The Perfect Fit: Dress Shirt

Monday, December 3, 2012

The Perfect Fit: Dress Shirt

A dress shirt should make you look good and flatter the body you've worked hard to build. A shirt that's too large can make a big guy look bigger, a small guy look tiny and any guy look sloppy. Here's how to find the right fit.

Neck

When your shirt is completely unbuttoned, you should be able to stick one or two fingers in your collar comfortably. If you can turn your head without choking, it's a good fit.


Shoulder

The seam should sit at the shoulder, it can be half an inch over, but never under. If it's more than half an inch over, the body may be too loose r boxy. Too much under and the armhole will be uncomfortable.

Dealbreaker

A collar or cuff that does not fit cannot be altered. A shirt body can be taken in but never let out.

Body

Your body should be able to pinch an inch of fabric on each side of your body. Any more and the fit will be too loose. Look for darting (the sewn-in shaping) which indicates a slimmer fit. The shirt should fall at least seven inches below your waist; you should be able to lift your arms without the shirt coming untucked.

Sleeves

A shirt cuff should sit 1-1.5 inches above your thumb joint. If you can slide your hand through a cuff without unbuttoning it, the cuffs probably to big.