Joybuy Insights

Choosing men’s shirts and polos: how to find the right fit without making an expensive mistake

A shirt or polo can look perfect in a photo but disappoint in real life. A fit that is too tight pulls at the buttons, a dark colour fades faster than expected, and an easy-care fabric may still require plenty of ironing. When buying men’s shirts and polos, a good purchase is therefore about more than just the brand or appearance.

Pay particular attention to fit, material, sizing and care. That way, you can choose clothing that works for your job, free time and smart-casual wardrobe.

Three common pitfalls when buying men’s shirts and polos

1. Confusing slim fit with a smaller size

A men’s slim-fit shirt or men’s slim-fit polo generally has a narrower silhouette around the chest and waist. That does not automatically mean you should order a size smaller. Always check the size guide and compare the chest, waist and neck measurements with a garment that already fits you well.

A shirt that is too tight can be identified by tension between the buttons, creasing around the armpits and restricted freedom of movement. With a polo, tight sleeves or a strained shoulder seam can reduce comfort.

2. Treating stretch as a guarantee of quality

A men’s stretch shirt or stretch polo often moves with you more easily. However, the effect depends on the composition and percentage of elastane. A small amount of elastane can add flexibility while the garment remains mostly cotton.

So check the exact material specification. Also pay attention to the washing instructions: some stretch fabrics must not be tumble-dried. This is important if you want to spend as little time as possible on clothing care.

3. Selecting based on colour alone

A men’s black shirt is easy to combine with jeans, tailored trousers or chinos. A men’s dark-blue shirt or dark-blue polo also works with a wide range of outfits, but colour names can vary between products. For example, “Night Sky” refers to a dark shade of blue, while “Black Iris” may appear blue-black.

If possible, look at the product photos in daylight and check the product name. Also consider the occasion: black often looks more formal, while a men’s cotton polo in dark blue can work just as well in the office as at the weekend.

The key specifications to check

Fit and size

Start by choosing the silhouette you want:

  • Slim fit: cut narrower and suitable for a close-fitting look.
  • Regular fit: offers more room around the chest and waist and is often more comfortable for everyday wear.
  • Relaxed or looser fit: practical when you want to wear a shirt open over a T-shirt.

Bear in mind that sizing can vary between brands. Tommy Hilfiger lists chest and waist measurements in centimetres. For some shirts, Calvin Klein uses a neck size, such as 39, 40, 41 or 43. A neck size is not the same as a general clothing size.

Material and freedom of movement

Cotton is a widely used material for shirts and polos. The product information may specify 100% cotton, cotton piqué or a cotton blend. Piqué has a distinctive texture and is often used for polos.

Stretch models are made from cotton combined with elastane. The Calvin Klein Stretch Pique Slim Button Polo, for example, lists 96% cotton and 4% elastane. The Calvin Klein Poplin Stretch Slim Shirt models list a cotton and elastane blend. Always check the label, as compositions can vary between different versions and sizes.

Care and durability

Follow the instructions on the clothing label, even if the online product description provides different general information. A few practical points to bear in mind:

  • Wash cotton polos and shirts at the stated temperature, often 30 or 40 °C.
  • Do not tumble-dry the garment if the product information explicitly says not to.
  • Hang a shirt up immediately after washing to help minimise creasing.
  • Iron stretch and easy-care fabrics at the recommended low temperature.
  • Turn black and dark-blue clothing inside out to reduce friction during washing.

An easy-care fabric does not mean that the garment will remain completely crease-free. Claims such as “wrinkle-resistant” come from the brand’s product description, so treat them as a product feature rather than a guarantee of an ironing-free experience.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Tommy Hilfiger 1985 Regular Polo Men's S Black

Tommy Hilfiger 1985 Regular Polo Men's S Black

Why it suits this profile: The regular fit offers more room than a slim model, making it a practical choice for everyday wear with jeans, chinos or shorts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that it has a regular fit and 100% cotton piqué. This means you do not have to guess between a close-fitting or roomier cut.

Main benefit & advantages

100% cotton piqué, two-button fastening and sizes from XS to XXL according to the stated size guide.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Calvin Klein Stretch Pique Slim Button Polo Night Sky Men's S

Calvin Klein Stretch Pique Slim Button Polo Night Sky Men's S

Why it suits this profile: The slim fit and dark-blue Night Sky colour work well with a polished smart-casual outfit, for example with chinos or a blazer.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify both the slim fit and the fabric composition of 96% cotton and 4% elastane. This makes the choice something you can verify, rather than basing it solely on the brand image.

Main benefit & advantages

Stretch piqué, traditional collar, short sleeves and machine-washable care according to the product description; do not tumble-dry.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent wearers
Calvin Klein Twill Easy Care Slim Shirt Night Sky Men's 44

Calvin Klein Twill Easy Care Slim Shirt Night Sky Men's 44

Why it suits this profile: This dark-blue shirt is designed for men looking for a slim model for the office, meetings and casual combinations.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The easy-care feature is linked to twill and care instructions in the product description. Check the label and do not automatically expect a completely ironing-free experience.

Main benefit & advantages

Slim fit, Kent collar, button fastening and a twill blend designed for easier care according to the product details.

Suitable for: Classic casual wearers
LEE ALL PURPOSE SHIRT LIGHT MOOD M

LEE ALL PURPOSE SHIRT LIGHT MOOD M

Why it suits this profile: The relaxed fit and light colour make it suitable as a casual men’s shirt, worn on its own or as a layer over a T-shirt.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies a relaxed fit, button-down design and 100% cotton. This makes it clear that it is not a close-fitting formal shirt.

Main benefit & advantages

100% cotton, chest pocket, pointed collar and suitable for casual, smart-casual and layered outfits.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Shirt or polo: which suits your situation?

A shirt with a Kent or pointed collar is the obvious choice for business meetings, presentations and occasions when you need a formal appearance. Choose a slim model when wearing a blazer, but make sure you still have enough freedom of movement.

A polo is more casual and works well in an office without a strict dress code. A black men’s polo combines easily with light chinos, denim and trainers. A dark-blue men’s polo has a more understated look and works well with grey, beige or white trousers. For warmer days, a men’s cotton polo is a practical option; just check the washing and drying instructions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right size for men’s shirts and polos?

Measure your chest, waist and, if necessary, neck circumference, then compare the results with the brand’s size guide. For a shirt in size 39 or 40, pay particular attention to the neck size. For polos, chest measurement and fit are more important. If you are between two sizes, also check the returns policy before ordering.

Is a men’s stretch shirt suitable for formal wear?

It can be. A stretch shirt with a Kent collar, plain colour and slim fit can be worn with tailored trousers or a blazer. Check the fabric composition and choose a model without eye-catching prints. Stretch provides freedom of movement, but on its own it does not determine how formal the shirt looks.

How can I keep black and dark-blue clothing looking good for longer?

Wash the clothing inside out, use the temperature stated on the label and avoid excessive drying in direct sunlight. With stretch models, do not use a tumble dryer if this is advised against. Hang shirts up immediately after washing and iron them at the recommended temperature. This will help preserve the colour, shape and finish for longer.