7 tips for choosing a men's shirt
Written by Les Rivières | December 16, 2019
Choosing the right shirt is a complex process for you? Gentlemen or ladies, read this carefully to save time and several fittings! Here are our top tips for choosing a men's shirt.
Choosing the right shirt is a complex process for you? Gentlemen or ladies, read this carefully to save time and several fitting sessions! Here is our best advice for choosing a men’s shirt.
1. Think about how you’ll use the shirt
The first question to ask yourself before starting your search is: what’s the occasion for which you’ll be wearing this shirt? A chic event, for work or simply for an outing with friends? Depending on your answer, head to the right department or the appropriate category. Men’s shops usually classify their shirts into two main categories: dress shirts and casual or sports shirts.
2. Favor natural materials
For a comfortable and durable shirt, whatever the occasion, you should definitely favor natural materials. Cotton, linen or silk are good choices. Avoid stretchy or synthetic fabrics, which are less durable and comfortable in the long term.
3. Choosing the weave
There are many popular weaves for making shirts. What is a weave? It is the background pattern of the shirt. Here are our 3 favorites.
Poplin shirt
Poplin is without doubt the shirt for the professional or for those who need to wear a more elegant shirt. Easy to care for, it irons well and is very light. It is perfect for important meetings, those where it is likely to be too hot, since it breathes! Poplin is very comfortable and almost as soft as silk.
The Oxford shirt
This is the shirt that offers the mixture of a color on a white background. Due to its weave, the white thread is always arranged with a colored thread. Thicker than the poplin shirt, it is often available in blue or gray. It is a classic to have in your wardrobe. It is suitable for all occasions, from the most formal to a night out at the restaurant.
The Twill shirt
The Twill is the ideal shirt for those who don’t like to use an iron. Recognize anyone? It is the weave that requires the least maintenance and ironing. It is composed of diagonal stripes. It is a shirt that can be worn very well under a jacket or with a neutral tie for a change from the classic white shirt.
4. Opt for a neutral or trendy color
Now, which color shirt to choose? For a shirt that goes well with everything, it is important to prioritize a neutral color such as gray, black or blue. Burgundy is also very trendy!
What about the white shirt?
The white shirt is more often worn under a jacket on special occasions such as weddings or galas.
5. Measure the collar and choose the model
The first question to ask before measuring the collar is: will the shirt be worn with or without a tie? Some brands offer different collar sizes depending on the measurements. Take the neck measurement or use these simple tips:
With a tie: One finger should be able to fit between the fastened collar and the neck. The tie will therefore rest directly on the collar of the shirt and will be straight. When wearing a tie, the classic collar is the best choice.
Without a tie: One or two fingers (depending on comfort) should fit between the collar and the neck. This is a question of appearance and comfort, as it will make it possible to unfasten the top button of the shirt. As for the collar, it’s a matter of taste!
6. Fastening the sleeves
To choose the right sleeve length, it is essential to first undo the buttons at the wrists. With your arms at your sides, there should be about 2 cm between the end of the sleeve and the base of your thumb.
7. Choosing the right cut for your shirt
There are 3 classic cuts: slim, fitted and straight.
Slim: This cut is best for people who are short with broad shoulders. As this shirt is tight at the waist, it is not suitable for all body types.
Fitted: This is the perfect shirt for all body types. Comfortable and a little tighter than the straight cut, it leaves enough room for arm movement.
Straight: This is a very popular style, especially for denim shirts. It is often preferred to be left undone and worn with a T-shirt, as it is less form-fitting.
Finally, to determine the right size and cut:
Shoulder seams : the sleeve seams should end at the shoulder bone.
Buttons at the front : they should not be tight. With the arms raised, the buttons should remain firmly in place and not try to open.
Length : if the shirt is tucked into the trousers, it can go down to the bottom of the zipper. If the shirt is worn outside the trousers, the bottom should reach about halfway down the fly.
