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Whether you dress up every day for work or only go all out for special occasions, every man needs at least a few smart-looking dress shirts in the closet. However, looking for men’s dress shirts often feels overwhelming because there are so many options from which to choose.
Finding the best shirt for your wardrobe starts with getting the size and fit just right. When shopping, you will see that some men’s dress shirts are marketed as having a slim fit, whereas others may have a regular fit or a “full fit.”
You also have to choose from a wide array of fabric and style options, such as cotton, linen, and broadcloth. There are plenty of collar, cuff, and color choices, too. Most men need more than one dress shirt, so it helps to find a few options for your closet that are comfortable and look good.
Selecting the right size is essential if you want your dress shirt to look sharp and polished. To find your proper size, you must measure your neck, chest, arms, and waist. You can visit a tailor and have them take your measurements or ask a friend to measure you at home.
For your neck, wrap the tape measure around your neck at the base where it meets your shoulders. Record the exact measurement if you prefer a tight fit. If you like your collar to have a looser fit, measure your neck with one finger beneath the tape.
To get your chest measurement, hold the measuring tape around your torso, just under your armpits. You should cover the broadest part of your chest without holding the tape too tight.
For your arms, measure from the center of the back of your neck to the end of your shoulder where your arm begins. Next, hold the tape measure from the end of your shoulder to your wrist. Flex your arm slightly to provide some extra room, so the shirt’s arms aren’t too tight. Add the first number to the second number for your full arm measurement.
Finally, to measure your waist, wrap the tape measure around the bottom of your torso, right where your navel is. If you want a loose fit at the bottom of your shirt, place a finger under the tape when measuring.
While you want to ensure you get the right size for your dress shirt, you can also choose from several fit options.
Men’s dress shirts come in various fabrics, natural and synthetic. Choosing a fabric is mostly a matter of personal preference, but some materials are better in certain weather than others.
Some of the most popular materials for dress shirts include:
Men’s dress shirts offer several collar types. Choosing a collar style also comes down to your preference, but some of the most common collar types include:
You can find men’s dress shirts with a few types of cuffs.
When it comes to choosing a color for your dress shirt, it all comes down to your personal style.
Solid white dress shirts are a classic option and can work with any suit or pants in your closet. Light blue shirts are another popular option, versatile enough for use with many suit colors. Other light colors, such as dove gray or pale pink, are also versatile options. Brighter or darker colors typically work best for casual situations.
You can also find men’s dress shirts with patterns. White or light-colored shirts with thin stripes are suitable for the office, but more vivid patterns generally work best for casual social occasions.
Some men’s dress shirts have pockets. Styles with two pockets typically have a more casual look. If you plan to wear your shirt with suspenders or a vest, stick to options without pockets.
Stay away from shirts made of synthetic materials for the summer. Fabrics such as polyester and rayon don’t breathe as well as natural fabrics, so you can get pretty uncomfortable in the heat.
When you need to dress up, men’s dress shoes are an essential part of your outfit. We love Allen Edmonds’ McAllister Wing Tips because they feature truly durable construction and padding in the footbed to make them more comfortable.
A dress watch can finish off your outfit perfectly when you’re dressing to impress. The Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch from Citizen is a standout because it has a sleek modern look and is solar-powered, so you don’t have to worry about replacing the battery.
Men’s dress shirts usually cost between $15 and $300, but they can vary in price based on the fabric, fit, and style details.
Inexpensive: The most affordable men’s dress shirts are usually made of cotton, a cotton blend, or synthetic materials. They typically have barrel cuffs and straight-point collars. These shirts generally cost between $15 and $50.
Mid-range: Mid-range men’s dress shirts are usually made of higher-quality cotton or linen. They can have either barrel or French cuffs and feature a few collar styles. These shirts typically cost between $48 and $115.
Expensive: The most expensive men’s dress shirts are usually made of high-quality cotton, linen, Oxford cloth, or broadcloth. Most feature French cuffs and are available in a wider range of collar styles. These shirts generally cost between $98 and $300.
A. It depends on the shirt’s fabric, so always check the care instructions on the label. Most cotton shirts can be cleaned in your washer, but some other materials may require dry cleaning or hand washing.
For machine washing, start by undoing the shirt’s buttons and removing its collar stays before tossing it in your washer. It’s vital to use the delicate cycle to avoid any damage to the shirt. After washing, take it out of the machine as soon as the cycle is done to prevent wrinkling, and lay it flat or hang it from a line to dry. Before you put it back in your closet, though, make sure to iron the shirt to remove any wrinkles.
A. It varies depending on how often you wear one. Men who wear a dress shirt to work daily should usually have seven to 12 in their closet, so you always have clean options if you haven’t had a chance to do your laundry. If you only wear them for special occasions, though, you can usually get by with just two or three.
A. A black suit makes a statement, so it’s usually best to go with a simple shirt. White is the most classic option, but a pale blue also works well.
