Offering easy-to-wear style and plenty of versatility, no wardrobe is ever truly complete without a selection of beautifully tailored shirts that can be incorporated into a variety of different outfits and ensembles.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you know what your wardrobe is missing and which types of shirts you should be looking to add in order to enhance your sartorial credentials?
The Oxford Button-Down
Made from Oxford cloth, the classic Oxford button-down shirt is one of those classic garments that can act as a foundational element for countless ensembles. In fact, it has been doing just that for more than a century. Oxford cloth is traditionally slightly thicker than many other shirting cloths, which allows Oxford shirts to strike the right balance between smart and casual.
Oxford shirts can be worn with everything from jeans to chinos, however, it arguably doesn't work as well with a formal suit as its casual style can clash with elements of crisp tailoring. But if you're attending a casual wedding or your workplace is a smart-casual environment, having a selection of Oxford shirts in a range of colours that complements your skin tone is always going to be a good idea.
The Dress Shirt
Whether you attend a lot of formal events throughout the year or you have a special occasion in your diary, the dress shirt is a must-have element of a black-tie ensemble. Traditionally, dress shirts are constructed from a crisp fabric that has more structure and also features areas that are reinforced to maintain a formal silhouette, such as the double cuffs and pointed collar.
Styling a dress shirt is remarkably straightforward because it has already been designed to do all the talking. All that is required to pull the look together is to select a pair of cufflinks, collar studs, and a bow tie. As dress shirts should always be tucked in, you may also want to use a pair of shirt stays to maintain a put-together look throughout the evening.
The Office Shirt
While many working environments have adopted a more casual dress code, there is still always room for an office shirt because of its versatility. Some of the best office shirts are constructed from a stunning poplin cotton fabric, which is breathable and available in a variety of textures and colours.
If you want to wear an office shirt without a tie, opting for a style with a herringbone or twill texture is an excellent way to go. However, if you want to achieve a very clean and classic office look, a pale pink, pale blue or white office shirt pairs perfectly with a tie every single time. There are a couple of different collar cuts to choose from, with cutaway collars able to draw more attention to your tie if that's more your style.
Overshirts
Overshirts are an ideal layering piece for those days when it's too cool to wear just a t-shirt but too warm to wear a jacket or coat. Plus, when it does start to cool down again, overshirts are an excellent mid-layer over a t-shirt and underneath a heavier jacket.
Overshirts are available in an array of different colours and can be dressed up as easily as they can be dressed down, offering plenty of versatility throughout the seasons. Generally speaking, lighter tones and shirts with bolder patterns look more casual, whereas darker colours can be worn with more put-together ensembles suitable for work environments or formal get-togethers.
It is best to avoid going too casual with this style because this can look somewhat teenage, however simplicity is key to getting this look right. For example, styling a dark blue or grey overshirt with a well-fitted white t-shirt, a pair of dark denim jeans and a pair of black boots can be a go-to look for an array of occasions.
Linen Shirts
During the height of summer, when commuting to work or even just getting around between meetings can feel like a bit of a chore, breathability is paramount. Linen shirts are incredibly comfortable and easy to wear, and can be styled with jeans, chinos and shorts with ease.
Choose a bolder colour to make an immediate impact, or choose a more neutral tone to create a series of classic looks that will never go out of style.
Bespoke Mens Shirts
Whether you're looking to expand your made-to-measure wardrobe or you are eager to start investing in various ensembles, bespoke shirts are the ideal garment to begin your journey. Every aspect of bespoke mens shirts is in your control and your clothier will hand cut, sew and finish your garment to the highest standards.
Looking for the best made to measure shirts in the UK?
Harris & Howard provide premium bespoke tailoring services and offer some of the best made to measure shirts in the UK. Your Harris & Howard tailor will walk you through every step of the process, helping you to select everything from the perfect cloth to the right collar, cuffs, buttons, pocket shapes and more.
