Best ways to find quality shirts for men

Good quality shirts are sometimes hard to come by, especially when there are so many cheap work shirts available. There are many brands and styles available out there when it comes to work shirts, but the key is to know what your budget is and what style suits you. Personally, go for the simple and classic white button down work shirts, as this will be the most versatile and easy to wear piece you’ll own.

Key Things To Look For In A Good Quality Work Shirt

1. Brand – If it’s a higher quality brand with a higher price point then nine times out of ten it will be a great quality work shirt that will last you years. Online shirt shopping introduces you to the wide variety of option to be explored from , as this comes in different size and shape.

2. Material – Feel the material, good quality work shirts for men will be slightly thicker and soft to the touch.Buttons – If the buttons feel cheap, then I’m afraid you’ve got yourself a cheap shirt.

3. Stitching – The stitching is a massive giveaway for a good quality men’s work shirt. If the stitching feels loose then it will probably wear out quicker.

Shirts are available in a variety of styles, and this includes minor details such as the cuff type. There’s a range for you to choose from, but make sure it’s work suitable as there are some which are better suited to formal events such as weddings. Stick to the most common type, the button cuff. It consists of a single cuff that wraps around the wrist and buttons into place, this functional option can offer square, round or angled corners and some versions provide an additional adjacent button for adjustment.

Avoid the Cocktail or Turn Back Cuff, a double length two-button barrel cuff, this then folds back on itself, while the corners are usually rounded to avoid any snagging in the jacket sleeve, and the French Cuff, which folds back around the wrist and is fastened by cufflinks rather than buttons. These cuffs are incredibly formal, so stick to simple style for work.

When it comes to shirt collars, the rules aren’t as strict for work shirts. It’s whatever you prefer. The Point Collar is the most common style. The forward or straight point collar is cut using straight lines and with a relatively small spread. This collar is better suited to a wide face. The spread collar, or Windsor collar, comes in various widths and angles, revealing more of the upper shirt or tie. This one’s better suited to those with a thin face and neck. The button-down collar attaches the collar corners to the shirt.

mens shirt collar types

Point Collar, Spread Collar & Button Down Collar. PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Long Sleeve vs Short Sleeve
This is the most common style that’ll you need to go for when dressing for a smart job. It keeps the look clean and slick and still keeps it formal once your blazer is removed. It’s also a great option to dress up jeans, which is essential in the creative industry.

Short sleeves lean more towards casual attire but are also great for warmer months. If you’re at an office job, just swap this for your usual shirt to stay cool. If you work in a creative industry, button all the way to the top and team with smart trousers.

Best Long Sleeve Work Shirts

Nothing beats the classic long sleeve work shirt; its practicality and smart style make it the perfect option for many men. Remember what I said before, though, stick to the classic colours and styles that will see you through the year, however, you can add in a solid block colour such as a darker navy or grey to differentiate your work shirt wardrobe.

Best Short Sleeve Work ShirtsThey’re a perfect option for when the warmer weather strikes and you need something that’s smart, stylish, and at the end of the day, will keep you cool. Again, you’ll want to stick classic colours, because if you go down the printed route, you may be at risk of looking like your dad in the 80’s.

The great thing about work shirts is that there are no guidelines on what specific type, or fabric, it needs to be, leaving you with so many options. These are the most comfortable fabrics yet versatile, that can take you through the day with ease. Each is available in a variety of colours so the possibilities are endless. The fabric however, will depend on the type of shirt you choose.

Grandad Collar Work Shirts

This is an option that most of you wouldn’t have even thought of, but the Grandad shirt is incredibly formal, it’s just missing a collar. The Grandad collar shirt is very similar to the oxford shirt in terms of fabric.

This shirt looks great teamed with smart suit trousers or even jeans and chinos. It can dress up most of your looks with ease. Although many think the collar makes it more casual, this isn’t the case. It’ll add an edge to your look that you can’t get with other shirts, and if you button it all the way to the top you’ll achieve a unique yet sleek finish.

Smart Work Shirts

The smart shirt is the standard style which most of you will opt for. They come in a variety of fabrics and colours, making it the easiest option for work attire, particularly office jobs. The pocket is functional allowing you to pop in pens, and they can also take you through to formal events. What more could you want from a multipurpose shirt?

This is a great option shirt for those who have just started a job, or those who don’t know what the dress code is at work. Many office jobs stick to the suit, shirt and tie combinations, so this shirt is ideal for these work situations. Stick with neutral in order to mix and match with your suits, or add a pop of colour with a printed or block bright colour, such as light blue or pale pink.

Chambray Work Shirts

This style of shirt is hard to style for work, but worn correctly, it can take your business look from drab to fab. Go for darker shades in order to add formality. You can also pop on a tie to dress the shirt up further. Just remember to always finish this look off with both smart trousers and formal shoes such as brogues to keep it work suitable.

Oxford Work Shirts

Another slick edgy option for those wanting to steer away from the smart shirt. The oxford shirt can be dressed both up and down. It can easily be teamed with suit trousers for formal work wear, but if you work in a creative industry, then team with chinos or jeans for a smart casual look. Again stick to neutral shades to make the most of its smart function.

Much like denim a flannel work shirt may not be your first option when it comes to work shirts for men, but, again, you’d be surprised. Because the flannel shirt comes in so many colours and patterns, you can really play about with what shirt you want to wear to the office. If your office is a little more subtle and formal, then go for something a little darker and subdued. If your office is a little laxer when it comes to office attire then a brighter option is always there for you.

Denim Work Shirts

Now a denim work shirt might not be your first port of call when it comes to the best men’s work shirts, but you’d be surprised. A denim shirt can be a practical and smart option when it comes to men’s work shirts, and the variety of shades you can get makes the choice endless. You’ll want to pair your denim shirt with a pair of black or grey trousers to keep the look formal and smart for the office.

Colours

When it comes to the best work shirts in the UK or elsewhere, the colour is an essential factor when deciding. It’s essential to keep it formal enough for work. Our top tip? Avoid the Hawaiian shirt at all costs. Keep it for holidays onl- actually no, just avoid it.

Patterned

If you want to stand out from the crowd, particularly if you work in a creative industry then print is the best way to go. The main rule for this, however, is keep things low key. Keep to neutral shades and keep the print as minimal as possible. Opt for contrasting collar and cuffs if you’re not ready for full on print or a basic pinstripe which can sass up any look.

If this isn’t patterned enough for you, then look for shirts with a hint of print, such as a black shirt with white patterns, for example polka dot. This isn’t ideal for an office job but can get you through a smart casual look at a creative industry.

These are the best colour duos to stick to when deciding on the best shirts for work, as they’re formal enough for you to wear everyday and team with your suits or other work wear.

Block colours refer to everything from neutral shades, all the way to those bold colours like fuchsia, which you’re obviously going to avoid. Neutral shades are a great go to when dressing for work so stick to white, black and grey. But make sure you dress them up with your suit otherwise you could risk looking like you’re going to a funeral. Nothing beats a classic neutral shade timeless shirt.

If you want to opt for something a little bolder, opt for pale pink or light blue, as these will add colour to your look without going too over the top, which is essential when dressing for work. The three main colours you should already have, and stick to, are crisp white, pale pink and light blue. They’re the easiest colours to adapt to your wardrobe, are suitable not only for work but formal occasions, and finally look great with everything.

BudgetIf you’re looking for good quality formal shirts, then your budget is a huge factor when deciding on the best work shirts.

Bespoke – You design the shirt entirely, from the colour to the fabric to the buttons to the stitching. It can also be personalised. This is the most expensive option.

Made to Measure – You choose the fabric but the tailor will have the shape, so it will just be measured to your body. There will also be a limited number of fabric choices.

Ready to Wear – You buy the shirt already made from a shop or online. These can be altered by a tailor, such as the sleeve length. This is the easiest and cheapest option as there’s a wide variety of options available to you.

Street Style

A dark checked shirt is a great way to add a print to your work wardrobe, with it still being in the smart category. Smarten it up further with formal black trousers and a black overcoat. If you’re after smart casual vibes, then finish off your look with trainers.

For colder months, throwing on a knitted jumper over your crisp white shirt is always a good idea. Not only does it keep you toasty, but still keeps your look formal. Finish off your look with ripped black skinny jeans to make it smart casual, or wide legged black or grey formal trousers. Roll up the cuffs for a grunge edge and to show off your slick shoes. Trainers or brogues are your choice.

How A Work Shirt Should Fit

First thing’s first, you need to get the right fit in your shirt otherwise you’ll look sluggish and very informal. A shirt comes in two different fits. The first, and main for dress shirts, is based around the collar and mostly comes in inches. For example, a 14. Most are also available in half sizes, so you should be able to get a near perfect fit. If you don’t know your neck measurements then most shops will do this for you. Or you can do it yourself.

How to Measure Your Collar Size?

Wrap the measuring tape around the thickest part of your neck, beginning at about one inch from the meeting of your neck and shoulders. This may also be the bottom part of your Adam’s apple.

Come fully around the neck, leaving no space in between the neck and the tape. Don’t pull too tightly but just enough that you are getting a true measurement. Make sure the tape is level and not being held at an angle.The number you get is the actual neck size. The shirt size will be half an inch bigger. For example, if you measure your neck to be exactly 15 inches (38 cm) around, then your dress shirt size will be 15½ inches (39.5 cm).

Collar

You should be able to fit two fingers in between your neck and shirt, and easily move your fingers around your neck. It shouldn’t be restrictive.

Sleeves

The seam should remain on the corner of your shoulder for the perfect fit. Avoid shirts that have sleeves which bell out at the sides, as it’s very unflattering.
The length of the sleeve should go to the end of your wrist, approximately where your watch would sit.
Length. The front of your shirt should sit no lower than your hip bones.

The back of your shirt should sit no lower than the centre of your bottom. Your Complete Guide to Work Shirts. Work shirts come in a wider range of designs than you might think, so don’t settle for the typical long-sleeved button-down

Ensure that your shirt fits correctly for a polished look. Select a material that will be comfortable and breathable for the work day.Have fun with different collar shapes.

When it comes to finding the best men’s work shirts, the sky is the limit. There are so many more options than the standard smart shirt, allowing your work wear wardrobe to grow with style. Whether you want good work shirts for the UK or beyond, you can adjust your formality depending on your industry, allowing you to adapt your work shirt stylepi

From the fabric to the type, to the colour or print, to even minor details such as the collar, you can find the perfect shirt to suit your style or steer away from your usual business attire. Just remember to steer clear of the Hawaiian shirt, at all costs. So mix up your work wardrobe with this handy work shirt guide, and you’ll have mastered work shirt slick with ease.