The Ultimate Guide to Shirts – Styles, Fit & Body Shape Advice | UK & USA

Shirts are one of the most adaptable garments in any wardrobe—whether you’re dressing for work, layering for weekends, or adding polish to a night out. But with dozens of styles, cuts, and materials available, finding the right shirt for your body shape and lifestyle can be challenging. This guide breaks down the most popular shirt types, how they suit different body types, high street and designer brand options in the UK and USA, and expert styling advice. Plus, discover how Tellar.co.uk—the UK’s leading sizing tool—makes shopping for shirts smarter, faster, and completely stress-free.

Key Shirt Styles & Their Fit Benefits

1. Classic Button-Down

• Cut: Tailored through the waist, with a structured collar and button closure.

• Best for: Rectangles and hourglass shapes—tucks neatly into high-rise bottoms or skirts.

• Fabric options: Cotton poplin, silk blend, Tencel.

2. Oversized Shirt

• Cut: Loose, relaxed silhouette often extending past the hips.

• Best for: Tall, apple, or athletic builds. Adds volume and layers well.

• Styling tip: Cinch the waist with a belt or tuck the front for definition.

3. Wrap Shirt or Tie Waist

• Cut: Wraps across the body with an adjustable tie or cinch.

• Best for: Hourglass or pear shapes. Accentuates waist and balances proportions.

4. Peplum Shirt

• Cut: Fitted bodice with flared lower section.

• Best for: Pear shapes—emphasises the waist while floating over the hips.

5. Shirt Dress

• Cut: Longer shirt with hem falling to thigh or knee. Belted or straight.

• Best for: All body types—choose cuts based on shape (belted for hourglass, A-line for apple).

6. Western or Utility Shirt

• Cut: Structured pockets, front snaps, heavier fabric.

• Best for: Straight or athletic builds. Adds shape to the chest and shoulder area.

What Shirts Suit Each Body Shape?

🔹 Hourglass

• Best with defined waistlines: wrap styles, tie-fronts, and soft drapes.

• Avoid boxy or shapeless fits unless belted.

• Look for stretchy fabrics that follow your curve.

🔹 Apple

• Elongate the torso with vertical lines and V-necks.

• Go for relaxed fits like oversized shirts with drop shoulders.

• Avoid heavy detailing around the stomach.

🔹 Pear

• Draw attention upwards: choose structured shoulders, puff sleeves or light-coloured tops.

• Balance fitted shoulders with flowing or peplum hems.

🔹 Rectangle

• Build shape using ruffles, chest pockets, or cinched waists.

• Tuck in shirts to define the waistline.

• Try layers or patterns to add dimension.

🔹 Petite

• Choose cropped or shorter shirt styles that don’t overwhelm your frame.

• Avoid oversized collars or exaggerated sleeves.

• Vertical stripes and clean tailoring elongate the body.

🔗 Flattering Shirts for Every Body TypeInstruction on Posts

Best Shirt Materials by Occasion

High Street Brands for Quality Shirts (UK & USA)

🇬🇧 UK High Street

• Arket – Elevated basics in organic cotton and Tencel blends.

• COS – Sculptural cuts, oversized tailoring, modern neutrals.

• M&S – Size-inclusive button-downs and no-iron poplin shirts.

• Whistles – Feminine cuts, peplum and tie-waist options.

• Next – Reliable fits across body types and smart-casual ranges.

  🔗 What Size Am I in Next?Instruction on Posts

🇺🇸 USA High Street

• Everlane – Tailored cotton basics with ethical production.

• J.Crew – Mix of classic and preppy cuts.

• Banana Republic – Polished workwear staples in flattering fits.

• Madewell – More relaxed, casual shirt options.

Designer Shirt Brands Worth the Investment

• Reiss – Tailored silhouettes, perfect for sleek workwear.

  🔗 Reiss Sizing GuideInstruction on Posts

• Sézane – Feminine detailing in linen and viscose blends.

  🔗 Sézane Fit GuideInstruction on Posts

• Massimo Dutti – Elevated staples in premium cotton and silk.

  🔗 Massimo Dutti Fit GuideInstruction on Posts

• & Other Stories – Statement pieces, playful prints, and romantic trims.

  🔗 & Other Stories Sizing GuideInstruction on Posts

Styling Tips to Maximise Your Shirt Wardrobe

• Layer up: Wear open shirts over tanks or turtlenecks in transitional seasons.

• Belt it: Add a belt to oversized shirts for a cinched waistline.

• Half-tuck: A French tuck (front tucked, back loose) adds effortless shape.

• Pop the collar: For structured looks, it adds verticality and polish.

• Roll sleeves: Forearm exposure slims and softens bulkier shirts.

🔗 Layering Tips That Work Year Round