Can I lengthen or shorten my dress shirt sleeves?
Dress shirt sleeves can’t be lengthened, but they can be shortened using one of two techniques: First, they can be shortened from the wrist. This is the easier and more affordable method. Second, sleeves can be shortened at the shoulder. This involves removing the sleeve from the shirt, so it’s more complicated, difficult and expensive.
How to fix long sleeves on men's clothing?
When it comes time to buy a new shirt, try to prevent sleeves that are too long by going custom or buying clothes made specifically for shorter men. For shirts you already own, the best long-term solution is to get them tailored. For a quick fix, try rolling them up or wearing an extra layer.
Which men's shirts have shorter sleeves?
All of their shirts, including casual button ups and dress shirts, have shorter sleeves. You can find a complete list of these brands right here. They’re perfect for shorter men or anyone who has issues with off the rack sleeve length from most major brands.
Can you shorten sleeves with plackets?
Sleeves with plackets can only be shortened up to an 1″ though, if you shorten sleeves any more than that you won’t be able to roll up your sleeves. Use a seam ripper to carefully take the cuffs off. Pull out on the remnant threads so that you don’t sew over them. Especially take out the topstitching thread that is often thick.

How much can I shorten a sleeve?
Sleeves with plackets can only be shortened up to an 1″ though, if you shorten sleeves any more than that you won’t be able to roll up your sleeves.
How many inches can you shorten a placket?
You can only use this technique when shortening up to one inch. If you need to shorten it more than that then you'll have to redo the whole placket.
What is a placket on a shirt?
A placket is an opening in the bottom of the sleeve that makes it possible to roll up your sleeves. The cuff is tighter than the sleeve and it keeps the sleeve at the wrist instead of falling down on the hand.
How to take off cuffs on a sleeve?
Use a seam ripper to carefully take the cuffs off. Pull out on the remnant threads so that you don’t sew over them. Especially take out the topstitching thread that is often thick.
Where should the cuff be on a sleeve?
The buttons should be on the same side as the buttons and the buttonholes should be on the same side as the buttonholes. The right cuff needs to go on the right sleeve, and the left cuff needs to go on the left sleeve. The pleats will need to be adjusted and deepened.
Can you shorten sleeves on a button up shirt?
You can shorten the sleeves of a button up shirt for the right fit, and the best part is that it’s a very easy sewing alteration! You can shorten sleeves on a button up shirt for both men’s , women’s , and some children’s shirts. Any shirt sleeve that has a sleeve placket can use this method. It’s quick and easy.
How to get sleeves shortened?
Simply go to a tailor and get the sleeves shortened, and they’ll fit your arms perfectly.
When it comes time to buy a new shirt, try to prevent sleeves that are too long?
When it comes time to buy a new shirt, try to prevent sleeves that are too long by going custom or buying clothes made specifically for shorter men.
How long does it take to get a custom shirt made?
It also takes a long time, usually 3-6 weeks, to get your shirt made and shipped to your door. Bottom line: buying custom shirts is a great option for guys who need shorter sleeves, but don’t expect to get a perfectly fitting shirt the first time.
How to hide excess length?
Rolling up your sleeves is one great way to hide excess length, but it’s not your only option…
How much does a custom shirt cost?
Going custom is a great option, as there are so many made-to-measure shirt brands these days. You can get a decent quality custom shirt for as low as $50 right now, which is pretty cool!
What to wear over a dress shirt?
Just wear a jacket or sweater over your dress shirt or button down. This extra layer will hide the excess length of your sleeves.
What brands make clothes for shorter men?
These days, shorter guys (who guys with shorter arms) have the option to shop brands like Jimmy Au’s that make clothes specifically for shorter men.
How to make sure your dress shirts fit properly?
It’s more important than fabric, price or color. The best way to make sure your dress shirts fit properly is to get them tailored. Here’s everything you need to know about the process.
What to do if your sleeves are too slim?
Shirt Sleeve Width. If your sleeves are too slim, you can’t fix that at the tailor. You need to buy a bigger shirt. But if your sleeves are too baggy, you can get them taken in for a slimmer fit through the bicep and forearm. Most guys look best with shirt sleeves that are fitted, but not skin tight.
How Can Dress Shirts Be Tailored?
I’ve found that a lot of guys don’t realize how much is possible in terms of alterations. They also don’t understand that it is a very affordable solution.
What does a dress shirt fit?
Whether worn on its own or with a tie and jacket, a dress shirt that fits properly is one of the most flattering garments a man can wear. On the flip side, a dress shirt that fits poorly will make any guy look sloppy and careless, regardless of how much he spent on this shirt or how great his physique is. When it comes to wearing dress shirts, fit ...
Can you shorten a button up shirt?
Both casual button up shirts and dress shirts can be shortened by an experienced tailor. This may not be an issue for true dress shirts, as you’ll wear these tucked into your pants. But if a casual button up is too long to wear untucked, you can have it shortened. Just be careful not to shorten it too much, or the bottom button will be too close ...
Where do you move the top button on a sleeve?
If you need a slightly more snug or loose fit, you can move the top button a few millimeters to the left or right.
Can you get dress shirts for short guys?
If you can afford it, it’s worth getting your shirts custom made or at least ordering MTM shirts from one of the many online clothiers. If you can’ t afford bespoke clothing just yet, it’s okay.
What to do if your shirt is too tight?
Let Out Sides. Unlike jackets or trousers, shirts do not have any extra material built into them. As such, they can not be let out in the same way. If your shirt is too tight, you either need to lose weight or get a new shirt.
How to make a shirt look fat?
1. Take In Sides. Shirts have a seam on either side, and if it’s too big, a tailor can take it in for you. When you’re getting pinned up, make sure the tailor isn’t overzealous. A svelte look is one thing, but a shirt that is too tight will make you look fat after even the lightest meal.
What to do if you are not sure of your perfect size?
If you’re not sure of your perfect size then order an array, get the one that’s right for you, and then stick to that configuration. As the old saying goes, “prevention is better than cure!” But if you’ve already made that purchase or want to see if an alteration is feasible both technically and financially, read on.
Can you shorten the sleeves on a placket?
If you want to save the placket you can have your tailor shorten the sleeves from the shoulder, but it’ll be more expensive.
Do shirt brands go by collar size?
Some shirt brands only go by collar size with a standard arm length and fit. It can be very frustrating if you have a large neck and short arms or vice versa. Therefore, the best shirt brands will retail shirts of different collar sizes with several arm length options.
Can you replace a white collar with a white cuff?
In fact, this is where the contrasting white collar and cuff tradition comes from. If the maker still has the original fabric available, then you can have it replaced with the same, but if it’s unavailable, you can always go with white.
Is a shirt tight if you are slim?
Similarly, if you’re quite slim, you might be floating in a large shirt. Meanwhile, a shirt with the right neck and arm length might be depressingly tight. Although brands offer a selection of different cuts (like “slim”, “tailored”, and “classic”), sometimes you may be better opting for custom garments.
