Every guy should have a white dress shirt in his closet. It’s a staple item that looks great with a suit or sports jacket.
Look for tightly woven fabrics like poplin and broadcloth. These are great options for shirts that work well with a tie or a jacket and are not prone to wrinkles.
Classic
Whether you’re heading to work, an interview or a wedding, a white dress shirt is your wardrobe staple. It’s the foundation of any formal outfit and can take your wardrobe to new heights of sophistication.
Not all white dress shirts are created equal, however. When shopping for one, look for a shirt that is a sturdy cotton blend (a dense weave like herringbone or twill will hold its shape and avoid showing through) and consider options enhanced with wrinkle-release and moisture-wicking technology—perfect for when you’re on the go and need to keep your outfit looking sharp.
If you’re not comfortable with a slim fit, look for a roomier construction such as Everlane’s All Day Oxford shirt, which pairs a classic cut with breathable linen fabric. This is a great choice for warmer weather, and works well if you’re planning to wear your shirt with a pair of dapper dark slacks or denim.
Wardrobe Essential
The white dress shirt is the foundation of every classic man’s wardrobe. Whether you’re building your wardrobe from scratch or revamping your current collection, a white oxford dress shirt is an essential. Look for a sturdy weave (pinpoint, twill) and a spread collar that works with or without a tie.
If you don’t want to stick with the standard broadcloth or poplin dress shirt, look for a lightweight cotton like linen. This fabric is breathable and feels smooth to the touch with an elegant drape. It pairs well with jeans and trousers for a casual look and can be worn with a suit jacket or sports coat to dress down the outfit.
If you’re looking to add some pattern, opt for a light blue check or small red and white gingham. The patterns will look more subtle on a white background and will work with any suit or sport coat. Just remember to stay away from large scale patterns, which are more suited for casual shirt fabrics like gingham and plaid.
Versatile
Tour any guy’s closet and you’ll likely find a white dress shirt – it’s the go-to topper when wearing a suit or sport coat with a tie. It also works well with dark business suits and even formal attire like black tie (aka tuxedos).
While it’s not a good idea to wear large scale patterns on dress shirts, if you want to add some variety to your wardrobe try a light blue dress shirt with subtle patterning – something like a white and red windowpane, or a light grey tattersall, or microcheck. Just be sure to pair it with a solid tie.
When it comes to fabric, the most versatile white dress shirt is typically a poplin or broadcloth. Both are tightly woven fabrics that look crisp and will hold up to frequent wear and washing. The collar is another important element to consider; a spread collar will work just as well with or without a tie and is the most classic option and check this out https://aristino.com/ao-so-mi-nam.html. Lastly, look for high-quality buttons like those made by Emma Willis or Turnbull & Assert which are crafted with mother of pearl and thermally fused to prevent loosening over time.
Styling
If you want to dress up your white shirt for work or formal events, opt for one made from a heavier weave like oxford cotton. This type of fabric has a rigid texture that softens with a few washes. It also resists wrinkles and is more durable than poplin. It’s a favorite of companies such as UNTUCKit, which sells oxford cotton men’s shirts in a variety of styles, from tailored to relaxed fit.
A heavy cotton twill shirt, like this offering from Sunspel, is another good choice. This traditional style is a staple of a suit and tie look and works well with a blazer or sports coat and dark trousers for an evening outing.
For a more casual white dress shirt, check out this slim option from Banana Republic. Back darting keeps this suit and tie appropriate option form fitting, while a spread collar allows for a more casual open collar when worn without a tie. The crisp cotton poplin is treated with non-iron technology to keep it looking fresh.