How Should Dress Shirts Fit?

When it comes to men’s dress shirts(opens in new window), the right fit can make all the difference. A fitted dress shirt looks sharp, feels comfortable, and ensures you can move confidently whether you’re in the office, at a meeting, or out for dinner. Even small differences in collar, sleeve, or torso measurements can impact the look of your shirt.

So how should a man’s dress shirt fit? How should it move with you? What makes it fit your specific body type(opens in new window) and personal style? Here are the answers.

What’s the Ideal Fit for a Men’s Dress Shirt?

A dress shirt should follow the shape of your body without pulling, billowing, or restricting movement. It should sit neatly on your shoulders, taper slightly through the torso, and offer just enough room in the sleeves and collar to move comfortably.

In other words: tailored, not tight.

Shoulders

The shoulder seams should line up with the edge of your shoulders—not drooping down your arms or sitting too high on your traps. This is one of the easiest visual cues to tell if a shirt fits. A seam that lands too far off your shoulder usually means the shirt is too large overall. If you struggle to raise your hands over your head (think: doing the wave at a football game), then it’s too tight.

Chest and Torso

There should be just enough room through the chest to move freely without extra fabric pooling when the shirt is tucked in. If the buttons pull or gap, it’s too small. If you can pinch more than 2–3 inches of fabric at your sides, it’s too big.

For a more athletic look, choose a trim fit(opens in new window) that tapers through the waist. For a more relaxed silhouette, a classic fit(opens in new window) gives you more room while still staying clean.

Sleeves

Sleeves should fit close to the arm without being tight. You want natural movement without excess fabric. Cuffs should land at the break of your wrist, about where your thumb bone begins. Ideally, a watch would peek out underneath the cuff without being completely hidden or completely exposed. When in doubt, try the shirt on with your arms at your sides and again bent at the elbow. No pulling? No problem.

Collar

The collar should sit comfortably around your neck—not tight, but not loose. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit one finger between your neck and the collar when buttoned. Any more room than that and it may look sloppy (especially with a tie).

Mizzen+Main’s bestselling performance dress shirts (opens in new window)come with a variety of collar options. There are spread collars for a formal look, hidden button-downs for a casual feel with extra structure, and button through collars for a classic look.

Length

The right dress shirt length depends on how you plan to wear it.

• If you’re tucking it in, the hem should fall several inches below your belt line so it stays in place all day.
• If you prefer wearing it untucked, look for a style designed with a shorter hem and tailored sides. Mizzen+Main’s No Tuck dress shirts(opens in new window) are cut specifically for this.

What if You’re Between Sizes?

Fit can vary slightly between brands. At Mizzen+Main, we offer multiple fits (Classic and Trim) and lengths (Regular, Tall, and No Tuck) across our most popular performance dress shirts so you can find what works best for you.

If you're between sizes:

• Try sizing up or selecting classic fit if you prefer more room in the shoulders or chest
• Go with true to size or trim fit if you're looking for a closer fit through the torso
• Look for Tall Length if you're over 6'2"
• Consider No Tuck if you want a shirt designed to wear untucked without looking too long

Fabric Considerations

Choosing the right fabric for your dress shirt(opens in new window) affects both comfort and style:

• Cotton or cotton blends: Breathable, versatile, and easy to wear all day.
• Stretch fabrics: Modern fitted dress shirts often include elastane for better arm mobility.
• Wrinkle-resistant: Keeps shirt looking sharp through long days or travel.

Note: The way a shirt is washed and cared for can change the fit over time, so follow instructions to maintain your perfect look.

Why Fit Matters

Even the best shirt won’t look right if it doesn’t fit. A good fit ensures better structure, cleaner lines, and more confidence —whether you’re in a meeting, heading to dinner, or presenting at your next big event.

With lightweight performance fabrics and multiple fit options, Mizzen+Main dress shirts are built to look tailored, feel breathable, and fit just right.

How to Check for Proper Fit

1. Button your shirt fully and raise your arms.
2. Ensure there’s no pulling across the chest or collar.
3. Run your fingers under cuffs to ensure they aren’t too tight.
4. Confirm shoulder seams align with natural shoulders.
5. Check sleeve length; it should allow about half an inch of shirt to peek from a jacket cuff.

Styling Your Dress Shirt

Knowing how to wear a dress shirt is just as important as the fit:

• Tucked in with pants for a polished office look.
• Layer under a suit or blazer for formal events or professional settings.
• Pair with minimal shoes or boots for casual style options.
• Choose shirt color to match your outfit or tie; neutrals like white, light blue, or gray are versatile.
• Proper folding of your dress shirt (opens in new window)helps it look sharp and maintain its tailored fit.

Tip: A properly fitted dress shirt will always allow you to move comfortably and look sharp in any fashion scenario.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• The collar is too tight or too loose.
• Shoulder seams hanging off the natural shoulder.
• Sleeves too long or short.
• Excess fabric around the torso creates a baggy look.

Failing to tuck the shirt(opens in new window) neatly into pants.

If you’re struggling to pick just one, use code MAINMAN3(opens in new window) at checkout, to get $75 off your third dress shirt.