Boxy Fit Shirts: What They Are and How to Wear Them

The boxy fit now covers shirts as well as t-shirts. "Boxy shirt" is one of the fastest-rising searches linked to "baggy jeans" in India, up 400% in the last year. "Boxy fit shirt" rose 130% as a search linked to graphic tees. Wide jeans need a top with the same relaxed shape. The boxy shirt gives that shape and still looks smarter than a tee.

#What a boxy fit shirt is

A boxy fit shirt is a button-down shirt with a square shape. It has four main features:

• A wide body that falls straight from the chest to the hem.
• A short length. The hem ends near your belt or a little below it.
• A straight hem with no curve. A normal shirt has a curved hem for tucking.
• Dropped shoulders. The shoulder seam sits below the edge of your shoulder.

Many boxy shirts also have a camp collar. A camp collar, also called a Cuban collar, is a flat, open collar with no collar stand. It lies open like a lapel.

#Boxy vs regular vs oversized shirt

The boxy shirt is wide like an oversized shirt but short like a jacket. This shape works for shorter people, because the short length does not cut the legs. For the same comparison in tees, read Boxy Fit vs Oversized T-Shirt.

#Fabrics for Indian weather

Rayon is a fibre made from wood pulp. It drapes well and feels cool, which is why many printed camp collar shirts use it. Linen creases, but on a relaxed boxy shirt the creases look natural.

#How a boxy shirt must fit

1. Shoulders. The seam sits a little below your shoulder, not halfway down your arm.
2. Width. The shirt hangs straight from the chest. It does not cling to your stomach.
3. Length. The hem ends at your belt or up to about 5 cm below it.
4. Sleeves. Short sleeves end near the middle of the upper arm or a little above the elbow.

Buy your normal size first. Boxy shirts are cut wide on purpose. If you size up, the shoulders drop too far and the shirt looks like a tent.

#5 ways to style a boxy shirt

1. With baggy jeans. A boxy shirt and wide-leg jeans give a clean, square outline. Read Baggy Jeans for Men.
2. Open over a tee. Wear the shirt unbuttoned over a plain white or black tee. This is the easiest layer for hot weather.
3. Buttoned with trousers. Button it fully and wear it with pleated trousers and loafers for a smart casual look.
4. With shorts. A printed camp collar shirt and plain shorts suit beach trips and summer evenings.
5. As a winter layer. Wear a corduroy or flannel boxy shirt open over a tee or hoodie. Read Winter Layering With T-Shirts.

Keep the proportions balanced. A boxy top goes best with straight or wide pants. Skinny jeans make the top look too big.

#How to care for a boxy shirt

Wash cotton and linen shirts in cold water and dry them in the shade. Wash rayon by hand or on a gentle cycle, because it is weak when wet. Iron linen while it is a little damp. Do not wring rayon or linen, because wringing stretches the fibres.