“Today’s fashion avoids hard and fast rules but if you prefer guidelines, the more ‘details' a shirt has, the more casual it leans.” By that, Nguyen means that casual dress shirts with button-down collars and pockets can be worn with or without a tie, but more formal, crisp and clean white dress shirts, without a front pocket, often look out of place without a tie or bowtie. Do I need to wear a tie with a dress shirt?

A good rule of thumb: If the hem doesn’t hit the base of your hands, the sleeves are too short. Finally, sleeves should peak out through a suit. “An exaggerated hem is good for tall guys or those with extra long torsos so they are able to tuck in without issue,” says Franklin. Also check the sides and the back for darting, which helps slim the garment through the torso and is ideal for those with athletic and slim body types. Know your neck size, because a loose collar can throw off the whole look. “When it comes to guy’s shirting, it is all about the tailoring,” he says.

What is the best fit for my body type?įor the best fit, Franklin recommends paying attention to small details. For those looking for a custom fit, Indochino is an affordable alternative to Saville Row since you can input your measurements, collar design and hem length to narrow down the choices and monogram your shirts as the finishing touch. Theory, Suit Supply and Bonobos offer a wide shirt selection with styles ranging from formal to casual at a reasonable price point. This will make the wrinkles easier to get out.”įrequently Asked Questions About Buying Dress Shirts For Men What are the best brands for dress shirts? “Iron when the shirt is almost dry but still a bit damp. To avoid creases, Nyugen prefers to hang shirts rather than put them in the dyer. These days, most dress shirts are machine washable, but to be safe, check the tag instructions, then remove any collar stays and spot treat areas that tend to get dirty fast, such as the collar. “In order to cut down on tough stains, like the dreaded collar ring, rotate shirts often, and don't wear the same dress shirt back to back.” For an added layer of protection, wear an undershirt. Care: “Prevention is key, says Nguyen.Your shirt should lay clean and close to your body, with a bit of room for movement. Nguyen also finds that if there are stress lines around the armpits, or small gaps between the buttons, it's too tight. Lastly, you should be able to tuck the hem into your pants without excess fabric spilling from your waist. They should stop where your wrist ends and hand starts. After fully buttoning, it should leave enough room for two fingers. “If it's falling off your shoulders, the shirt is too big.” Next, examine the collar. First, “the shoulder seam should line up with your shoulder bone,” says personal stylist and image consultant, Peter Nguyen.

Before committing to a shirt, do a quick test.

Fit: One of the most common fit issues for men is thinking they are bigger than they actually are, according to Franklin, so their clothes hang a little too loose.

To wear under a suit, natural fabrics (cottons, silks, and linens) don’t trap heat, so you are less likely to sweat. For warmer weather, switch to a more breathable material like linen or a linen blend. She recommends cotton for everyday, on-the-go use. “Material is one of the biggest components when picking out your dress shirt,” says New York City-based fashion stylist Traci Franklin.

Material: Fabric choice and fit go hand in hand.

What To Consider When Shopping For Dress Shirts For Men Her tip if you’re between sizes: “Find a shirt that fits your shoulders and then get it tailored to your waistline.” “Dress shirts should fit your chest and your waist,” she says. Stylist Franklin emphasizes the overall look should be neat, though. The ultra-stretchy, quick-drying shirts are cut from a sweat-wicking synthetic blend that resists wrinkles and are best worn untucked. Mizzen+Main aims to create dress shirts that perform like workout wear and don’t restrict movement.

Mens red button up dress shirt