Article: Men's Shirts: Slim (Classic), Modern, Tailored — The Guide to Choosing the Right Cut
Men's Shirts: Slim (Classic), Modern, Tailored — The Guide to Choosing the Right Cut
Any man who wants to look sharp should look for quality clothing that also suits his body type. Are you wondering which men's shirt cut best enhances your silhouette—V-shaped, H-shaped, athletic, stocky, etc.? In this article, Ernest reveals what you need to know about three of the most popular shirt cuts.
Slim (classic), modern, tailored: the three cuts at a glance
Men's shirt cuts fall into three main categories: slim (at Ernest, we call this cut "classic"), modern, and tailored. Here is an overview of their differences.
|
SHIRT CUT |
Chest/waist fit |
Recommended silhouettes |
Occasions |
|
Slim (classic) |
|
|
|
|
Modern |
|
|
|
|
Tailored |
|
|
|
THE SLIM (CLASSIC) CUT
Who is it for?
This cut doesnotaddvolume to the silhouette and suits men with broadshouldersandanarrowwaist (V-shaped), slim and athletic men, or men with narrower shoulders and a less defined waist (H-shaped).
How to recognize it?
A men's shirt with a slim cut hugs the silhouette harmoniously. It tapersthroughthetorso and waist, and its sleeves generally sit close to the body. To be classified as "slim," the shirt must nothaveexcess fabric at the back or waist.
THE MODERN CUT
Who is it for?
The modern shirt cut is particularly suitable for men with a strong build or a round belly. Because it offers more room in the chest and waist, it provides greater ease of movement while maintaining a structured silhouette. It is an excellent choice for highlighting the upper body without clinging or creating an overly bulky look.
How to recognize it?
A men's shirt with a modern cut is slightly fitted at the shoulders and chest, while leaving a little more room at the waist. It offers a structure that is both flattering and timeless.
VIEW PRODUCT
THE TAILORED CUT
Who is it for?
A tailored-cut shirt is perfect for men with an H-shaped silhouette,where the shoulders and hips are roughly the same width, and the waist isn't well defined. It also suits slim or athletic men.
How to recognize it?
Tapered through the torso and waist, a tailored-cut shirt is similar to custom-made clothing, meaning it follows the lines of the silhouette.
How do I choose according to my body type?
You have a V-shaped silhouette: choose slim and tailored shirt cuts.
You have an H-shaped silhouette: choose a slim or tailored shirt cut.
You are slim: prefer slim and tailored shirt cuts.
You have a strong build or a prominent abdomen: choose a modern shirt cut.
That said, the best way to choose a shirt for your body type is to take your measurements properly to find the right size. To do this, take a measuring tape and proceed as follows:
NECK
Align the measuring tape with the center of the first button. Measure around the collar to the center of the buttonhole.
CHEST
Measure the fullest part of your chest, passing under the armpits and over the shoulder blades, keeping your arms at your sides. Leave a little space between the tape and your chest.
SLEEVE
Bend your elbow slightly, then measure from the center of your back at the neck, over the shoulder and elbow, to the wrist.
WAIST
Measure your natural waist, meaning at its narrowest point. Keep a little space between the tape and your waist.
HIPS
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then measure around your hips at the fullest point.
On our website, you will find the size guide for each product on its respective page, under the size options.
You'll also find a tool near the size guide that recommends your size based on your personal information. Click "What is my size?" and answer the questions.
Find the right cut at Ernest
At Ernest, our collections of sport shirts and dress shirts include trendy and classic cuts that suit men of all silhouette types.
Visit a store to explore your options and enjoy personalized advice from our stylists. If needed, they can take your measurements and recommend shirts with the right cut to enhance your body type.
Need to refresh your wardrobe for work or a special occasion? Check out our guide to the different types of men's jackets and discover our collections for every occasion!
FAQ
What is the difference between slim and modern?
A slim-cut shirt is more fitted through the torso and waist than a modern-cut shirt, which offers more room.
Is a tailored-cut shirt too fitted for the office?
No. A tailored-cut shirt can absolutely work in the office. Make sure, however, that it is the right size for an elegant drape.
How do I know if my shirt has the right cut?
To know if your men's shirt has the right cut, pay attention to the following points:
- The sleeve seam falls right at the junction between the arm and the shoulder;
- The buttons close without pulling;
- The collar is neither too loose nor too tight;
- You can bend your arms easily;
- Its length allows you to tuck it into your pants;
- The sleeve ends at the junction between the thumb and wrist.
Sarah Madejchuk - Marketing & Communications Director
"At Ernest, every blog article is the result of a collective effort driven by a passion for men’s style. Our team—made up of specialists in writing, art direction, and styling—creates content that reflects the essence of our brand: thoughtful, accessible, and always relevant style."
"We believe that every man deserves to feel confident and comfortable in his own skin, and our blog’s mission is to accompany him through life’s key moments—from everyday life to special occasions. This platform reflects our family-oriented approach, our sense of closeness, and our commitment to sustainable, authentic style."
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS:
Nina Say: E-commerce Coordinator
Mauricio Gomez: Senior Graphic Designer
Audrey Morin: Creative Content Designer
See other articles
Men's Fashion: 12 Essential Trends to Adopt for Fall 2026
Create head-turning, stylish looks with fashionable fall colours and patterns. Here are 10 types of warm clothing trends for men. Build the perfect wardrobe for the season!
Read more
DISCOVER THE TRENDS
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.