- by Progressive 18

A wardrobe is incomplete without the right styles of shirts that serve different purposes, from workdays to weekends. Whether you're getting ready for a day at the office or a casual weekend tee for brunch, shirts are a versatile part of a man’s outfit. With endless variations available, selecting the right shirt can be overwhelming. Yet, it’s crucial to stock your closet with a good mix of timeless essentials. From the classic button-up shirt that’s perfect for the boardroom to a fun Hawaiian shirt for vacations, there are certain types that every man should have on hand. A well-fitted shirt can leave a lasting impression, elevating your overall men’s style and making you look effortlessly stylishly refined.
For those navigating fashion-forward trends or simply looking for practical advice, knowing the 5 essential shirt types can simplify your life. Whether it’s choosing the right materials or finding an ideal fit, each shirt plays a specific role in your outfit, helping you create different looks for every occasion. Over time, shirts have evolved into an indispensable piece in every man's closet, blending comfort with elegance. A comprehensive guide like this helps you delve into the art of dressing well, ensuring you’ve got all bases covered. So, whether it’s a shirt for a casual night out, a trendy pick from top shirt brands, or an iconic garment for a special event, make sure you’re always prepared to make bold sartorial choices.
Types of Shirts For Men
1) Classic White Shirt
A white shirt is a must-have in every man’s collection because of its timeless appeal and versatility. Whether it's a formal meeting or a semi-formal gathering, this piece of clothing fits all occasions. You can pair it with suits, blazers, or even khaki trousers for a sophisticated look. It gives off a clean, polished vibe that works anywhere, ensuring you leave a lasting impression. For those moments when making the first move matters—like an important interview—a classy shirt can elevate your appearance instantly.
Whether you are dressing up for a special occasion or aiming for a sharp appearance in professional settings, a white shirt is your go-to choice. Its ability to be dressed up or down makes it ideal for men who value both comfort and style. By simply adjusting what you wear with it, you can create multiple looks without much effort. This shirt is proof that classic pieces never go out of style.
2) Oxford Button-Down Shirt
The Oxford button-down shirt is a timeless piece of men’s fashion that effortlessly blends casual style with formal charm. Originating from Oxford cloth, this shirt was designed with button-down collar points to keep the collar in place during activities like polo or tennis, preventing it from flapping around. With a thick fabric and sturdy design, it is perfect for business-casual outfits, weddings, or even an important day at the office. The addition of small design details like the hanger loop and yoke enhances both its style and functionality. Whether paired with chinos, jeans, or even a suit, this shirt always provides a polished look.
Master shirtmakers like Emma Willis believe that the Oxford shirt is an essential type for every man’s wardrobe. Its ability to adapt across a wide range of dress codes makes it a true sartorial building block. For ease of use, modern versions like the non-iron dress shirt have become popular, offering a convenient option for those with a busy lifestyle. The variety of colors and styles available today ensures that every man can find one to suit his style. Whether it’s a relaxed open-collar look with corduroys or a sharp outfit for a formal event, the Oxford shirt continues to be a menswear classic that’s been around for over 120 years.
3) Denim Shirt
A denim shirt is one of those pieces that every man should have in his wardrobe. Known for its rugged appeal, this timeless classic can be styled in many ways, whether as a standalone piece or layered under a jacket for a more stylish look. Made from sturdy cotton with a twill pattern, it’s available in various shades of blue, from light wash to dark indigo, and even in black or grey. You can pair it with jeans for a bold denim-on-denim look, also known as the Canadian tuxedo, or switch things up with pants or shorts. Despite what the fashion police might say, double denim can be pulled off well if done smartly.
According to Danny Hodgson, the owner of the London-based premium denim shop, Rivet and Hide, the key to styling denim is in the contrast. He advises pairing a crispy new raw denim shirt with broken-in or faded jeans for a balanced look. Styling-wise, the trick is to avoid poor-quality denim, as it can lead to a bad situation style-wise. Whether worn with a full suit for a daring approach or with an unstructured blazer for a more relaxed vibe, a well-fitted denim shirt adds a masculine touch and enhances the overall texture of your outfit. Its ability to adapt to different occasions has made it a popular choice in men’s fashion over the years.
4) Linen Shirt
During hot summer days, nothing feels better than a breezy and comfortable shirt. Linens are an excellent choice because of their lightweight fabric and breathable nature, making them perfect for keeping cool. Whether it’s a casual summer commute or a relaxed outing, linen shirts help you stay stylish while avoiding those dreaded soaking wet armpit moments in crowded spaces like a train carriage. They are ideal for experimenting with pastel shades or achieving a crisp appearance, though they tend to wrinkle easily. If you like the natural wrinkled look, you can embrace it as part of the fabric’s charm.
For more formal days, swap your Oxfords for linens when the mercury starts to rise. Linen shirts offer a touch of sophistication and a unique texture that can be paired with various outfits for a polished yet relaxed style. Despite being prone to wrinkles, they remain one of the best different types of shirts for warm-weather fashion. Whether you're looking for something airy and light or simply want to try a new style, linen shirts will keep you looking fresh and cool during summer.
5) Mandarin Collar/Band Collar Shirt
A band collar shirt, also known as the Chinese mandarin collar shirt, is a classy option for men who want a distinctive alternative to traditional collared shirts. Its clean and minimalist look, without the typical frills of a collar, gives it a modern vibe. You can wear it for formal events, social gatherings, or even casual outings, depending on how you style it. Pair it with chinos or fitted black jeans for a dressed-up version, or go for blue jeans if you prefer a more dressed-down vibe. Rolling up the sleeves adds a bit of swagger and makes the outfit stand out even more.
Designed with an invisible collar band and often buttoned up to the top, this unique feature adds to its appeal. Available in fabrics like cotton, linen, and synthetic blends, it’s perfect for any occasion. Choose modern variations with a snap closure for convenience or stick with a button for a classic touch. Pair it with trousers and dress shoes for an elegant look that’s gaining popularity worldwide. Whether you want to express your style or keep it simple, the band collar shirt remains a versatile and stylish piece in every man’s wardrobe.
Conclusion
When it comes to building a solid wardrobe, choosing the right shirts is essential. Each of the different types mentioned offers something unique, whether it’s for formal or casual occasions. By investing in versatile pieces, you can effortlessly create various outfits that suit your style and enhance your overall look. The key is to focus on shirts that not only match your body type but also make you feel comfortable and confident in any setting. A great wardrobe allows you to express yourself freely while keeping things practical.
Progressive18 offers a wide range of quality shirts. Whether you’re aiming to elevate your fashion game or simply looking to upgrade your basics, experimenting with new styles can take your look to new heights. Having the right mix of shirts ensures that you’re always ready to wear something that fits the moment perfectly, whether it's a casual outing or a formal event.
FAQs
1) What are Different Shirt Styles?
There are numerous shirt styles for men, each offering unique looks for various occasions. Popular styles include dress shirts, Oxford button-down shirts, linen shirts, polo shirts, denim shirts, flannel shirts, and Mandarin collar shirts. These styles cater to both formal and casual settings, giving men plenty of versatile options to choose from.
2) What Type of Shirts Looks Best on Men?
The best shirt styles for men depend on the occasion and personal preference. For formal settings, dress shirts and Oxford shirts work best, while linen shirts and polo shirts are ideal for casual outings. Mandarin collar shirts and denim shirts can give a stylish edge to a man's wardrobe, while flannel shirts are perfect for colder days. Ultimately, well-fitted shirts that complement the wearer’s body type look best.
3) What are the Types of Shirts for Men?
Types of shirts for men include formal shirts, casual shirts, and semi-formal shirts, with various options such as Oxford button-downs, Mandarin collar shirts, denim shirts, polo shirts, and flannel shirts. These types give men flexibility in dressing up for any occasion, whether it’s a business meeting, a casual hangout, or a formal event.