Best Brands for Shirts: Where to Buy a Great Shirt That Fits and Flatters

Best Brands for Shirts: Where to Buy a Great Shirt That Fits and Flatters

Finding a truly great shirt — the one that fits you perfectly, elevates your outfit, and lasts for years — is harder than it sounds. With thousands of brands offering everything from crisp white poplins to oversized linen cuts, it’s no wonder most people feel overwhelmed. Throw in the fact that sizing is wildly inconsistent across brands, and you're left guessing what will actually suit your body.

At Tellar.co.uk, we solve this problem by matching your body measurements to over 1,500+ clothing brands — from high street favourites to luxury labels. Whether you’re looking for a sharp tailored shirt or a laid-back oversized look, we’ll help you find your size in the brands you love. And the best part? It’s free and easy.

In this post, we break down the best shirt brands across luxury, high street, and sustainable categories — plus where to buy them, how they fit, and what makes them great. We also include technical advice on shirt construction and material to help you shop smarter. And of course, we’ll link you to Tellar tools, blog posts, and social channels to help you find your perfect fit.

Why Shirt Sizing Is So Frustrating (and How Tellar.co.uk Helps)

Before we dive into brands, let’s tackle the elephant in the room: shirt sizing is broken.

A "Medium" at Zara might be a "Large" at Massimo Dutti, while a "UK 14" shirt from & Other Stories might be tighter than a "UK 12" at Reiss. This inconsistency is known as vanity sizing — and it’s made worse by the lack of standardisation across retailers.

At Tellar.co.uk, we map brand-specific sizing data against your actual body measurements — chest, waist, and hips — so you don’t need to rely on guesswork. Want to know if Arket runs small or whether COS fits true to size? We’ve already done the hard work.

🡒 Create your free size profile today

🡒 Read: Why brand sizing varies so much

1. Best Luxury Brands for Shirts

These brands are known for expert tailoring, premium fabrics, and investment-worthy wardrobe staples. Many run small — so use Tellar’s sizing tool before purchasing.

Eton

🇸🇪 Swedish heritage brand known for high-end dress shirts.
Non-iron, crease-resistant fabrics with impeccable stitching.
Best for: sharp workwear and formal shirts.
Buy from: etonshirts.com

Thomas Pink

A British classic for premium business shirts with modern silhouettes.
Slimmer cuts than many expect — use Tellar to size correctly.
Buy from: thomaspink.com

Sandro & Maje

French luxury labels offering contemporary, stylish shirts with edge.
Cuts run small, especially across the chest and shoulders.
Buy from: Selfridges, Net-a-Porter, or Sandro Paris UK

The Row

Luxe minimalism at its finest. Clean lines, high-grade cottons and silks.
Pricey, but built to last.
Buy from: MatchesFashion, Net-a-Porter

2. Best High Street Shirt Brands

Affordable doesn’t mean compromising on style. Here are some high street heroes:

COS

Known for: sculptural shapes, oversized tailoring, organic cottons.
Most shirts run large — ideal for looser fits and layering.
Buy from: cos.com

🡒 Read: How COS sizing compares to other high street brands

Massimo Dutti

Tailored, polished shirts with Mediterranean flair.
Often narrower in the waist and chest — check your fit at Tellar.co.uk.
Buy from: massimodutti.com

Arket

Minimalist cuts, solid fabrics, neutral colours.
Fit is often boxy; sizing runs large especially in unisex styles.
Buy from: arket.com

Whistles

Elevated basics with a fashion edge.
Slightly cropped fits and clean tailoring.
Buy from: whistles.com

3. Best Shirt Brands for Sustainability

If you're conscious about what you wear, these brands combine style with ethics.

Baukjen

B Corp certified, low-waste production, great linen shirts for summer.
Sizes are UK-standard but vary slightly by collection.
Buy from: baukjen.com

Thought Clothing

Organic cotton and bamboo fibres in breathable, soft finishes.
Buy from: wearethought.com

ASKET

Transparent pricing, clean design, and consistent Scandinavian sizing.
Shirts are made to last and designed with timelessness in mind.
Buy from: asket.com

🡒 Read: The Rise of Sustainable Sizing: How Ethical Brands Are Doing It Better

4. Best Shirts for Specific Body Shapes

Fit matters more than label. Here's what to look for depending on your body shape:

Petite

Opt for cropped lengths or shirts with a shorter hemline.
Best brands: Whistles Petite, ASOS Petite, Reiss.
Avoid oversized styles unless tucked in at the waist.

🡒 Read: Shirts for Petite Frames – Full Guide

Tall

Look for brands offering extended sleeve and body lengths.
Best brands: Long Tall Sally, Arket, COS (oversized cuts work well).
Watch for torso length to avoid riding up.

🡒 Read: Tall Women’s Guide to Shirts

Curvy or Hourglass

Define the waist with belted or darted styles.
Best brands: Karen Millen, Mango, Massimo Dutti.
Avoid stiff fabrics with no stretch.

🡒 Read: Best Shirts for Curvy Shapes

5. Materials to Prioritise When Buying Shirts

The fabric of your shirt affects not just how it feels — but how it fits, washes, and lasts.

Poplin: Smooth and lightweight; best for workwear.
Oxford cotton: Textured and breathable; great for smart casual.
Linen: Ideal for summer, looser drape, creases easily.
Tencel / Lyocell: Eco-friendly, silky feel, holds colour well.
Silk blends: For dressy occasions — but check the care label.

🡒 Read our full Shirt Fabric Guide

Where to Shop for the Best Shirts

Online:

In-Store UK Hotspots:

Oxford Street (London): Flagships for COS, Arket, Zara, M&S
Westfield London: Great for trying multiple brands in one trip
Selfridges: One of the best curated shirt selections in the UK

Final Thought: Never Buy a Shirt Blind Again

Shirt shopping doesn’t need to be a guessing game. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, Tellar.co.uk is your personal sizing assistant — making sure every shirt you buy actually fits you. No more size guessing. No more returns.

🡒 Find your perfect shirt size across 1,500+ brands now →