How to Make a Men's Tailored & Fitted Shirt

Sewing a man's tailored dress shirt can be accomplished with a few simple steps.

Sewing a simple tailored and fitted dress shirt for a man isn't that difficult, even if you aren't an expert seamstress. The tailored dress shirt is all about the fit. Be sure to remember some important tips such as taking all the measurements twice to avoid any mistakes. As with all sewing projects, the more you practice, the better you will become. With just a few supplies you are well on your way to making a tailored shirt that any man would be proud to wear.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pattern
• Material
• Measuring tape
• Fabric scissors
• Pins
• Buttons

Instructions

1. Take the measurements of the man who will be wearing the shirt. A tailored shirt is all about the proper fit. Make sure to measure around the neck, from the nape of the neck to just above the tailbone, around the chest and waist, the length of the arms and around the shoulders. Write all the measurements down to keep track of them.

2. Buy the right pattern at your local fabric or craft shop, or at a pattern store online. Use the measurements you took to purchase the right size pattern. Different patterns for fitted and tailored shirts will also have a variety of collar and cuff designs to choose from.

3. Select your fabric. If the shirt is intended for casual settings you may want a material that has a little bit of stretch to it and doesn't wrinkle easily. If it is for a dressier occasion you should purchase silk or rayon material. The pattern will tell you how many yards of material to purchase.

4. Cut the pieces of the pattern out along the right size line. Patterns usually come in 3 or more sizes with the lines for cutting the different sizes clearly marked on the pattern. The pattern will also include the pieces for the collars and the cuffs. After all the pieces have been cut, pin them to the material.

5. Cut out the fabric pieces and sew them together to form the shirt, following the pattern guide on which piece to sew together first. Using a sewing machine will ensure durable stitching that will last. Be sure to use thread of the same color to give the shirt a professional look.

6. Add buttons to the shirt. Once the shirt is completely sewn, attach the buttons down the center of the shirt using your sewing machine. The pattern will guide you on how to measure and create the buttonholes.

References

• My Pattern Designer: Men's Dress Shirts
• Quality Logo Shirts Online: 8 Measurement Tips for a Perfect Custom Dress Shirt