Men’s shirt guide
There are so many different types of shirts to choose from. It’s not only important to find the right fit and type of shirt, but you also need to choose a shirt that makes you feel confident. In this article we will show you how to find your shirt size and a shirt with a good fit. We will also show you different types of shirts and shirt collars.
Different types of shirts
Shirts come in all kinds of colours and sizes. There are shirts for every occasion, however, there are certain types of shirts that you shouldn’t wear to work or formal occasions:
Business shirts – smart and ideal for work
Make a stylish appearance and feel confident with a business shirt that has a good fit. Business shirts are always long-sleeve and often made out of cotton. They are usually available in classic colours such as white, black, grey or blue. However, if you would like to add a splash of colour to your outfit, you could opt for a business shirt with a subtle pattern or in a pastel colour. Business shirts are usually fitted with a shark or Kent collar.
Formal shirts – perfect for special occasions & events
Formal shirts are the ideal choice for special occasions. You can't go wrong with an elegant shirt in black, white or cream, preferably with a shark or Kent collar. Red and purple and other dark colours also look great when worn with a black suit. This type of shirt is often made out of cotton, but they are also available in other fabrics such as silk. For a very smart look opt for double cuffs and add a touch of class with some stylish cufflinks.
Casual shirts – great for everyday wear
You can choose a casual shirt to suit your style. There is a wide range to choose from such as cosy flannel shirts or for anybody who is a bit more daring there are shirts with jazzy patterns. Casual shirts come in a variety of fabrics, for example, cotton, linen and denim. These shirts often have a lapel or cutaway collar, which gives them a casual look. In addition, casual shirts are available with both long and short sleeves.
Finding your shirt size
Knowing what shirt size you will need will help you to find a shirt with a fantastic fit. To find the perfect size you’ll just need to know how to measure your neck and what your waist size is, which you can easily measure at home.
How to find out what size shirt you need:
How to find out what collar size you need: stand up straight and face forward. Now place a tape measure at the same height as your Adam’s apple around your neck. Measure loosely and do not pull the tape measure together. Add one centimetre to your measurement to make sure that the shirt will have a great fit.
Measuring your waist: place a tape measure on your stomach button and pull the tape measure around you. Add five centimetres to the measurement so that the shirt won’t be too tight.
You can then use these measurements to find out what size shirt you will need. Use our size guide, to find your shirt size with your measurements.
How men’s shirts should fit
You can check whether the shirt has a good fit once you have worked out what size shirt you will need. Below you will find some tips on how to find a shirt with a good fit:
The top part of the seam on your shirt should sit exactly on your shoulders and does not look baggy.
The sleeves should not cover your hands when you put your arms down. Your sleeves should not be too long, but also make sure that they aren’t too tight.
Once you have fastened your cuffs, double check that your sleeves only go down to the lower part of your thumb and are visible about an inch below the jacket.
You should still be able to fit a finger between your collar and your neck when you have fastened all the buttons on your shirt.
Your shirt should have a loose fit around your chest. Double check that it does not feel tight when you stick your arms out and the button placket should not stick out.
The hem on your shirt should go down to where your belt is.
When you tuck your shirt in make sure that you can bend over comfortably without your shirt slipping back out.
Men’s shirt fit guide
Once you know your shirt size, you can then choose a style and fit that suits you. It’s important to make sure that you choose a shirt with a good fit. Below we have listed different fits of shirts:
Regular fit shirts
Regular fit shirts have a classic fit and they are very comfortable. This fit is an all-rounder, but it will also suit men with broad shoulders, a muscular physique or men who would like to conceal their stomach.
Slim fit shirts
Slim fit shirts are close-fitting and very comfortable. The sleeves have a narrow fit and they start directly on the shoulders. The seams on the sides and back make the fit narrower, which will make your figure stand out. This fit will flatter your figure and it is a more modern alternative to a regular fit shirt.
Relaxed fit
A relaxed fit has a wide fit without a tapered waist. These types of shirts are loose-fitting and do not restrict your movement. They cleverly conceal small curves and are perfect for any occasion.
Skinny fit
A skinny fit shirt is a contemporary choice for men who prefer a slim or close-fitting shirt. Skinny fit shirts are closer fitting than slim fit shirts. This style of shirt has slim sleeves and it will highlight your figure. It is the perfect choice if you would like to highlight your chest and waist.
Different types of shirt collars
Shirt collars vary in shape and style, which can make your shirt look formal or casual. Below you will find a small handy guide to shirt collars.
Kent collars – a classic shirt collar
A Kent collar shirt is a great choice for almost any occasion. It is known for its wide distinctive right angle falls. This collar can be worn open or fastened with or without a tie or bow tie. If you opt for a tie, any tie knot would suit a Kent collar.
Cutaway collars – great for formal occasions
A cutaway collar has widely spaced points, which look like the fins on a shark. This style of collar gives a shirt a smart and elegant look. Cutaway collar shirts go well with jackets that have a deep neckline and wide lapels. A Windsor tie knot also looks great on a cutaway collar shirt. If you have quite a long tie a four in hand knot is recommended. If you are not wearing a tie, you can simply leave the top button undone.
Button-down collar – ideal for a smart casual look
A button-down collar can be fastened to the shirt with two small buttons on the sides of the collar. The buttons will also help to keep the collar in place. This type of shirt collar is ideal for a smart causal look. Button-down collars are usually worn without a suit, jacket and tie. You can wear a button-down shirt to dress up for work or to dress down at the weekend. They also go very well with jumpers and cardigans.
Grandad collar – a modern alternative
A grandad collar is a modern alternative to a more traditional Kent collar. Shirts with a grandad collar are worn without a tie or bow tie. They are the perfect choice for a smart casual look.
Cuban collar – casual and trendy
A Cuban collar is similar to the collars on jackets and coats. The front part of the collar faces outwards and forms a pointy edge. This style of collar is casual, but also very trendy at the same time. They are therefore a fantastic alternative to traditional shirt collar styles and are often found on casual shirts, for example Hawaiian shirts.
Different shirt fabrics
The fabric of your shirt will determine when and where you can wear it. Below we have listed the common most used fabrics for shirts:
Cotton: ideal for formal occasions as well as for a smart casual look. It is hard-wearing and easy to take care of.
Oxford: recommended for dressing up for work or dressing down at the weekend. It has a basketweave and a slightly shiny look.
Lycra: a very stretchy and comfortable fabric. It dries quickly and lycra shirts usually contain some cotton and they are loose-fitting.
Denim: this type of fabric can be worn all year round. It is also really hard-wearing.
Linen: this is an ideal choice for summer and it is great at absorbing moisture. The fabric is also tear-resistant.
Viscose: this fabric also absorbs moisture very well and it is hard-wearing. It is a popular choice as the fabric is almost as soft as silk.
Silk: it will help to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The fabric is very delicate and luxurious.
Flannel: a great choice for autumn and winter. The fabric is soft and also crease-resistant.
Wool: this type of fabric is hard-wearing and it will help keep you warm during the winter.
Helpful information and tips on cuffs
Cuffs are the thicker material on shirts that go down to just below your hands. They are the finishing touches to a shirt and at the same time they protect the cuffs on your jacket from getting dirty.
Below we have listed the different cuff shapes:
Single cuff: this style of cuff is the most common, usually has two buttons and can have a straight, square or round hem. It is used for casual shirts as well as for formal shirts and is fastened with buttons.
Double cuff: the cuff is double the length of a single cuff and it folds back on itself. Shirts with these types of cuffs are worn for formal occasions or for work as they look very smart. However, you will need a set of cufflinks to fasten the cuff.
Convertible cuff: this type of cuff combines elements of both types of cuffs mentioned above. It has a similar look to a single cuff, but it can also be fastened with a cufflink.
In addition to these types of cuffs, there is also a difference between 1- and 2-button cuffs:
1-button cuff: the cuff can be fastened with a button, which gives the shirt a simple and smart look.
2-button cuff: on this type of cuff you have two buttons. You can either fasten it to make the cuff tighter or looser around your wrist.
Discover our double cuff shirts
Cufflinks are often worn at formal occasions and parties, yet many men underestimate how stylish they can be. These small pieces of jewellery are the ideal accessory to complete your look and to stand out from the crowd.
Conclusion: finding the right style of shirt to suit you
Before buying a shirt, it is important to know what size you will need and what style would suit you the most. Get inspired by our large selection of men's shirts in our shops and online and find your new favourite shirt!
