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Shirts: What Style Suits My Body Shape?

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Finding the perfect shirt isn’t just about colour or print — it’s about fit, cut, and how it flatters your body shape. While sizing across brands is notoriously inconsistent (as we’ve uncovered in our in-depth post on brand sizing variation), shirt style plays just as important a role as shirt size.

Whether you’re curvy, petite, athletic, tall, or somewhere in between, this guide breaks down shirt styles that suit different body types — with technical insight, brand suggestions, and shopping tips. Best of all? You can use Tellar.co.uk to find your correct shirt size across 1,500+ brands in seconds. It’s free and easy.

Understanding the Basics of Shirt Fit

Before diving into specific body shapes, here are a few core shirt types to understand:

  • Tailored or Fitted Shirts: Nipped at the waist to create definition. Best for hourglass or lean shapes.

  • Boxy or Oversized Shirts: Straight-cut, roomy, often worn untucked. Great for layering or styling with balance.

  • Peplum Shirts: Flared at the hem, cinched at the waist. Ideal for creating curves or defining the midsection.

  • Wrap or Tie-Waist Shirts: Adjustable fit, flattering on curvier bodies.

  • Button-Downs: Classic and versatile — but gaping at the bust can be a problem (more on that below).

  • Longline Shirts: Extend below the hip. Great for elongating or layering.

Each of these styles has strengths — but which suits your body best?

For Curvy Body Shapes

If you have a full bust, defined waist, and curvier hips (hourglass or pear-shaped), shirts that define the waist are key.

Best shirt styles:

  • Wrap shirts: Adjustable and contouring, flattering your bust and waist without pulling.

  • Peplum blouses: Emphasise the narrowest part of your body while skimming over the hips.

  • Stretch cotton button-downs: Look for added elastane and bust darts.

Brands to explore:

Tip: Avoid oversized or boxy cuts unless tucked in or belted — they can hide your shape.

👉 Use Tellar.co.uk to avoid button gaping disasters — we match you to brands that won’t pull at the chest.

For Petite Frames

Petite doesn’t just mean short — it often includes narrower shoulders and a shorter torso. You need structure without bulk.

Best shirt styles:

  • Cropped or tucked-in styles: These prevent overwhelming your frame.

  • Shorter button-downs: Avoid longline unless you pair them with high-rise bottoms.

  • Vertical details: Pinstripes, buttons, or seams elongate.

Brands to explore:

Tip: Avoid overly oversized shirts or large prints — they shrink your silhouette.

For Tall Body Types

Taller bodies benefit from length — in sleeves and torso — and clean lines that emphasise proportion.

Best shirt styles:

  • Longline shirts: Worn loose or belted, they show off your height.

  • Oversized button-downs: Balance with slim-fit trousers.

  • Dropped shoulder styles: Add softness to longer limbs.

Brands to explore:

Tip: Check sleeve and shirt length carefully. Tellar’s profile tool can calculate your exact fit in tall-specific ranges.

For Athletic Builds

If your body shape is straighter with less curve variation, the goal is to add visual shape and softness.

Best shirt styles:

  • Tie-waist or wrap shirts: These create waist definition.

  • Textured fabrics: Think linen, cotton voile, or soft poplin to add dimension.

  • Pleats, ruffles or gathering: These add volume and interest.

Brands to explore:

Tip: Avoid stiff, straight shirts with no tailoring. They’ll emphasise lack of curves.

For Apple Shapes (Wider Midsection)

The key here is flow and drape — styles that draw attention away from the waist and create vertical length.

Best shirt styles:

  • V-neck or notch collar blouses: Elongate the neckline.

  • High-low hems: Offer coverage without bulk.

  • Tunic shirts with slim trousers: Balance top-heavy proportions.

Brands to explore:

Tip: Stick to fabrics that flow and avoid overly cropped or fitted cuts.

Shirt Fabric Matters Too

The fabric affects not just comfort but fit and drape. Here’s a quick guide:

Fabric

Best For

Avoid If

Cotton Poplin

Structure and crisp office wear

If you want stretch

Linen

Breathable and stylish

If you hate creasing

Silk/Satin

Evening and luxe looks

If you prefer matte finishes

Jersey

Comfort and stretch

If you want sharp tailoring

More on this in our Shirt Material Guide.

How to Find Your Actual Shirt Size Across Brands

Let’s face it: size 12 means something entirely different at Zara than it does at COS.

Instead of guessing, use Tellar.co.uk to enter your measurements once and get accurate, real-time recommendations across high street and designer labels.

Already know your size at one store? Tellar will convert that to 1,500+ other brands — instantly.

👉 Create your free sizing profile now

Designer vs High Street Shirt Brands: What’s Worth It?

Luxury picks to invest in:

  • Totême: Elegant, minimal, great quality cotton and silk shirts.

  • The Row: Timeless tailoring.

  • Sezane: French fit with consistent sizing.

  • Theory: Polished and practical for workwear.

High street best buys:

  • Arket: Organic cotton, great cut.

  • Zara: Trend-forward, but sizing varies – use Tellar to be safe!

  • Uniqlo: Reliable staples in breathable fabrics.

Need help deciding what’s worth investing in? See our post on luxury vs high street shirt comparisons.

Final Tips Before You Shop

  • Start with your measurements. Use a soft tape measure — or let Tellar handle the conversions.

  • Check size charts per brand — but don’t rely on them alone. That’s why Tellar’s size tool exists.

  • Pay attention to fabric content. A 100% cotton shirt behaves very differently to a poly blend.

  • Experiment with styles! Try new silhouettes with the help of our body shape guides.

CTA: Ready to Find Your Perfect Shirt Fit?

At Tellar.co.uk, we take the guesswork out of fashion sizing.

✅ Match your measurements to 1,500+ brands

✅ No more returns or awkward fitting room surprises

✅ It’s free and easy

👉 Create your sizing profile today

📍 Already know your size at one brand? Use our brand-to-brand converter now

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Let us know what shirt brands work best for your shape — and don’t forget to try Tellar.co.uk before your next online shop.

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