Standard V.S Slim Fit Shirts
It’s pretty safe to say that every shirt is not the same, just like every body has different body types. It’s definitely more to a shirt than just S,M,L,XL (etc). A small on a muscle bod is not gonna fit the same as a small on a slim individual. So it’s important to take note on the differences between fittings.
Basically there are two main types: Standard and slim fit. For the sake of this article I’m going to stick to unisex tees because women’s tees are way more complex and deserving of a separate blog.
Now standard or regular fit tees tend to be more boxy and roomy. They feature details such as a lower shoulder seam, larger armholes, straight sleeves, and a straight tubular torso. Did the word tubular stop you in your tracks? (Don’t worry I’ll go into more detail about that in a bit). This style gives a more forgiving look for the heavy set crowd. Examples of popular standard fit brands: Gildan, Comfort Colors, Fruit of the Loom, Hanes Beefy T
Fashion fit or Slim fit tees contours the body more closely. The collar area is smaller, the armholes are smaller, sleeves are tapered and the torso area is contoured and most likely to have side seams. Most people consider slim fit shirts to be more “retail ready” so if you are a brand, you may lean more towards these types but it all comes down to your audience preferences and lifestyles. Examples of popular slim fit brands: Alternative, Next Level, Bella Canvas
So, I mentioned tubular and side seams earlier, and your eye might of twitched a bit trying to figure out what I meant. T shirts were originally constructed with side seams until the tubular technique changed the game and took over the market with efficiency, consistency and low manufacturing cost.
Tubular tees are essentially a tube of fabric that becomes the torso of the shirt with the neck and arms sewn in. This leads to a generic inferior fit because the human body is not shaped that way.
The Pros:
Cheaper price point
You can print on the sides because there is no side seam in the way
The Con:
Torquing- where the shirt starts twisting because there are no side seams to support the shirts structure, making the potential for misplaced looking prints higher.
Side seam tees are just that. Seams that run down the sleeves underside and down the shirts torso. The fit is considered superior to tubular and allows for contoured tailoring that hugs the body better. Eventhough side seams seem like the better option they are the minority option especially when it comes to custom printing. Again it all comes down to preference.
Hopefully, this blog provided a bit of clarity on the difference in fit styles of a t shirt.
