How to Buy a Shirt that Fits

A well fitted shirt is more than a staple in your wardrobe; it's an expression of your style, sophistication, and self-confidence. The importance of a perfectly fitting shirt cannot be overstated.

Whether it's a business meeting, a dinner date, or a casual outing, the right shirt completely defines your appearance, compliments your physique, and significantly boosts your confidence.

In this blog we explain in detail how to buy a shirt that fits and the ultimate fitting shirt for men.

Why is the Fit of a Dress Shirt Important?

The fit of your dress shirt fundamentally influences both comfort and style. A poorly fitting shirt can create an untidy, careless look and even result in physical discomfort.

Conversely, a perfectly fitting shirt flatters your body, shows your attention to detail, and exudes a sense of sophistication. It amplifies your presence in any room, showing that you care about your appearance and pay attention to the finer details.

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How Do I Choose a Shirt that Fits?

When buying a dress shirt, understanding the key elements that influence fit can guide you towards the perfect purchase.

1. Collar Size

Begin with the collar. It should fit snugly around your neck without feeling tight or constricting. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between your neck and the collar when it's buttoned.

tapered fit shirt in light blue by tapered menswear

A collar that's too tight can be uncomfortable and look strained, while one that's too loose can look sloppy and may cause the tie to hang awkwardly if you wear one.

2. Sleeve Length

This is measured from the middle of the back of your neck, over your shoulder and down to your wrist. The sleeve should end right at the base of your thumb.

If it's too short, it'll pull when you move your arms, while if it's too long, it'll bunch up around your wrists.

tapered fit shirt in navy by tapered menswear

3. Shirt Length

Whether you plan to wear it tucked or untucked, the shirt should be long enough so that it doesn't come untucked when you raise your arms, but not so long that it bunches when tucked in.

For an untucked shirt, it should cover your belt line but not extend past the middle of your back pockets.

tapered fit shirt in white by tapered menswear

4. Overall Fit

The shirt should be roomy enough for comfortable movement but should not be baggy. It should follow the natural contours of your body without clinging to them. Pay particular attention to the chest and waist area.

How Do You Know if a Shirt is the Right Fit?

Understanding how a well-fitting shirt should feel and look on your body is essential to make the right choice. A properly fitting shirt will accentuate your best features without drawing attention to the areas you're less confident about.

finding shirts that fit online, white shirt by Tapered Menswear

Waist: The shirt should gently taper at the waist, enhancing your physique. There should be enough room for comfort and movement, but not so much that the fabric billows out when tucked in.
Collar: It should fit snugly around your neck even when fully buttoned, allowing enough room for one or two fingers.
Sleeves: The sleeves should offer enough room for comfortable arm movement. They should not be so tight as to restrict motion nor so loose as to appear baggy. When you bend your arm, your cuff should not move more than an inch up your wrist.
Chest and Shoulders: The shirt should fit comfortably across your chest and shoulders. When buttoned, it should not strain or create gaps, and the shoulder seams should align perfectly with the edges of your shoulders.

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How Do I Know if My Shirt Fits my Chest?

A well-fitting dress shirt should conform to your body's contours without feeling restrictive or appearing baggy. It should button comfortably across your chest without straining or leaving excess fabric.

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The fabric between the buttons should lie flat, not pulling or gapping. Check the side seams; they should align with the edge of your armpits, not pull forward or sag back.

A glance in the mirror should reveal a clean, streamlined silhouette, suggesting the shirt is accommodating your chest comfortably and elegantly.

finding shirts that fit, white shirt by Tapered Menswear

How Do You Know if Your Shoulders Fit on a Shirt?

The seam where the sleeve attaches to the shirt body, called the shoulder seam, should align precisely with where your shoulder ends and arm begins. If it droops down your arm, the shirt is too big; if it climbs towards your neck, it's too small.

Also, the shirt's shoulder width should provide enough space for comfortable movement without excess fabric.

There shouldn't be any strain or wrinkling across the back when you move your arms. The fit on your shoulders is a key factor in determining if a dress shirt is the right size for you.

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Common Misconceptions about Shirt Fits

One widespread misconception about shirts is that a loose fit guarantees comfort. In reality, a well-fitted shirt can offer even greater comfort because it moves with your body without extra fabric getting in the way.

A tight fit is often believed to showcase a well-toned body. However, a shirt that's too tight may restrict your movement and could pull at the buttons making them hold on for dear life!

finding shirts that fit online, white tapered shirt by Tapered Menswear

Buying a shirt online can be challenging, primarily due to the inability to try it on beforehand. The fear of ending up with a shirt that doesn't fit as expected often discourages online shopping.

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How to Buy a Shirt that Fits Online

At Tapered we understand the challenges of buying a shirt online. Involving understanding your measurements and how to apply them.

Trying to get accurate measurements of your neck, chest, waist, and arm length then comparing these measurements with the size chart.

Most websites provide comprehensive guides on how to take these measurements. Ensure you follow these directions closely, as incorrect measurements will lead to poor fit.

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We offer a simple size calculator to find your perfect fit shirt every time. Our Men's Shirt Size Calculator is a handy tool that uses your height, weight and a few other pieces of informations to determine your ideal shirt size.

how to find shirts that fit, white shirt by Tapered Menswear

Best Fitting Shirts For Men - TAPERED Fit Shirts

In the world of men's fashion, the importance of a well-fitted dress shirt is paramount. A perfectly fitting shirt not only enhances your appearance but also instills a sense of self-confidence.

With the introduction of TAPERED fit shirts, men now have the option for shirts that are fitted, but have enough stretch to provide comfort for all day wear in comparison to slim fit. A perfect fit for a V taper physique.

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So why not show off all that hard work in the gym with a perfect muscle fit shirt, and be comfortable as well as fashionable?

Check out our best seller here.

Our Tapered collection also includes muscle fit denim shirts, muscle fit t-shirts and muscle fit polos.

Our revolutionary cut provides a 10" drop from chest to waist.

Fully fitted in chest and shoulders whilst tapering sharply down, giving a tailored look. No more bagginess in the waist.