Pros

• 100% machine washable
• Easy-iron and steam
• Machine washable and hang dry. 

 

 

What to Look For In Muscle Fit Dress Shirts

You might have considered getting a custom tailored dress shirt, but those can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run, especially if you want to get a tailored fit for every dress shirt. There are plenty of options for you out there when it comes to men's dress shirts - you just have to know what to look for. 

Before making any decisions, there are a few different things that you should really look for in a dress shirt to ensure that you’re picking one that will be both comfortable and functional for all day wear.

Proper Chest Space

Muscular guys want the best dress shirt to be fitted and flattering but not too tight on your chest. If you don’t have enough room in the chest area of your dress shirt you won’t be able to use your full range of motion and you’ll end up feeling very restricted and possibly even claustrophobic.

You might even accidentally rip a seam if you’re not careful with your tailored fit. The average chest measurements for muscular/athletic guys is about 40in, so if you’re of average height and weight, that might be a good starting place as far as sizing.

Try on the dress shirt and test it out. If there’s any pulling in the buttons when your arms are down to your sides, it’s tight and you may need a tailored fit. You can also be sure there’s enough room by moving arms in every direction: side to side, up and down, out in front, etc. 

 

Proper Length

Whether you like to tuck in your dress shirts or not, you should get one that will give you both options. You want it long enough to tuck smoothly into your pants, but not too long that it will look baggy if you decide to leave it untucked. Not to mention, a dress shirt that’s too long can end up making your look disproportional and even a bit short.  

 

Enough Room in the Collar and Neck

Depending on what areas of your upper body you focus on, you might carry a lot of muscle around your neck size. You should be able to comfortably close the collar of your dress shirt typically between 15 to 17 inches is a good range to start with. Check to see if your shirt has a hidden button down collar or a spread collar. 

Check to see if you can fit two fingers in the collar comfortably without too much resistance or extra room, this will let you know if the collar is a perfect fit. 

It’s also important to keep in mind whether you’ll be wearing a tie or if you like to button your dress shirt all the way up to the top you don’t need to be as precise with the neck/collar measurements.

 

Fitted Waist

Being an athletic body type, if you got a regular cut dress shirt that comfortably fits your upper body, you’d more than likely have a lot of excess fabric hanging around your waist area. This can leave you looking sloppy, bulky, and wrinkly. The dress shirt is supposed to have a clean smooth line that contours your body shade and doesn’t billow out when you tuck in the dress shirt. Measure your waist to compare with brand size charts.

 

Sleeve Length & Arm Holes

You want to fill out the sleeves without bulging out or having too much extra fabric hanging down. Look for a shirt with a higher armhole, which will likely have a more tapered sleeve to allow room for muscles at the top and stay fitted down to your wrists.

Ideally the cuff will hit you at the base of your thumb. Although when it comes to proper sleeve length, you do have a bit more freedom depending on your own preferences. 

 

Athletic Fit vs Slim Fit

Just like with women’s clothing, there are different styles and fits available in men’s clothing. This makes it so much easier for men to know exactly what they're looking for in order to find the best fitting clothes for their specific body types. Two popular fits when it comes to dress shirts are slim fit and athletic fit. But what’s the difference between the two?

 

Athletic Fit

With men becoming increasingly interested in building muscle, the athletic fit dress shirt has become more common in most clothing retailers for muscular guys. It is designed to be form-fitting, but still allows for extra room in the upper part of the shirt around the chest, shoulders, and arms. They typically have darts sewn into the back to help bring in the fabric to prevent a baggy waist. 

 

Slim Fit

Slim fit dress shirts are designed to be fitted close to the body. They can be very slimming and flattering on the right body type, but on more muscular frames, the slim fit can be very tight and restricting. This is because the cut tapers down the midsection to the waist. They are also more fitted through the arms. 

Another thing to note about slim fit shirts is that they often have little to no stretch in their material. This is another thing that makes them not ideal for muscular, athletic builds, especially if you primarily focus on working out the muscles in your upper body. Compare slim fit and modern fit in this guide.

 

Choosing The Best Dress Shirts for Muscular Guys

Not all muscular/athletic builds are the same. There are a few different common shapes that muscular people tend to be. It’s important to know your specific body type when choosing the best dress shirts for muscular guys. Knowing your specific body type is going to help you better identify which type of clothing is going to be the most flattering and comfortable for you.

Here are some of the common types of male body shapes:

 

Triangular

A triangular athletic body type is one that is larger and more muscular on their lower body. Depending on their preferred type of exercise or sport they likely mostly use the muscles in the lower body, so their top half will be average size. This type of body shape might not have as much trouble finding proper fitting dress shirts, but will likely have a harder time when shopping for pants and trousers. 

 

Inverted Triangle

This is the body type that will most benefit from the athletic fit dress shirts. They are the type that focuses their workouts mostly on their top half. They will have a larger upper body, such as a broad chest and arms, and a slimmer waist. This body type is also commonly referred to as a mesomorph. 

 

 

Square/Rectangle

Someone who is muscular all over their body won’t have as much of a contrast in size on different areas of their body, creating a more square/rectangle shape. If this is you, finding clothes, in general, might be tougher, Although depending on your size, a slim-fit design might make for a comfortable dress shirt.

 

Conclusion

You work hard to stay in shape and deserve to look your best in all of your clothes, especially your professional ones. Once you start to become more muscular you’ll realize how important a properly fitting dress shirt is when it comes to looking stylish and professional. If you have a broader upper body, the average dress shirt might be too constricting and not have the right cut to fit your body shape. 

As more and more people begin focusing on their health and bodies, brands are realizing the need for more size and shape options to accommodate everyone. This guide will help you know what to look for while shopping so you can find the best dress shirt and feel confident, rather than picking up an average dress shirt that doesn't fit well.

Dressing for your body type can be tricky. But these tips and suggestions should help make it easier so you can save your energy for the gym. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about the 5 best dress shirts for muscular guys.

 

FAQs from Muscular Guys

What are the best dress shirts for a muscular build that won't make me look overly boxy?

For a muscular build, the best dress shirts are those designed with an athletic or tailored fit. These shirts accommodate broader shoulders and a larger chest while tapering at the waist to avoid a boxy appearance. Look for shirts made from fabrics with a bit of stretch, such as a cotton-elastane blend, which will conform to your body without being too tight.

Key features to look for include a well-fitted shoulder seam and a slight taper at the waist to enhance your natural shape. Avoid overly loose or excessively tight shirts to maintain a balanced silhouette.

How do muscle fit shirts look on different body types?

Muscle fit shirts are designed to accentuate a muscular physique, featuring a contoured fit through the chest, shoulders, and arms with a slimmer waist. They generally look best on individuals with a defined build, as they highlight muscle definition and provide a flattering fit.

For those with less muscle definition, these shirts might appear too tight or exaggerated. The key is to choose the right size to ensure comfort and avoid an overly snug look. When well-suited to your body type, muscle fit shirts can offer a polished and flattering appearance.

What are some recommended polo shirts for a muscular build?

For a muscular build, look for polo shirts that offer an athletic or tailored fit. These polos should fit snugly in the chest and shoulders while tapering slightly at the waist. Fabrics with a bit of stretch, such as cotton-spandex blends, are ideal as they provide both comfort and flexibility.

Opt for styles with a streamlined design and avoid excessive bulk or overly loose cuts. Polos with a two-button placket or subtle patterns can add a touch of style without compromising the fit. This combination will enhance your physique and provide a sharp, well-defined look.