The Ultimate Guide to Shirts – Styles, Fit & Body Shape Advice | UK & USA
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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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
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Cut: Tailored through the waist, with a structured collar and button closure.
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Best for: Rectangles and hourglass shapes—tucks neatly into high-rise bottoms or skirts.
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Fabric options: Cotton poplin, silk blend, Tencel.
2. Oversized Shirt
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Cut: Loose, relaxed silhouette often extending past the hips.
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Best for: Tall, apple, or athletic builds. Adds volume and layers well.
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Styling tip: Cinch the waist with a belt or tuck the front for definition.
3. Wrap Shirt or Tie Waist
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Cut: Wraps across the body with an adjustable tie or cinch.
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Best for: Hourglass or pear shapes. Accentuates waist and balances proportions.
4. Peplum Shirt
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Cut: Fitted bodice with flared lower section.
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Best for: Pear shapes—emphasises the waist while floating over the hips.
5. Shirt Dress
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Cut: Longer shirt with hem falling to thigh or knee. Belted or straight.
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Best for: All body types—choose cuts based on shape (belted for hourglass, A-line for apple).
6. Western or Utility Shirt
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Cut: Structured pockets, front snaps, heavier fabric.
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Best for: Straight or athletic builds. Adds shape to the chest and shoulder area.
What Shirts Suit Each Body Shape?
🔹 Hourglass
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Best with defined waistlines: wrap styles, tie-fronts, and soft drapes.
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Avoid boxy or shapeless fits unless belted.
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Look for stretchy fabrics that follow your curve.
🔹 Apple
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Elongate the torso with vertical lines and V-necks.
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Go for relaxed fits like oversized shirts with drop shoulders.
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Avoid heavy detailing around the stomach.
🔹 Pear
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Draw attention upwards: choose structured shoulders, puff sleeves or light-coloured tops.
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Balance fitted shoulders with flowing or peplum hems.
🔹 Rectangle
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Build shape using ruffles, chest pockets, or cinched waists.
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Tuck in shirts to define the waistline.
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Try layers or patterns to add dimension.
🔹 Petite
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Choose cropped or shorter shirt styles that don’t overwhelm your frame.
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Avoid oversized collars or exaggerated sleeves.
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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
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Arket – Elevated basics in organic cotton and Tencel blends.
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COS – Sculptural cuts, oversized tailoring, modern neutrals.
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M&S – Size-inclusive button-downs and no-iron poplin shirts.
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Whistles – Feminine cuts, peplum and tie-waist options.
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Next – Reliable fits across body types and smart-casual ranges.
🔗 What Size Am I in Next? Instruction on Posts
🇺🇸 USA High Street
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Everlane – Tailored cotton basics with ethical production.
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J.Crew – Mix of classic and preppy cuts.
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Banana Republic – Polished workwear staples in flattering fits.
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Madewell – More relaxed, casual shirt options.
Designer Shirt Brands Worth the Investment
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Reiss – Tailored silhouettes, perfect for sleek workwear.
🔗 Reiss Sizing Guide Instruction on Posts
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Sézane – Feminine detailing in linen and viscose blends.
🔗 Sézane Fit Guide Instruction on Posts
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Massimo Dutti – Elevated staples in premium cotton and silk.
🔗 Massimo Dutti Fit Guide Instruction on Posts
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& Other Stories – Statement pieces, playful prints, and romantic trims.
🔗 & Other Stories Sizing Guide Instruction on Posts
Styling Tips to Maximise Your Shirt Wardrobe
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Layer up: Wear open shirts over tanks or turtlenecks in transitional seasons.
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Belt it: Add a belt to oversized shirts for a cinched waistline.
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Half-tuck: A French tuck (front tucked, back loose) adds effortless shape.
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Pop the collar: For structured looks, it adds verticality and polish.
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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
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UK sizing is often 1–2 sizes smaller than US equivalents. (UK 12 ≈ US 8)
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Some brands list shirts by chest or bust in inches, especially for tailored or men’s pieces.
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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:
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Create your free profile – Just your bust, waist, and hip measurements (or your known size in any brand).
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Use Store Size Lookup – Find your perfect shirt size instantly across brands like COS, Reiss, Arket, & Other Stories, and more.
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Shop smarter – No more returns. No more guesswork.
🔗 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:
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🔗 The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Tuxedo Suits Instruction on Posts
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🔗 The Ultimate Guide: Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape Instruction on Posts
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Follow Tellar for Daily Fit Science & Style Insights
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
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Facebook: Tellar Sizing
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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.