Keep the occasion in mind
The occasion you dress for largely determines which shirt is most suitable. Are you going to a special event or a business meeting? Then a formal shirt is an excellent option. Is it a pleasant dinner with friends or family? Then you can happily wear a casual shirt. It is always wise to ask, above all, whether there is a dress code.
Print or no print?
Although tastes differ, there are a number of guidelines you can take into account. For instance, plain shirts are generally seen as formal, while shirts with a print give you a more casual appearance. The larger the dots, checks and stripes, the more informal the appearance. On the other hand, the reverse also applies: the more subtle and smaller the pattern, the more refined the shirt looks.
Define your level of comfort
Many shirts nowadays have elastane (stretch) worked into the fabric. This not only ensures that the shirt moves smoothly with you, but also that the shape of your shirt is retained. Moreover, the fabric is less prone to creasing and more resistant to wear. This makes stretch shirts ideal for when you have a busy day ahead or are making a long journey.
Choose the right colour
The colour of your shirt has a great influence on the appearance of your outfit. For instance, you are most versatile with neutral colours. Striking colours, on the other hand, are suitable for making an indelible impression. Here it is important that the shirt matches the rest of your outfit, think for example of a pocket square or tie. So choose complementary colours.
Choose a stylish fit
The fit determines to what extent the shirt follows the shape of your body. The slimmer the fit, the tighter the shirt will be. Still, you need not worry that it will pinch; the slimmest fits usually have stretch. The right fit gives your outfit a modern and sporty appearance.
Be mindful of the material
Each type of material has a different effect on the wearing comfort and appearance of your shirt. For instance, linen shirts are perfect for summer because of their breathable properties. Cotton shirts can be worn stylishly all year round. With a denim shirt and flannel shirt you easily create an adventurous outfit.
Do you have any additional requests?
The tips above cover the most important aspects to take into account when buying a new shirt. Still, there are more practical and stylish functionalities to choose from. Take a look at the most popular categories above for extra inspiration.
