How to Alter a Men’s Shirt: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you’ve inherited a shirt from a loved one that doesn’t quite fit or you’ve found a classic piece at a thrift store that needs a little tweaking, learning how to alter a men’s shirt can be a valuable skill. Altering a shirt can not only help you get the perfect fit but also breathe new life into an item that might otherwise be destined for the donation pile. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of altering a men’s shirt, from taking accurate measurements to choosing the right alterations for your needs.
1. Take Accurate Measurements
The first step in altering a men’s shirt is to take precise measurements. You’ll need to measure the following areas:
- Shoulder width: Measure from one shoulder seam to the other, across the back of the shirt.
- Armhole depth: Measure from the center of the shoulder seam to the bottom of the armhole.
- Neck circumference: Wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
- Armpit to wrist: Measure from the armpit to the wrist, with the arm relaxed at your side.
- Waist circumference: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, typically just above the hip bones.
- Length: Measure from the collar to the hem of the shirt, with the shirt laid flat.
2. Choose the Right Alterations
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to decide which alterations you need. Common alterations for men’s shirts include:
- Shortening the sleeves: If the sleeves are too long, you can take them in at the cuff or trim them down to the desired length.
- Shortening the shirt: Measure from the collar to the desired length and trim the shirt accordingly.
- Letting out the sleeves: If the sleeves are too tight, you can add width by taking in the seam at the cuff or by adding a gusset.
- Adding width to the shoulders: If the shoulders are too narrow, you can add width by taking in the seams at the shoulder seams or by adding shoulder pads.
- Letting out the waist: If the shirt is too tight around the waist, you can add width by taking in the seams at the side or by adding a pleat.
3. Prepare Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- Sewing machine and thread
- Scissors
- Steam iron and ironing board
- Chalk or fabric marking pen
- Needle and thread for hand-sewing, if necessary
- New buttons, if needed
4. Follow the Instructions
Now that you have your tools and materials ready, follow these general instructions for altering a men’s shirt:
- Mark the areas you need to cut or sew on the shirt using chalk or a fabric marking pen.
- Remove the buttons and buttonholes, if necessary.
- Remove the seam allowances and any unnecessary fabric.
- Sew the new seams or make the necessary alterations.
- Reattach the buttons and buttonholes.
- Press the seams flat with an iron.
5. Test the Fit
After making the alterations, try on the shirt to ensure it fits properly. If any adjustments are needed, make them now before the alterations are permanent.
By following these steps, you can successfully alter a men’s shirt to fit your personal style and preferences. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to tackle a variety of alterations, making your wardrobe more versatile and tailored to your needs.
