When choosing a dress shirt for your wardrobe, there are many factors to consider. Fit is an important one, as are style and color. But one of the most crucial factors is whether you should wear a slim or athletic dress shirt. Both styles have advantages and disadvantages, but which is better for your body type? Let's examine the difference between slim fit vs athletic fit dress shirts. We'll look at each style, who it's best for, and how to choose between them.

Why Does Fit Matter?

Your shirt exists to assist. Whether you're a model or have gone all-in on the dead body, a well-fitting shirt will only make you look better. The incorrect fit has the opposite effect.

An oversized Hawaiian shirt, for example, may make you appear drowning in fabric. On the other hand, a well-fitting short-sleeve button-down has a more modern look that you can wear confidently to the office and a family BBQ.

Furthermore, every man has a unique body type. Some of us have the shoulders of a CrossFit athlete and the stomach of a beer pong champion (both strong in their own right). As a result, certain styles simply look better on specific body types.

What are Dress Shirts?

A dress shirt, also called a day buttoned shirt, is a clothing article worn with a collar and has a full-length opening that is closed with buttons or studs. This shirt was always worn underneath a waistcoat and a jacket, so it served as an undergarment. Although the Classic Style typically sees dress shirts paired with jackets, modern dress shirts can be worn alone.

The level of formality associated with a dress shirt can range from very casual to highly formal. In most cases, the total courtesy of a dress shirt is determined by the level to which its components are businesslike or informal. To put it another way, a shirt's overall level of formality can be thrown off by the presence of particularly formal or casual details.

Consider how uncomfortable it would be to wear a dress shirt with sleeves cut to the exact length of your arm. The sleeves would sit close to your skin and roll up or down depending on how you moved your arms. Tailors will allow for some ease of movement and ease of comfort, and overall style by including extra fabric in your garment.

What is Slim Fit?    

The slim-fit cut of a clothing brand is usually the most closely fitting style. Almost every famous brand offers everything from slim-fit jeans to slim-fit t-shirts! Slim-fit clothing is distinguished by its fashionable, stylish appearance that always closely hugs the body. The main idea behind a slim-fit garment is that it removes any excess fabric, leaving only enough to wrap around your skin. A slim-fit dress shirt, for example, tapers in sharply at the waist, creating the illusion of a V shape. This shirt style has tight, high armholes and often has tapered, narrow sleeves.    

Slim-fit suit jackets typically have skinny, sharp lapels to emphasize the jacket's sharp angles and tapered side seams. A slim-fit jacket is often shorter at the waist than at the hips, emphasizing its slim silhouette. The legs of slim-fit pants are narrow. They will often break fairly high and have a nice, sharp crease to make them appear even tighter!    

So, who is allowed to wear slim-fit clothing? This varies depending on who you ask. Some fashion experts say slim-fit styles look best on people with straight, narrow frames. Regardless of their body type, many consumers appear to find slim-fit appealing! Finally, as with all styles, you can decide what looks good!  

What Body Types Are Best Suitable For Slim-Fit Shirts?

Skinny: You have a slim build with smaller arms, chest, and waist.

Slim: You have a slim waist but are not a fitness fanatic. You are content with your waist being relaxed.

Athletic: If you have a non-weight training physique or are an endurance athlete. You have a reasonably straight body type with no broad shoulders or excess muscle mass in the chest or arms.

What is an Athletic Fit Shirt?

The athletic fit is a more form-hugging silhouette. Fabric flexibility and freedom of movement are their hallmarks. This breathable, stretchy fabric drapes loosely over your upper body. However, those with a more muscular build may find these shirts to be a tad too snug.

Like the slim fit shirt, the problem with athletic or muscle fit shirts is that they are cut the same in the arms, which can be very uncomfortable. Those with muscular frames and broad shoulders shouldn't have to choose between form and function.

Another issue is that athletic fit dress shirts often still have excess fabric around the waist, making the wearer look less trim. Most athletic body types will want to steer clear of this shirt's bagginess around the waist, especially if they prefer a snugger cut elsewhere.

What Body Types Are Best Suitable For Athletic-Tailored Shirts?

Athletic: You have a trim waist and a more athletic upper body than a slim person, and you play sports on a regular basis (whether for fun or as a profession). You prefer your shirts to be more tapered to show off your tiny waist.

V-Tapered: You have broader shoulders and a larger chest than is typical for your height. You may enjoy CrossFit, swimming, or other sports or simply have a mesomorph body type.

Muscular/Bodybuilder: You lift weights as part of your athletic training or to bulk up your body. You don't need to be a huge bodybuilder to pick the right size; just make sure your body is tapered, and your waist is small.

Conclusion

Formal shirts are a wardrobe staple for most men. As the anchor of your ensemble, they frame your features while boosting your physical comfort.

As a result, you must find a dress shirt that works with your body type, your sense of style, and the rest of your wardrobe. However, men's dress shirts come in a dizzying array of designs. While this means that every man should be able to find a great fit and style that works for his needs, it can be overwhelming to sort through all the details.

Professional athletes may benefit more from the athletic fit, but that shouldn't stop the average guy who cares about his physique from wearing them. This athletic cut suits guys with muscular upper bodies and trim waists. Clothes are just a canvas for the body, so these shirts, with their precise athletic fit, are a tribute to all the hard work you've put into maintaining yours.