T-shirts for broad shoulders

Short answer: Choose the size by your shoulders, and have the waist taken in if the T-shirt is too wide there. Shoulder width is the one measurement you cannot change afterwards, so it has to fit first.

The shoulders decide the size

The shoulder seam is the best guide when you try on a T-shirt. If the seam sits right on the edge of the shoulder, the size is right, even if the rest feels a little roomy. If it hangs down the upper arm, the shirt is too big. Use this as your first test with the fits in men's bestsellers.

Why the rest can wait

With broad shoulders it is tempting to pick a smaller size because it looks neater over the stomach. But a T-shirt that is too narrow across the shoulders pulls every time you reach for something. A tailor can take in the sides and waist quickly, while the shoulders cannot be made wider. So always start at the top.

Slim fit one size up

A slim fit one size above your usual is often the answer. It gives room across the shoulders but follows the body more closely towards the waist, so it does not hang like a sack. Try it with your arms stretched forward and up to feel whether the back has enough room. See the styles in the men's range.

Fabric with stretch helps

A little elastane in the fabric gives extra room across the back when you move your arms forward, for example when driving or lifting. The fabric gives and then returns to its shape. For broad shoulders this makes a real difference, because a stiff fabric quickly feels restrictive. See the qualities in bamboo sweatwear and the men's styles.

The sleeves must fit too

Broad shoulders often come with stronger upper arms. The armhole is cut to the same measurement as the shoulder, so if the sleeve feels tight around the arm, the size is usually too small. A sleeve should sit lightly around the arm without pulling the fabric up when you lift it. Check in the mirror as you bend and stretch.

Neckline and length

When you go up a size for your shoulders, the T-shirt also gets a little longer. That is usually an advantage, because a broad back pulls the fabric up at the rear when you bend over. The neckline becomes slightly wider, but it is rarely noticeable. Check that the edge lies flat and does not fall forward when you lean over a table.

Have it altered

If the shoulders fit but the T-shirt is too wide at the sides, it can be sewn narrower. It is a simple alteration that most tailors do quickly, and many people manage it at home on a sewing machine. Bring a T-shirt that fits well as a model, so it is clear how much to take in. That gives you a fit made for your body.

Washing and care

Wash the T-shirt at 30 or 40 degrees on a gentle cycle and let it dry on a hanger. The hanger keeps the shoulders in shape while the fabric dries. Avoid the tumble dryer, as the heat can make the fabric contract slightly, and you feel that across the shoulders first. Pull the shirt gently into shape while it is still damp.

Frequently asked questions

Can a T-shirt be taken in

Yes, at the sides. It is a simple alteration if the shoulders fit, and it can be done by a tailor or at home on a sewing machine.

Why does it feel tight across the back

Because the shoulder width is too small. Going up a size usually solves it, and a style with a little elastane gives extra freedom of movement.

What if the sleeves feel tight on the arm

Then the size is too small. Broad shoulders often come with stronger upper arms, and the armhole is cut to the same measurement as the shoulder.