A Different Philosophy of Shirtmaking

Many modern high street shirts are designed around trend-led slim silhouettes with very close cuts across the chest, waist and sleeves. Harvie & Hudson shirts follow a more traditional British shirtmaking philosophy developed through decades of Jermyn Street craftsmanship.

Rather than focusing purely on aggressive slimness, our shirts are designed to balance structure, comfort and movement, particularly when worn throughout long business days or alongside tailoring.

This means many customers notice our shirts feel slightly more generous compared with modern high street brands. This is intentional and forms part of the traditional British approach to shirtmaking.

Why Traditional British Shirts Were Designed This Way

Traditional British shirts were originally designed to be worn with tailoring and business attire. Slightly more room through the body allows the shirt to drape cleanly beneath jackets while improving comfort when sitting, travelling or moving throughout the day.

Longer shirt tails help keep the shirt neatly tucked when worn with suits or formal trousers, while balanced proportions reduce pulling across the buttons and shoulders.

This differs from many modern high street cuts which often prioritise tighter silhouettes over practicality, comfort and long-term wearability.

Why Modern High Street Shirts Fit Differently

Over the last decade, many high street brands have shifted towards increasingly slim and trend-led silhouettes. Shirts are often cut much closer through the chest, waist and sleeves to create a sharper appearance on the hanger and in marketing imagery.

Traditional British shirtmaking follows a different philosophy. Rather than focusing purely on slimness, the emphasis is placed on comfort, movement, balance and how the shirt performs throughout the day when worn with tailoring.

This is why Harvie & Hudson shirts may feel more generous compared with some modern high street brands, particularly for customers used to ultra slim contemporary cuts.

The Modern Business Shirt Problem

Many modern shirts are designed with very close-fitting silhouettes that can feel restrictive during long working days. Tightness across the shoulders, pulling around the buttons and shirts becoming untucked while sitting are common frustrations.

Traditional British shirtmaking takes a more balanced approach. Slightly more room through the body allows greater comfort while maintaining a clean and professional appearance when worn with tailoring.

Classic Fit Compared with High Street Classic Fit

Our classic fit shirts offer a fuller traditional silhouette through the chest and waist while maintaining a clean and refined appearance.

Traditional British proportions designed for comfort, movement and everyday business wear.

Compared with many high street classic fit shirts, Harvie & Hudson classic fit shirts are intentionally cut with more ease through the body to provide greater comfort and a cleaner drape when worn with tailoring.

Classic Fit White Shirt Classic Fit Blue Shirt Classic Fit Stripe Shirt Classic Fit Double Cuff Shirt

How a Shirt Should Actually Fit

A well-fitted shirt should feel comfortable while maintaining a clean silhouette. The collar should allow enough room for comfort without feeling loose, while the shoulder seams should sit close to the natural shoulder line.

Sleeves should finish near the wrist bone, allowing a small amount of cuff to remain visible beneath tailoring. Across the chest and waist, the shirt should allow natural movement without excessive pulling or restriction.

Who Each Fit Is Best For

Shrinkage and Traditional Shirt Sizing

Harvie & Hudson shirts include a small shrinkage allowance within the collar and sleeve measurements to account for natural cotton shrinkage after washing.

If you are used to modern high street shirts, you may prefer a slightly smaller size in our traditional British cuts. We recommend washing shirts at 40°C and avoiding tumble drying where possible to help preserve the fit and fabric.

Alterations and Personal Fitting Advice

Shirts can be altered for customers who prefer a more fitted shape through the chest, waist or sleeves. Sleeve shortening and further adjustments may also be available.

Customers are welcome to visit our Jermyn Street store for personalised fitting advice and measurements from our experienced team.

For further guidance, you can also explore our shirt fit and alterations FAQs.

Fit Advice From Our Team

If you are transitioning from modern high street shirts, it is completely normal for traditional British shirts to feel slightly different initially. Many customers later prefer the additional comfort, cleaner drape and improved movement that traditional shirt proportions provide.

Our team can help guide you towards the right fit depending on whether you prefer a sharper silhouette or a more traditional business fit.