Having a good and varied selection of shirts is a crucial component of any wardrobe. But figuring out which style best suits you, your personal style, and your body shape might be challenging. While many different styles are available on the market, focusing on the most popular will give you a solid starting point from which to work.
Whether you prefer wearing comfortable and cozy flannel shirts and the incredibly versatile button-down or find yourself turning to your favorite graphics tees again and again, allowing yourself to have various options across a range of different styles will help you to have endless possibilities for any event, taking away any stress or apprehension you may have when building the perfect outfit.
Oxford Button-Down
Often referred to as the workhorse of the wardrobe, the classic oxford button-down shirt is a must-have wardrobe staple for any man. This incredibly versatile shirt comes in a variety of different colors, patterns, and materials and can be worn in nearly every social situation you find yourself in.
Darker tones, minimal patterns, and cotton or wool materials are considered to be formal, making them suitable for the office and formal evening events you may attend. Alternatively, bright shades, interesting patterns, and a laid-back linen material can be worn for a weekend with friends, a day at the beach, or a casual lunch with family.
Classic T-Shirt
Whether you are dressing for a weekend adventure or a Sunday morning farmers market, the classic t-shirt is a must-have summer staple that perfectly combines comfort and versatility. With so many different colors, patterns, graphics, and fabrics available on the market, you will always be able to find the perfect t-shirt to suit your needs.
If the extensive and seemingly never-ending range feels overwhelming, limit your choices to darker shades and solid colors. Not only are they easier to dress up or down based on the event you are planning to attend, but they also have the broadest range of versatility when it comes to pairing options with your other clothes. White, black, gray, navy blue and olive green are fantastic colors from which to choose.
Polo Shirt
When a t-shirt feels too casual, but a dress shirt is way too overdressed, the polo shirt will be the perfect shirt style to fill the gap. One of the biggest advantages to a polo shirt is its ability to bridge the gap between formalwear and casual dressing, allowing you to dress it up with a crisp pair of smart chinos or down with your swimming shorts for a day at the beach.
It is important to note that an ill-fitting polo shirt can quickly make your outfit look disjointed and unflattering. The perfect fit should have a streamlined silhouette that is fitted but not uncomfortably tight, with a tapered short sleeve.
Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
T-shirts are undoubtedly the cornerstone of most outfits for men and the ultimate go-to option for warm-weather dressing. But when the temperatures begin to drop, the long-sleeved t-shirt is the ideal balance between warm sweaters and light t-shirts.
This type of shirt offers you all the best features of style and comfort that your favorite t-shirt has but will have better coverage to keep the cold chill at bay. Most long-sleeved t-shirts are made from high-quality materials like cotton, wool, and linen to ensure their durability and lifespan.
Flannel Shirt
No garment feels more appropriate in cold winter than a cozy flannel shirt. Flannel material has two key components that make it an attractive fabric to wear. Firstly, high-quality flannel shirts are built to get better with age, as they wear down based on your unique movements. Secondly, flannel fabric is available in multiple different weights.
Heavy flannel is a fantastic overwear option for fall weather, transitioning into the colder winter months. It can be worn over a simple t-shirt or long-sleeved t-shirt, with the buttons open or closed. Alternatively, light flannel shirts are perfect for everyday wear throughout the year and can be used as layering pieces under a jacket or coat.
Cuban Collar Shirt
For hot summer days, all men should have a Cuban collar shirt as part of their wardrobe-essentials. Sometimes known as a camp collar shirt, they are the epitome of laid-back style with their easy-to-wear, button-up design, and iconic open, lapel-like collar that lays flat against your chest to create a flattering V-shape neckline.
Unlike regular collared shirts, the Cuban collar has no structure, allowing for increased airflow, which is ideal for pipping hot days. Furthermore, their relaxed and boxy fit screams ‘vacation ready’ and will easily carry you through any vacation.
Overshirt
When the weather calls for layering, but you want to keep your outfit casual, light, and comfortable, a stylish overshirt will be exactly what you are after. It is the perfect blend of a shirt and jacket, brought together to make a simple yet incredibly versatile item of clothing.
They are designed to be worn as an outer layer with a slightly thicker material compared to a standard button-down shirt, but not the bulky and sometimes constrictive build of a jacket. It will quickly become your go-to choice for transitional weather.
