly taper down to the cuff without pinching or folding. The cuff should meet your wrists, ending right at the base of your palm.

To measure your sleeves:

1. Use a flexible tape measure, starting at the nape of your neck in the centre.

2. From that point, measure to the edge of your shoulder, where your shoulder bone ends and your arm begins.

3. Then continue down the arm to your wrist bone, keeping your arm slightly bent at the elbow.

The most crucial part of finding the right shirt is a comfortable fit around the chest. Aim for a little bit of give so you can move easily, but you shouldn’t have more than three inches of fabric when it's pulled away from the chest. The buttons on your shirt should be flat against the chest without pulling.

To measure your chest:

1. Stand in a relaxed posture and run a tape measure flat around your chest, just under the armpit and parallel to the ground.

2. For slim-fit shirts, measure again around the narrowest part of the waist.