Fit with a narrow waist and broad shoulders

Short answer: Choose the top by your shoulders and have the waist taken in if it is too wide. The shoulders cannot be altered, but the waist can, and that makes all the difference for a figure with broad shoulders and a narrow waist.

The shoulders decide the size

If the shoulder seam sits correctly, the size is right, even if the waist feels roomy. The shoulder is the hardest part of a top to alter, so it needs to fit from the start. Look at the fits in the men's bestsellers. The seam should end where the shoulder ends, not out on the arm.

The waist can be taken in

A tailor can take in the sides in a few minutes. It turns a regular fit into a slim fit and removes the extra fabric that gathers at the waist. On soft knitted fabric the change is rarely visible afterwards. Look at the cuts in the men's range and find a style where shoulder and length fit.

Or choose a slimmer cut

A slim fit in the same size has a narrower waist and the same shoulder width. It can save you a trip to the tailor. Compare the chest and waist measurements in the chart for both cuts. Look at the styles in bamboo sweatwear, where the difference between cuts often shows in the lower part.

Why a smaller size does not work

It can be tempting to go down a size to get the waist right. But then the shoulders become too narrow and the fabric pulls across the back when you move your arms. The sleeves get shorter too. The result is a top that fits in one place and is wrong everywhere else.

Stretch gives freedom across the back

Broad shoulders need freedom of movement across the back and under the arms. A soft fabric with some stretch gives when you lift your arms, without the top riding up. That makes it easier to choose a slimmer cut without losing comfort. Check the fabric composition if you are considering a closer fit.

Length plays a part

A top that is too short emphasises the difference between shoulders and waist. A slightly longer style ending over the hips gives a calmer line. Combined with a cut that follows the waist, you get a top that suits the whole figure, not just the shoulders. Check the length in the chart before choosing.

Measure what fits

If you have a top that fits well across the shoulders, lay it flat and measure the width at the waist. Compare this with the chart for the style you are considering. Then you can see whether a slimmer cut will fit, or whether it is better to buy a regular fit and have it taken in.

How to keep the shape

Wash soft clothing at a low temperature and lay it flat to dry. If it hangs wet on a hanger, the shoulders can be pulled out of shape, and the shoulders matter most for your figure. Avoid the tumble dryer and gently pull the garment into shape while damp.

Frequently asked questions

What does it cost to have it taken in

A simple take in at the sides is one of the cheapest alterations at a tailor. Ask for a price before you hand in the garment.

Can you go down a size instead

No. The shoulders become too narrow and the fabric pulls across the back. The sleeves get shorter too, so the top fits wrongly in several places.

Does the same apply to sweatwear

Yes, but sweatwear is more often worn loose, so it is less of a problem. Here it is usually fine to leave the waist a little roomy.