Sleeve length and fit for bamboo fabric shirts for men
Short answer: For bamboo fabric shirts for men, the sleeve should end at the wrist bone when your arm hangs down and should never cover your whole hand. Measure from the centre of your neck over the shoulder to the cuff, and compare that number with the size guide.
Where should the sleeve end on a shirt
When you stand with your arms down, the cuff should end at or just around the wrist bone. If the sleeve covers half your hand it is too long, and if it shows a bare forearm it is too short. It is a simple test that you can do in front of the mirror in a few seconds.
Sleeve length in bamboo fabric shirts for men
Take a soft tape measure and start at the centre of your neck. Follow the shoulder line and the slightly bent arm down to the wrist bone. That number is your sleeve length, and you can compare it with the measurements on the product. You can also measure a shirt you already like and use it as your guide when buying.
How bamboo fabric behaves in the sleeve
When you look at a bamboo shirt for men, remember that the fabric can behave differently from cotton. Viscose from bamboo is soft and drapes heavily, so the sleeve can seem slightly longer as you move. Always check against the garment measurements and not only the size label on the shirt.
Fit in the upper arm and elbow
Length is only half of the sleeve. The upper arm needs room to bend without pulling, and the elbow must move without the fabric tugging at the shoulder. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to make a fist and raise your arm without the cuff sliding far up, and without the shirt straining across the back.
When the sleeve is slightly too long
A sleeve that is too long can often be fixed by rolling it up once or twice. This works especially well on relaxed shirts in soft fabric. For a formal day it is better to have a tailor shorten the sleeve, but most everyday shirts do fine with a tidy and even cuff.
When the sleeve is slightly too short
If the sleeve is too short, going up a size rarely helps, because the rest of the shirt then becomes too large. Try a model with longer sleeves if one exists, or pick a sleeve length that the brand states. Many brands list the sleeve length in the size guide, so look for it before you order.
Summer shirts and the sleeve end
Short sleeve shirts normally end halfway down the upper arm, and the same rule applies as with long sleeves: there must be room to move. When the sleeve fits well, it looks like a proper shirt rather than a T-shirt. On warm days you can add bamboo shorts for men and build a simple summer outfit.
Washing for sleeves that keep their shape
If you wash the shirt according to the care label, the sleeves keep their shape best. Avoid high heat, because it can make viscose shrink and the sleeve a little shorter. Hang the shirt on a hanger while it is still slightly damp, and smooth the sleeves with a light press. Day to day, bamboo T-shirts for men suit under the shirt.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the sleeves on a shirt be?
The cuff should end at the wrist bone when your arm hangs down. When you bend your arm the sleeve may slide up a little, but it should not leave a bare forearm or cover your hand.
How do I measure sleeve length on my own?
Use a soft tape measure from the centre of your neck over the shoulder to the wrist bone with a slightly bent arm. It is easier with a friend, but you can also measure a shirt that already fits.
Can a shirt shrink in the sleeve after washing?
It can happen, especially with high temperatures or a tumble dryer. Follow the care label and let the shirt dry on a hanger so the sleeves keep their length as well as possible.
