Guys can never go wrong when you opt for fitted men’s clothing. Here’s a guide to all of the essentials on this universally flattering cut.
Different fits and cuts go in and out of style constantly. And while that sounds like an exaggeration, it truly does feel constant these days. You can probably thank the internet, influencers, and hashtags for that.
Still, regardless of your body type or personal style, men’s fitted clothing always looks good. Even if it doesn’t look cool or trendy, it never looks irrelevant. And I mean never.
It’s what I call a “when in doubt” fit.
Let’s say you are interested in trendy cuts, like the oversized clothing trend. Mixing these faddish garments with fitted clothes creates an anchor that helps you stay as close to the middle of the road as possible.
Let’s dig further into the importance of fitted clothes.
Fitted Clothes for Guys: What Does It Mean Exactly?
Fitted clothes sit somewhere between a regular fit and a slim fit. It’s not too baggy and not at all skinny. If it can be mistaken for a skinny fit, it’s way too slim.
This is important to keep in mind since brands all have different standards for their fits. One brand’s regular might be more fitted than its slim, while another brand may have the complete opposite situation.
This can change depending on whether it’s outerwear t-shirts or button-ups, even within a single brand.
Basically, you want your natural silhouette to come through. However, there should be enough room between your body and the fabric so that it’s easy to move. You also want fits that don’t ride up at the hems too much.
For all intents and purposes, it’s the most “normal-looking” fit.
Why It Matters
Regardless of what cuts are currently in style, fitted clothes truly are the most flattering for all body types.
It helps make shorter men look taller, and huskier men look slimmer. By the way, there’s nothing wrong with being short or looking husky.
Fitted clothes just streamline your body in a way that still honors its real shape. Everything is sort of reined in with clean lines since the clothes are close to your body.
A properly fitted T-shirt, for example, drapes across your midsection while also hugging your chest and arms just a bit without being snug or skinny. As we mention in the T-shirt fit guide, you don’t want the sleeves to tend away from your arms.
The result is clean lines and a strong look. And everyone, short or tall, husky or thin or athletic, looks great when their clothes add strength and posture.
When your arms and chest look strong, and your back looks straight, you objectively look your best. Fitted clothes do this for men of all shapes and sizes.
Fitted Men’s Clothing: Casual Clothes
In addition to the above-mentioned t-shirt fit, let’s talk about how your pants should fit.
With a few exceptions, a fitted casual pant isn’t actually that different from how a formal trouser should fit.
At the waist, you should be able to place one finger between the pants and yourself, even when it’s buttoned up. Still, they should be snug enough that if you tuck your shirt in, the shirt stays put.
However, as with formal trousers, jeans can have a hem break. This means that there’s a slight crease below the knee when the hem hits your shoe. Typically, with fitted jeans, the break is very slight. This gives the relaxed look you want from jeans while maintaining clean lines.
Chinos don’t need to have a hem break, but they can if you prefer a more relaxed aesthetic.
It’s important that you wear fitted essentials, from jeans to T-shirts.
Part of this has to do with the fact that if you like experimenting with fads in fit, fitted essentials can help you do so.
Very slim jeans can be tempered with a fitted T-shirt. Meanwhile, fitted trousers can anchor oversized pullovers.
Smart Casual Fitted Clothes for Guys
First, let me remind you that we have an in-depth guide on how a button-up shirt should fit.
This is important because I believe a good button-up can really bring the smart to smart casual. Even more, while certain pieces, such as t-shirts and pants, are subject to changing fit fads, button-ups aren’t.
Basically, a button-up should always be fitted. It’s the only way it looks intentional.
The next important point about this dress category is the importance of layers and outerwear. Adding a cardigan or cashmere pullover to a shirt and jeans situation can take it from casual to smart casual.
But remember that a fitted piece of outerwear is still looser than any garment that sits closer to your body.
It doesn’t matter how well your shirt and pants fit if your crewneck sweater is so tight that the buttons of your shirt underneath are imprinting.
Business Casual and Business Formal
Business formal is basically just a full suit. Meanwhile, business casual varies widely, and we discuss it in our style guide.
The best fit for a suit is undeniably a fitted one. I’ve mentioned this before, but classic suit fits have changed throughout time. However, the suit jacket’s shoulders remain sturdily similar, and the slight tapers on the trousers always flatter them.
Again, there’s only one way a dress shirt should really be worn, and that’s in a fitted manner. This is especially so when you’re wearing it with a suit or suit separates.
And the reason I didn’t give a rundown about fitted formal clothes is because they should always be fitted. Black-tie formal is a traditional way of dressing. White tie, even more so.
The range of acceptable cuts in these traditional categories is small, with fitted being the nucleus. I implore you not to experiment with super skinny or baggy fits when it comes to your formal tuxedos.
FAQs
Are you still curious about fitted clothes for guys? Here are some common questions — and their answers, of course.
Should Men Wear Fitted Clothing?
Yes. Even if you prefer relaxed or slim fits or like to go with trends, men should at least have fitted basics. They should also have fitted formal clothes.
How Should Men’s Fitted Clothing Fit?
Men’s fitted clothes shouldn’t be too baggy or too skinny. Your natural body shape should shine through in a clean-lined way, but you should be able to move easily in your clothes as well.
Conclusion: The Perfect Fit
I find that many guys who discover their own personal styles later in life end up embracing men’s fitted clothing.
This is because when you don’t know where to start, why not go for the objectively most flattering approach?
Personally, I’ll dip into slim and oversized outerwear, depending on the formality of the dress code. However, I’ll always anchor my look with fitted trousers. In fact, I prefer my chinos breakless and my jeans with the slightest break possible.
What are your thoughts on fitted clothing? Do you agree with us that it’s the most timeless? Let us know if so or if not! We love starting conversations with you in the comments!
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