Fit
- Shoulders: the seam should sit on the edge of your shoulder. If it drops down the arm, the shirt is too big, unless it is cut oversized.
- Chest: buttons should close without pulling or gaping.
- Length: shirts made to be worn untucked should end around the middle of the fly. Longer shirts are meant to be tucked in.
- Sleeves: short sleeves end mid upper arm; long sleeves should reach the wrist bone.
Many affordable online menswear brands design for Asian markets, where sizes run smaller than in the UK. Measure your chest and compare it with the size chart for each shirt. The guide to men’s casual shirts, T-shirts and shorts explains how to measure.
Collars and styles
- Camp or Cuban collar: lies flat and open, typical of summer and holiday shirts.
- Classic and button-down collars: a little smarter, good with chinos.
- Grandad or band collar: no collar points, relaxed and modern.
- Overshirts: heavier shirts in corduroy, flannel or cotton twill, worn open over a T-shirt as a light jacket.
Fabric
Cotton is breathable and easy to care for. Linen and cotton-linen are the coolest in hot weather but crease. Viscose drapes well and feels cool, common in printed holiday shirts. Polyester keeps its colour and dries quickly but is warmer to wear.
Wearing printed shirts
Keep the rest of the outfit plain when wearing a bold print: a plain T-shirt underneath, plain shorts or trousers, and simple shoes. A printed shirt worn open over a T-shirt works as a light layer on cooler summer evenings. Pair shirts with shorts for holidays, and see the wider men’s clothing section for more.
Care
- Wash printed shirts inside out at 30°C or 40°C as the label allows.
- Hang to dry on a hanger, with the top button done up to keep the collar shape.
- Iron viscose and prints on the reverse at a low heat.
- Steam or iron linen while slightly damp to reduce creases.
T-shirts in this category
The T-shirts here follow the same fit rules. The shoulder seam should sit on the edge of the shoulder, sleeves should end around the middle of the upper arm, and the hem should cover the waistband. Cotton tees are the most breathable; cotton-polyester blends keep their shape and crease less. Turn graphic tees inside out before washing to protect the print.
Common questions
What is a Cuban collar shirt?
A short-sleeved shirt with a flat, open collar that has no top button, typical of relaxed summer and holiday shirts.
Should a casual shirt be tucked in?
Short-sleeved shirts with a straight hem are made to be worn untucked. Shirts with a longer, curved hem are designed to be tucked in.
Why is my usual size too small?
Many affordable online fashion brands use Asian sizing, which runs smaller than UK and European sizes. Always check the chest measurement on the chart.