We've all been there—standing in front of a mirror, pulling and tugging at a button-up shirt that just won't lay flat. Gaping shirts are an annoyance that many of us deal with, regardless of whether we're dressing up for an important business meeting or going casual for a weekend outing.
While this issue may seem minor, it's one that can disrupt your entire look and leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Thankfully, there are ways to combat this issue, from quick fashion hacks to more permanent solutions like opting for muscle fit shirts from Oxcloth.
Why Do Button-Up Shirts Gape?
Button-up shirts can gape for a variety of reasons, often related to fit, fabric, and design. Here are some primary factors to consider. One of the most common reasons for gaping is a poor fit around the bust, waist, or shoulders.
Off-the-rack shirts are generally not designed to accommodate all body shapes, and if the shirt is too tight in certain areas, it's likely to gape.
Stretchy fabrics may reduce gaping, while stiffer fabrics like cotton or linen are more prone to it. The way a fabric drapes or clings can affect how well the shirt lays flat against your body.
Poorly placed buttons can contribute to gaping, especially around the bust area. The spacing and size of buttons may not correspond to your body's natural curves, leading to an uneven distribution of fabric.
Design Flaws: Sometimes, the cut of the shirt is inherently flawed, leading to inevitable gaping. Shirts without darts or seams that shape the garment to the body are more likely to gape.
Over time, frequent washing and wearing can stretch out a shirt's fabric, contributing to gaping issues.
When shopping for a button-up shirt, pay attention to fit, especially around problem areas like the bust and waist. Opt for stretchy, forgiving fabrics and consider professional tailoring for a more customized fit. Understanding these factors can help you make better choices and avoid the dreaded shirt gap.
How Do I Stop My Shirt from Gaping?
Gaping Shirt Hack
Stopping your shirt from gaping is a common concern, especially for button-down shirts that may not fit perfectly around the bust or waist. Here's how to address the issue using both professional and DIY solutions:
Professional Tailoring: The best long-term solution is to get your shirt tailored. A skilled tailor can adjust the seams and maybe even add some darts to make the shirt fit more snugly, thereby eliminating the gap.
Hook and Eye Closure: Another professional option is adding a hook and eye closure between the problematic buttons. This ensures the shirt stays closed but isn't visibly different from the original design.
Fashion Tape: A quick DIY hack is to use double-sided fashion tape to secure the gaping area to your skin. Make sure the skin is clean and dry, apply the tape on the inside of the shirt placket, and press it against your skin.
Safety Pins: If you're in a pinch, safety pins can work wonders. Pin from the inside so the pin isn't visible. Make sure the pin's clasp is flat against the fabric to avoid a noticeable bulge.
Snap Buttons: For a semi-permanent DIY solution, sew snap buttons between the existing buttons at the gaping spots. This is relatively easy to do and creates a more secure closure.
Layering: Wear a camisole underneath and leave the problematic buttons unbuttoned, or layer a fashionable vest or jacket over the shirt to disguise the gap.
Button Position: Sometimes, moving a button just a half-inch can solve the problem. Unstitch the problematic button and sew it back in the proper position to ensure a better fit.
Choose the solution that best fits your needs and skill level to ensure your shirt lays flat, giving you a polished and put-together appearance.
The Permanent Solution: Choose the Right Fit
The best way to solve the problem of gaping shirts once and for all is to choose a shirt that fits you perfectly. Take your measurements seriously; know your neck size, chest circumference, and waistline. A well-fitted shirt will not only eliminate the issue of gaping but will also enhance your overall appearance.
Why Oxcloth?
For those looking for the ultimate fix to gaping shirts, Oxcloth offers a line of custom-tailored shirts designed to fit you like a glove. We provide an additional button to the front placket which avoids the dreaded button gape.
Dealing with gaping shirts is a fashion dilemma that many face, but the good news is that there are numerous ways to tackle it. Whether you choose to go for quick hacks like fashion tape and safety pins, or decide to invest in well-fitted, high-quality shirts, solving this issue is within your reach.
The most effective long-term solution, however, lies in opting for shirts that are tailored to fit your body's unique shape, like the options available at Oxcloth.
Oxcloth: The Ultimate Solution for Bodybuilders
Say goodbye to gaping, and hello to a wardrobe that empowers you.
This is where Oxcloth steps in. We’re not just another clothing brand; they’re crafted keeping in mind the unique requirements of bodybuilders and fitness aficionados.
We wanted to create a clothing brand that is for bodybuilders, made by bodybuilders. Oxcloth clothing is fashioned by designers and created with and around people who like to look muscular.
The patterns for all our products are conducted through the sampling of hundreds of different athletically built men to ensure the absolute best muscle fit clothing on the market. We’ve done extensive research and no-one creates muscle fitting clothing like us.
Forged from the everyday gripes of the athletic male, we struggled to find smart attire that fits our bodies the way we wanted them to. We wanted to create a catalogue of fashionable clothing that's main function is to fit around your muscular body shape.
Never again will you have to order an unnecessarily large shirt in order to fit your big chest and arms, leaving your midriff baggy and ill-fitted.
Never again will you fear buying chinos online as they might not fit your quads; Oxcloth provides clothing for athletes and bodybuilders with an exclusive collection including muscle fit shirts, athletic fit chinos, athletic fit jeans and athletic fit shorts.
