Slim fit, regular fit or loose fit shirt: what is the difference?

Slim fit, regular fit or loose fit: what is the difference? The terms say something about the cut of a shirt, but they are not standardized. A slim fit from one brand can fit almost the same as a regular fit from another brand. That's why the name of the fit is a good starting point, but never the only information you should rely on.

What does slim fit mean?

A slim fit shirt is usually cut narrower at the chest, waist and sometimes also sleeves. The goal is a more fitted silhouette with less excess fabric.

However, a slim fit should not be tight. The buttons should close smoothly and you should be able to move your arms normally. If you see strong horizontal folds in the chest or abdomen, the model is probably too narrow.

Who is slim fit suitable for?

Not just for slim men. Whether a slim fit works mainly depends on your proportions and how you want to wear the shirt. Someone with broad shoulders and a narrow waist may look good in a fitted cut, while someone else needs more room around the chest or stomach.

So don't choose based on body type labels, but on how the shirt actually falls.

What does regular fit mean?

Regular fit is usually straighter and looser cut than slim fit. There is more room to move around the chest and waist and often also a little more room in the sleeves.

That does not mean that a regular fit is automatically baggy or old-fashioned. A good regular-fit shirt can look very sleek and well-groomed if the shoulders, collar and length are right.

What does loose fit mean?

Loose fit is deliberately wider. There is extra volume at the chest, waist and often also sleeves. The fit can be casual and relaxed, but a loose-fit shirt should still have a conscious fit and not simply be two sizes too big.

In modern fashion, terms such as relaxed fit and oversized are also used. They may have other proportions, for example extra wide shoulders or longer sleeves.

The most important differences side by side

Fit	Chest/waist	Appearance	Room of movement
Slim fit	More fitted	Tighter silhouette	Less loose
Regular fit	Straighter and average	Classic	Average
Loose fit	Spacious	Relaxed	More space

Why do fits differ per brand?

There is no universal size for 'slim fit'. Brands determine their own patterns, target groups and relationships. Even within one brand, different lines can fit differently.

That is why in second-hand clothing you often see that two shirts with the same size label fit completely differently.

With vintage, the difference is even greater

Older shirts are designed according to the fashion and sizing of their period. A vintage size 41 or 42 can be wider, longer or narrower than a modern shirt with a similar label.

Seventies shirts also have different collars and cuts. Read how to recognize vintage 70s shirts.

Which measurements are important?

When you buy a second-hand shirt online, real dimensions often say more than slim/regular/loose. These measurements are especially useful:

• Armpit to armpit: gives a good indication of the space at the chest.
• Back piece: determines how long the shirt is.
• Sleeve length: important when wearing the shirt under a jacket wears.
• Collar size: especially relevant if you close the top button or wear a tie.

How should a shirt fit at the chest?

The buttons should not be pulled open. At the same time, you don't want enormous amounts of fabric hanging next to your body, unless that is deliberately part of a loose or oversized model.

Move your arms forward and sit down. If the shirt immediately tightens around the back and armpits, you probably need more room.

How do you choose a slim fit, regular fit or loose fit under a jacket?

A shirt works best under a jacket if there is not a lot of excess fabric accumulating at the waist and sleeves. That does not automatically mean slim fit; a well-fitting regular fit can work just as well.

You can read more about this in how do you combine a shirt with a jacket or suit?.

Which fit for casual wear?

Casual you have more freedom. A regular or loose fit can be worn open over a T-shirt, loose over jeans or with rolled up sleeves. Slim fit actually gives a tighter and neater image.

The right choice therefore depends on the outfit, not just on your body.

Choose a second-hand shirt online

Compare a shirt that you know fits well with the specified measurements. That is more reliable than betting on just M, L, XL or the fit name.

View our second-hand shirts or, for outspoken models, the vintage shirts.

The most important rule

A fit name is not a judgement. Slim fit is not automatically more beautiful and loose fit is not automatically sloppier. A good shirt is the model whose collar, shoulders, chest, sleeves and length match how you want to wear it.