Many men grab a dress shirt off the rack without looking at how it’s made, or making sure it’s flattering to their figure. Different brands cater to different body types, so if you do decide to buy one off the rack make sure you know what you’re looking for so you don’t look like a slob, or a kid in dad’s old shirt.
A dress shirt can seem complicated to know what’s right for you. Honestly by taking just a few measurements, and paying attention to how a shirt is made can make you look like the sharpest guy in the room.
On this episode of Real Men Real Style Antonio breaks down the ten things you should look for when shopping for a dress shirt. Download this episode today to learn how you can stop looking like a slob and start looking like the best dressed guy in the room.
Click here to listen on iTunes – Podcast #82: The Perfect Dress Shirt
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10 Things to Consider When Buying a Men's Dress Shirt:
- Fit
- Fabric
- Stitch
- Collar style
- Cuffs
- Yoke
- Pockets
- Epaulets
- Buttons
- Bottom style
Highlights:
- So many people wear the wrong dress shirt.
- Sometimes it’s the wrong size.
- Know the right type of shirt for the event.
- The best fit is a custom fit, but there are brands that make a fit that works for you.
- Even an expensive shirt will look cheap if the fit is wrong.
- The shoulder points need to be right.
- If buttons stretch on the front, don’t buy it.
- Don’t buy shirts with sleeves that are too short.
- If you raise your arms and your shirt comes untucked it’s too short.
- Extra material from the bottom of the shirt can be used to repair shirts.
- Know your own measurements to accurately buy online.
- You want to be able to fit two fingers in between your collar and neck.
- Measure your best fitting shirt.
- Have 10 white and blue shirts, they are the most versatile.
- Small repeating patterns are fine, but won’t be formal.
- Larger patterns, dots, and florals, are much more casual.
- Cotton is a good default and durable fabric.
- Linens are very breathable with the right weave and thickness.
- Silk is too much maintenance.
- Twill weave is more durable.
- Look for 10-12 stitches per inch.
- Three types of collars: spread, point, and casual collars.
- 3 types of cuffs: Single button cuff, two button cuff, french cuff
- Most men don’t need a split yoke.
- Dress shirts shouldn’t have pockets.
- Pockets make a dress shirt more casual.
- Covered pockets make it very casual.
- Epaulets were originally to display rank, and make a shirt more casual.
- Buttons should match closely in color to the shirt.
- Mother of pearl buttons are an add on, but much nicer.
- Sometimes shirts have a gusset to give more durability.
- Dress shirts should always be tucked in.
Mindset Takeaway:
When looking for the perfect dress shirt think fit, fabric, function.
