Hi.
Im not a fashion plate and often wear sports shirts (polos, short sleeved button down sport shirts). Recently, I just noticed that the clothes I wear are ill-fitting : they seem larger or feel smaller.

I wonder what tips I should go by when purchasing a short sleeved button down shirt and long sleeved ones.
Also, I am not that tall (im 5'8, i heard height also matters when choosing shirts)
Im particularly interested on how should the shoulder seams fall and how far, and the space allowed along the (side of ) torso - as the ones I got seemed billowy

Thanks so much!

It's Christmas. Why are you even worrying about shit like this?

The most important thing you can do is invest in a tape measure and take your proper measurements, then compare them to the sizing guide on the shops' websites. You can buy small at Burton and find it's really a medium at River Island etc.

As a general rule of thumb, a tapered waist is your friend because something that fits on the shoulder and is tapered on the waist will give you a v shape wshereas a non-tapered waist will just hang even if it fits fine on the shoulder. Top Man and River Island are usually the best for this, while Burton and Next shirts have no shape whatsoever, but you need to try things on. Perhaps try going down a size, at 5'8 if you're not a fatty you may find XS is a good fit.

I have a 42" chest and 30" waist so I can rarely find shirts that fit on my chest without being baggy around the waist, but it is possible.

Shoulder seams should sit RIGHT on your shoulders. Other than that, my rule is get stuff that's snug but not tight. However, you sound like you're well-built, so if it's a little tight, that's okay. Other than that, who are some people whose fashion you like (famous people, I mean)? What do you WANT to look like?

In the better class shops, the shop assistants should help you and let you know if the clothes fit well. But it seems advisable to bring a female friend (or one of those horrible bitches in the other thread who attack people in the street if their posture isn't right). I used my mum for years, even though that involved some humiliation (mum and shop assisant discussing professionally how various body parts looked), at least the clothes fitted well.

I would advise getting 100% cotton as well. They feel better, last longer and don't stain on the pits as much.
I like Ventuno shirts, take a look.

Be a bit more careful. I know from reading past posts that there are guys on here with body image issues and they might find that hurtful.

Thanks.
Well the thing is, the shoulder seams are right//either sitting on top of my shoulder joint or just half an inch over it. its the sides that i m bothered a bit. they tend to be billowy - like excess fabric puffing a bit when I tuck. While its comfortable at times, when i look at myself, it looks big for me on the sides alone. while im not a big fun of the very snug, i dont like it billowy so id like to know when i measure how much allowance should i go for?

Go down a size until you like how it looks. Shoulder seams don't change that much, and they can ride up a bit if necessary. Torso fit is more important.

I agree. I found this comment quite insensitive.

Try and find a shop you know the sizes will fit well. You'll need to research though and as someone said, get a tape measure and find the stores measurement info.

Do what i do. Find a size that is quite tight on you and you have to squeeze into...and then go a size SMALLER! I only like wearing clothes where i can feel the seams creaking. It just makes me feel like i'm growing even bigger, like the Hulk!
But that's just me. I don't dress appropriately.

I wish I could take you shopping, I love shit like this.

The thing that is apparent to me in this thread is that you seem to be looking for a "fitted" shirt. Something that fits correctly on your shoulders and is also fitted around the torso/waist.

Look for the cuts in the back of the shirts. These shirts should have "darts" where cuts and new seams have been made, this makes it a fitted shirt. I immediately look for these when I'm out shirt shopping.

There's a photo example here, do you see the two seams either side of the spine on the lower back? This is what you should be looking for:
http://images.thesartorialist.com/photos/6...ail_1780Web.jpg

I've got some really good fitted shirts in Zara, maybe try there?

If you're looking on the High Street, Top Man is probably your best bet in terms of fit, although River Island has caught up a lot.

I would avoid Next and even more so Burtons. Whilst Next can occasionally pull out a flukey decent number, it's generally disappointing. Burtons is a parade of shapeless nightmares.

If you're looking online, I'd recommend ASOS own brand long sleeved shirts. They're very cheap and fit nicely (i.e. no billowing at the back when tucked in, or air pockets at the side creating the impression that you're carrying multiple spare tyres).

Ermm...try clothes on before you buy them?