In this article, we decided to focus on four crucial aspects when choosing a men's shirt. In the second part of our guide, you'll learn, among other things, whether an undershirt is appropriate under a white shirt, how long a shirt should be, and how to choose the right color and pattern for a men's shirt.
A good quality shirt is, above all, good fabric!
Choosing an elegant shirt is a completely different matter than a men's T-shirt or the popular polo shirt. When choosing a shirt, the material used should be the first thing we consider.
Cotton is a very good choice. However, it's worth remembering that not all cotton is created equal. Cotton can vary in thickness and weave, which is important depending on your style. An elegant shirt can be slightly shiny, but be careful not to choose a shiny polyester, as this will have the opposite effect than intended. We recommend popular Oxford shirts – they are slightly less formal, making them perfect for casual suits.
Linen is a very good material, especially for the summer heat. This material has only one major drawback: it clings much more easily. Therefore, it's worth looking for a good-quality shirt that's a blend of linen and cotton , or linen and soron. A blend of 50-60% linen is enough to make a men's shirt much more breathable.
Avoid polyester! Men's T-shirts and shirts made of this material are breathable, causing the body to sweat very quickly and intensely. Opinions are divided on elastane. Elastane, like polyester, is a synthetic material, but if it constitutes 1-2% of a men's shirt's composition, it makes it more elastic and therefore more comfortable. This can be important if your figure changes frequently due to weight fluctuations, for example, when you exercise at the gym. Keep in mind that typical classic shirts don't contain elastane.
Which collar should you choose?
Anyone who has had the opportunity to have a custom-made shirt tailored knows that there are many different types of collars. However, when you go to the store to buy ready-made shirts, you'll most often come across four patterns: button-down, Kent, half-Italian, and Italian. So how do you choose the right collar for your face shape?
There are many theories online on this topic. One of them is that collar selection is based on contrast . According to this principle, tall, slim men look best in collars that are set far outward, i.e., Italian collars. We recommend trying on different shirts and choosing the collar that best suits your preferences.
Regardless of the style you choose, pay attention to the collar's construction. High-quality shirts have padding , such as special, removable underwires, which make a men's shirt look much better. If you touch the collar in a store and it feels soft, it's probably a sports shirt or simply a low-quality shirt. The underwire inserts help the collar fit nicely around the face and prevent creasing. Remember to remove these inserts before washing, as they can warp, making the collar look less attractive.
The button-down collar, or "the one with buttons," is very popular. Many men ask what their function is and whether they can be removed. As a rule, a smart man's shirt should be buttoned at this point, as the buttons prevent the collar flaps from spreading outward. This makes the shirt look good, even in less formal outfits without a tie. Unless, of course, you're a rule-breaker and know how to do it. ;)
Button placket on an elegant shirt
Here's the simple thing – a good quality shirt has a reinforced button placket , which makes it much stiffer. This is crucial! When the top two buttons are unbuttoned, the collar and placket covering the button placket fold neatly. With a poor-quality button placket, the top half of the shirt looks much less aesthetically pleasing once the buttons are unbuttoned. When in a store, it's worth touching the shirt and checking if the button placket is reinforced in any way.
How to choose a shirt for your figure?
An elegant shirt simply MUST be well-fitting! It's important that the fabric fits as closely as possible to the body, while also ensuring it's not too tight or tight. It needs to feel comfortable when you're sitting, standing, dancing, or driving.
In stores, you'll generally find standard regular cuts and more tailored slim fit shirts. You'll also sometimes find double-waisted, extra slim fit shirts and tailored shirts. It's important to understand this distinction, but also remember that a regular shirt may differ in size from a regular shirt from another brand. Manufacturers have their own cuts, so it's worth trying on a shirt in several stores. Even a 1 cm difference in the shirt's circumference can make a significant difference.
If you don't have a perfectly shaped figure (and who among us does?), even if you know you prefer a regular fit over a slim fit, buying a fitted shirt can be quite a challenge. If you can't find a perfectly fitted shirt, it's worth getting it altered . Tailoring the shirt at the side or back (by deepening the darts) will ensure it fits your figure perfectly.
That's all for this episode. Check out the second part of this article: How to choose men's shirts to look fashionable and stylish. You'll learn, among other things, what to do when a white shirt is see-through and which colors and patterns are worth paying special attention to when choosing an elegant shirt.
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