Slim fit, regular fit and loose fit

Short answer: Slim fit is narrower across chest and waist, regular fit is neutral, and loose fit is roomy. The words describe the cut, not the size, so you normally wear the same size in all three.

Slim fit

Narrower through the body with a closer sleeve. It looks cleanest on a slim upper body and adds the least bulk under a sweater or jacket. In return, it shows more of your shape and leaves less room to move. With a broad chest it can feel tight. See the styles in men's most popular.

Regular fit

The neutral middle ground that suits most people. It hangs freely without being wide and leaves enough room to move without feeling the fabric. It works on its own and as a layer under something else. If you are unsure, regular fit is the safe choice. See the fits in Copenhagen Bamboo's most popular.

Loose fit

Roomy on purpose, with a wider sleeve and a looser body. It is worn for leisure and on warm days, when air between fabric and skin feels good. The shoulder can sit a little lower. That is part of the cut and not a sign of the wrong size. See the range in bamboo hoodie for women.

Cut and size are two different things

The size tells you how large the top is relative to the body. The cut tells you how the fabric is distributed. A slim fit in medium has the same shoulder width as a regular fit in medium, but less fabric at chest and waist. So you usually do not need to change size when you change cut.

Which cut suits your body

With a slim upper body, slim fit often sits best, because there is no excess fabric. With a broad chest and narrow waist, regular fit may work better at the chest. With a bit of a stomach, regular or loose fit gives more ease there. Try several cuts in the same size.

Cut and use

Worn under a shirt or sweater, slim fit adds the least bulk. Worn on its own every day, regular fit is usually the most versatile. For relaxing at home or on warm days, loose fit is comfortable, because the fabric does not sit close.

How to see the difference

Lay two tops in the same size but different cuts on top of each other. The shoulders are almost the same, while the width at chest and waist differs. The sleeve is narrower in slim fit too. That shows why a slim fit can feel smaller in the same size.

When the cut does not fit

If the shoulder fits but the rest is too loose, try a slimmer cut in the same size. If the shoulder fits but the rest pulls, try a wider cut. That is often better than changing size, because the shoulder keeps sitting right, and that is the part that cannot be altered.

Frequently asked questions

Should you choose a different size in slim fit

No, if you normally sit in the middle of your size. If you are on the edge, size up, because slim fit has less room to give across the chest.

Which fit is most versatile

Regular fit. It works on its own and as a layer under something else, and it suits most body shapes without pulling or hanging.

Is loose fit the same as one size up

No. Loose fit is a different cut with the same shoulder width. A larger size has wider shoulders and longer sleeves, which looks different.