Shirts: What Style Should I Buy for My Body Shape?

Shirts: What Type Should I Buy for My Body Shape?

A shirt is often one of the most foundational elements in a wardrobe—casual or formal, cotton or silk, oversized or fitted. Yet many shoppers overlook the technical fit considerations when buying shirts, leading to awkward gaping, bunching, or overall discomfort. The truth is, not all shirts are cut for all body types. And sizing alone doesn’t solve the problem.

At Tellar.co.uk, we use your exact chest, waist, and hip measurements to tell you which shirt size will fit you best across 1,500+ brands, factoring in cut, style, and brand-specific quirks. This guide explores the most flattering shirt types per body shape, fabric and fit tips, and what to avoid—so your shirts look as good as they feel.

1. Why Shirt Fit Requires Precision

Unlike outerwear, shirts are worn close to the body and reveal even minor sizing errors. Whether it’s gaping at the bust, excess fabric at the waist, or sleeves that sit too long, poorly fitted shirts account for over 35% of size-related returns in womenswear (source: Drapers UK, 2024).

Key technical factors:

Shoulder width defines upper fit and silhouette.

Bust-to-waist ratio determines whether the shirt pulls or drapes correctly.

Length and hem shape affect overall proportion.

With Tellar.co.uk, you eliminate guesswork by matching your exact body measurements to the correct size in each brand—whether fitted, oversized, or structured.

2. Understanding Your Body Shape

Shirt style must complement your proportions, not just your size. Here’s a recap of body shapes:

Body Shape Key Characteristics

Hourglass Balanced bust and hips, defined waist

Pear Narrow shoulders, wider hips

Apple Fuller midsection, slimmer limbs

Rectangle Shoulders, waist and hips all similar in width

Inverted Triangle Broad shoulders, narrower waist and hips

🎯 Use Tellar’s printable measuring tape and profile creator to find your shape and accurate size.

3. Best Shirt Styles for Hourglass Shapes

✅ Recommended Styles:

Fitted button-ups with darts

Wrap blouses

Soft fabrics that drape and follow curves

❌ Avoid:

Boxy or oversized fits with no waist definition

Stiff, structured fabrics without stretch

🔍 Technical Notes:

Look for shirts with princess seams or bust darts to contour to your shape.

Choose button placements carefully to avoid bust gaping.

📌 Use Tellar.co.uk to compare bust vs waist shaping in brands like Hobbs, Reiss and Karen Millen—check your ideal size now.

4. Best Shirt Styles for Pear-Shaped Bodies

✅ Recommended Styles:

Structured shoulders (puff sleeves, capped shoulders)

Shirts with embellishments or patterning on the top half

Slim fit at the waist, looser at the hips

❌ Avoid:

Longline shirts that cling to hips

Untucked styles that end at the widest point

🔍 Fit Tip:

Cropped or tucked-in styles draw attention upward. Use soft cotton blends or stretch poplin to accommodate curves below the waist.

📎 Tellar lets you enter hip circumference so you don’t order a shirt that’s too narrow at the hem—get started here.

5. Best Shirt Styles for Apple-Shaped Bodies

✅ Recommended Styles:

V-neck or open-collar shirts

Draped or tunic styles with soft waistlines

Empire-line shirts that sit above the waist

❌ Avoid:

Fitted waists that emphasise the midsection

Heavy, clingy fabrics

🔍 Technical Advice:

Choose shirts with a curved hem that elongates the torso. Avoid breast pockets that add volume to the chest. Opt for lightweight crepe or viscose instead of stiffer cotton.

💡 Tellar’s smart tool identifies relaxed cuts in brands like COS, Baukjen, and Massimo Dutti—check them by measurement.

6. Best Shirt Styles for Rectangle Body Shapes

✅ Recommended Styles:

Peplum shirts

Wrap or ruched shirts to simulate curves

Shirts with contrasting panels or belts

❌ Avoid:

Straight tunics that further flatten your shape

Oversized shirts without structure

🔍 Fabric Tip:

Try matte satin or modal blends with natural drape. These create movement and softness across the waist. Belts or tie-front details can visually create curves.

📍 Find your best rectangle-friendly shirts with tailored shaping using Tellar’s brand comparison.

7. Best Shirt Styles for Inverted Triangle Shapes

✅ Recommended Styles:

A-line shirts or curved hems

V-necks or slim collars

Minimal shoulder detail

❌ Avoid:

Shoulder embellishments, ruffles, or padded seams

Boat necks or square necks that widen the top half

🔍 Fit Focus:

Shift attention to the lower half with prints or flared hems. Shirts with dropped shoulders or dolman sleeves soften angular shoulders.

🎯 Tellar ensures correct shoulder width sizing—a key metric for this shape—build your profile now.

8. Fabric & Construction: What to Know About Shirts

Fabric Type Characteristics Best For

Cotton poplin Crisp, structured, formal Hourglass, Rectangle

Stretch blends Comfortable, bust-friendly Apple, Pear

Linen Breathable, relaxed fit Pear, Inverted Triangle

Viscose/modal Drape-heavy, fluid fit Apple, Rectangle

Silk or satin Luxurious, shows seams easily Hourglass (tailored only)

✅ Tellar can filter shirt fit types by material behaviour, so you don’t end up with a stiff cut on a curvy frame. Use the lookup tool here.

9. Shirt Fit Checklist

Use this fit checklist when trying shirts:

✓ Shoulders: Seams align exactly at shoulder edge

✓ Bust: No gaping or pulling when buttoned

✓ Waist: Falls naturally or tailored based on your shape

✓ Sleeve length: Hits just past the wrist (unless ¾ style)

✓ Hemline: Curved hems flatter more shapes than straight

🧵 Gaping at the bust is the top complaint for fitted shirts—Tellar solves this with exact chest-to-waist brand comparisons.

10. Brands That Work Best by Shape

Body Shape Brand Recommendations Reason

Hourglass Reiss, Karen Millen, Me+Em Shaped waists, darted seams

Pear Boden, Toast, COS Roomy hips, soft fabrics

Apple Baukjen, Hush, Uniqlo Relaxed waists, V-necks

Rectangle Whistles, & Other Stories, Mango Belts, peplums, drape

Inverted Triangle Arket, Massimo Dutti, Kin by John Lewis Narrow shoulders, minimal necklines

🛍 Compare exact shirt sizing across all these brands with Tellar’s smart sizing tool—check it out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake Why It Happens How Tellar Helps

Ordering oversized “just in case” Lack of confidence in size label Precision sizing based on full profile

Ignoring bust-to-button distance Most brands cut too narrow for bust Tellar flags bust-gaping risk brands

Choosing by style, not structure Trends over function Tellar filters by cut, not just size

Call to Action: Find the Right Shirt First Time with Tellar.co.uk

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool, and it’s the smart way to buy shirts that flatter your body shape and actually fit.

Here’s what you can do today:

🔗 Create your free Tellar profile

📏 Measure yourself with our printable tape

📊 See your shirt size across 1,500+ brands

🛒 Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Stay Updated with More Fit and Style Guidance

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