It’s true: buying an elegant dress shirt is daunting. The stores for men are often snooty. Shopping online is an unreliable process unless you know what you’re looking for. Dress shirts aren’t always inexpensive, neither. Therefore, you need to make certain that you’re buying the right one. But how do you determine what to look for particularly when you purchase a dress shirt on the internet?
We’re here to assist you. Here’s how to buy a Dress Shirt.
#1: Fit
It’s not enough to say fit is the primary consideration when purchasing any formal attire such as shirts and trousers, jackets or suits. Even the most elegant, expensive dress will look haphazard when it doesn’t match your body type.
So get sized. With a professional. If that means purchasing an entire suit from Macy’s and having it tailored immediately (recommended) or simply going to the local store and having your body measured Professional tailoring can be the best way to ensure your new clothes appear as nice as you would like. With the money you’re spending, it’s reasonable to anticipate your new men’s clothing to be stunning and fit perfectly.
Get measured, and then save your measurements on your phone or somewhere else. Be aware that if you exercise or eat frequently, you might want to measure again each when you purchase an outfit.
#2: Fit
If you’re just looking for an updated dress shirt, you could take your own measurements of your upper body. (Gentlemen Please don’t make use of a construction-style, metal tape measure to do this. You can borrow your girlfriend or wife’s cloth sewing tape or purchase one from Amazon to save a couple of dollars. We’ll be grateful.) Dress shirts for men are measured by two numbers the size of your neck and the length of your sleeves.
Begin with measuring the diameter of your neck. Measure it well below your jawline, and across your Adam’s apple , where the collar of your shirt will be. Add 1/4″” to the number to allow for breathing space, then round it up to the nearest half-inch. This is the size of your neck and is the first number you’ll see on a packaged, on-the-rack shirt–i.e., “15 1/2 32-33.” Note this number.
The second number is the length of your sleeve. Take a measurement of your sleeve using either arm by your side. Begin the tape measure at the bottom of your neck. Measure across the length of your arm and stop at the top the wrist. Round to the closest inch. Note this number. It is the number that appears on the measurement of your dress shirt, i.e., “15 1/2 32-33.”
Do not stress about getting your sleeve’s length measurement right! It’s best to round it up. If the sleeves of the dress shirt you’ve bought are too long, you can have them trimmed later. It’s not expensive (usually about ten dollars) as well as any dry cleaning service who is worth their salt can do it for you within a day. This is why you should make a round-up.
The two numbers you’ve noted will determine your shirt’s size. A properly-fitting dress shirt must be spacious, but well-fitted to the chest and tapered to the torso. Make sure the shirt doesn’t swell over your waistline. If your arms are bulging through the sleeves, then good for you! Are your shoulders stretching out the buttons? That’s okay–unless it’s uncomfortable. You can always size up by a half inch around the neck the next time.
#3: Fit
Didn’t we mention that the fit was crucial? Whatever style color, shade, or type of dress shirt you purchase fitting is the most important aspect. Modern dress shirts have specific cuts that fit your body. A man of average height will not be disappointed with an Classic (aka Standard or Regular) Fit shirt. The Classic Fit dress shirt will fit most men however, athletic or skinny men might find them to bulky or too boxy when they are put on.
Slim or slim men are advised to choose slim or skinny guys should choose a Slim (or even an Extra-slim) Slim Fit top. Slim Fit dress shirts are ideal for slim or skinny guys. Slim Fit dress shirt provides an elongated cut that runs through the waist and midsection, with more armholes and sleeves that are tapered, but typically, it leaves little or no space in the upper part of the body.
If you’re an fit and athletic man with well-defined chest, shoulders, and arms, you should consider an Athletic Fit shirt. The Athletic Fit shirt sizes allow more space for the upper part of your body, with slightly smaller arm holes as well as sleeves that are longer and fuller. an extremely tailored waist. Certain styles have darts on the back that pull the waist in, to prevent the billowing. This can make your back appear more attractive. It’s the Athletic Fit dress shirt is designed to fit snugly and is the perfect dress shirt to showcase your “V” figure.
Choose A Fabric
With all the styles available it’s difficult to determine what dress shirt will be the best option for your needs. The majority of words used to describe them are just description of the fabric or weave. Here are some of the most commonly used:
Oxford – A simple, strong weave (most well-known, perfect for daily use);
Pinpoint or Royal Oxford — A smoother, more light Oxford (dressier);
Poplin is smooth and has a light, free weaving (very informal);
Herringbone is a textured weave that has distinct “V” forms (very elegant)
Broadcloth is a smooth and tight weave of high-quality (dressy and often costly);
Seersucker is a light, textured, summer-weight fabric (casual as well as billowy).
The majority of guys will choose the typical Oxford and Poplin dress shirt for any occasion all year round including everyday office dress to weddings and other important events. If you’re looking to make it a little more formal for an interview or party you can opt for a Herringbone, but not during summertime. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure that it’s comfy and is a good fit.
Here’s a general rule for all men to follow When your dress shirt is tied in, you must be wearing an undershirt. The choice of v-neck, the crew neck or an A-style is entirely up to you. However, an undershirt can keep your dress clothes looking and feeling more fresh, for longer. It will also increase its life span, and help deter ring-around-the-collar. You will never would like to be the guy who sweats on his dress shirt. Ever.
Choose Your Collar
Collars for dress shirts are trendy for fashion designers to play with. Every few years it seems like there’s an edgy style that men must follow. However, following the fashion is an option you decide to make and we’re not here to advise you on what’s best for you personally. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and appear stylish.
The Button-down is the most popular kind of collar. It’s durable and flexible however, it’s casual. The rules have been less stringent in recent years, but generally, you shouldn’t to wear a tie that has an unbuttoned collar unless you’re trying to achieve that look of a prep school. If you’re looking for a relaxed or business casual wearing a button-down collar, it’s acceptable.
The pin and tab collars are made to be worn only with ties when you’re in formal circumstances. However, they are stylish and show that you’re a man who cares an ounce of importance to his appearance. Pin collars get their name because they’re held in place by the collar bar, whereas tab collars are secured with tabs hidden under the points.
In recent times, the Spread collar has become very popular with suitably dressed men wearing tie. It’s actually a larger Point collar with the ends facing outwards more than 90 degrees apart. Some people take it to the next level, using the round Club collar. It’s the Mandarin (or Band, or Nehru) collar is a shorter, folded standing collar. It’s a bold style that requires confidence to wear, however it’s a common style in contemporary dress shirts if you’re looking to try something new.
Point Collar Point Collar is the most basic kind of turndown collar that is as appropriate for suits and neckties and suits as boots and jeans. It’s been the most popular style of collar for a dress shirt for the past 100 years or more due to its simplicity and easy to use. It’s also appropriate regardless of which way the fashion trend is heading.
Cuff It Up
There are almost the same number of cuffs as collars, and all of them are a bold statement. Here are some of the most well-known designs.
A Standard, Straight, or Square cuff is the most popular kind of cuff. It has one button, and an angular right angle. It is also possible to choose the Two-button design, which lets you adjust how tight the wrist is. Two-button cuffs are ideal for casual occasions, as they allow you to leave the second button unlocked for an informal look. They can be square or mitered corner.
This cuff has been cut along the corners at 45 degrees, and features two buttons. It’s a little more formal than the standard cuff, and adds elegance and class to any formal shirt. A rounded cuff has the outside edge is gently rounded. They are ideal for workplace settings, where the cuff’s points may wear out due to repeated contact with the desk.
French cuffs are a great option to match an evening dress. They’re double the length of the standard cuff, folded in half and tied by cufflinks. For work, this might be too formal a look. If you’re looking for a more elegant look it’s not difficult to get the look with this look.