Introduction
The button-down shirt represents a wardrobe staple for men of all ages and styles. This classic collared shirt can lend polish to professional ensembles or relax for weekend wear. But not all button-downs flatter every body type.
Choosing button-downs tailored to your specific build ensures ideal fit and enhances your natural assets. Whether tall, short, slim, or stocky, you can exude confidence and style when wearing button-downs designed for your body.
In this comprehensive guide, learn professional strategies for finding button-downs that complement your unique physical proportions. Discover collar types to frame your face shape. Get tips on flattering cuts, prints, details, and fabrics for your physique. With these expert style tips, you’ll never settle for an ill-fitting button-down again.
Assessing Your Body Type
Before exploring specific recommendations, take an objective assessment of your body shape and proportions:
Height
First, analyze your height. Do you fall on the shorter or taller end of the spectrum? Or are you of average height? Vertically challenged men and lanky gents need differing style solutions.
Shoulder Width
Next, consider the broadness of your shoulder span compared to your hip width. Men tend to fall into two camps: inverted triangle builds with wide strong shoulders, or ruler body types with narrower shoulders.
Torso Length
Pay attention to your torso length in proportion to your legs. Some men have a shorter torso and longer legs, while others have a long torso and shorter legs. Proper shirt lengths vary based on torso/leg ratio.
Muscle Mass and Girth
Finally, assess your overall mass and bulk. Skinny guys must account for a slim build with less muscle mass, while husky men need room to accommodate wider proportions all over.
Now that you have an honest understanding of your body shape, keep your attributes and proportions in mind as you learn how to identify optimal button-down shirts.
Collar Styles for Face Shapes
A button-down’s collar encircles the face, so pay close attention to how collar styles complement your facial structure:
Long Narrow Faces
Elongated narrow faces are nicely balanced by wide spread collars. The horizontal line visually widens a long thin face. Point collars also flatter long face shapes. Avoid narrow collars.
Round Faces
A rounded full face needs a collar with straight edges to add definition. Classic point collars slenderize and elongate a circular face. Angled spread collars also complement round visages.
Square Faces
Sharply angular jawlines and boxy faces benefit from a collar with softer curves. Look for rounded spread or cutaway collars to soften squares. Avoid pointy stiff collars.
Heart Shaped Faces
Heart or triangular faces have wide foreheads and pointed chins. Collars with straight edges and crisp points nicely accentuate the lines of this shape. Spread collars can overwhelm a petite heart face.
Flattering Cuts for Body Types
Keep these guidelines in mind when evaluating shirt cuts:
Broad Shoulders or Stocky Builds
Men blessed with husky, solid builds look best in roomy classic fit button-downs. Seek out shirts labeled “big & tall” with generous ease through the chest and shoulders to minimize bulk.
Skinny or Lanky Physiques
Slim narrow frames demand a tailored modern slim fit. Look for trim yet comfortable cuts that follow the natural lines of lean bodies without billowing out.
Shorter Torso Length
A shorter midsection requires proper shirt lengths. Seek out button-downs offering sizes by sleeve length and neck size rather than the standard S-M-L. Opt for “tall” sizes.
Long Torso Length
Lucky gents with a lengthy limbed torso need button-downs with extra shirt-tails. Find sizes by neck and sleeve length and choose “regular” fits to allow adequate coverage.
Sleeve Styles for Arm Types
Keep your arm size, shape, and mass in mind when selecting sleeve options:
Skinny Arms
Slim tapered sleeves flatter bony arms without gaping awkwardly or constricting. Avoid unnecessarily baggy sleeves which overwhelm lean biceps.
Muscular Arms
Bulging biceps and arms require tailored sleeves cut to follow their contours. Seek out athletic cut shirts or size up for greater arm movement.
Long Arms
For long monkey arms, confirm the shirt sleeve length properly covers your wrists. Buy “tall” sizes or custom order extended sleeve lengths to avoid high-water wrists.
Flattering Print and Fabrics
Use these print and fabric suggestions to augment different builds:
Short Men
Vertically challenged men appear taller and slimmer in thin pinstripes or vertical line prints. Crisp solid fabrics like poplin and broadcloth add polish.
Stocky Men
Sturdy husky builds benefit from heftier fabrics like twills, oxfords, and substantial broadcloths that skim without pulling. Avoid loud wide prints.
Skinny Men
Thin men seek lightweight fabrics that drape rather than plastering flat. Textured cottons and dobby weaves provide flattering surface dimension.
Tall Men
Lucky tall men have presence to spare, so heavier fabrics help anchor their frame. Wide horizontal stripe prints continue the elongating effect.
Style Details for Builds
Use special styling touches to enhance specific attributes:
Broad Shoulders
Cinch in a shirt at the waist with binding side tabs or fitted silhouette to offset bulky shoulders. Peak lapels draw eyes up.
Thin Shoulders
Accentuate narrow shoulders with shoulder epaulettes or ruched sleeve placket details. Rounded spread collars add bulk on top.
Short Neck
Minimize a squat neck by avoiding contrast collars and keeping top shirt button fastened. V-necks elongate short necks.
Long Neck
Show off a graceful neck with open collars, V-necks, and unbuttoned shirts. Add visual jewelry like bow ties or neckerchiefs.
Conclusion
Achieving an ideal button-down shirt fit means looking past standard sizing and understanding how to accommodate your special anatomical proportions. Fortunately manufacturers offer greater size customization than ever, with ranges from athletic to big & tall.
With a clear sense of your objective size needs and flattering collar, cut, print, and detail options, you can now confidently build a button-down shirt wardrobe tailored to you. A few strategic new purchases can elevate your style instantly. Invest in quality over quantity, allow for proper tailoring, and refresh your button-down selection as your body changes over the years. An expertly fitted shirt makes every man look his best!
FAQs
What are the best affordable button-down brands for non-standard sizing?
Bonobos, Charles Tyrwhitt, and Land’s End all offer a wide range of collar, sleeve, and fits sizes for optimal off-the-rack personalization at reasonable prices.
Should I have a tailor alter poorly-fitting button-downs or buy new?
Minor fit tweaks are simple for a tailor, but substantial sizing issues or improper shoulder width likely require buying a new properly sized shirt rather than extreme alterations.
What sleeve length should I buy if I’m between sizes?
When in doubt between sleeve lengths, size up for shirts meant to be worn under jackets, and size down for rolled sleeve casual shirts to avoid excessive bunching.
Can I shrink an oversized shirt to fit better?
Shrinking cotton shirts that are only slightly roomy can help, but shirts with radically incorrect sizing won’t shrink adequately. Initial proper fit prevents laundering hassles.
Should I buy non-iron shirts or wrinkle-resistant cotton?
Non-iron shirts sacrifice comfort and breathability for ease. When possible, opt for high-quality wrinkle-resistant cottons over stiff no-iron fabrics. Proper laundering reduces wrinkles.
