Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
It may seem like common knowledge, but many people struggle with getting the right fit in their clothing.
T-Shirts
T-shirts are without a doubt the top must-have item in your wardrobe. They can be dressed down casually or can be smartened up, or somewhere in between the two. Given its versatility, a good fitting T-shirt is absolutely essential.
The perfect-fitting T-shirt will have sleeves that finish mid-bicep, will be slim through the torso, and will have a few inches of overhang below the waist. T-shirts can be worn with literally anything, so make sure you’re stocked up on them in all the neutral colours.
Jeans
A good-fitting pair of jeans is another wardrobe staple for men. While there are several different cuts of jeans available, for an everyday casual pair we recommend a slim fit pair in a medium wash. Slim fit is of the most universally flattering classic jeans fit.
Straight leg jeans are cut straight through the hips and down the legs from the waistband. Although they can be flattering on many body types, these jeans are the best suited for people who have hips narrower than their shoulders. If your waist is similar to your chest size or if you have bigger thighs, you could end up with some excess material around the lower part of your legs. Nothing a bit of tailoring can’t solve though.
Trousers
Trousers are another key foundation piece for any man’s wardrobe. When finding the perfect pair of trousers or chinos, you should look for ones that can be worn both casually and semi-formal. Neutral colours are also the best bet here so you can get the most wear possible out of them. Not all trousers fit the same, so make sure you try before you buy.
In general, the leg of your trousers should be slim-fitting but not skin-tight. The waist should be snug, but not too tight. Tight-fitting clothes just aren’t comfortable and it will show. The hem of your trousers should hit right at the ankle without any material bunching up around there. As long as your trousers fit in these areas, anything else can be tailored to your preference.
Knitwear
Jumpers and cardigans are also essential items in your casual wardrobe. When shopping for knitwear such as these items, consider how you might want to layer them. If you want to be able to layer things under them, make sure they’re roomy enough to do so. If you want to be able to wear a jacket over it, make sure it’s form fitting enough for that.
V-neck jumpers have a more formal vibe, while crew can be casual or smart-casual. Roll necks are at the height of fashion, which with the right fit could be a piece you find yourself reaching for again and again. In terms of overall fit, your jumper should fit slim through the sides – knitted love handles aren’t a good look. The sleeves should end right at the wrist without any material bunching up there.
Casual Shirts
Button-downs and oxfords shirts are one of those classic pieces that every man needs to have. Putting on a button-down adds an instant touch of smartness to your outfit, but can still be worn casually. For a classic oxford shirt finding the right fit is slightly more tricky, so many men are wearing their shirt too big. You want to make sure that it fits in all the right places so that you look your best.
The top things to look out for when selecting a casual shirt is making sure they fit you in the neck and sleeves. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between your neck and collar, and when you turn your head, the collar should stay still. This is both for your own comfort and so you don’t end up resembling a stuffed olive. The cuff should end where your thumb and wrist meet. Everything else can be tailored to your preference.
Casual Jackets
Casual jackets are a must for your casual wardrobe – layering up with a jacket can really bring an outfit together. It’s a known fact that most men seem to buy jackets a size too big, so next time you’re shopping for a jacket try the size down. It may take some getting used to, but buying the correct sized jacket will make you look your best.
When looking for the right fit, you want it to be snug on your shoulders and the jacket length should be just below your waist. As long as you have full range of motion in your arms, you should be good. You might be in between sizes, so go for the size that fits in the shoulders and get it tailored to fit if it’s too big other places.
Shoes
Casual shoes are key pieces for your everyday style. A pair of good-fitting shoes won’t only complete your outfit, but will make an impression on everyone you meet. Your shoes are one the first things people will notice, so want to make sure that your shoe selection is on point.
The top casual shoe styles that we recommend are Converse, Vans, and desert boots. If you get them in neutral colours, the styling options are limitless. In terms of fit, it is pretty self-explanatory. Your big toe should meet the toe of your shoe without it getting squashed. Make sure you do some test laps in the shoes before you buy them to make sure they aren’t tight enough to give you blisters.
How To Get Casual Wear That Fits Perfectly
- T-shirts should come to mid-bicep, be slim through the torso, and have a few inches of overhang below the waist.
- Jeans should be snug but not too tight around the waist, slim through the leg, and come to the ankle.
- For trousers, follow the same fit guidelines as jeans.
- In terms of knitwear, it all depends on how you want to layer them. If you want to layer things under or over just make sure it’s the right fit.
- A casual shirt should have some room in the collar, and the sleeves should end where your thumb meets your wrist. Also make sure the seam where the shoulders meet the sleeves hit right at the end of your shoulders.
- Casual jackets should just fit you in the shoulders and end just below your natural waist. Most guys gets jackets too big so try the size down next time.
- Shoe fit is quite simple, as long as your feet aren’t pinched and you won’t get blisters after doing a bit of walking you’ll be good.
On That Note
It isn’t necessarily the style of clothing itself that is most important, but rather the fit. You can wear simple styles that fit perfectly and look better than someone decked out in trendy pieces. Fit isn’t important only for your overall look, but it’s also important for your comfort. With this in mind, remember our guidelines for casual wear fit on your next shopping excursion so your casual look will be spot-on.
