Men Shirt

History of Men’s Shirts

Men’s shirts have a long history, dating back to the 18th century. Originally, they were buttonless garments pulled over the head, serving primarily as undergarments with only the collars visible under outerwear. The collars were simpler and less varied than today, with basic stand-up styles eventually becoming more common over time.

Types of Men’s Shirts

Men’s shirts can be categorized based on fit and collar style. Slim-fit shirts are body-hugging and highlight the body's shape. Other common types include straight-cut and Oxford shirts. Shirts are also classified by collar styles such as the diplomat collar, bunny collar, and bow-tie collar.

Formal Shirts

Formal shirts are ideal for special occasions like weddings or engagement parties. These shirts often come in solid black or white and are typically slim-fit with collars suitable for ties or bow ties.

Casual (Sport) Shirts

Casual men’s shirts are usually loose-fitting and come in floral or colorful patterns, like Hawaiian styles. These are typically short-sleeved and pair well with Bermuda shorts or baggy jeans for a relaxed, informal look.

Business/Office Shirts

For professional settings, men often prefer long-sleeve shirts with English or Oxford collars made of cotton fabrics. These shirts are also commonly worn under suits. Popular colors include light pink, sky blue, black, and white.

Short-Sleeve Shirts

Short-sleeve shirts made from light, breathable fabrics in bright colors are great for summer and pair well with jeans or cotton trousers.

Zip-Up Shirts

Zip-up shirts replace buttons with zippers and often have long sleeves. These are considered unique and unconventional styles.

Classic and Oversized Shirts

Classic shirts feature traditional cuts and proportions, while oversized shirts offer a more relaxed and loose fit.

Fabrics and Materials

A good-quality men’s shirt should be made from natural fibers, avoiding synthetic materials like plastic-based fabrics. Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics are the best options. Linen shirts have also gained popularity in recent years for their breathability.

Cotton Shirts

Cotton and cotton-blend shirts are durable, breathable, and perfect for spring and summer. High-quality shirts are typically made from 100% cotton with no plastic additives.

Linen Shirts

Linen, made from flax, is an ideal summer fabric due to its breathability and lightweight nature. However, it wrinkles easily and requires gentle washing, making it less suitable for formal occasions.

Denim Shirts

Denim shirts, typically in light or sky blue, offer a sporty and stylish look, ideal for spring and summer. They are often paired with joggers for a relaxed outfit.

Leather Shirts

Leather shirts offer a luxurious, bold look but are not suited for everyday wear. They are best reserved for special occasions.

Corduroy Shirts

Corduroy (or ribbed velvet) shirts have a textured surface and come in earthy tones like khaki, gray, and brown. Due to their thickness, they are suitable for colder seasons.

Chiffon Shirts

Chiffon shirts are lightweight and flowy, often in solid colors. They require dry cleaning and are not easy to iron, making them best for occasional use.

Plaid Shirts

Plaid and striped shirts are available in both winter and summer versions. Popular color combinations include red, black, gray, and yellow.

Cashmere Shirts

Made from goat wool, cashmere shirts are high-end and expensive. Luxury brands like Massimo Dutti, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci often carry original cashmere shirts.

Poplin Shirts

Poplin fabric is fine and lightweight, often made from cotton. It’s commonly used by major fashion brands and offers a sleek look, especially in darker tones.

Flannel Shirts

Thick and often made of cotton, flannel shirts are casual and not intended for formal wear.

Chambray Shirts

Chambray shirts have a simple weave with contrasting threads, giving them a denim-like appearance but with a lighter feel.

Dobby Shirts

Dobby shirts feature visible textured patterns and can be styled for both formal and casual settings depending on the design.

Melange Shirts

Made from yarns of different colors, melange shirts have a rugged, uneven appearance and are perfect for creating a laid-back, personal style.

Common Shirt Collar Types

Straight Collar

Thinner in the back and wider in the front with pointed ends, suitable for round faces or short necks. Best paired with narrow tie knots.

Spread Collar

Wide spacing between collar points, ideal for medium to large tie knots. Works well with Windsor knots.

Semi-Spread Collar

Similar to the spread collar but with narrower spacing, offering a slightly more casual look.

Cutaway Collar

Very wide-spaced collar tips with short points. Considered bold and fashionable, but not ideal for formal settings.

Button-Down Collar

Features small buttons that fasten the collar tips to the shirt. Originally designed for sportswear, now popular in casual and business casual attire.

English Collar and Diplomat Collar

Both are formal styles, with diplomat collars offering a unique upright design.

Front Placket Types

Standard Placket

A strip of fabric sewn on the front, offering structure and formality.

Soft Front Placket

Similar to the standard but lacks lining, making it more relaxed and casual.

French Placket

Fabric is folded inward, creating a clean, seamless look with no visible stitching—ideal for formal shirts.

Pop-Over Placket

Extends halfway down the shirt and is pulled over the head. Informal and sporty.

Western Placket

Wraps around the neck and down the front—rare and difficult to sew.

Hidden Button Placket

Covers the buttons with a fabric layer, giving a neat and formal appearance, often used in tuxedo shirts.

Tuxedo Front (Plain or Bibbed)

Plain front or featuring a bib-like panel; ideal for black-tie events.

Pleated Front

Features vertical pleats on either side of the placket, offering a traditional, formal appearance.

Ruffled Front

Features decorative ruffles, a vintage style popularized in the 1970s—less formal and more costume-like today.

Uses of Men’s Shirts

Men’s shirts serve a variety of purposes, from formal events to everyday casual wear. A white formal shirt is often paired with a suit for events, whereas plaid or denim shirts match well with jeans for a more relaxed outfit. Many styles are also suitable for workplace attire.

Folding a Shirt Properly

Button all buttons, including collar and cuffs, to help the shirt hold its shape.

Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles.

Fold each sleeve diagonally inward.

Fold the sleeves up so the cuffs align with the collar.

Fold the sides inward, about one-third from each side.

Fold the bottom up toward the collar.

Place it at the top of your suitcase to minimize wrinkling.

Popular Shirt Colors

White

Navy Blue

Black

Pink

Where to Buy Quality Men’s Shirts

You can find stylish and modern men’s shirts in a variety of sizes and designs at trusted online retailers. While luxury brands offer premium options at higher prices, fast fashion labels such as Defacto and Koton provide affordable and fashionable alternatives. Always refer to the sizing chart specific to each brand when shopping online.