Most men overthink shirts. One minute you’re throwing on whatever’s clean for weekend brunch, the next you’re panicking about what to wear to your boss’s retirement party. The truth is, you don’t need a closet full of options; just the right ones that work when you need them.
The Must-Haves That Actually Get Worn
Everyone says you need a white dress shirt, and yes, they’re right. It’s boring advice because it’s true. This thing works with literally everything – suits, jeans, under sweaters, you name it. Add a light blue one and you’ve got most formal situations covered.
But here’s where it gets interesting. A navy blue designer shirt can bail you out in so many situations. Too casual for a dress shirt but too nice for a t-shirt? That’s your answer. It works for dinner dates, client meetings that aren’t super formal, or when your mom insists you “dress nicely” for family events.
Linen shirts are summer lifesavers, even if they wrinkle when you breathe on them. And a good Oxford cotton shirt? That’s the workhorse that handles everything in between.
Brunch without Looking Like You Rolled Out of Bed
Weekend morals call for that “I’m put-together but not trying too hard” vibe. Some solid options:
- Chambray shirts – basically denim but nicer
- Polo shirts when you want to look sporty
- Linen anything when it’s hot outside
- Henley shirts for that casual-but-cool thing
The key is avoiding the “just grabbed whatever” look. Even casual shirts should fit your shoulders properly and hit at the right length.
Office Clothes for Normal People
Most workplaces have chilled out uniform rules, but business casual still means you can’t show up in yesterday’s gym shirt. Try colors that aren’t white – light pink, soft green, or pale yellow work well.
Small patterns like thin stripes or tiny checks add some life without looking like you’re trying to make a statement. Skip the tie unless it’s actually required, and leave that top button undone. It makes you look more approachable and less uptight.
When Someone Says “Dress Nice”
Black-tie events are pretty straightforward – white dress shirt, preferably with French cuffs if you’re doing the whole tuxedo thing. Get it pressed professionally and call it done.
Black-tie optional is trickier because nobody knows what that means. A regular dress shirt in white or very light blue covers your bases. Just make sure it’s actually nice and not the one with the mysterious stain near the pocket.
Why Your Shirt Probably Doesn’t Fit
Expensive shirts look terrible if they don’t fit. Your collar shouldn’t gap away from your neck or strangle you. The shoulder seams should hit where your shoulders actually are, not somewhere down your arms.
Fabric Stuff That Actually Matters
Cotton shirts are reliable – they breathe, they last, they’re easy to care for. Linen keeps you cool, but it looks like you slept in it within an hour. Cotton-linen blends try to give you the best of both worlds and mostly succeed.
For fancy events, a higher thread count usually means the fabric feels smoother and looks more polished. For everyday wear, a little texture and weight can actually look better than something too perfect.
Getting shirts right isn’t about having tons of options. It’s about having the right ones for when you need them. Whether you’re meeting friends for eggs benedict or showing up to something where people will judge your outfit, the right shirt means you can focus on more important things.
