How to choose a shirt that fits

A practical guide to shoulder width, sleeve length and choosing a comfortable everyday fit.

A good fit starts with a shirt you already enjoy wearing. Lay it flat, button it, and measure from one underarm seam to the other. Compare that flat measurement with the product’s size information, taking care to check whether the listing gives a garment measurement or a body measurement. A size label alone is not a reliable comparison between different cuts.

Look at the shoulders next. On a regular-fit shirt, the shoulder seam usually sits close to the edge of your shoulder. A dropped seam can be intentional on an oversized design. Decide which silhouette you want before choosing a size: sizing up a regular shirt does not always create the same proportions as an oversized cut.

Check how the shirt feels when you move. You should be able to reach forward and sit down without the buttons pulling across your chest. For a long-sleeved shirt, look at where the cuff sits with your arms relaxed, and whether it remains comfortable when you bend your elbow.

Consider how you plan to wear it. A shirt worn over a T-shirt needs more room than one worn on its own. If you usually tuck your shirt in, length matters as much as chest width. For an untucked look, compare the hem length with a shirt you already own.

Before ordering, read the product description, select the available size and colour, and use the size guide as a starting point. If a measurement you need is missing, contact SAFA with the product name and your question. Confirm the store’s current exchange policy before placing an order rather than assuming all items have the same conditions.