Dress shirts may not be the most exciting of garments - but they are one of the fundamental basics every guy should own.
Though they’re certainly not the main character when it comes to tailoring, they’re the all-important supporting act that can take a suit to the next level.
At a time, they were understood as shirts that you wear with tuxedos – the white ones with a pleated front or bib which you probably wore to your school prom. But now, the term is more liberally used to describe any shirt designed to be worn with a suit, meaning most formal occasions will involve a dress shirt – weddings, soirées and Christmas parties included.
They are typically crafted from smooth cotton poplin and can come in a mixture of stripes, checks and block colours. They’re often cut to a slim fit to keep the line of your suit sleek and, nowadays, many are treated with anti-crinkle technology to keep them looking fresh throughout the event.
Our top tip? See your shirt as an opportunity to pep up your suiting. While nothing is more elegant than a well-cut two-piece, trousers and a blazer aren’t always the most exciting pieces to wear. But, with the right underpinnings and accessories, you can take it up a notch. So, if you’re brave enough, we’d recommend going with a subtle stripe or check to add a little spice, before finishing it all off with a silk tie and pocket square.
A word of warning: when it’s a formal event, try to avoid mistaking an Oxford shirt for a dress shirt. Where a dress shirt is crafted from a lightweight sheeny poplin, an Oxford tends to be made from a heavyweight textile, which would make your tailoring look bulky. They’re characterised by a button-down collar and a chest pocket, so try to avoid them when you’re hitting the shops.
Or, you could simply choose one of our favourites in the list below.
Charles Tyrwhitt Cutaway Collar Non-Iron Bengal Stripe Shirt
A blue striped dress shirt can upgrade a classic navy suit in an instant. The good news? Charles Tyrwhitt has just the design. A slim fit, it sits neatly beneath a blazer for a streamlined silhouette. It’s also non-iron, naturally breathable and machine washable.
Buy now £29.95, Charles Tyrwhitt
T.M.Lewin Non-Iron Pink Poplin Slim Fit Single Cuff Classic Collar Shirt
Traditional tailoring is at the heart of T.M.Lewin. So, naturally, the brand knows its way around a dress shirt. One of its best-sellers, this classic take is slightly tapered for a crisp finish and the cotton has been treated with the brand's smoothing solution which prevents creases.
Buy now £65.00, T.M.Lewin
Luca Faloni Classic Shirt
Luca Faloni is an expert in elevated menswear. From tailoring to chinos and knitwear, it’s a one-stop-shop for all things smart casual – and the shirting is no exception. Handmade in Italy, this button-up pairs fine Italian poplin with mother-of-pearl buttons and a one-piece collar for an expertly crafted shirt you’ll keep in your collection for years.
Buy now £140.00, Luca Faloni
Hawes & Curtis Navy Poplin Classic Shirt
Though this shirt is made from pure cotton, the silky finish could have you fooled. Would you expect anything less from Hawes & Curtis? With over 100 years of experience in the game, it’s no surprise it's one of the best. We’d pair this with a navy suit and tie for a fully colour-drenched look.
Buy now £35.00, Hawes & Curtis
Paul Smith Slim-Fit 'Signature Stripe' Cotton Shirt
If you like to stand out, take your style cues from Paul Smith. Everything, from the suits to the casualwear, is made with the designer’s playful sense of colour in mind – even the plain white shirts have a hidden contrast cuff. In the brand’s trademark style, this shirt is a take on the ‘signature stripe’ and is the perfect way to spice up classic suiting.
Buy now £250.00, Paul Smith
Polo Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Poplin Shirt
Give your formalwear a preppy twist with a Polo Ralph Lauren shirt. After all, anything adorned with the little embroidered Polo Player is sure to score some Ivy League street cred. Beyond the logo, it’s a brand which you can count on for both quality and fit.
Buy now £139.00, Polo Ralph Lauren
Asket The Poplin Shirt
For classic menswear with a traceable impact, Asket is the brand for you. The collection is full of minimal classics which are intended to transcend seasons - meaning anything you buy is an investment you’ll be wearing for years to come.
This simple shirt is a prime example. Crafted from a luxurious organic Supima cotton which is farmed in the US, milled in Italy and constructed in Portugal, it’s built to last. If you’re interested in the finer details, simply look at the transparency report on the website.
Buy now £130.00, Asket
Velasca Pitigliano
An understated check has the power to take a suit to the next level. So, consider this your cue to add Velasca’s white and sky blue micro-check to your shirting rotation. Though the RRP is a little higher, it’s handmade in Italy using premium cotton that’s so smooth you’ll never want to take it off.
Buy now £140.00, Velasca
Moss Slim Fit Green Stretch Shirt
For accessibly priced fashion-forward tailoring, Moss is your best bet. Where some brands only offer shirting in blue, pink or white, Moss has a whole range to choose from. This design, for example, comes in 11 colours. Our favourite is the sage green which would look great paired with earthy tones.
Buy now £34.95, Moss
Turnbull & Asser Green Double Stripe Mayfair Shirt with Contrast T&A Collar and Cuffs
Unexpected details are the key to nailing tailoring. Where a basic white shirt might feel a little flat, a shirt with a green stripe and a contrast collar – like Turnbull & Asser’s Mayfair – lifts the look instead. Sophisticated yet lively.
Buy now £355.00, Turnbull & Asser
