The Ultimate Guide to Boyfriend Shirts: Fits, Materials, Sizing & Best Brands (UK & USA)

Boyfriend shirts are the ultimate blend of comfort and effortless style. Inspired by the masculine silhouette of a man’s button-down but reimagined for women, they’ve become a wardrobe essential across both casual and smart-casual fashion. Whether you wear them loose, belted, tucked, or layered, a well-chosen boyfriend shirt offers incredible versatility.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from the technical structure of a boyfriend fit to materials, how they suit different body types, sizing advice, and the best brands to buy in the UK and USA.

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What Is a Boyfriend Shirt?

A boyfriend shirt is a relaxed-fit, slightly oversized button-down that mimics the aesthetic of borrowing a shirt from a male partner’s wardrobe. It typically features:

• A longer hem (often tunic-length)

• Dropped shoulders or extended yoke

• Boxy or straight cut through the torso

• Wider cuffs and looser sleeves

• Often slightly oversized collar and placket

This design creates a casual, slightly undone silhouette that's both comfortable and effortlessly stylish.

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Fit: What Makes the Boyfriend Shirt Different?

Styling versatility is key. Wear open over a crop top, belted over leggings, half-tucked into jeans, or layered under knits.

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Materials: What to Look for

Material affects not just feel and breathability but how the shirt drapes. Common boyfriend shirt fabrics include:

1. Cotton Poplin

• Crisp, breathable, structured

• Best for classic white shirts or pinstripes

• Ideal for warmer months

2. Oxford Cloth

• Thicker, slightly textured, durable

• Gives structure without stiffness

• Excellent in cooler seasons

3. Linen

• Lightweight, naturally textured

• Great for oversized summer styling

• Offers a relaxed, “holiday shirt” vibe

4. Tencel/Lyocell

• Soft, drapey, eco-friendly

• Ideal for fluid fits and soft tailoring

5. Silk or Satin Blends

• High-shine, luxe feel

• Perfect for dressing up boyfriend shirts for night

Look at composition tags before purchasing—synthetic blends may reduce breathability or compromise drape.

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Sizing Guide: Boyfriend Shirts Fit Intentionally Oversized—But Here’s How to Get It Right

Should You Size Up?

Usually, no. A true boyfriend shirt is already cut oversized, so your normal size should provide that relaxed look without swamping your frame.

Want an Even Slouchier Look?

Go one size up for an exaggerated, off-the-shoulder aesthetic—ideal for styling over bralettes, biker shorts, or as a beach cover-up.

Petite or Shorter Frames:

Look for shirts labeled “relaxed fit” or “boxy fit” rather than full boyfriend cut to avoid drowning your proportions.

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Body Shape Advice: What Works Best for Each Figure

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Styling Ideas

✔ Half-Tucked with Denim

Great for casual days. Choose blue or white cotton boyfriend shirts and pair with wide-leg or slim-fit jeans.

✔ Belted Over Leggings or Shorts

Turn your shirt into a shirt-dress with a cinched waist and boots or trainers.

✔ Open Over a Bralette or Vest

Use as a lightweight layer. Great with joggers, trousers, or a fitted mini dress underneath.

✔ Layered Under a Sweater

Let the hem and cuffs peek out for a preppy or Scandi-inspired look.

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Best UK Brands for Boyfriend Shirts

1. Arket

Minimalist, organic cotton cuts. Slightly heavier-weight fabric for quality structure.

2. COS

Known for clean lines and oversized tailoring, ideal for modern silhouettes.

3. Whistles

More feminine interpretations with sharper collars, great for desk-to-dinner.

4. M&S Collection

Affordable classics with size inclusivity and consistent quality.

5. & Other Stories

Variety of fabrics, from cotton to satin; great for fashion-forward styling.

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Best USA Brands for Boyfriend Shirts

1. Everlane

Sustainably made, great poplin and oxford options. Their relaxed fit is consistent.

2. Madewell

More casual options in checks and stripes. Perfect for layering and daywear.

3. Reformation

Chic and fitted versions of the boyfriend shirt, often with sustainable fabrics.

4. Rails

Famous for their luxe Tencel and washed linen shirts. Drapes beautifully.

5. J.Crew

Classic American prep styling—great if you want a slightly less oversized version.

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Why Tellar.co.uk Is the Smarter Way to Buy a Boyfriend Shirt

Oversized doesn’t mean guesswork. If the shoulder is too wide or the cuff drops too far, the look becomes sloppy instead of styled.

Tellar.co.uk helps you get it right brand-by-brand, showing you your best shirt size—whether it’s M&S, COS, Reiss, Arket or Everlane.

💡 How It Works:

• Match your bust, waist, and hip measurements to over 1,500+ brands

• Or input your known size in one brand to find your fit in others

• Find your perfect shirt size—no trial and error, no returns

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Get Started:

✅ Create your free Tellar.co.uk profile

✅ Use the Store Size Lookup Tool

✅ Download a free printable measuring tape if you don’t know your measurements

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Explore More in the Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar’s fashion library includes free expert posts on everything from material quality to body shape guides:

🔗 The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

🔗 Finding Your Clothes Size

🔗 The Ultimate Guide to SmartCasual Blazers

🔗 Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

All free. All unbiased. All backed by fit data.

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Follow Tellar for Real-Time Sizing Tips & Styling Advice

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

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

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