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Guide to Finding a Perfect Dress Shirt

Anyone who works in the professional sector owes it to themselves to understand what to look for in a men’s dress shirt. Dress shirts are a staple of business-casual attire, not to mention highly versatile and fit for a variety of different types of occasions. There are a variety of elements that need to be taken into considered when choosing a dress shirt, however, which can make the shopping process rather convoluted for many people. Fortunately, you can streamline your ability to choose the perfect men’s dress shirts by knowing what to look for, with the following being some of the most important elements to consider before making a purchase.

Fabric
One of the first things you should think about when choosing a men’s dress shirt is the fabric that it’s made out of. Fabric can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of a shirt, and many people find that they side with a specific type of fabric after experimenting with all of the different options. Cotton is one of the most possible dress shirt fabrics, and is enjoyed for its breathability, soft texture and ability to resist fading relatively well. Linen dress shirts are similar to cotton, yet lighter and thus more suitable for the warmer months of the year. Oxford cloth shirts are extremely popular, and feature a tight weave of heavy yarn, which makes for a warm, rugged dress shirt perfectly suited to winter wear. Experiment with different fabrics to determine which you find to be the most comfortable.

Collar Style
Another important thing to take into consideration when shopping for a dress shirt is collar style. Dress shirts are available in a variety of different collar styles, each of which serves its own unique purpose. Straight-point collars are perhaps the most popular, featuring V-shaped collar points that look great with practically all face types. Button-down collars are ideal for situations that are relatively informal, and feature a similar design to straight-point collars, yet are made out of a lighter material and aren’t typically pressed with as much starch. Spread collars feature a larger gap between each tip than other collars, and look great with those who have square face types. They also look best when paired with a larger tied necktie knots – such as the double Windsor. Finally, tab collars sit high and feature a small spread, making them ideal for anyone who has a long neck. 

Color and Design
The color and design of your dress shirt matters just as much as any other element, and should always be taken into consideration. Dress shirts are typically available in solids, stripes and prints, all of which offer up a different appearance. The color and design you gravitate towards should depend not only on personal preference, but also on the situation in which the shirt will be worn. Solid and striped shirts that utilize neutrals, for example, are best for an office environment, while dress shirts with loud prints may be more suitable for informal gettogethers. In the end, the color and design that you choose should be that which makes you feel confident.