Oversized T-Shirts for Skinny Guys: How to Get the Fit Right

Many slim men buy oversized tees to look bigger. Done right, the loose cut adds width to the shoulders and hides a thin frame. Done wrong, the tee hangs like a tent and makes the body look even thinner. Two things decide which result you get: where the shoulder seam sits and how heavy the fabric is.

#The shoulder rule

On an oversized tee, the shoulder seam drops below the edge of your shoulder. This is part of the design. But the drop has a limit.

• Good: the seam sits a little past your shoulder, on the top of the arm.
• Too big: the seam sits halfway to the elbow, and the sleeve ends below the elbow.

When the seam drops too far, the shoulders of the tee hang down and your shoulders look narrow. If you see this in the mirror, go one size down.

#Heavy fabric adds bulk

Fabric weight is measured in GSM, which means grams per square metre. A higher number means a thicker, heavier fabric.

A heavy tee keeps a square shape at the shoulders and the chest. A thin tee falls straight down from the collarbone. Read What Is GSM in T-Shirts? and Premium Oversized T-Shirts for more on fabric weight.

#Which size to buy

Buy your normal size or one size down. Do not size up. The extra room is already in the cut, and a slim frame cannot fill a bigger size. Our Oversized T-Shirt Size Guide shows how to compare the chest and the length in a size chart.

A boxy tee is also a good choice. It is wide at the shoulders but shorter, so it adds width without the long, hanging hem. Read Boxy Fit vs Oversized T-Shirt.

#Details that add width

• A crew neck with a thick rib. A wide, stiff collar frames the neck. A deep V-neck shows a thin chest.
• A large chest print. A print across the chest draws the eye to the width.
• Light colours. Light colours look bigger than dark colours. Black makes a frame look smaller.
• Layers. A second layer adds bulk.

#5 outfit ideas

#1. Heavy white tee and straight jeans

A 240 GSM white tee with straight dark jeans and chunky sneakers. The heavy fabric does the work.

#2. Tee under an open shirt

A plain oversized tee under an open flannel or short-sleeve shirt. Two layers add width at the shoulders.

#3. Boxy tee and cargos

A heavy boxy tee with straight cargos. The boxy cut widens the shoulders, and the cargos balance the legs.

#4. Tee under a denim jacket

In winter, add a denim jacket over the tee. A jacket with a structured shoulder adds the most width. Read Winter Layering with T-Shirts.

#5. Graphic tee and relaxed trousers

A heavy graphic tee with a large chest print, relaxed trousers and white sneakers.

#Common mistakes

• Buying two sizes up. The seam drops too far and the tee hangs.
• Thin, stretchy fabric. It clings and shows every bone.
• Skinny jeans with a huge tee. The contrast makes the legs look very thin.
• Very long sleeves. Push them up or go one size down.