How to Buy Slim Fit Dress Shirts

Slim fit dress shirts can do wonders for a man’s self-confidence as well as for his physical appearance. Men with an athletic physique as well as men with a lean body look for slim fir dress shirts, but some men don’t realize what to look for and how to buy a dress shirt that has what some fashion experts call a trendy fit. There are varying degrees of slim fit, so men can tailor their own fit based on their body shape.

One of the most annoying aspects of a regular dress shirt is its tendency to bunch up when it is worn with a suit. Bunching is created when the waist measurement is too generous. Some designers allow a couple of inches or centimeters on each side of the waist, and that much material can create a baggy torso look that detracts rather than compliments the body. Small frame men should certainly avoid pleating on the back of the shirt; broad shoulders highlight pleating, smaller shoulders create a rumpled look.

Another point to remember when buying slim fit dress shirts is the fact that slim fit doesn’t necessarily mean tight fit. A slim fit helps contour the basic shape of the body and should not gap when a man is sitting down. If the buttons are almost popping and the shirt is bulging then the shirt is too tight.

Fabrics are an important consideration especially for men who have a small frame. Stripes and checkered patterns can give the appearance of a well proportioned physique, but the basic white shirt is still king when it comes to choosing a slim cut dress shirt. There are several fabrics that designers like to use for slim fit shirts. Cotton is still the fabric of choice because there are so many different thread counts that fit into popular retail price points. All cotton is not the same. When you buy a slim cut cotton dress shirt made in China it’s not the same as a cotton slim cut dress shirt made in Italy. Collar size and shape as well as cuff and pocket style should be considered and button quality and size are also important considerations.

Color plays an important part in slim fit shirts. Black dress shirts are very fashionable and do make the body look thinner. Dark and royal blue as well as creams and a light khaki color have become popular colors to wear with a suit and tie.

High thread counts in dress shirts usually are better quality shirts and hand-sewn and reinforced single needle stitching along the seams increases durability, so workmanship plays a major role in the longevity as well as the overall appearance of the shirt when it’s worn regularly. Slim fit shirts don’t have to be expensive to be functional. Dress shirts made of rayon, polyester, and synthetic blends are very functional and compliment most body shapes. Silk is used for casual shirts rather than shirts that can be worn with a suit and tie.