How to Fit a School Shirt for Comfort and Movement

Quick answer

The best school shirt fit allows easy arm and torso movement without being baggy. Start with the neck and shoulder fit, then check sleeve and body length while your child moves naturally.

Step-by-step school shirt fitting guide

1. Check the neck and shoulders: Button the top collar button. You should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and your child's neck. The shoulder seam should sit at the tip of the shoulder bone, not halfway down the arm. If the collar is too tight, the shirt will be uncomfortable all day. If the shoulder seam falls off the shoulder, the shirt is too big.
2. Test arm and body length while moving: Ask your child to raise their arms straight out to the sides. The sleeve cuff should reach the wrist bone, and the shirt hem should not rise above the waistband of their trousers. Then have them bend forward — the back of the shirt should stay tucked in without pulling tight across the shoulders. A shirt that rides up excessively when arms are raised is too short in the body or sleeves.
3. Assess torso width and ease: Pinch about an inch of fabric on each side of the torso when the shirt is buttoned. There should be enough room for your child to twist and stretch without the fabric pulling across the chest or back. The shirt should not be tight under the arms. If you can pinch more than two inches, the shirt may be too wide and will look sloppy. If you can't pinch any fabric, it's too tight.

Product facts

• Unisex Short Sleeve School Shirt - 100% Organic Cotton: GOTS certified, 100% organic cotton with no latex or elastane. The absence of elastane means the shirt won't grip the body, allowing free movement and reducing skin irritation for sensitive children.