Mens Dress Shirts – A Short Guide to the Infinite Style Possibilities
Buying Men’s dress shirts is not a simple process – there is such a broad range of options and styles. Dress shirts are not the simple under piece for a suit, but have instead become a prominent piece of clothing in mens outfits. With a wide range of collar, pocket, cuff and pleat choices, the combinations are endless. There is also a wide range of choices with patterns, fabrics and colors that give men a wide range of choices. Mens shirts don’t only need to be chosen for a specific purpose, but can also be selected to enhance and compliment the features of the wearer.
Shirt Collars A shirts collar is one of the most important style component of the shirt. Ranging from classic, traditional, and English styles, they may be wide, contoured or narrow; straight or spread and some may have rounded points. Collars will determine the formality of the shirt and, if chosen properly, will flatter the face of the wearer. The most versatile collar is the button down and looks good with or without a tie without sacrificing a smart look. Button down style shirts are generally worn with sport coats, blazers, or sweaters. The most formal collar is the wing collar, which also makes it the least versatile collar.
Shirt Cuffs Cuffs come in many different styles as well. Styles are round, square, convertible or French. With cut or angled corners or cut and angled corners. French cuffs are the most formal and worn with a suit but look good any time. Cuffs may have one to three buttons that can be plain or artful. For a more casual look, short sleeves also come in a variety of looks from plain to cuffed and cuffed with a v-cut.
Shirt Pockets When shopping men’s dress shirts, pockets are another consideration. These come in classic, round and flap or button styles. Determine whether you need a useful pocket for holding tickets or pens, but remember that a short with no pockets provides a cleaner, crisper appearance with a coat and tie. Formal shirts will not have pockets, as it is a dressier overall look.
Shirt Back Pleats may be used to conform a shirt to a man’s body as his back is not flat. Box pleats consist of two pleats that are one and a half inches apart at the center. Side pleats are halfway between the center and the edge of the back of the shirt and fit most men better as they better align to the back’s shape. Most ready-to-wear shirts have box pleats. Tailored shirts are custom cut and sewn and a perfect fit may be achieved without the use of pleats, which makes the shirt easier to iron. Even so, men generally prefer pleats even in their most formal shirts.
Shirt Front Mens dress shirts have a strip of fabric where the buttons are placed., this is called a Placket This can be plain, pleated, or hidden. A French placket is a modern and formal look, giving a shirt a clean look. The French placket should not be combined with a button down collar. More casual shirts have both sides sewn down, with buttons not visible with hidden plackets.
Monograms Shirts were initially monogrammed to be able to enable identify your shirt at a commercial laundry. Monogramming has become more of a style choice. Monograms usually are placed on the shirt’s cuff or the upper, center edge of the breast pocket. Styles consist of block, block angle, diamond, triangle, script, and script angled.
Even men can find mens dress shirts to enhance his look and show his style. There is no limit to the styles available, as mens dress shirts give a man a way to express his look while giving him a fashion statement.