BLACK FRIDAY
Men’s shirts are a staple for any wardrobe—whether you’re a regular shirt wearer or looking for something to wear to a wedding or special event. But with endless styles available, it can be difficult to narrow down your options.
From formal favourites to classic button-downs and lightweight linens, this guide will take you through the top 10 men’s shirt styles to add to your collection. It’ll also include some handy fashion tips for men that'll help you understand how (and when) to wear each design.
Oxford Shirt
Born on a polo field in 1896, men’s Oxford shirts are an excellent everyday option that can be dressed up or down. Traditionally crafted from a thick, woven cotton, known as Oxford cloth, they are available in a range of colours, and can come in short and long-sleeved styles. Oxford shirts appear in a variety of designs, but the most popular are made with a button-down collar with classic single cuffs.
How to Wear an Oxford Shirt
An Oxford shirt is a classic and versatile wardrobe essential. It can be worn formally, or as part of a smart-casual outfit. To wear an Oxford shirt, start by selecting a style in a colour and pattern that matches your personal style. It’s also important that it’s suitable for the occasion you’re wearing it for. If in doubt, stick to classic colours such as white or pale blue. For formal ensembles, it’s best to choose a plain Oxford shirt, while you can be a little more adventurous if you plan to wear it casually.
What to Wear With an Oxford Shirt
To dress up your Oxford shirt, opt for tailored trousers or chinos, a blazer, and a pair of leather shoes. For a more casual look, pair your Oxford shirt with jeans, a cardigan, and a pair of loafers or boat shoes. If you're looking to make a statement, you can add a patterned tie and pocket square, or some colourful socks.
Striped Shirt
Available in a range of styles and colours, men’s striped shirts offer a great way to inject pattern into your outfits. Whether it's a bold and bright candy stripe or a subtle and sophisticated hairline, a striped shirt will bring character to formal and smart-casual looks alike. As well as long-sleeved designs, there’s also short sleeve shirts perfect for the summer months.
How to Wear a Striped Shirt
The key to wearing a striped shirt is to choose one that fits well and suits your body type. Start by finding a men’s shirt with the right sleeve length and neckline—as well as a fit that is neither too tight nor too loose. If you want your frame to appear thinner, you may wish to choose vertical stripes. Otherwise, horizontal stripes can help make your torso appear broader. For formal events, keep the colour palette simple. But for casual occasions you can choose brighter styles.
What to Wear With a Striped Shirt
A striped shirt is a timeless staple that can be worn in variety of ways. For a classic look suitable for weddings and work events, you could pair a men's striped shirt with your favourite suit—finishing the look with a silk tie, pocket square and shoes. For a more casual vibe, try wearing a short-sleeved striped shirt with chinos and leather trainers.
Check Shirt
The checked shirt is an essential addition to any collection. Whether you’re heading into the office or dressing for the weekend, they’ll lend extra interest to any ensemble. Thankfully, there are a variety of different options on offer—from classic Prince of Wales checks to subtle gingham designs. You can also find them in formal and casual styles, while there are many fabrics to choose from too. Whatever type you choose, checked shirts are a great option that you’ll turn to time and time again.
How to Wear a Check Shirt
Wearing a men's checked shirt is a great look that will never go out of style. There are many different types of check available, so start by selecting a pattern that appeals to you. Slim fit shirts look great on most body types, while classic fit shapes will offer more room. If you’re dressing formally, make sure you tuck your shirt in and wear a belt. For casual outfits, you can do the same or leave your men’s shirt untucked.
What to Wear With a Check Shirt
When wearing a checked shirt for men, it's important to choose the right outfit for the occasion. For a casual look, pair your check shirt with jeans or chinos, and a pair of loafers or trainers. If it’s particularly cold, you can complete the look with a jumper or jacket. For those looking to dress smarter, a formal check shirt can be teamed underneath a suit, or worn alone with trousers. For shoes, you should look towards a classic pair of leather lace-ups.
Short Sleeve Shirt
A summer staple, the short sleeve shirt offers a great way to keep cool and still remain smart. While some of the most popular designs are available in a casual styles, you can also find a wide selection of formal options that can be worn to the office during the warmer months. They are perfect for casual occasions, such as a day at the beach or a barbecue, but can also be dressed up when required. Short sleeve shirts are available in a range of materials, including cotton and linen, allowing men to choose a shirt that is comfortable and suits their personal style.
How to Wear a Short Sleeve Shirt
When wearing a short sleeve shirt, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you look stylish and put together. First, make sure that the shirt fits well. It should be fitted but not too tight, and the sleeves should end just above your biceps. If you're wearing a casual shirt, you may want to leave it untucked. Otherwise, you should tuck in a formal style and pair it with tailored trousers.
What to Wear With a Short Sleeve Shirt
Men's short sleeve shirts can be styled multiple ways. For a casual look, pair a short sleeve shirt with a pair of well-fitting jeans and trainers or loafers. Alternatively, you could opt for shorts if it's a sunny day or you're on holiday. If you're heading to the office or a summer wedding, team yours with trousers or chinos and leather shoes or loafers. Whatever combination you choose, remember to pay attention to the fit and choose a shirt that flatters your body type. You can experiment with different colours and patterns to find which suits you best.
Linen Shirt
Lightweight and breathable, linen shirts are a popular choice for the warmer months of the year. Made from fibres of the flax plant, linen is a natural material that keeps the wearer cool and comfortable even in hot and humid weather conditions.
Linen shirts come in a variety of styles and colours, making them suitable for different occasions. These can range from casual outings to formal events. They are also versatile and can be paired with a variety of clothing items, including shorts, trousers and jeans. Whether you're going for a laid-back, beachy look, or a more sophisticated, dressy style, men's linen shirts are an excellent choice for any occasion.
How to Wear a Linen Shirt
Linen shirts can be worn at any time. However, because they are lightweight and breathable, they are particularly suited for the summer. You can wear linen shirts to the office, but they're also an excellent option for holidays and city breaks. Wearing a men's linen shirt is an effortless way to achieve a relaxed, casual look (but still keep cool).
What to Wear With a Linen Shirt
Men's linen shirts are a great choice for a comfortable and stylish summer outfit. When it comes to styling yours, there are many options to consider. For a casual look, pair your linen shirt with a pair of shorts and sandals. You can also dress it up with a pair of chinos and loafers. If you're attending a more formal event, consider pairing your linen shirt with a blazer or sports jacket and dress shoes. Accessories like a leather belt or a watch can add a touch of sophistication to your look. Whatever your style, a men's linen shirt is a versatile and comfortable choice for any occasion.
Pin Collar Shirt
The pin collar is a classic men's shirts style that features a pointed collar with a small hole at the tip of each point. This is secured by a metal pin that brings the collars together and pushes your tie slightly forward. The pin collar adds a unique touch of sophistication to a traditional shirt, making it an excellent choice for formal events or business attire. The pins come in various styles, from simple and understated to ornate and decorative.
How to Wear a Pin Collar Shirt
A pin collar shirt should be saved for formal events. Especially when you want your outfit to stand out from the crowd. Wearing a men's pin collar shirt requires a little bit of attention to detail to get the look just right. Firstly, make sure to choose a tie that complements the shirt's collar. The pin collar shirt has two small holes in the collar, which require collar pins to hold the collar points in place. Next, insert the collar pins through the holes and slide them down towards the tie knot, making sure they are parallel and securely fastened. It's important to ensure that the tie knot is centred and tight, and that the collar pins sit flat against the shirt. Lastly, be sure to tuck the shirt into your trousers and fasten the top button for a polished and sophisticated look. With these steps, you'll be able to wear a pin collar shirt with confidence and style.
What to Wear With a Pin Collar Shirt
A formal favourite, pin collar shirts are a stylish and distinctive choice that features pointed collar ends held together with a small pin. When wearing a pin collar shirt, it's important to choose the right clothing items to complement the unique collar design. A classic option is a tailored suit (in a solid or subtle pattern), with a silk tie and leather shoes. Unless you're wanting to channel the Peaky Blinders look, you should avoid wearing a pin collar shirt without a tie. Don't forget, you can add some extra accessories with cufflinks and a pocket square.
Dinner Shirt
A dinner shirt is an essential component of formal attire. Typically worn with a dinner suit (or otherwise known as a tuxedo), this style of men's shirt is usually made of a crisp, white cotton fabric, with a wing or turndown collar. Dinner shirts can come in various styles, including pleated or plain front, with a range of button closures, from studs to traditional buttons. Often, dinners shirts have a bib front, which is a decorative panel that covers the buttons. They are usually paired with a bow tie, cufflinks, and studs.
How to Wear a Dinner Shirt
Wearing a dinner (or tuxedo) shirt is a classic and stylish choice for formal occasions. The first step to wearing this men's shirt is to make sure it fits properly. The collar should sit snugly around your neck without being too tight, and the sleeves should be long enough to reach your wrists (with half an inch showing below your suit jacket). When putting on the shirt, make sure you button it all the way up, including the collar button. The cuffs should be fastened with cufflinks or studs, depending on the shirt design. You should wear a bowtie and, make sure it's adjusted properly and centred. Lastly, ensure that the shirt is neatly tucked into your trousers, and that any excess fabric is smoothed out to create a polished and sophisticated look.
What to Wear With a Dinner Shirt
A dinner shirt is a classic and elegant piece of formalwear, worn with a tuxedo or suit for special occasions such as weddings, awards evenings and black-tie events. When it comes to selecting what to wear with a dinner shirt, there are a few options to consider. For a traditional look, a black dinner jacket and trousers, black bow tie and black dress shoes is ideal. However, for a bolder (yet just as elegant) look, you may wish to try a velvet smoking jacket with black trousers and velvet slippers (no, not the kind you wear with a dressing gown).
Overshirt
Men's overshirts, also known as shackets, have become a popular clothing item in recent years. Overshirts are essentially a cross between a shirt and a jacket, offering a versatile and stylish addition to any outfit. They are typically made from heavier fabrics such as brushed cotton, flannel or wool—making them perfect for layering during cooler months. They often feature functional details such as pockets and buttons, adding both practicality and style to the garment. With their combination of comfort, style, and versatility, it's no wonder that men's overshirts have become a wardrobe staple for many.
How to Wear an Overshirt
An overshirt is the ideal smart-casual option. Whether you're dressing for a day in the city or meeting friends for lunch, it'll keep you warm as well as stylish. The key to wearing an overshirt is to balance its relaxed, casual vibe with your outfit's overall aesthetic. You can add some dimension to your outfit, experiment with different textures and wear it with accessories such as scarves or hats. Regardless of how you choose to wear it, an overshirt is an essential piece that can help elevate any outfit
What to Wear With an Overshirt
An overshirt is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your personal style. For a casual look, you could pair an overshirt with a simple T-shirt or sweater, and some jeans or chinos. This is a great option for running errands or hanging out with friends. Alternatively, you could dress up your overshirt by wearing it over a button-down shirt, with chinos and smart-casual footwear.
Contrast Collar Shirt
A contrast collar shirt (or Winchester shirt) is a type of men's formal shirt that features a collar and cuffs in a different colour to the rest of the shirt. This contrasting colour is almost always white. They are made from premium cotton materials and are designed to provide both comfort and style. Winchester shirts come in a variety of colours, patterns, and styles to suit any occasion, whether it be an important business event or winter wedding.
How to Wear a Contrast Collar Shirt
If you decide to wear a contrast collar shirt, they're pretty easy to wear (and are great for creating an eye-catching look that will impress your colleagues and friends). Avoid wearing them with casual attire, and remember to pick other garments that will complement the colours you have chosen. You can wear Winchester shirts with or without a tie, but you should always tuck them in and wear cufflinks if you choose a double cuff version.
What to Wear With a Contrast Collar Shirt
Whether you decide to wear your contrast collar shirt to work or at a family wedding, there are variety of ways you can wear it. For a super smart ensemble that's sure to impress, try it with a tailored suit, silk tie and leather shoes. To take the formality down a notch, you could simply lose the tie or wear the shirt alone with trousers. Contrast collar shirts shouldn't be worn casually, so don't wear them with chinos, jeans or shorts.
Double Cuff Shirt
Double cuff shirts, also known as French cuff shirts, are a classic and sophisticated style of men's shirts. Instead of a single button cuff, double cuff shirts have an extra length of fabric at the end of the sleeve that folds back and is fastened with cufflinks. This distinctive style is typically reserved for formal or business attire, and is often worn with a suit or blazer. Double cuff shirts are available in a wide range of fabrics, colours and patterns, and are a great way to add a touch of elegance and refinement to your wardrobe. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to showcase your personal style with a range of cufflink options, from simple and understated to bold and eye-catching.
How to Wear a Double Cuff Shirt
Wearing a double cuff shirt is a must for every gentleman, but it's important to wear it correctly to look your best. Start by selecting a pair of cufflinks that complement your shirt and tie. Once you've chosen your cufflinks, unbutton the cuffs and fold them back so the two ends meet. Then, fold the cuff in half so that the two buttonholes align with each other. Next, insert your cufflinks through both buttonholes, securing the cuff in place. Make sure the cufflink faces the right way, with the decorative part facing outward. Finally, adjust the length of your shirt sleeve so that the cuff sits snugly against your wrist.
What to Wear With a Double Cuff Shirt
To successfully wear a double cuff shirt, you should always dress formally. It's also important to choose the right accessories to complement the shirt's sophisticated design. A classic pair of cufflinks is a must-have accessory for double cuff shirts, as they not only add a touch of style but also keep the cuffs securely in place. A well-tailored suit and tie combination in a complementary colour is also a wise investment. On your feet, a pair of formal shoes, such as Oxfords, will provide the perfect finishing touch.
