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

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 Type Instruction on Posts

Best Shirt Materials by Occasion

Fabric	Properties	Best For
Cotton Poplin	Crisp, breathable, holds shape	Workwear, structured looks
Linen	Lightweight, cool, slightly sheer	Casual or hot climates
Tencel/Lyocell	Soft, drapey, eco-friendly	Smart casual, everyday wear
Silk/Satin	Smooth, fluid, luxurious finish	Evening wear or occasionwear
Flannel	Brushed cotton, warm	Winter layering, casual wear
Denim/Chambray	Mid-weight, casual, adds structure	Weekends, layering pieces

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 Guide Instruction on Posts
Sézane – Feminine detailing in linen and viscose blends.
🔗 Sézane Fit Guide Instruction on Posts
Massimo Dutti – Elevated staples in premium cotton and silk.
🔗 Massimo Dutti Fit Guide Instruction on Posts
& Other Stories – Statement pieces, playful prints, and romantic trims.
🔗 & Other Stories Sizing Guide Instruction 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 Instruction on Posts

UK vs USA Shirt Sizing – What You Need to Know

UK sizing is often 1–2 sizes smaller than US equivalents. (UK 12 ≈ US 8)
Some brands list shirts by chest or bust in inches, especially for tailored or men’s pieces.
Petite and Tall fits are more widely available in the UK high street and US mid-tier brands.

🔗 UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes Instruction on Posts

🔗 Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide Instruction on Posts

Why Use Tellar.co.uk to Shop Shirts Online

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool—designed to match your body to your exact size in over 1,500+ brands, from high street to designer.

✅ How It Works:

Create your free profile – Just your bust, waist, and hip measurements (or your known size in any brand).
Use Store Size Lookup – Find your perfect shirt size instantly across brands like COS, Reiss, Arket, & Other Stories, and more.
Shop smarter – No more returns. No more guesswork.

🔗 Create your profile now

🔗 Use the Store Size Lookup

🔗 Print your free measuring tape Instruction on Posts

Explore Tellar’s Free Fashion Hub

Tellar’s platform is more than just sizing—it’s your independent styling destination, packed with thousands of posts offering fit education, wardrobe planning, and body-specific recommendations.

Most-Read Styling Posts:

🔗 Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide
🔗 The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Tuxedo Suits Instruction on Posts
🔗 The Ultimate Guide: Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape Instruction on Posts

Always free. Always honest. Zero affiliate bias.

Follow Tellar for Daily Fit Science & Style Insights

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

Conclusion

From oversized cotton classics to tailored silk blouses, shirts can be tailored to flatter every shape. With this guide and the sizing intelligence from Tellar.co.uk, you’ll never buy the wrong fit again. Find your perfect shirt with confidence—because fashion should fit you, not the other way around.

➡️ Start your profile today and make shirt shopping smarter.

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