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The Fashion Debate: Men’s Fitted Shirts vs. Oversized Shirts – What's Trending?

1) Fitted Shirts vs. Oversized Shirts: An Overview

Hey trendsetters, let’s talk shirt styles. One question is certain to spark a debate: fitted or oversized? If you’re into fashion, you’ve probably noticed the divide. Some swear by the classic, tailored look of a fitted shirt. Others love the relaxed, effortlessly cool vibe of oversized fits. So, what’s really trending, and which one deserves a spot in your closet? In this blog, we’re diving into the ultimate showdown between fitted and oversized shirts. We will be breaking down the pros, cons, and everything in between. Ready to find out which look is calling your name? Let’s settle the score!

The fitting of a shirt can decide how presentable you look for a certain occasion. Before getting into the depth of these fits, let’s ask some basic questions.

 

What is a Fitted Shirt?

Imagine a shirt tailored to fit you exactly as per your body’s shape and size. In the most basic sense, a fitted shirt is one that fits you perfectly. It has regular shoulders, a collar, and no element of looseness. They taper down to the waist which creates a shapely silhouette. The sharp look of the shirt makes it ideal for a formal setting. 

What is an Oversized Shirt?

An oversized shirt gives a relaxed, roomy fit that feels as laid-back as it looks. They offer extra space for shoulders, sleeves, and torso, creating a loose silhouette. It is a favorite in streetwear and everyday fashion. It is meant for those wanting a cool, effortless look without sacrificing style. A common question is how much bigger are oversized shirts. The answer- nearly two times bigger than your fitted shirt.


2) Pros and Cons of Fitted Shirts

Weighing the pros and cons of fitted shirts can help you decide if they are right for you. While they can look stunning if styled right, the fit might not suit all. 


The Appeal of Fitted Shirts

  • Fitted shirts give a flattering shape as they contour to the body. 
  • They look clean, sharp, and tailored which makes them perfect for office wear.
  • Since they do not add bulk, they work great as a base layer for sweaters and blazers.
  • Can be paired with jeans and a jacket for a semi-formal look.

Downsides to Consider

  • The snug fit can feel restrictive and allows limited flexibility.
  • The close fit highlights body areas that might not seem comfortable for all. Thus, they might not suit all body types.
  • Wrinkle easily and require more ironing or dry-cleaning to maintain their crisp look.
  • Requires precise sizing to look good. If the shirt is too tight or too loose, the tailored effect is lost.

3) Pros and Cons of Oversized Shirts

If the thought, ‘Do oversized shirts look good’ has crossed your mind, here’s an answer. Oversized shirts are casual, breezy, and loose- but look good only if styled properly.  Know the positives and negatives of these shirts before adding them to your wardrobe.


The Comfort and Edge of Oversized

  • The loose, roomy fit allows for easy movement and comfort. They are thus ideal for casual wear and long days.
  • They work with jeans, shorts, joggers, or layered over T-shirts. They thus provide multiple styling options.
  • Oversized shirts can be worn as outer layers, making them versatile for all seasons.
  • The loose fit suits many body types, offering a comfortable, unrestrictive style.

Downsides of Going Oversized

  • The loose fit can sometimes appear shapeless, especially if not styled well. 
  • For those with smaller frames, oversized shirts can look too large. They can potentially drown out the silhouette.
  • Oversized shirts have a casual vibe. It may not be appropriate for professional or formal events.
  • Knowing how to balance proportions with oversized shirts requires some style know-how. Without it, there is a risk of looking sloppy.


4) Right Fit for the Right Occasion

With fitted shirts, men’s wardrobes get a formal upgrade. For decades the formal shirt has been used to make men appear dapper. While they typically create a sophisticated look, they can be styled differently. Oversized shirt styling has emerged quite recently. There is still some ambiguity regarding it. How shirt should fit is a common doubt men have about oversized shirts. Once that is clear, they can start exploring what to wear oversized shirt with

Read on to discover some remarkable ways in which these shirts can be styled.

 

Work Week vs. Weekend 

Smartly dressed people, busy at their laptops, only pausing to sip their black coffee. That’s the corporate workweek, in a nutshell. The office environment demands a tailored look, which is where the fitted shirts come in. Tuck a lightly striped fitted shirt in formal grey or black pants. Add a smart blazer, a vegan leather belt, sleek shoes, and a muted golden watch. This will allow you to fit into the workspace well and yet make heads turn at your style.


As the weekend approaches it’s time to transition into a laidback mode. Amp up your ‘Fri-yay’ evening with an outfit that gives urban casual. Layer an oversized unbuttoned shirt over a basic solid tee and jeans. Or perhaps wear the loose shirt untucked over a pair of chinos and sneakers. Finish with some cool accessories like a metal chain or a smartwatch.


Travelling Fits

Indeed, travelling for business isn't as exciting as leisure trips. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look your best! Slay the business trip look with a fit that keeps you ready for meeting right off the plane. Choose white, light blue, or grey fitted shirts since they are versatile for styling. Pair with tailored trousers and perhaps add a light blazer. Comfortable yet formal shoes are a must, so go for black loafers. Finally, add a slim belt, a compact carry-on bag, and a watch to ensure you arrive on time!


When it’s time for a lazy getaway from the busy city, pack your bag right! Make sure you’re carrying the right clothes to capture your stylish snaps for the ‘gram. An oversized shirt with casual shorts and sandals creates a breezy vacation look. Adventurers can go for a utilitarian look by teaming up cargos with a light, oversized shirt. Roll up the sleeves for a rugged touch and finish the look with boots and sunglasses. 


5) The Future of Fitted and Oversized Shirts

So how does one settle the debate between oversized vs regular fit shirts? The winners are probably the ones who have a glowing future in the fashion industry. So, a glimpse of the predicted trends might help.


Will Fitted Shirts Remain Popular?

As long as office environments exist, the future of fitted shirts looks promising. The fitted shirt offers a refreshing change in the era of loose baggy fits. Although it is not ideal for all body types, brands are experimenting to improve it. Flexible fabrics and subtle details are being developed for style without sacrificing ease.


Sustainability is an important aspect of fashion now. These shirts with their timeless appeal and classic design are versatile. With the right fabric, they can stay durable, resist wear, and still look good as new. Owing to these attributes, fitted shirts appear to have a bright future in the world of men’s fashion.


Are Oversized Shirts Here to Stay?

Today, wearing oversized shirts has become a norm and the baggy fit is ruling streetwear. As long as oversized styles resonate with the young crowd’s love for comfort, they will stay. Brands are innovating with bold prints, unique fabrics, and layered designs. All are efforts to keep oversized shirts fresh and exciting.


Also, with the fabric variety and layering, these shirts work across seasons. Thus, they fit perfectly into the shift toward sustainable, adaptable fashion. This oversized piece is here to stay, adding personality and ease to modern wardrobes.


It is thus fair to say that both these styles have something valuable to offer. The difference between fitted and regular shirts is what makes them unique. You might lean towards the sleek, tailored look of a fitted shirt. Or perhaps you embrace the comfort and cool factor of oversized styles. There’s no wrong choice- it’s all about what fits your vibe and lifestyle. So go ahead, mix and match, experiment, and make these trends your own. After all, fashion is about expressing yourself. And the best trends are the ones that feel right for you!

UNDERRATED CLUB STAFF

RACHANA DIGHE

Fashion Content Writer

With a strong passion for fashion, Rachana brings over 4 years of experience in crafting engaging content across diverse industries. Currently a fashion content writer at Underrated Club, her work has been featured in numerous publications. Rachana holds a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing from Oxford Brookes University, further enriching her expertise in the field.

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