If you’re looking to adopt a new outfit style or upgrade your wardrobe, the first stop should be the button down shirt. Whether it’s tucked in or worn out with jeans or shorts, this classic piece is one of the most versatile garments you can own.
But while there are plenty of styles out there—from short-sleeved button downs to long-sleeved versions—the right fit is crucial if you want to look your best.
The best button down shirts are designed to fit well on a variety of body types and can be worn in almost any situation. If you want the perfect button down, here’s how to find the right one for your needs:
Here are some basic tips to help you find the right shirt for your body type:
– If you’re on the shorter side, go for a slim fit. This will help create an illusion of height and prevent the shirt from bunching up around your waistline.
– If you have broad shoulders and a muscular build, try a regular cut or even oversized option. This will help balance out your physique without making it look like you’re wearing something that’s too small for you.
Read on for our guide on how a shirt should fit at every area of your body so that you can make sure yours fits like a dream:
The collar is the centerpiece of a good shirt fit.
a button down shirt should have a collar that lies smoothly and stays in place. It should be tight enough to keep the shirt from opening up, but not so tight that it pulls or pinches at the neck. The collar shouldn’t be too loose, either; if it’s too loose, you’ll have to constantly adjust it throughout the day (which is pretty annoying).
The highest point of your collar should line up with your Adam’s apple — not any higher or lower than that! If you’re wearing a tie (who doesn’t?), then look for one whose knot sits right under this spot. You want your tie knot to be centered between both buttons on your shirt placket—and never below them! Otherwise, your entire style will look off-kilter and sloppy because of how high up those buttons sit on their own accord without anything holding them there properly!
A perfect fit in the chest area will prevent the shirt from bunching around your torso.
A perfect fit in the chest area will prevent the shirt from bunching around your torso. If it’s too tight, you’ll see an outline of your body and have trouble breathing. If it’s too loose, not only will you look like you’re wearing a tent, but that bagginess can also lead to a sloppy appearance. You want a shirt that fits comfortably but tightly enough to show off your form without revealing any stomach, love handles or other unwanted bulges!
A good rule of thumb is to make sure there is no room between your skin and where the front of the shirt ends (at least for men). The back should be slightly longer than the front so that when buttoned up all of its length remains hidden except for about two inches at either end which should be visible when wearing suspenders or braces over it (if applicable). If anything were visible then this would spoil what was otherwise an excellent looking ensemble!
When deciding whether these rules apply specifically
A comfortable fit at the shoulders will keep your sleeves and upper body looking sleek.
A comfortable fit at the shoulders will keep your sleeves and upper body looking sleek.
The shoulders should be relaxed, but not too loose. They should be wide enough to prevent the shirt from bunching up, but not so broad that it looks boxy or makes you look like a linebacker. The shoulder seam should hit right at your shoulder bone, with no extra fabric bunching up on either side of it (this can make your clothes look sloppy). Rounded shoulders are more flattering than square ones because they are less bulky.
The sleeve cuffs should not be too large or too tight around your wrist.
- The cuff should not be too large or too tight around your wrist.
- It should be just large enough to fit over your hand, so you can comfortably wear it with a suit or tie.
If the cuff is too small, you can’t wear it with a suit or tie because it won’t fit over the jacket sleeve. If it’s too large, you’ll have to buy a larger shirt size which means that other areas of the shirt are going to be looser than they should be.
The length of the shirt should fall at just above your waist so it can be tucked in easily.
- The length of the shirt should fall at just above your waist so it can be tucked in easily.
- A button down should be the same length as your pants, but not too long. If it’s too short, you’ll look like an extra from Little House on the Prairie. If it’s too long, you might as well throw on a sweater and call it good.
- It should also cover your belt and your crotch (which shouldn’t be visible if you’re wearing a belt). Otherwise, there’s no point in wearing pants at all!
Shirts should fit comfortably, but tightly enough to show off your form.
The perfect fit is snug enough to show off your form but not so tight that it looks ridiculous or restricts movement. If a shirt fits too loosely, it will hang and move awkwardly on your body. You want to avoid this look at all costs! Likewise, if a shirt fits too tightly, it’s going to be uncomfortable and unflattering.
Conclusion
The best way to make sure your shirt fits just right is to go through all of these steps. The most important tip we can give you is to try on the shirt before you purchase it and make sure it fits well. Remember that a good fit doesn’t have to be perfect, but there should be no visible gaps or wrinkles around the torso area. If there are any problems with this, then go ahead and exchange it for another size!
