When it comes to buying formal shirts, it's important to be prepared. Every man's wardrobe should include a selection of formal shirts in various colors, ready for different occasions. While it's true that formal dress codes are becoming less common in many office environments—business casual has been steadily on the rise—there will always be a need for a smart formal shirt for special events.
Why a Formal Shirt Is Essential
A formal shirt is the base of your outfit. Whichever sharp suit or trousers you put on, it is the shirt that makes it shine. It provides a proper add-on to the wear but also importantly makes you comfortable because it is the closest layer to your skin. Wearing the wrong shirt, the pressure can make one feel discomfort throughout the day.
To help you make the best decision possible, here are five things that you should know before buying your formal shirt:
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Get Your Measurements Right
In most instances, for significant occasions, regular sizes like small, medium, and large are seldom a perfectly fitting size. Since everybody is unique, getting to know your measurements can be quite essential while acquiring a formal shirt that will fit well.
Formal shirts are usually measured to almost fractions of an inch. It is, therefore, very important to know what your neck measurement, chest, waist, and sleeve length are. If you can't, then there are plenty of guides for you to use so you can measure yourself before you purchase a formal shirt online.
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Make the Right Fit for You
While several shapes fit in a formal shirt, two of the most popular ones include slim fit and regular fit. It depends on what type of body you have, what style you are looking for, and even what kind of outfit you want to go with - like a suit.
Slim-fit shirts are generally suitable for those who prefer a more sleek-fitted look, whereas regular-fit shirts are best suited to anyone having a wider build because they tend to offer a little more room. However, neither of the two is substantially better than the other—comfort and confidence go together. Remember, a slim fit should still be relatively comfortable and not too tight, just like a regular fit shirt, creating structure without hanging too loose.
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Choose the Right Fabric
Being the closest to the skin, your formal shirt has to be comfortable all day long. While hundreds of fabrics and blends are available, 100% cotton remains one of the best options. Cotton is breathable, soft, and comfortable and can be worn out for a pretty long period.
Avoid synthetic fabric such as polyester, which will chafe you over time and is not as breathable. Blends of cotton with small percentages of synthetics should also be approached with caution. For dress shirts, a high-end cotton fabric will feel superior and will remain much sharper and professionally looking.
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Choose the Right Collar Style
Two of the most common are the straight-point and cutaway; both are used on formal shirts. Both fit the occasion, though the straight-point is even more commonly used as it doesn't just suit formal occasions but can also be worn casually.
A straight-point collar is slightly more traditional and does create a slimming effect. They can be worn with or without a tie, but they look extremely sharp when used with a classic four-in-hand knot.
Cutaway collar Another difference can be seen in cutaway collars. These have wider collar points and are mostly used on formal occasions, as they reveal the tie knot quite dramatically. A cutaway collar is best suited to a wider, thicker, Windsor knot.
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Cufflinks vs Button What you add to this outfit
For a truly formal look, cufflinks are often the accessory of choice. While some may view them as too flashy, a well-chosen pair can elevate a shirt’s style and add an extra touch of sophistication.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore Chester Bernard Shirts' collection and stay updated with the latest styles and designs.