Best Shirts for Short Men

If you’ve ever tried on a shirt that looked perfect on the hanger but somehow made you look like you borrowed it from your older brother, you’re not alone.

For shorter men, proportion is everything. Too long, and your shirt can make your legs look shorter. Too loose, and it adds unnecessary bulk. Too high a collar or oversized cuffs, and suddenly your frame gets lost in the fabric.

When your clothes fit right, however, something magic happens. Your frame looks taller, leaner and more confident. And that’s exactly what good style is all about: balance, proportion and confidence.

Let’s break down some of the biggest offenders in the shirt department, and how to solve them.

The fix: Look for shirts with a shorter sleeve length, or better yet, make use of our sleeve shortening service. We offer expert sleeve adjustments to ensure your shirt fits perfectly from shoulder to cuff.

If you prefer wearing your shirts untucked (we get it, weekends exist), choose casual shirts with a curved hem that sits mid-fly, rather than below it.

The fix: Go for slim-fit shirts that taper gently through the body. Not skin-tight, but enough to define your frame. Remember: the aim isn’t to look tight, it’s to look tailored. For those that need it, our classic fit shirts offer a little extra room.

The fix: Stick to medium or small collars and single cuffs for a more balanced appearance. If you’re dressing for formal occasions, a well-proportioned collar that complements your tie width can help elongate your neckline too.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe to look taller, just tweak how you wear it. Here are some style tips for short men to make your shirts look (and feel) better instantly.

Bonus tip: A leather belt can help break up your proportions and keep everything in check. Just avoid chunky buckles, they can draw attention to your midsection.

If you’re wearing a shirt under a jacket, keep your shirt collar neatly in place (bonus points for our curl-resistant collars).

When in doubt, think vertical. Subtle stripes, narrow checks or micro weaves like dobby can all help elongate your frame visually. Avoid big, bold checks or wide stripes that break up your height. Think of it as an optical illusion. The eye follows the lines you wear.

Wearing similar tones top to bottom can help create a smooth visual line that makes you appear taller. A navy shirt with dark chinos, or a pale blue shirt with beige trousers, keeps the eye moving vertically rather than horizontally.

Before you start hunting for “short men’s shirts,” it’s worth checking if your current shirts are actually the right size. You’d be surprised how often the problem isn’t your height but your fit.

If you’re unsure of your shirt size, we’ve created a handy guide on how to measure your shirt size. All you need is a measuring tape and a few minutes to get your collar, sleeve, chest and waist measurements spot on.

Once you know your size, you can choose from classic or slim fits depending on your preference. For shorter men, slim fit tends to work best, offering a clean, flattering line without excess fabric.

Sometimes, even the best men's shirt needs a small tweak to become your shirt. That’s where our sleeve shortening service comes in. By shortening the sleeves, your shirt instantly looks more custom, and fits like it was made for you (because, in a sense, it was).

At Savile Row Company, our tailoring team has decades of experience, helping every customer — regardless of height or build — achieve that perfect Savile Row fit.

To make your shopping even easier, here’s a quick checklist:

• Slim fit or tailored fit: Keeps proportions neat and avoids bulk.
• Medium spread collars: Balanced and flattering on smaller frames.
• Shorter shirt length: Easier to tuck and better proportions when untucked.
• Single cuffs: Simple, sleek and less visually heavy.
• Vertical patterns: Subtle stripes and narrow checks work wonders.
• Lighter-weight fabrics: Avoid overly stiff materials that add volume.

And most importantly: always check your sleeve and body measurements before you buy.

Shopping for shirts when you’re not six-foot-something doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right fit, fabric and a few smart styling tricks, you can look sharp and feel great.

From sleeve shortening services to personalised advice from our customer care team, we’re here to help you find your perfect fit, whatever your height. Explore our full range of men’s shirts for short men and discover just how easy it can be to dress well when every detail fits just right.