The Gentleman's Guide to Choosing the Right Shirt

Is there a sleeve that’s too short or a fit that’s too loose? PURUSHU ARIE offers some advice on how to find a well-fitting shirt. The most fundamental and crucial weapon in a man’s sartorial arsenal is a well-fitted shirt. A neat, clean shirt that fits well gives you the feeling of being in command, like a boss. A great-fitting shirt is made up of a lot of small details, from the collar to the hem. Choosing the right garment, on the other hand, isn’t difficult. It’s available at both low-cost retailers and high-end designer stores. Here’s a helpful shopping guide that will walk you through all you need to know about finding the perfect shirt.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Choosing the Right Shirt

Some guys ignore the fit of their shirts and buy them in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes. Ignoring the fit will result in sloppy folds and creases that are unappealing. Anybody’s body type necessitates the purchase of a shirt that closely fits them. Regular, tapered, and thin are the three fundamental fits. The normal fit is usually straight, with pleats added in the rear for added comfort. With narrow body and sleeves and no back pleats, the tapered fit is more modern and appealing. With extra darts at the rear for a defined waistline, the thin fit literally adapts to your body curves.

Cutaway, forward-point, button-down, and spread are some of the collar styles available. Collars, too, can be perplexing. Semi-spread collars, on the other hand, are a versatile style that can be worn with both formal and informal outfits. Semi-spread collars are adaptable and go with any suit and tie combination. A well-fitting collar will have enough room between your neck and the collar for a finger to fit comfortably. Anything too tight will make you feel claustrophobic, while slack collars will sag as you walk. For a daytime look, go with a traditional single cuff with rounded or angled edges. The double cuff, also known as the French cuff, is a formal cuff that is commonly found on dress shirts. When it comes to sleeve fit, the position of the cuff is crucial. The cuffs should ideally cover the hinge bone of your wrists and extend about half an inch beyond the jacket’s sleeves. Any longer and you’ll resemble a child wearing his father’s shirt. Shirt textiles, often known as ‘shirtings,’ are available in a wide range of weaves. Depending on the style and occasion, choose a cloth.

Cotton: Cotton is the indisputable king of shirt textiles, with characteristics such as durability, moisture absorption, smoothness, and iron friendliness.

Cotton, on the other hand, comes in a range of weaves that determine the fabric’s weight and drape, which is vital in deciding the shirt’s quality and functionality. Unless otherwise noted, all cotton shirts have a poplin weave. Poplin is a lightweight fabric with a smooth texture that is soft and comfy. Broadcloth is a near cousin of poplin, although it is coarser and slightly heavier. Oxford cloth is a coarser, more casual shirting fabric that does not sacrifice comfort or softness. Soft and breathable lightweight cotton materials, such as poplin and broadcloth, are suitable for hot summer days, while heavier cotton fabrics, such as oxford, are a good winter option. The pique weaving method, which has a rich woven texture, is used in formal shirts. Pique cotton has long been considered the only shirting fabric suitable for wearing with a black or white tie.

Linen: During the sweltering Indian months, linen is a natural substitute for cotton. It’s not only a great summer fabric, but it also has a naturally relaxed style and exudes casual cool. Unlike cotton, linen is able to absorb moisture without becoming too damp. Linen, on the other hand, comes with a drawba

Silk: This luxurious fabric has a beautiful sheen and a delicate drape. Silk, on the other hand, is an unpopular shirting fabric because to its expensive maintenance costs and low long-term durability.

Textured Weaves: Textured weaves, such as twill, herringbone, gabardine, denim, and houndstooth, are typically heavier than plain weave textiles, making them ideal for the colder months. These fabrics do not wrinkle readily and recover from creases nicely, which is good news for men who hate ironing their shirts.

Polyester blends have had a significant impact on the men’s workwear market, thanks to desirable features including as wrinkle and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and low throwaway costs. Poly-blend textiles, on the other hand, are not very breathable, are highly susceptible to iron heat damage, and will never have the complexity of natural fibers. Poly-blends might be a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget.

Patterns to Play With

You can get creative with the patterns once you’ve figured out the essentials of how a shirt should fit and narrowed down the suitable cloth. The trend books are still dominated by prints and cut-and-sew shirts. We’re currently huge into washed and printed denim shirts that give a stylish and trendy punch to your collection, thanks to the normcore style revolution. The key to assembling a versatile wardrobe is striking a balance between trend-driven items and timeless basics. Solid shirts are the most adaptable while remaining formal and traditional. The appearance of a solid twill or herringbone shirt differs significantly from that of a solid poplin shirt. Solid shirts with textured weaves that strike a stylish and urbane note will help you break free from the monotony and create an impression. Stripes are another popular pattern in the men’s workwear department. Stripes with a limited width will give you a trendy and sleek style. Adding a splash of color, such as pink or lime, to your outfit can look gorgeous, especially when paired with a charcoal suit. In recent years, the popularity of gingham and plaid shirts has soared thanks to the comeback of 1970s design. Plaids are appropriate for both official and informal settings, as long as the pattern is mixed with solids or stripes. A checkered shirt paired with a solid suit and striped tie is a tried-and-true combination.