Men's slim-fit shirt: how and when to choose this fit?

Whether you think you're too thin, too chunky or too round, there's always a slim-fitting shirt for you somewhere! After all, we all have different body shapes, and we often get lost in the models on the ready-to-wear shelves.

Follow LE CHEMISEUR®'s guide to help you create the perfect men's shirt for your figure!

V shape

Do you have a pronounced waist and shoulders that are wider than your hips? Then you've got the V shape! Very popular with men, this type of body shape can do almost anything.

When it comes to shirts, opt for a fitted piece with Darts in the back to help cushion the fabric and fit the shape of your back perfectly. If you're very slim, don't adjust your shirt too much, as it may create a "skirt" effect.

For men with a V-shaped body, we recommend a slim-fitting shirt. This close-fitting Fit has the advantage of slimming and lengthening the silhouette, while emphasizing the shoulders... Perfect, don't you think?

The H shape

You're slim, lanky and won't gain an ounce? Your shoulders are square and in line with your hips, while your waist isn't very pronounced? Then you've got an H-shaped body!

If so, choose a shirt that's adjusted rather than slim-fitting. The important thing here is to highlight your silhouette, and as your shape is not marked, there's no need to emphasize it.

Darts are also avoided, unless your back is hollow, in which case you can add darts in the back. In all cases, we prefer a fit that's not too slim to hide your lack of shape. And don't choose a Fit that's too wide either: we want to avoid the parachute effect at all costs!

The O shape

Are you an eternal gourmand who wears your curves on your upper body? Then you've got the O shape!

Wearing a slim-fitting shirt can really reveal your silhouette, provided it suits your shape. To begin with, avoid shirts that are too baggy: they don't give the illusion of shape and can even accentuate certain curves. On the other hand, avoid shirts that are too small and full of elastane, as they tend to be tight-fitting and put you at a disadvantage.

The best choice, therefore, is a custom-made, slim-fit shirt to create a unique piece that lives up to your expectations. This means a waist very slightly less than or equal to the measurement of your chest. This slight adjustment is the ideal compromise to enhance your silhouette. Avoid darts in the back, unless you have a hollow back.

Darts on a man's slim-fit shirt

Shirt with Darts

Shirt without Darts

Darts are often added to the back of men's fitted shirts to absorb excess fabric and create a shirt that fits the shape of the back perfectly.

These Darts allow the fabric to be positioned correctly and do not affect the final Chest: for example, if you choose a 50 cm Chest with Darts, we'll produce a 52 cm wide shirt and add two 1 cm wide Darts to return to a 50 cm Chest.

Do you need Darts?

Our stylists have studied the question and come to the following conclusion:

You need Darts when your template is V-shaped to absorb the excess fabric caused by a significant difference between the width of your shoulders and the width of your hips. This addition will help shape your silhouette without creating a "wasp-waist" effect.

You have a hollow back. In this case, Darts are ideal, so that the fabric hugs the curve of your back!

A tailor-made slim-fitting shirt to show you off to best advantage

The fit of a shirt can add elegance and value to your silhouette, as well as providing comfort. Finding the Fit that's right for you can sometimes prove difficult, not least because of the pattern differences that can be observed among ready-to-wear brands.

The ideal solution is to opt for a made-to-measure shirt. At LE CHEMISEUR®, you can adjust the fit of your shirt to your personal taste, and customize it to suit your own personal style!

For more help in creating a shirt to fit you, take a look at our guide to the 5 criteria for knowing if you're wearing the right shirt measurements.