Sweatshirt for a man with broad shoulders

Short answer: If you have broad shoulders, the right sweatshirt is the one where the shoulder seam lands at the top of the shoulder and the fabric does not pull across the chest and upper arms. Try it with your arms raised, and choose the size by the shoulders rather than the stomach.

Start with the shoulder seam

The shoulder seam should sit exactly where the shoulder ends and the upper arm begins. If it sits out on the arm, the sweater is too big, and if it sits in toward the neck, it is too small. Stand in front of a mirror and see whether the seam follows your shoulder line without pulling.

Freedom of movement across the chest

Broad shoulders need room when you reach forward or lift your arms. Try crossing your arms and reaching over your head, and feel whether the fabric pulls across the back and under the armpits. A sweatshirt should let you move without tugging at your body all the time.

When stomach and shoulders do not match

Many men with broad shoulders and a slim waist find that a size that fits the shoulders is loose at the waist. Choose the shoulders first, because a sweater that is tight across the upper body feels worse than one that sits a little loose below. You can always let it hang casually.

Sleeves and upper arms

Broad shoulders often come with stronger upper arms, so check that the sleeve does not pull when you bend your elbow. The cuff at the wrist should give without leaving marks. If the sleeve is too short, choose a model with a little more length rather than going up a size overall.

The length on the body

Broad shoulders can make a sweater look shorter, because the fabric uses length to go over the body. Check that the hem covers your belt, also when you reach up. If it is too short, look at the next size or a longer model.

Choose fabric and thickness with care

A thick fabric can make the shoulders look even broader, while a softer one drapes better. Choose by where you will wear it: at home, at work or on the go. You can compare the range under bamboo sweatwear, where several models and thicknesses fit the season.

Hoodie or sweatshirt

The hood adds extra fabric at the neck and can change how the sweater hangs across the shoulders. Many find that a hoodie fits better because it is made to give room. See bamboo hoodie for men if you want to compare, and try both shapes before deciding.

It should all hang together

A sweater with a good fit deserves a good setting. If you wear soft, matching layers, the whole day feels more relaxed, and socks are a small detail that makes a difference on cold floors or in boots. See socks for men and women once you have found the sweater.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose size by the shoulders or the stomach?

Choose by the shoulders, because a sweater that pulls across the upper body bothers more than one that sits loose below. You can let the hem hang freely or choose a slightly shorter model.

How do I know the shoulder seam sits right?

It should lie at the top of the shoulder, where the shoulder turns into the upper arm. If it sits out on the arm the sweater is too big, and if it pulls toward the neck it is too small.

Can a sweatshirt get too tight across the back?

Yes, especially if it was chosen to fit the stomach. Reach forward and lift your arms, and feel whether the fabric pulls between the shoulder blades. If it does, try a size up.

See our range of men's bamboo sweater.