Men’s shirt guide
Determine shirt size, select the proper fit, and choose a collar style
There are so many different types of shirts to choose from. It’s not only important to find the right fit and type of shirt, but you also need to choose a shirt that makes you feel confident. In this article we will show you how to find your shirt size and a shirt with a good fit. We will also show you different types of shirts and shirt collars.
Different types of shirts – which shirt is suitable for which occasion?
Shirts come in all kinds of colours and sizes. There are shirts for every occasion, however, there are certain types of shirts that you shouldn’t wear to work or formal occasions:
Business shirts – smart and ideal for work
Make a stylish appearance and feel confident with a business shirt that has a good fit. Business shirts are always long-sleeve and often made out of cotton. They are usually available in classic colours such as white, black, grey or blue. However, if you would like to add a splash of colour to your outfit, you could opt for a business shirt with a subtle pattern or in a pastel colour. Business shirts are usually fitted with a shark or Kent collar.
Formal shirts – perfect for special occasions & events
Formal shirts are the ideal choice for special occasions. You can't go wrong with an elegant shirt in black, white or cream, preferably with a shark or Kent collar. Darker colours, as well as shades of red and purple, also go well with a black suit. This type of shirt is often made out of cotton, but it is also available in other fabrics such as silk. For a very smart look, opt for double cuffs and add a touch of class with some stylish cufflinks.
Casual shirts – great for everyday wear
From eye-catching prints and patterns to cosy flannel, anything that suits your style is fair game for everyday wear. Casual shirts come in a wide variety of styles and are made from all sorts of fabrics, from cotton and linen to denim. These shirts often have a lapel or cutaway collar, which gives them a casual look. In addition, casual shirts are available with both long and short sleeves.
Finding your shirt size
Knowing what shirt size you will need will help you to find a shirt with a fantastic fit. To find the perfect size you’ll just need to know how to measure your neck and what your waist size is, which you can easily measure at home.
How to find out what size shirt you need:
How to find out what collar size you need: stand up straight and face forward. Now place a tape measure at the same height as your Adam’s apple around your neck. Measure loosely and do not pull the tape measure together. Add one centimetre to your measurement to make sure that the shirt will have a great fit.
Measuring your waist: place a tape measure on your stomach button and pull the tape measure around you. Add five centimetres to the measurement so that the shirt won’t be too tight.
You can then use these measurements to find out what size shirt you will need. Use our size guide to find your shirt size with your measurements.
How men’s shirts should fit
You can check whether the shirt has a good fit once you have worked out what size shirt you will need. Below you will find some tips on how to find a shirt with a good fit:
The top part of the seam on your shirt should sit exactly on your shoulders and should not look baggy.
The sleeves should not cover your hands when you put your arms down. Your sleeves should not be too long, but also make sure that they aren’t too tight.
Once you have fastened your cuffs, double-check that your sleeves only go down to the lower part of your thumb and are visible about an inch below the jacket.
You should still be able to fit a finger between your collar and your neck when you have fastened all the buttons on your shirt.
Your shirt should have a loose fit around your chest. Double-check that it does not feel tight when you stick your arms out and that the button placket does not stick out.
The hem on your shirt should go down to where your belt is.
When you tuck your shirt in make sure that you can bend over comfortably without your shirt slipping back out.
Men’s shirt fit guide – classic, relaxed or figure-hugging?
Once you know your shirt size, you can then choose a style and fit that suits you. It’s important to make sure that you choose a shirt with a good fit. Below we have listed different fits of shirts:
Regular fit shirts
Regular fit shirts have a classic fit and they are very comfortable. This fit is an all-rounder, but it will also suit men with broad shoulders, a muscular physique or men who would like to conceal their stomach.
Slim fit shirts
Slim fit shirts are close-fitting and very comfortable. The sleeves have a narrow fit and they start directly on the shoulders. The seams on the sides and back make the fit narrower, which will make your figure stand out. This fit will flatter your figure and it is a more modern alternative to a regular fit shirt.
Relaxed fit
A relaxed fit has a wide fit without a tapered waist. These types of shirts are loose-fitting and do not restrict your movement. They are particularly flattering and are perfect for any occasion.
Skinny fit
A skinny fit shirt is a contemporary choice for men who prefer a slim or close-fitting shirt. Skinny fit shirts are closer fitting than slim fit shirts. This style of shirt has slim sleeves and it will highlight your figure. It is the perfect choice if you would like to highlight your chest and waist.
Different types of shirt collars
Shirt collars vary in shape and style, which can make your shirt look formal or casual. Below you will find a small handy guide to shirt collars.
Kent collars – a classic shirt collar
A Kent collar shirt is a great choice for almost any occasion. It is known for its wide, distinctive right-angle falls. This collar can be worn open or fastened with or without a tie or bow tie. If you opt for a tie, any tie knot would suit a Kent collar.
Cutaway collars – great for formal occasions
A cutaway collar has widely spaced points, which look like the fins on a shark. This style of collar gives a shirt a smart and elegant look. Cutaway collar shirts go well with jackets that have a deep neckline and wide lapels. A Windsor tie knot also looks great on a cutaway collar shirt. If you have quite a long tie, a four in hand knot is recommended. If you are not wearing a tie, you can simply leave the top button undone.
Button-down collar – ideal for a smart casual look
A button-down collar can be fastened to the shirt with two small buttons on the sides of the collar. The buttons will also help to keep the collar in place. This type of shirt collar is ideal for a smart casual look. Button-down collars are usually worn without a suit, jacket and tie. You can wear a button-down shirt to dress up for work or to dress down at the weekend. They also go very well with jumpers and cardigans.
Cuban collar – casual and trendy
A Cuban collar is similar to the collars on jackets and coats. The front part of the collar faces outwards and forms a pointy edge. This style of collar is casual, but also very trendy at the same time. They are therefore a fantastic alternative to traditional shirt collar styles and are often found on casual shirts, for example Hawaiian shirts.
Different shirt fabrics
The fabric of your shirt will determine when and where you can wear it. Below we have listed the most commonly used fabrics for shirts:
Cotton
Cotton is easy to care for and hard-wearing. This makes it a classic choice for business and casual looks.
Denim
Denim is particularly robust and hard-wearing. This makes it ideal for casual shirt looks all year round.
Linen
Linen is considered breathable and absorbs moisture well. This makes it particularly suitable for warm summer days.
Flannel
Flannel is soft, warm and crease-resistant. This shirt fabric is often used for cosy winter shirts and keeps you warm even in chilly weather.
Oxford
Oxford is a cotton fabric with a coarser weave and a slightly lustrous appearance. The fabric is suitable for both business and casual looks.
Other popular shirt fabrics
Lycra is stretchy, which enhances freedom of movement. The fabric is often blended with cotton and dries quickly, even under a suit.
Viscose feels as soft and supple as silk, yet is as hard-wearing as cotton. The shirt fabric is also breathable and absorbs moisture well.
Silk is a luxurious and pleasantly lightweight shirt fabric. However, it is comparatively delicate and requires particularly gentle care when washing.
Wool is a warm and robust shirt fabric. This makes it a good choice for shirts and shirt jackets on cold days.
Helpful information and tips on cuffs
Cuffs are the thicker parts of shirts that extend to just below your hands. They are the finishing touches to a shirt and, at the same time, they protect the cuffs of your jacket from getting dirty.
Below we have listed the different cuff shapes:
Single cuff: this style of cuff is the most common, usually has two buttons and can have a straight, square or round hem. It is used for casual shirts as well as for formal shirts and is fastened with buttons.
Double cuff: the cuff is double the length of a single cuff and it folds back on itself. Shirts with these types of cuffs are worn for formal occasions or for work as they look very smart. However, you will need a set of cufflinks to fasten the cuff.
Convertible cuff: this type of cuff combines elements of both types of cuffs mentioned above. It has a similar look to a single cuff, but it can also be fastened with a cufflink.
In addition to these types of cuffs, there is also a difference between 1- and 2-button cuffs:
1-button cuff: the cuff can be fastened with a button, which gives the shirt a simple and smart look.
2-button cuff: on this type of cuff you have two buttons. You can either fasten it to make the cuff tighter or looser around your wrist.
Discover our double cuff shirts
Conclusion: finding the right style of shirt to suit you
Before buying a shirt, it is important to know what size you will need and what style would suit you the most. Get inspired by our large selection of men's shirts in our shops and online and find your new favourite shirt!
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Image sources in chronological order:
Cover photo: Teodor Lazarev - stock.adobe.com
1st – 4th image in text: C&A
5th image in text: AI generated
6th – 15th image in text: C&A
16th image in text: katafree - stock.adobe.com