What Size Muscle Shirt Should I Wear

So you’ve decided you need to get yourself some new clothes but you have no idea what size muscle shirt you should wear? It’s only natural. Many of us spend hours in the gym working on our physique without really considering what that means for all the clothes we own.

After putting in the months and years it takes to earn yourself a truly athletic body, it’s not likely that you’re going to have many clothes that fit you. Whatever doesn’t end up in the trash isn’t likely to be flattering, and you’ll either be hiding your muscles behind loose, flabby fabric or you’ll be stuffing yourself into something that’s never going to fit you.

Muscle shirts are the obvious solution, but only if you know what size you should be wearing. This means you need to do a few things before you rush off to buy a brand new wardrobe.

If these are the kinds of questions that are keeping you up at night, you’re in the right place.

Read out article on how to figure out what size of muscle shirt you should be wearing and you’re sure to have an easy night’s sleep.

What this article covers:

• Muscle Shirt Sizing Basics
• How to Take Your Measurements
• Using TAILORED ATHLETE’s Size Chart
• Trying on Your Muscle Shirt
• The Impact of Correctly Sized Muscle Shirts
• A TAILORED ATHLETE Muscle Shirt for You
• What Size Muscle Shirt Should I Wear (FAQs)

Muscle Shirt Sizing Basics

A well-fitted muscle shirt should highlight your physique without sacrificing comfort. Here's what to look for in a t-shirt that fits:

Chest & Shoulders: The shirt should fit snugly around your chest and shoulders, but not so tight that it restricts movement. You should be able to move and flex comfortably.

Waist: Unlike traditional t-shirts, TAILORED ATHLETE muscle shirts taper at the waist to emphasize the 'V' shape that many athletic men possess. However, it should not be too tight around your midsection and should provide some room for comfort and breathability.

Sleeves: The sleeves should be snug around your arms, showcasing your bicep and tricep muscles. However, muscle shirts shouldn’t be so tight that they dig into your skin or restrict movement.

Length: The shirt should be long enough to cover your waistline, but not so long that it bunches at the waist.

Comfort & Mobility: Above all, a well-fitted muscle shirt should feel comfortable and allow for a full range of movement.

Importance of Correctly Sizing a Muscle Shirt for Athletic Figures

For athletic and muscular figures, correctly sizing a muscle shirt is crucial. Unlike traditional shirts that are often based on the 'average' male body shape, muscle shirts are designed to cater to those with more muscle mass, particularly around the chest, shoulders, and arms.

What muscle shirts do is contour around your muscles, highlighting the work you’ve put into your body.

When a muscle shirt is correctly sized, it can highlight your physique in the most flattering way, emphasizing your muscle definition and body shape. In contrast, a poorly fitted shirt can detract from your physique and even cause discomfort.

Moreover, wearing a shirt that fits properly can boost your confidence, as you don’t need to worry about tightness, discomfort, or unflattering fit. The fit should make you feel good about how you look, without feeling restricted or uncomfortable.

With a brand like TAILORED ATHLETE, their muscle shirts are designed specifically for muscular builds, considering the unique sizing needs of those with more muscle mass. Their sizing focuses on providing a flattering fit for muscular and athletic bodies, making it important to choose the correct size for the best possible fit.

How to Take Your Measurements

Chest

1. Stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides.
2. Use a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the fullest part of your chest, usually just under the armpits and across the shoulder blades.
3. Ensure the tape is level and parallel to the floor.
4. Breathe normally and take the measurement at the end of a breath for accuracy.

Waist

1. Stand straight and locate your natural waistline. This is usually the narrowest part of your torso, typically located just above the belly button.
2. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, ensuring it is level and parallel to the floor.
3. Do not hold your breath or suck your stomach in. Stand normally and take the measurement.

Shoulders

1. Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed.
2. Locate the end of one of your shoulder bones; it's where a vertical line from your armpit reaches your shoulder.
3. Measure from this point, across your back to the same point on your other shoulder.
4. Ensure the tape is level and straight for accuracy.

How to Ensure Accurate Measurements

Use a flexible measuring tape: A cloth or flexible plastic measuring tape provides the most accurate measurements.

Keep the tape measure level: For accurate measurements, the tape measure should always be level and parallel to the floor.

Don't pull the tape too tight or leave it too loose: The tape measure should be snug against your skin, but not digging into it or distorting your shape. It should also not be loose or have slack.

Stand naturally: Don't suck in your stomach or puff out your chest. The measurements should reflect your natural posture.

Ask for help if needed: Some measurements, like the one for your shoulders, can be difficult to take by yourself. If possible, have someone assist you for more accurate measurements.

Remember, TAILORED ATHLETE designs our shirts with the unique needs of muscular and athletic men in mind. Accurate measurements are key to finding a shirt that fits and flatters your body.

Using TAILORED ATHLETE’s Size Chart

Once you've taken your measurements, the next step is to refer to the TAILORED ATHLETE size chart. This chart is specifically designed to help you determine the most appropriate size for your body type.

This is the final step you need to figure out what size fitted shirt you are.

Chest Size: First, compare your chest measurement with the 'Chest' column in the size chart. This should guide you to the right row that corresponds to your chest size.

Waist Size: Next, look at the 'Waist' column in the same row. Ensure that your waist measurement falls within or close to the range given.

Shoulder Size: Lastly, compare your shoulder measurement with the 'Shoulder' column in the chart.

Remember, the measurements on the chart are body measurements, not garment measurements. The shirts are designed to fit those body measurements comfortably and attractively.

What if You Fall in Between?

If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider how you want the shirt to fit.

For a Snug Fit: If you prefer a tighter, more body-hugging fit, opt for the smaller size. Remember, TAILORED ATHLETE shirts are designed to stretch and accommodate your muscles, so they won't feel restrictive.

For a Loose Fit: If you prefer a little more room or you're concerned about potential shrinkage after washing, choose the larger size.

Mixed Measurements: If your chest measurement corresponds to one size and your waist or shoulder measurement corresponds to another, it's generally best to select the size that matches your chest measurement. The chest area is the most critical fit area for a muscle shirt, and TAILORED ATHLETE shirts are designed to taper naturally to the waist.

Remember, everyone's preference for fit is different, and comfort should always be your guiding principle. TAILORED ATHLETE is committed to providing a fit for every athletic build, so don't be afraid to try different sizes to find the one that suits you best.

Trying on Your Muscle Shirt

When you first put on a TAILORED ATHLETE muscle shirt, it should feel comfortable and a bit snug, but not restrictive. The material should move with your body and allow for a full range of motion. 

Our Essential T-shirt should fit around the chest and shoulders, but it should also taper comfortably around your waist, without being too tight.

 

Identifying Signs a Poorly-Fitted Shirt

Here are some signs that a shirt may not be the right fit:

Too Tight: The shirt pulls across the chest, back, or arms, restricting movement. If the fabric is straining or the shirt is riding up, it's probably too tight.

Too Loose: If there's too much fabric around your waist or if the shirt hangs off your shoulders, it's likely too large. A properly fitted muscle shirt should accentuate your physique, not hide it.

Incorrect Sleeve Length: The sleeves should end around the mid-bicep area. If they're covering your elbows or not reaching your bicep, the fit is off.

Uncomfortable: Above all, if the shirt doesn't feel comfortable, it's not the right fit.

Adjusting Your Size Choice for Fit and Comfort

After trying on a shirt, consider how it fits and feels. If it's too tight or too loose in certain areas, you may need to adjust your size choice. Don't be afraid to try a size up or down to find the best fit. TAILORED ATHLETE's muscle shirts are designed with the unique proportions of athletic bodies in mind, so they may fit differently than standard shirts.

Finally, remember that everyone's preference for fit is different. Some people prefer a tighter fit to highlight their muscles, while others prefer a more relaxed fit for comfort. Always choose the size and fit that makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

 

The Impact of Correctly Sized Muscle Shirts

The benefits of wearing correctly sized muscle shirts, especially ones designed for athletic bodies like those from TAILORED ATHLETE, are almost endless.

Comfort: A well-fitted shirt ensures comfort throughout the day, preventing discomfort or chafing that can occur with ill-fitting clothing.

Ease of Movement: Correctly sized shirts allow for a full range of motion, vital for athletic individuals, without pulling or feeling too tight in any area.

Breathability: Shirts that fit well also provide better breathability, which is essential for maintaining a comfortable body temperature, especially during physical activity.

Durability: When a shirt fits correctly, there's less likelihood of strain or tearing at the seams, extending the life of the garment.

Psychological Benefits 

Correctly sized muscle shirts also offer significant psychological benefits.

Confidence Boost: A shirt that fits well not only enhances your physical appearance but also boosts your self-confidence. When you know you look good, it's reflected in your posture, your demeanor, and your overall attitude.

Body Positivity: For many muscular and athletic men, finding clothes that fit correctly can be a challenge. Shirts designed for average body types often fail to accommodate larger chest and arm measurements, making the wearer feel out of place. Having shirts that are designed for your body type, and fit well, promotes body positivity.

Motivation: Seeing your hard-earned physique displayed attractively in a well-fitted shirt can also serve as motivation in maintaining your fitness routine.

A correctly sized muscle shirt, especially from a brand like TAILORED ATHLETE that understands the unique needs of muscular and athletic bodies, is about more than just aesthetics. It's about promoting comfort, durability, body positivity, and self-confidence.

 

A TAILORED ATHLETE Muscle Shirt for You

So now that we know how to pick out the right size for your muscle shirt, you’re probably looking for a good recommendation, right?

We understand, and we’ve got exactly what you need, too.

TAILORED ATHLETE Everyday Henley in Black

If it’s your first foray into muscle shirts and athletic fit clothing in general, TAILORED ATHLETE’s Everyday Henley in Black is just what you need to fill out your wardrobe.

Black is a versatile color for your clothes, making this muscle shirt a great choice for a general, everyday piece of clothing.

The button-up collar is a nice touch that adds a bit of detail to your clothes so they’re not completely plain, giving people something to look at and drawing the eye to your frame.

What Size Muscle Shirt Should I Wear (FAQs)

How do I know if a muscle shirt is the right fit for me?

A well-fitted muscle shirt should feel snug but not restrictive, especially around your chest and shoulders. It should allow for a full range of motion without riding up when you lift your arms. Look for a shirt that highlights your physique without causing discomfort or restricting movement.

What if my measurements fall between two sizes on the TAILORED ATHLETE size chart?

If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider how you prefer your shirt to fit. If you prefer a snug, body-hugging fit, opt for the smaller size. If you want a bit more room, choose the larger size. If your measurements are mixed, it's generally best to go with the size that matches your chest measurement, as TAILORED ATHLETE shirts are designed to taper naturally to the waist.

Can I measure myself, or do I need someone else to take my measurements?

While it's possible to measure yourself, it can be difficult to get accurate measurements, especially for your shoulders. If possible, have someone assist you. Remember to stand naturally and keep the tape measure level for the most accurate measurements.

Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking:

• Best Fitting T-Shirts
• Best Fitting T-Shirts for Athletic Build
• Best Fitting T-Shirts for Tall Guys
• Best Fitting T-Shirts for Short Guys
• Athletic Fit vs Regular Fit T-Shirt
• What Is a Muscle Shirt?
• Types of Muscle Shirts
• Best Dress Shirts for Athletic Build
• Best Athletic Fit Dress Shirts
• Best Dress Shirts for Bodybuilders
• Best Long Sleeve Athletic Shirts
• How a Dress Shirt Should Fit
• How Should Button-Up Shirts Fit
• How Should a Dress Shirt Collar Fit
• What Shirts Make You Look Muscular