T-Shirt Fit Guide

How Should a T-Shirt Fit? 

The t-shirt is a staple of every wardrobe, but t-shirts are by no means one-size-fits-all. Once relegated solely to wearing beneath clothes (as an undershirt), the t-shirt has come a long way and is now widely accepted as everyday fashion. A t-shirt can be worn under a blazer at the office for a casual professional look, or to a concert or sporting event. These simple garments are meant for having fun and to be a reflection of your personality. 

When it comes to styling, it’s not just about what’s printed on your tee, but how your t-shirts fit. And with so many options, fabrics, and cuts available today, you need to be armed with the right information to find the perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various cuts, styles, and fabrics of modern t-shirts, helping you understand your choices and narrowing the field to find the one that’s right for you.

Types of T-Shirt Fits 

There are two different types of t-shirts: relaxed fit and fitted tees. Both are equally comfortable, but have their own distinct elements that may “speak” to your fashion sensibilities. Let’s dive into these two different shirt fit types and explore what differentiates them from one another and why you may lean towards the classically casual standard fit tee, or the more streamlined fashion fit style. 

Relaxed Fit T-Shirts 

A relaxed fit t-shirt has a looser, more boxy fit. Because they’re on the roomier side, relaxed fit tees are a great choice for bulk orders, as this style works for a lot of different body types. For this reason, these tees are sometimes called “standard fit” t-shirts. 

Relaxed fit tees typically have a thicker collar band and straight sleeves, lacking the more tailored look of a fitted tee. The body of a relaxed fit tee is often longer compared to fitted tees, hitting several inches below the natural waist. They also have larger armholes. This, coupled with a shoulder seam that sits a little lower on the body of the shirt, gives the shirt its more linear, relaxed appearance. 

Fitted T-Shirts 

True to their name, fitted t-shirts conform more to the contours of the body and offer a more tailored look. Fitted tees (sometimes referred to as “fashion fit” t-shirts) are available in men’s, women’s, and unisex sizes, taking different body types into account. If you’re looking to buy the perfect fitted tee, it’s extra important to take a look at size charts to determine how your own unique measurements will work with this type of shirt and how it's cut. 

Typically, a fitted t-shirt will have a thinner collar band compared to the thicker collar on a relaxed fit tee. Fitted tees have a shorter, more contoured body, thanks to side seams – giving it more of a curved and body-conforming look compared to a relaxed fit tee. Additionally, fitted tees have more narrow armholes and a tapered fit to the sleeve. The shoulder seam also sits higher on the body of the shirt.