Your Ultimate Men’s Shirt Fit Guide
Content editor
Emily LambeHow should men’s shirts fit?
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.
Different types of shirts for men
Before you start measuring for fit, firstly decide which type of shirt you need. Take a look at your wardrobe and consider the weather and the formality of the occasion.
Our favourite types of shirts:
Short-sleeved shirts: break out a short-sleeved shirt during the warmer months or while on holiday to soak up the sun.
Linen shirts: breathable, soft linen will keep you cool during summer occasions and casual events.
Oxford shirts: made with a distinctive basket weave, Oxford shirts are great for everyday dressing.
Dress shirts: formal dress shirts are structured with stiff collars and cuffs for special occasions such as a wedding.
How to measure shirt sleeve length
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:
Use a flexible tape measure, starting at the nape of your neck in the centre.
From that point, measure to the edge of your shoulder, where your shoulder bone ends and your arm begins.
Then continue down the arm to your wrist bone, keeping your arm slightly bent at the elbow.
Types of shirt collars and how to measure your neck
The collar should sit as close as possible to your neck while still being comfortable. To measure your neck, wrap a tape measure around where the collar would sit, allowing room for two fingers in between.
Types of shirt collars:
Classic collar: a timeless collar with space to display any kind of tie knot.
Button-down collar: often used on linen and Oxford shirts, this utility style keeps your collar in place all day.
Cutaway collar: a modern silhouette found on dress shirts, the wide-angle points are designed to showcase large tie knots like the Windsor knot.
Cuban collar: used in casual, short-sleeved shirts, Cuban collars sit flat against the body.
Grandad collar: this vintage-inspired look features a short, upright band without a traditional folded collar.
How to measure your chest for a shirt
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:
Stand in a relaxed posture and run a tape measure flat around your chest, just under the armpit and parallel to the ground.
For slim-fit shirts, measure again around the narrowest part of the waist.
Published 25/03/2026
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