The Perfect T-Shirt Length For Men: How Long Should It Hang?

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple for men, but finding the perfect fit can be challenging. The ideal T-shirt should be close-fitting without being too tight or restrictive. The shoulder seams should align with the shoulder bone, and the sleeves should end at the midpoint of the upper arm, or just above it for those with shorter arms or defined muscles. The torso should be fitted but not too tight, with a pinch of fabric on either side. The length should reach about two inches past the waistband, ending around mid-fly. For taller men, a longline cut is preferable to an oversized shirt. When trying on a T-shirt, it's important to raise your arms to ensure the length is sufficient, as exposing skin can be uncomfortable and unflattering.

T-shirt length depends on whether it's tucked in or not

The length of a T-shirt depends on whether it is tucked in or left untucked. Most manufacturers create shirts to be worn tucked in, but with the shift towards a more casual work environment, new trends are emerging in men's fashion.

If you are going for a formal look, a crisp tucked-in dress shirt is essential for a polished appearance. Shirts with visible "tails" or hems that vary in length at the bottom are always meant to be tucked in. A good rule of thumb is that if a shirt has tails, even if it is short-sleeved or a sports shirt, it should always be worn tucked in, or you risk looking sloppy. For a tucked-in shirt, the back should reach the bottom of the buttocks or slightly below. The longer the shirt, the more securely it will stay tucked into the pants, and the straighter it will remain at the front.

For a more casual look, untucked shirts are an option. These shirts often have square hems, a shorter cut, and a slimmer build, similar to a t-shirt. The untucked option is largely dependent on personal style and environment. Popular styles that can be worn untucked include polo shirts, turtlenecks, denim button-ups, tropical button-ups, t-shirts, and some short-sleeve button-ups. For an untucked shirt, the back length should be slightly shorter and ideally reach the middle of the buttocks. The front bottom shirt tail should end midway down the fly of your pants.

For those wanting flexibility, a "hybrid length" shirt can be a good option. This is a dress shirt cut at a specific length that looks good both tucked and untucked. It is long enough to stay tucked in when reaching but short enough to avoid looking sloppy when left untucked.

A tucked-in shirt should reach the bottom of the butt or slightly below

When it comes to men's fashion, the length of a shirt can make or break your look. If you're going for a tucked-in style, the optimal length is crucial to achieving a polished and well-aligned outfit. Here are some insights to guide you on why and how a tucked-in shirt should reach the bottom of the butt or slightly below.

The Benefits of a Longer Tucked-In Shirt

Firstly, a longer shirt provides a more secure tuck. The extra fabric ensures that your shirt stays neatly in place, reducing the chances of it coming untucked throughout the day. This is especially useful if you have a larger belly, as the longer shirt can more easily accommodate your stomach while still providing a sleek and tidy appearance.

Achieving the Optimal Length

When selecting a shirt for tucking in, it's essential to consider the back length. The shirt should reach at least the bottom of your buttocks or slightly below. This length not only keeps the shirt securely tucked but also ensures that the front of the shirt remains straight and aligned. A longer shirt creates a smoother appearance and prevents the shirt from riding up, exposing skin, or creating an untidy silhouette.

The "Butthigh" Reference Point

When trying on shirts, a useful reference point to keep in mind is the "butthigh." This term refers to the area where your buttocks meet your thigh. For a tucked-in dress shirt, the shirt tail should extend at least 2 inches past the "butthigh." This ensures that the front of the shirt reaches the desired length, falling about 1 inch past the front crotch point of your pants.

Customization for a Perfect Fit

If you struggle to find ready-to-wear shirts that meet these length requirements, consider opting for custom-made shirts. Bespoke clothing allows you to dictate the appropriate length for your body type, ensuring that your tucked-in shirts not only look elegant but also feel comfortable.

An untucked shirt should be shorter and ideally reach the middle of the butt

When it comes to men's fashion, the length of a T-shirt is crucial. Opting for a T-shirt that is too long can make you appear larger than you are, as the fabric will cling to your buttocks and create an unflattering silhouette. Conversely, a T-shirt that is too short can lead to an unintended midriff display. The ideal length for an untucked T-shirt is one that reaches the middle of your buttocks, or approximately an inch above your back pocket. This ensures that your shirt is not too long or too short, creating a timeless look that flatters all body types.

The optimal length for an untucked T-shirt can be determined by a simple test. First, put on the T-shirt and raise one arm in the air as if signalling to a friend in a crowded area. If you can see any skin on your stomach, the shirt is too short. The ideal length will reveal a small portion of your waistband, or even reach up to the top of your pants. Secondly, examine your posterior by allowing the shirt to fall naturally. The hem should just graze the top of your buttocks, without extending beyond 25% of your cheeks. Alternatively, you can aim for the shirt to end approximately an inch above your back pocket.

It is worth noting that the length of an untucked shirt is influenced by other factors, such as the height at which you wear your pants, the size of your belly, and your preference for the number of buttons on the front. Additionally, the shape of each individual varies, so these guidelines may need adjustments to suit your unique body type. When in doubt, measuring the back length of a shirt that has a desirable untucked length can provide a useful reference point.

The back length of a shirt is measured from the centre back of the collar's bottom to the bottom of the back shirt tail. Adjusting this measurement will raise or lower the entire bottom of the shirt. It is worth noting that the sides of standard, rounded shirt hems curve upwards by approximately 2 inches from the centre bottom. Therefore, reducing the overall length of the shirt will also raise the sides by a corresponding amount.

In conclusion, when selecting an untucked T-shirt, aim for a length that reaches the middle of your buttocks. This will ensure a flattering and stylish silhouette, allowing you to feel confident and comfortable in your attire.

The front of the shirt should end midway down the fly of your pants

When it comes to men's T-shirts, length is crucial. The ideal length for a T-shirt is one that reaches midway down the fly of your pants. This rule of thumb ensures the shirt is not too long or too short, creating a well-proportioned silhouette.

Firstly, let's discuss why length is so important. If a T-shirt is too long, it can cling to your buttocks, adding unwanted bulk to your frame and creating an unflattering, shapeless silhouette. Conversely, a T-shirt that is too short can reveal too much skin and make you appear taller than you are. Therefore, the perfect length falls around mid-fly, ending just above the crotch point and no shorter than 2 inches above it.

This guideline is particularly important for shorter men, who often struggle to find T-shirts with the right length. Many brands design T-shirts for taller, slimmer men, leaving shorter guys with shirts that hang too low and make them look even shorter. By aiming for a length that ends midway down the fly, shorter men can avoid this issue and find a T-shirt that flatters their frame.

Additionally, this length is ideal for untucked shirts, which are often preferred in more casual environments. Shirts designed to be worn untucked typically have square hems, shorter cuts, and no visible tails. The front bottom shirt tail should end midway down the fly, creating a neat and polished look without appearing sloppy.

It is worth noting that body shape can vary, so this rule may not work for everyone. However, using the guideline of the T-shirt ending midway down the fly is a good starting point when trying on ready-to-wear shirts. For those who want more flexibility, a "hybrid length" shirt can be a great option. These shirts are designed to look good both tucked and untucked, with a length that sits just above the waistband when reaching and not too long when left untucked.

In conclusion, when it comes to men's T-shirts, the ideal length is one that ends midway down the fly of your pants. This creates a well-proportioned silhouette, ensuring the shirt is not too long or too short. This guideline is especially useful for shorter men and those who prefer an untucked look. By following this rule of thumb, men can find T-shirts that flatter their body shape and create a polished appearance.

For a hybrid length shirt, the back should be 1 inch below the 'butthigh' and the front should fall to the crotch point

When it comes to T-shirts, length is everything. Too long and you'll look larger than you are, too short and you risk flashing your midriff. The optimal length for your T-shirt will depend on your body and your personal style.

If you're wearing a hybrid length shirt, the back should fall 1 inch below the butthigh (where your buttocks meet your thigh) and the front should fall to the crotch point. This is a versatile option that allows you to wear the shirt tucked or untucked. With this style, you can reach for things without the shirt coming out of your waistband, and you also avoid looking sloppy by leaving it out.

For a more formal look, a tucked-in shirt should come to the bottom of the butt or slightly below. This ensures the shirt stays tucked in securely and stays aligned at the front. For an untucked shirt, you'll want a slightly shorter back length, but be careful not to go too short. A good rule of thumb is that the shirt should fall to the middle of the butt and the front bottom shirt tail should end midway down the fly of your pants.

The perfect T-shirt length will also depend on your height and build. The average man in America is about 5'10" and 190 pounds, and it's easy for him to find a T-shirt that fits. However, for men who are shorter or taller, finding the right length can be a challenge. Your shirt should go about two inches past your waistband and end around mid-fly. If it hits the bottom of your fly, it's too long and will make you look shorter.

Ultimately, the right T-shirt length for you will depend on your body type, personal style, and the type of shirt you're wearing.

Frequently asked questions