Selecting the perfect shirt is not an easy thing. Men’s formal shirts come in all shapes, sizes, colours, styles and even personalities; there are many factors to take into account when choosing a smart shirt for business wear or a special occasion.

The right shirt speaks a thousand words. It can be the centrepiece of an outfit, drawing together a sharp suit or off-setting a tailored jacket. Shirts bring individuality to what can otherwise be a bland formal style.

The fabrics of men’s formal shirts range from cotton to silk, offering comfort, durability and a stylish finish. Collars and cuffs shouldn’t be overlooked, while the finer details can mean the difference between a standard shirt and a timeless classic.

The Perfect Fit

The ideal shirt should fit in all the right places and emphasize the male physique. A classic fit offers room to manoeuvre within a boxy shape, while a slim-fit shirt sits closer to the body and usually features accentuated back darts.

A well-fitted formal shirt should allow space for two fingers between the collar and neck when buttoned up, points that extend no further than the end of the shoulder, cuffs that must be unbuttoned to take the shirt off and sleeves that bunch no more than one inch on a fully extended arm.

Making a Statement

Choosing the right men’s formal shirts for specific occasions means thinking about colour schemes, matching to an outfit and whether or not to make a statement.

A crisp white formal shirt is still a classic addition to any gentleman’s wardrobe, but other colours are getting a look-in. All shades of blue are fail-safe choices, as they tend to match well with grey and stone suits. Lavender and gold are desirably subtle shades, while bright colours such as orange, teal and lemon can provide a striking contrast to a muted tailored jacket.

Details matter. Patterns can be subtle or stand out – the latter works well with an understated suit, while the former is a versatile choice for the office, with or without a tie. Eye-catching buttons and contrasting stitching are great ways to inject personality into smart shirts.

For a dramatic impact, team formal shirts with slim silk ties and finish with eye-catching cuff-links.

Click here to view the full range of men’s formal shirts at Joseph Turner.

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