10 Classic Men’s Shirt Styles You Need in Your Wardrobe
Men’s shirts are a wardrobe staple—whether you wear them daily or need something special for a wedding or other event. With endless styles available, it can be challenging to pick the right one. From formal options to classic button-downs and lightweight linens, this guide will walk you through the top 10 men’s shirt styles every man should have in his collection. We’ll also share fashion tips to help you know exactly when and how to wear each style.
1. Oxford Shirt
Originally crafted for the polo field in 1896, the Oxford shirt is a timeless, versatile option that can be dressed up or down. Made from thick, woven cotton (Oxford cloth), it comes in various colors and sleeve lengths, including both long and short-sleeve options. The classic design often features a button-down collar with single cuffs, making it an ideal choice for both casual and formal occasions.
10 Classic Men’s Shirt Styles You Need in Your Wardrobe
How to Wear an Oxford Shirt
An Oxford shirt is incredibly adaptable. For a formal look, choose a plain white or pale blue Oxford shirt. For a more casual look, you can experiment with patterns and colors. Pair it with tailored trousers or chinos for a smart outfit, or go casual with jeans and loafers.
What to Wear With an Oxford Shirt
For a polished look, pair your Oxford shirt with tailored trousers, a blazer, and leather shoes. For a more relaxed vibe, wear it untucked with jeans or chinos and a pair of boat shoes.
10 Classic Men’s Shirt Styles You Need in Your Wardrobe
2. Striped Shirt
Striped shirts bring a fresh, dynamic look to your wardrobe. Available in various patterns—from bold candy stripes to subtle hairlines—this shirt works well in both formal and smart-casual settings. You can opt for a long-sleeved design for the office or a short-sleeved one for the summer.
How to Wear a Striped Shirt
The key to pulling off a striped shirt is finding the right fit. Vertical stripes make you appear slimmer, while horizontal stripes can broaden your frame. For formal events, stick to neutral-colored stripes, but for casual outings, feel free to experiment with brighter, bolder stripes.
What to Wear With a Striped Shirt
Pair a striped shirt with a suit and silk tie for a formal event, or wear it casually with chinos or jeans and leather trainers.
3. Check Shirt
A check shirt is a must-have in any wardrobe. Whether you’re dressing for the office or a weekend getaway, checked patterns, like Prince of Wales checks or gingham, are stylish and versatile. They’re available in both formal and casual styles, offering flexibility in terms of both fabric and design.
How to Wear a Check Shirt
For a formal look, tuck your checked shirt into trousers and pair it with a belt. For a more laid-back style, leave it untucked with jeans or chinos.
What to Wear With a Check Shirt
For casual outfits, pair a checked shirt with jeans and loafers. To dress it up, wear it under a suit with leather lace-ups or boots.
10 Classic Men’s Shirt Styles You Need in Your Wardrobe
4. Short Sleeve Shirt
Perfect for warm weather, short sleeve shirts offer a stylish way to stay cool and comfortable. Available in both casual and formal designs, they’re ideal for everything from beach outings to office days during the summer months.
How to Wear a Short Sleeve Shirt
Make sure the shirt fits well—fitted but not tight. For casual events, you can wear the shirt untucked. For more formal occasions, tuck it into trousers.
What to Wear With a Short Sleeve Shirt
For casual wear, pair your short sleeve shirt with jeans, trainers, or loafers. For more formal occasions, tuck it into chinos or trousers and add leather shoes or loafers.
10 Classic Men’s Shirt Styles You Need in Your Wardrobe
5. Linen Shirt
Linen shirts are breathable and lightweight, making them perfect for hot and humid weather. Made from flax plant fibers, these shirts are comfortable and stylish, suitable for both casual outings and formal events.
How to Wear a Linen Shirt
Linen shirts are perfect for summer. You can wear them to the office or on holiday. Whether you’re going for a laid-back beach look or a more sophisticated outfit, a linen shirt will keep you cool and stylish.
What to Wear With a Linen Shirt
For a relaxed vibe, pair a linen shirt with shorts and sandals. To dress it up, wear it with chinos or trousers and loafers. You can also add a blazer for a more refined look.
6. Pin Collar Shirt
A pin collar shirt features a pointed collar with a small hole at each tip, which is secured with a metal pin. This classic style adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit and is perfect for formal events or business attire.
10 Classic Men’s Shirt Styles You Need in Your Wardrobe
How to Wear a Pin Collar Shirt
The pin collar shirt is a formal choice, so wear it with a suit or tuxedo. Make sure to complement it with a tie and use collar pins to secure the collar points.
What to Wear With a Pin Collar Shirt
Pair your pin collar shirt with a tailored suit, silk tie, and leather shoes for a polished, sophisticated look.
7. Dinner Shirt
A dinner shirt (or tuxedo shirt) is a classic formalwear option. Usually made of crisp white cotton, it often features a wing or turndown collar and is designed to be worn with a tuxedo for black-tie events.
How to Wear a Dinner Shirt
Ensure the shirt fits well, especially around the collar and cuffs. Button it up completely, and accessorize with cufflinks and a bow tie for a formal appearance.
What to Wear With a Dinner Shirt
A dinner shirt pairs perfectly with a tuxedo, bow tie, and black dress shoes. For a more bold look, consider a velvet jacket with black trousers and velvet slippers.
8. Overshirt (Shacket)
An overshirt, also known as a shacket, blends the functionality of a shirt and jacket. Made from heavier fabrics like flannel or wool, overshirts are ideal for layering during the colder months.
How to Wear an Overshirt
Layer an overshirt over a basic tee or sweater for a smart-casual look. You can also wear it as a jacket, adding dimension to your outfit.
What to Wear With an Overshirt
Pair an overshirt with jeans, chinos, or even a hoodie for a relaxed yet stylish look. For a smarter take, wear it over a button-down shirt with chinos or tailored trousers.
9. Contrast Collar Shirt
A contrast collar shirt features a collar and cuffs in a different color, usually white, than the rest of the shirt. This design adds a bold, modern twist to a classic style, ideal for both formal and smart-casual events.
10 Classic Men’s Shirt Styles You Need in Your Wardrobe
How to Wear a Contrast Collar Shirt
Pair the shirt with a tailored suit or chinos. The contrast collar makes a statement, so keep the rest of your outfit simple to allow the shirt to shine.
What to Wear With a Contrast Collar Shirt
A contrast collar shirt works well with a tailored suit, silk tie, and leather shoes. Avoid pairing it with casual items like jeans or shorts.
10. Double Cuff Shirt
A double cuff shirt (French cuff shirt) is a sophisticated option with cuffs that fold back and are fastened with cufflinks. Typically reserved for formal events, it adds elegance and refinement to your wardrobe.
How to Wear a Double Cuff Shirt
Double cuff shirts are perfect for formal occasions. Wear them with cufflinks and a well-tailored suit to achieve a polished, elegant look.
What to Wear With a Double Cuff Shirt
A classic double cuff shirt pairs best with a suit, silk tie, and leather shoes. Don’t forget the cufflinks—they’re essential for completing the look.
From the versatile Oxford shirt to the sophisticated double cuff shirt, these 10 classic styles are essential in every man’s wardrobe. Whether you’re dressing for work, a formal event, or a casual weekend, there’s a shirt for every occasion. By adding these styles to your collection, you’ll ensure that you’re always prepared with the right shirt for any situation.
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