5 Types Of Shirts Every Man Should Own
With all of its different variations, the men’s shirt is without a doubt the most versatile article of dress there is. If you have the right styles, getting ready in the morning can be as easy as throwing one on and looking fresh. But with so many endless options out there, which types of shirts should you stock your wardrobe with to ensure you have all bases stylishly covered? Choosing which shirt type to wear for each occasion is as important as having them in the first place. A Hawaiian shirt has no place in the office, and that’s a hot take we’ll stand by.
From the classic office button-up shirt, to the casual weekend tee, these are the 5 essential types of shirts for men that you’ll want to have on hand.
1. OXFORD BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT
Sharing its name with the Oxford cloth from which it’s cut, the Oxford shirt is a menswear classic that’s been serving as the bedrock of many stylish outfits for well over 120 years. The fabric is quite thick compared to most others in shirting, giving it a casual edge. A button-down collar and hanger loop to the back of the yoke are common design traits that also make this top easy to store.
If ever there was a true, essential type of shirt for men, the Oxford button-down shirt is it. This timeless piece serves as a sartorial building block that works for a range of dress codes, making it one of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe. For a modern flair (that is, a convenience factor) find a non-iron dress shirt for dressing ease.
“I like a button-down worn open collar with jeans, corduroys, or chinos but not with a suit, as I think the casual style clashes with the formality of the tailoring,” says master shirtmaker Emma Willis. This type of shirt works well for any event, like a wedding or to the office. They come in a variety of colors to complete any outfit.
2. DRESS SHIRT
Whether you’re a fan of getting suited and booted or not, society dictates that you’re probably going to have to shoehorn yourself into a tuxedo at least a handful of times over the course of your existence. If you didn’t already know, black-tie requires a very specific type of dress shirt, so it’s best to have one handy for your next formal event.
A classic evening or dress shirt will typically be cut from pique (AKA Marcella) fabric, which was originally chosen for its ability to hold starch and keep the fabric crisp and stiff. There is also usually a bib, where the fabric is reinforced, a wing, pointed, or cutaway collar, and double cuffs, which require cufflinks to be worn.
In terms of styling, Willis suggests keeping things low key with the dress shirt. “I prefer simplicity for the evening,” she says. “A marcella bib front evening shirt with stud front and tiny jet or pearl studs and cufflinks, a cutaway collar – wing is only for white tie – and a black silk barathea bow tie.”
3. CUBAN COLLAR SHIRT
This breezy summer staple has always looked good, and thanks to the current fifties-fashion revival, it’s right on trend at the moment too. The ‘Cuban’ part refers to the shirt’s open collar, which makes it ideal for putting some air on your chest like your inner hairy-chested Colombian drug lord. The typical cuban collar shirt features a fairly boxy fit, straight hem, and button-up front.
This is one of those casual shirts for men that’s a must-have, but there are a few considerations to be made. “Approach with caution,” warns personal stylist Daniel Johnson. “This style is not for the thicker necked bloke. The golden rule, as ever with short sleeves is to make them fit to the arm – baggy sleeves make arms look skinnier and skinny arms make a chest look smaller – not great.”
You’ll be able to find these summer shirts in a huge range of colors and patterns. Don’t be afraid to be bold with your cuban collar shirt choice, but stay away from anything that looks like something your uncle would wear to the casino. Best for laid-back events, pair this type of shirt with a pair of well-tailored chinos for a dressed up look, or go with shorts or jeans if you’re keeping it casual.
4. OVERSHIRT
Too warm for a coat, yet too cold for a T-shirt. That troublesome transitional period between the two meteorological extremes is notorious for throwing a wrench in the works where getting dressed is concerned.
Luckily, though, we have overshirts. The overshirt’s beauty lies in its versatility. It makes for a perfectly suitable light jacket when the weather is warmer. Or, you can layer things up on colder days and even wear a coat over the top in winter. The overshirt can be dressed up or down. Light shades are typically more casual, where darker-colored overshirts can be worn professionally or to more fancy occasions. Hint, they’re also ideal for covering up tattoos for men who are hoping to be more discreet.
Styling-wise, simplicity is the key with this type of shirt. “A dark blue overshirt with a white T-shirt works great,” adds Johnson. “But a shabby overshirt and a detailed tee looks like a sloppy teenager’s get-up.” Team it up with some raw denim and a pair of lace-up work boots and you’re good to go.
5. FLANNEL SHIRT
Whether you’re chopping logs in rural Canadian woodland, or simply nipping out for a latte in mid-December, the humble flannel shirt is an absolute must in a wardrobe full of different types of shirts. This thick, soft flannel fabric is essential when the mercury drops and it’s versatile too, whether you opt for a plaid or plain version.
“A mid-weight or heavy flannel shirt is an absolute must for when the weather turns cooler,” says Alex Field, head of menswear at Reiss. “This classic piece is great for layering and can be worn open over a T-shirt or buttoned up so it mimics a light outerwear piece in the summer, or even in the winter under a parka when the cold needs to be kept at bay. Top it off with some dark denim jeans and a pair of sturdy boots and you’re all set to brave the elements in style.”
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Clothing, Fashion Sense, Shirts
