Casual menswear does not need to be complicated. A few T-shirts that fit at the shoulders, one or two short-sleeved shirts for warm days, a pair of shorts and some relaxed trousers cover most of summer and holidays. The difference between looking put together and looking scruffy is mostly fit: shoulder seams in the right place, sleeves at the right length and shorts that end at the right point on the leg.
Before you buy, measure your chest and waist and check the shop’s size chart for the item. Many online fashion shops use Asian sizing for menswear, which can run one or two sizes smaller than UK high street brands, so the size you usually wear may not be the one you need.
How to measure
- Chest: around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms, with the tape level.
- Waist: around the natural waist, or where you wear your trousers.
- Inside leg: from the crotch seam to the hem of trousers that fit you well.
- Shirt length: from the top of the shoulder to the hem, useful for shirts you wear untucked.
If the chart lists garment measurements, lay a shirt or T-shirt you like flat, measure across the chest from armpit to armpit and double it, then compare.
T-shirts
- Shoulder seam: should sit on the edge of your shoulder. If it hangs down your arm, the T-shirt is too big, unless it is an oversized cut.
- Sleeves: should end around the middle of the upper arm.
- Length: should cover the waistband and end around the middle of the fly.
- Fabric: 100% cotton is breathable and soft; cotton with a little polyester holds its shape and creases less.
Casual shirts
Short-sleeved summer shirts, including Hawaiian, tropical and patterned shirts, are made to be worn untucked. That means the length matters: the hem should end around the middle of the fly or the seat of your trousers. A camp or Cuban collar lies flat and open; a button-down or classic collar looks a little smarter.
| Fabric | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Breathable, soft | Everyday summer shirts |
| Linen or cotton-linen | Very breathable, creases easily | Hot weather, holidays |
| Viscose | Light, drapes well, cool | Printed holiday shirts |
| Polyester | Holds colour, dries fast, warmer | Easy care, travel |
| Corduroy and flannel | Thicker, warm | Autumn overshirts |
Browse the range in shirts.
Shorts
- Length: most casual shorts end a few centimetres above the knee. Bermuda shorts end around the knee and look a little smarter.
- Fit: there should be room for your hand between the leg opening and your thigh. Too tight and they ride up; too loose and they flap.
- Waist: drawstring and elasticated waists are comfortable for holidays and sport; a button and zip fly looks neater with a shirt.
- Cargo shorts: practical side pockets, but bulky; keep the pockets light.
You will find these in shorts and Bermuda shorts.
Trousers
For summer, loose trousers in cotton or cotton-linen blends are cooler than jeans. Wide-leg and relaxed cuts are comfortable in heat, while tapered joggers and cargo trousers suit a casual, sporty look. Check the inside leg on the chart, and choose a length that just touches the top of your shoes, or a cropped cut that sits above the ankle. See the trousers range, which mixes men’s and women’s styles, and the wider men’s clothing section.
Putting it together
A few combinations cover most summer days. A plain T-shirt with shorts and trainers is the simplest. A printed short-sleeved shirt over a plain T-shirt, worn open, adds a layer for cooler evenings. Relaxed cotton or linen trousers with a plain shirt look smart enough for dinner on holiday. Keep one item patterned and the rest plain, and the outfit will rarely look busy.
Care
- Turn printed shirts and T-shirts inside out before washing to protect the print.
- Wash at 30°C or 40°C as the care label allows, with similar colours.
- Hang shirts to dry on a hanger and button the top button to keep the collar in shape.
- Iron viscose and printed shirts on the reverse side at a low setting.
- Linen creases by nature; a quick steam or iron while slightly damp helps.
For a general guide to sizes and fits across categories, see finding your size online.
Quick checklist
- Measure chest and waist, and check the chart for each item.
- Expect some shops to run smaller than UK high street sizes.
- T-shirt shoulder seams on the shoulder edge, sleeves mid upper arm.
- Untucked shirts should end around the middle of the fly.
- Linen and cotton for hot weather, polyester for easy care.
- Shorts a few centimetres above the knee with room at the leg.
- Wash prints inside out and hang shirts to dry.
Common questions
How long should a short-sleeved shirt be if I wear it untucked?
The hem should end around the middle of your fly or the seat of your trousers. Much longer, and it looks like a shirt meant for tucking in.
What is the difference between Bermuda shorts and regular shorts?
Bermuda shorts are longer, ending around or just above the knee, and usually look a little smarter. Regular casual shorts are shorter, ending a few centimetres above the knee.
Why are online menswear sizes sometimes small?
Many affordable online fashion brands design for Asian markets, where size labels run smaller than in the UK and Europe. Always compare your measurements with the item’s size chart rather than relying on the letter size.
