Different collared shirts can easily look the same to the eyes of an untrained shopper. If not for the obvious details like the color, one could say that two different shirts are of the same style. However, collared shirts come in many different types and materials, with many subtle differences that make them appropriate or inappropriate for particular occasions. With a few guidelines, you can easily find collared shirts that suit your needs.
Types of Fabric and Material
Like other clothing items, collared shirts come in different materials. Cotton is popular for collared shirts because it’s lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. It’s also easy to take care of and relatively inexpensive. Here are some other materials collared shirts can be made of:
Oxford
Oxford cloth is a lightweight cotton fabric with a basket-weave design. It’s usually used for dress shirts but can also be used for collared shirts in other styles.
Pinpoint or Royal Oxford
Like Oxford cloth, this material has a finer weave and lighter weight. It’s also smoother and usually more expensive.
Poplin
Poplin is a sturdy fabric made from cotton, wool, or silk. It has a plain weave with very fine horizontal “ribs,” providing a crisp fabric with a lustrous surface.
Herringbone
Herringbone collared shirts are made from a twill fabric with a distinctive V-shaped pattern. The material is popular for collared shirts because it’s strong and holds its shape well.
Broadcloth
Another usually expensive and high-quality collared shirt material is broadcloth. It’s made from a tightly woven cotton fabric with a smooth finish and less wrinkling.
Seersucker
Seersucker collared shirts have a lightweight construction and textured surface. They’re usually cotton or polyester and ideal for warmer weather.
Types of Collar
Nowadays, you can find collared shirts with collars of different shapes and sizes. Some will look good on you, and some won’t. Here’s a brief overview of the different collars you can find on collared shirts:
Spread Collar
A spread collar is a collared shirt with collars that point outwards and away from the neck. It’s popular for formal occasions and goes well with a tie.
Widespread Collar
A widespread collar points outwards and away from the neck but with a wider spread. This collar usually looks good with a fuller tie.
Wing Tip
For tuxedos and formal wear, collared shirts with a wing tip collar are the most appropriate. This collar style features outward collars, usually tucked behind bow ties.
Classic Collar (Straight Collar)
The classic collar is the most versatile, with a smaller spread than a spread or widespread collar. This collar style goes well with both formal and casual looks.
Button-Down Collar
The collars on collared shirts with a button-down design are joined to the shirt by small buttons. The buttons give them more stability, making them a good choice for collared shirts worn without ties.
Band Collar
Collared shirts with a band collar are usually casual. They are also called “grandad collars.”
Collared Shirt Plackets
Another part of the collared shirt anatomy that every man should know is the placket. It refers to the fabric at the center of the collared shirt that holds the buttons and buttonholes together. It’s an important detail because plackets support the collars and lay flat against your torso for good-looking collared shirts.
Standard Placket Front
The standard placket front is the most commonly seen collared shirt style. It’s a single piece of fabric with buttonholes and buttons that connect the collars to the shirt.
Fly Front Placket
The fly front placket collared shirt is similar to the standard one but has a flap on the front to tuck in the buttons beneath. It’s perfect for tuxedos because they shift the focus to the bow tie.
No Placket
Also called the “French placket,” collared shirts with no placket have collars and cuffs directly sewn onto the shirt. It’s a great collared shirt style that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Cuff Styles
The collars on collared shirts aren’t the only detail men should pay attention to. Cuffs are also necessary, and collared shirts come in various cuff styles.
Button Cuffs
The most common collared shirt cuff style is the button cuff. It features square, angled, or round corners that wrap around the wrist and are buttoned into place.
Barrel Cuffs
Barrel cuffs have two to three vertical buttons, providing a more fashionable and professional look than the simpler button cuff collars. These cuffs suit taller men and are more appropriate for professional settings.
French Cuffs
The most formal collared shirt cuff style is the French cuff. French cuffs are designed to be folded back on themselves and held together with cufflinks.
Buttons
Buttons may be tiny, but they can make or break a collared shirt. The number of buttons collared shirts have can also make a difference — collared shirts with more buttons tend to be dressier. In comparison, collared shirts with fewer buttons look more casual.
Plastic Buttons
The most common collared shirt button material is plastic. It’s an inexpensive option and comes in various colors and sizes.
Mother of Pearl Buttons
Most men who know their collared shirts prefer mother of pearl buttons. They are made from pearl shells, which are incredibly resilient and pricier.
Horn or Wooden Buttons
Collared shirts with wooden or horn buttons provide a rustic, outdoorsy look. They’re perfect for casual collared shirts, and they come in a variety of shades.
Colors
Of course, collared shirts come in various colors, and the one you choose matters. Dark shirts are more formal than light shirts. Patterned shirts are perfect for social or casual environments, and shirts with multiple bright colors are also great for informal dinners, weddings, and afternoons at the beach.
Different Collared Shirts for Different Functions
Perhaps the most crucial thing to remember regarding collared shirts is that they serve different functions. Here are some types of collared shirts that match different occasions:
Dress Shirts
The most formal collared shirt is the dress shirt. It’s usually plain-colored, with a white collared shirt being the most popular choice. Dress shirts are worn with suits and ties, making them ideal for job interviews, formal dinners, and black-tie events.
Oxford Shirts
The closest to the formality of dress shirts are Oxford collared shirts. The primary difference between the two is that Oxfords have a more robust weave and usually have button-down collars.
Polo Shirts
Polo shirts are a combination of collared shirts and t-shirts. They have collars and short sleeves and usually come with two or three buttons. They’re perfect for golfing, barbecues, and other casual events.
Linen Shirts
Linen shirts are perfect for warm weather. They’re lightweight and highly breathable, keeping men comfortable all day long.
Flannels
Flannels are ideal for winter. They keep men warm and stylish, whether they’re out skiing or at a business meeting.
Buying the Perfect Collared Shirt
The challenge to buying the “perfect” collared shirt lies in considering all the above-mentioned factors. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to find the collared shirt best suited for your needs:
Determine the Function
Choose a collared shirt based on the occasion. A dress shirt is best for formal events, while others are better for casual or outdoor activities. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, attending a business meeting, or just relaxing outside, there’s a collared shirt to match your needs.
Figure Your Fit
The collared shirt you choose must fit your body properly. Consider the neck size, sleeve length, and waist measurement to ensure a perfect fit. Don’t choose one that’s too tight or too loose. It’s best to have a mirror when you shop so you can see how it looks on you.
Consider Your Face Shape
Yes, your face shape also matters when choosing a collared shirt. The correct collar size will depend on how round or angled your face is. The perfect collared shirt has collars similar in size to your head and face.
Select Fabric, Collar style, Cuff Style, and Color
Go through the anatomy of a collared shirt and pick the one that looks and feels best on you. With the perfect collared shirt, you don’t have to compromise your comfort or look. There should be one collared shirt that fulfills all your needs.
Take Your Time
Don’t settle for the first collared shirt you see just because it has collars. Take your time shopping and try on as many collared shirts as necessary. Also, pay attention to the quality — look for collars that won’t go limp after a few washes or collars that won’t fade or shrink.
Key Takeaways
Shopping for collared shirts requires every man to consider the three main aspects: function, style, and preference. Always start with knowing what collared shirt type is best for any occasion. Choose collars that correctly suit your face shape and select fabrics, collars, cuffs, and colors that match your style. Finally, remember to pay attention to the collared shirt’s quality. There’s no one perfect collared shirt, but you can find one that’s perfect for you.
