Slim Fit vs. Regular Fit: What’s the Difference?
Posted
Let’s cut to the chase: there’s a chance that you wear slim-fit shirts when you really should be wearing regular ones. We’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but no one has a less realistic view of their bodies than men.
That’s okay. Ultimately, what everyone wants (and what we here at Mizzen want to help you find) is a style that fits right, feels good, and looks great. So, we’re going to start by breaking down slim fit vs. regular fit, why there’s nothing wrong with wearing either style, and why understanding your personal body type will make it easier to find the right clothing for you.
Why fit matters
Your shirt exists to work for you. The wrong fit can drown you in fabric or make you look boxy. The right fit highlights your body, gives a clean silhouette, and supports your confidence — whether you’re heading to the office, a client meeting, or a weekend BBQ.
Every man’s body type is different. Some of us have the shoulders of a CrossFit athlete; others have the belly of a beer pong champion. The right shirt fit balances shape, comfort, and movement, giving you that effortless, polished look.
Understanding Your Body Type and How It Affects Shirt Fit
But what’s my body type, you ask? Great question.
There are three main body types that people usually fit into: ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph.
- Ectomorphs tend to be long and lean like endurance athletes.
- Mesomorphs are more muscular and compact, like running backs.
- Endomorphs are typically bigger dudes with a little more body fat (shoutout offensive linemen).
Now that you understand your body type, let’s dive into which shirt fit will look best on you.
Slim fit
If you prefer clothes that lie close to your skin, slim fit is your style. Unlike other looks, slim-fit clothing is designed to hug the body without being overly tight, creating a modern, polished look.
They typically feature:
- A narrower chest and waist
- Tapered sleeves that reduce extra fabric
- A modern, streamlined silhouette that pairs perfectly with blazers or tailored pants
Ideal for:
- Lean or athletic builds
- Professional or dressy settings
- Situations where a sharper, more polished look is preferred
At Mizzen+Main, our trim fit (aka slim fit) shirts are designed to create a custom look right off the rack, saving you a trip to the tailor.
Our favorite thing about this style is that it looks great on everyone (even the big guys). Lean ectomorphs tend to struggle with clothes looking baggy. Since our trim fit shirts lie close to the body, there isn’t much excess fabric hanging around, giving them a more clean-cut look.
For larger endomorphs and athletic mesomorphs, oversized clothes can make you appear bigger. Fitted shirts help create more of a shape, making it look like you’ve been hitting the gym even if you’ve just been hitting the cheeseburgers.
The key is picking the right size. If you’re an ectomorph, our trim fits are true to size. If you’re an endomorph, we’d recommend ordering one size up from what you typically wear. We’ve found that folks who usually wear medium t-shirts look great in large trim fits. So, when in doubt, size up.
Regular fit
Historically, regular fit clothes like pants and shirts had a relaxed fit and created little to no shape. This made clothes look baggy on skinny guys and created a boxy appearance for the bigger guys.
Luckily, men’s fashion has come a long way since then. While some regular fit clothes still look bulky, most modern brands have given standard fits a refresh making them look sharp but still feel relaxed. This makes it easier for you to move freely without looking like you’re wearing your Dad’s old polo.
Regular fit shirts are built for ease of movement and a timeless look.
They typically feature:
- More room in the chest and shoulders
- A straighter cut from underarm to waist
- A relaxed drape that’s flattering and easy to layer
Ideal for:
- Broader or fuller builds
- Casual wear or long workdays
- When comfort and mobility take priority
We respect a guy who prioritizes comfort but wants to look good in the process. That’s why we created our classic fit to include:
- An additional 4” of room in the torso and waist
- An additional 1.5” of room in the biceps
- Darts in the back, providing a tailored style
If you’re a bigger guy who needs a little more room, or if you simply need the mobility to play some cornhole, this classic fit is the style for you.
Other Common Fit Types Explained
Tapered Fit
Tapered fit shirts fall between slim fit and regular fit. They are trim through the waist but provide room in the chest and shoulders, making them ideal for athletic body types who want a structured yet comfortable look.
Athletic Fit
Similar to tapered fit, athletic fit shirts are slightly more contoured through the torso for muscle definition. They work well for men with naturally broader shoulders or more muscular arms, giving a sharp silhouette without restricting movement.
Extra Slim or Super Slim Fit
These very close-cut shirts are designed for slender builds or formal layering under blazers. They provide a modern, streamlined appearance, emphasizing the body’s shape while maintaining a polished look.
Classic Fit
For a looser, more relaxed option, see our discussion on Regular Fit / Classic Fit shirts above. These shirts are ideal for broader body types or anyone seeking comfort and a traditional, timeless look.
Fit by Occasion & Styling
- For work or dress occasions: Opt for a slim or tapered fit to look structured and professional.
- For everyday wear: Choose a regular or classic fit for breathable comfort.
- For layering under sweaters or blazers: Stick to slim or athletic fits for a clean silhouette.
- For untucked casual looks: Regular fit shirts maintain comfort and flow better at the waist and hem.
How to Find Your Perfect Fit:
Finding the right shirt fit(opens in new window) isn’t just about style — it’s about comfort, movement, and how your clothing complements your body type. Keep these key tips in mind when trying on shirts:
Know Your Measurements
- Measure your chest, waist, and shoulders.
- Compare these to the our size guide(opens in new window), because every brand’s fit can differ.
Check Key Fit Points
- Shoulder seams should align with your shoulders.
- Collar should have a comfortable gap — about two fingers between neck and shirt.
- Sleeves should end where your palm meets your wrist.
- Fabrics should lie flat and resist wrinkling. Performance fabrics allow movement even in slimmer cuts.
Try Both Fits & Factor in Your Goals
- Compare slim fit shirts vs regular fit shirts to balance comfort and look.
- For dressy occasions: lean slim fit.
- For everyday or casual wear, choose regular fit or classic fit for comfort and ease of movement.
Try the shirt finder
When you look good, you feel good. That’s why it’s important to buy clothes that flatter your body and match your style.
If you’re having a hard time choosing a shirt then take our Shirt Finder quiz(opens in new window) to find the perfect shirt for you. Then use code MAINMAN3(opens in new window) at checkout, to get $75 off your third dress shirt.
