In this article I’m going to cover how a t-shirt should fit and important areas to pay attention to when it comes to proper fit.
After all, we’ve all had at least one bad experience with ill fitting department store tees, especially if you’re like me, at 5’6” a good 3 inches under the average height in America. They’re always way too long and oftentimes baggy.

Of course fit is ultimately a subjective thing, as some men prefer a looser and longer drape while others prefer a slimmer, shorter cropped fit.
In this guide, I’ll be demonstrating both aesthetics and how to determine which right for you.

It’s worth noting that all 100% cotton t-shirts that aren’t already preshrunk will shrink to a degree after a wash and dry cycle, some more than others, depending on the brand.
And so, if you don’t ever want your t-shirts to shrink, only wash in cold water and always air dry. If you don’t mind a bit of shrinkage, tumble dry low is a good option.
And now let’s get into the 2 types of t-shirt fits.

The Looser Fit
First thing you’ll notice with this fit is that the drape is looser and longer with ample space around the biceps. This fit is ideal for men with more athletic builds and guys who prefer a bit more breathing room with their t-shirts.

I personally prefer a more tapered sleeve and so with fits like this, I’ll give the sleeve a bit of a roll at the ends to give it a more fitted look.
The Slimmer Fit
With this t-shirt fit, you can see that it’s shorter now and much more fitted than the previous tees, but it’s held up exceptionally well unlike many department store brands.

The slimmer fit is better for slimmer guys and men with toned physiques who prefer a more snug fit. I used to always prefer this style, but lately have been leaning more towards looser drapes that are still clean and streamlined.
And so, if you’re my height of 5’6”, depending on your aesthetic, you may want to shrink your shirt for a more ideal fit or if you prefer the looser fit, simply wash and hang dry and you’ll be good to go.
Key Areas To Pay Attention To
Now let’s get into all of the important areas to pay attention to when it comes to proper fitting tees.
Shoulder Seams

The shirt’s shoulder seam should hit at or around your shoulder bone. if it extends an inch or more down it may be too big and will look sloppy, and if it’s an inch or more short it’s too tight and will fit uncomfortably.
Neckline

The neckline should be comfortably fitted around your neck – not too loose or too tight here. this one you’ll be able to simply feel if it’s a proper fit. Bonus points if you can find a t-shirt brand without bacon neck that will hold up over many wash and dry cycles.
Under Underarms

This area should have ample room to breathe. You don’t want your sleeves riding up your armpits (like many department store brands), and you don’t want too much room that it appears baggy and ill-fitted. They key here is to find a shirt that is not too loose and not too tight.
Sleeves

I used to think that shirts that hug my bicep were the best fit, but I no longer feel that way. While it can look great if you’re fit with muscles, a slightly looser sleeve can look just as nice or even better. As for sleeve length, I still think hitting around mid-bicep is appropriate length.
Chest Area

You want the chest area to be slightly tighter than the rest of the shirt’s body area to accentuate and emphasize your chest, especially if you’re pretty well-built.
Body Area

You want the body area to be looser and free flowing without appearing baggy or ill-fitting. This is especially great if you have a gut as it will hide it and you’ll look great and feel comfortable.
Since I’m relatively fit, I still wear snug fitting tees because they look good; however, the slightly looser, free flowing fit like this one has been growing on me.
Shirt Length

This one comes down to personal preference. In my opinion, if you’re a shorter guy, you’ll want a shorter crop and vice versa. A longer length could make you appear shorter than you are, whereas the short crop will give the illusion of added height. Of course you’re free to wear whatever lengths you want, no harm, no foul.

Wrapping Up
In closing, the ideal shirt fit comes down to personal preference, but if you follow these basic guidelines, then you’re sure to find the perfect fitting t-shirt for you.

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