A shirt is a staple piece that is essential in every man's wardrobe, versatile in its use and varying in its style. Men's shirts come in a range of different measurements, from collar size to fit types. Our handy guide is here to help you find the right shirt fit for you.

How to measure the size of men's shirts

There are four elements of a men’s shirt size that you could measure:

Collar size

Measure the circumference of your neck where your collar would usually sit, and make sure you can fit two fingers under the tape measure for a comfortable fit.

Chest width

Lay the shirt on a flat surface and measure from armpit to armpit, stretching the top out to get the full width of the shirt.

Sleeve length

This measurement is done in a point-to-point manner. Keep your arms in a relaxed posture, then measure from the top of your spine on your back to the top of your shoulder, then run the tape measure down to your elbow and wrist - then take the final measurement in inches.  

Waist width

Measure the narrowest part of the waist from left to right, often measured in inches.

How to fold a shirt

1. Lay your shirt on a flat surface, with the front facing upwards.
2. Fold the left arm over the other side - the left arm runs parallel to the right arm but underneath it. This will leave a 4-inch strip of the shirt folded on the left side. 
3. Then fold the left arm you have just moved back on top of the 4-inch strip on the left side.
4. Now fold the right arm over the top of the left arm across the centre of the shirt so it is positioned diagonally on the left side of the shirt (creating another 4-inch strip of shirt on the right side). 
5. Repeat step 3 for the right arm, lay the sleeve over the 4-inch strip you have just created.
6. You should now have a centre piece of shirt with both arms tucked in. Fold the bottom of the shirt in half, up the centre of the shirt.
7. Fold the top half of the shirt over the other fold. You should have the collar and top half of the shirt remaining in a completed fold. 

How to iron a shirt

1. Iron behind the button and the seams of the shirt.
2. Rotate the shirt on the ironing board, iron each section of the shirt (front left, front right and back).
3. Iron the collar on both sides.
4. Iron the shoulders on both sides.
5. Iron the sleeves on both sides.
6. Use the steam function for a pressed finish.

Different fit types of shirts

Regular fit

The regular fit is usually looser and more comfortable around the waist and sleeves. Designed with a tighter fit near the body, yet not slim fitted. 

Slim fit shirt

Shorter in length with a tighter fit overall, especially in the chest and waist. Sometimes the material seems to be thinner in this type of shirt, contouring the body underneath.

Oversized shirt

Designed to be longer around the waist to give the illusion of wearing a size or two too big. Oversized shirts also can be looser in specific areas, such as at the sleeves and chest.