In sartorial terms, a dress shirt is defined as a long-sleeve, collared shirt with buttons down the front. In everyday life, it’s known as the good shirt in your wardrobe. You pull it out for required formal occasions—when the dress code calls for a crisp, tailored suit—or sport it more casually, layered with jeans and white sneakers for the weekend. With office events, weddings and social gatherings in the mix, you’ll want to keep a few of these versatile shirts at the ready so you’re prepared for anything.
Not all dress shirts have to be formal. Bonobos makes casual versions that still look sharp with … [+] comfortable athletic fits.
Bonobos
For those who bristle at the thought of a tight collar putting them in a choke hold, good news: The best dress shirts for men are cut from breathable, technical fabrics that hold their shape but have enough stretch to move with you. The styles have also loosened up considerably from the starched versions you might have owned five years ago. You’ll now find modern collars, sophisticated prints and non-boring colors that elevate the men’s dress shirt from mere fashion filler to something far more interesting.
To zero in on the highest quality shirts for your spend, consider the material, fit, comfort and cost. Unless you plan to go the made-to-measure route, there are plenty of surprisingly reasonably priced options on the market, with impeccable detailing, to suit your fashion tastes. Whether you’re a pinstripe, spread collar or French cuff kind of guy, here’s where to buy the best dress shirts for your wardrobe.
Shop The Best Dress Shirts For Men
Best Dress Shirts For Men Overall
Theory: Streamlined Shirts That Last
Traci Franklin, a New York based celebrity stylist, swears by Theory dress shirts for her male clients, calling out the quality fabrics, modern fits and prices that align with the durability of the garments. Made with ethically sourced cotton, the Sylvain Shirt, is her top pick. “It is my go-to every time I dress guys. It has the perfect amount of stretch paired with a slim fit and the fabric is super soft.”
Suit Supply: Tailored Looks At Great Prices
For an affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice standards, New York City-based personal stylist and image consultant, Peter Nguyen, likes SuitSupply. “Their wide size range offers options for everyone,” he says. “If you have the chance to visit them in-store, their personal shoppers are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to their clothes.” They also offer in-house tailoring to ensure their customers get the right fit.
Best White Dress Shirts For Men
Bloomingdale’s: Whites That Stay White
White shirts are the workhorses of your wardrobe. Considering how often they’re worn and their versatility, these shirts need to be high-quality to last and stay true white (not turn yellow) over time. The dress shirts from Bloomingdale’s in-house brand are a well kept secret in men’s fashion, says stylist Franklin, who likes the Solid Stretch range for the crisp tones and range of sizes at a reasonable price.
Lululemon: Superior Comfortable And Cooling Fabrics
While Lululemon may be known for their high-performance workout gear, the casual options are just as comfortable and surprisingly stylish. Made for the man on the move, the dress shirts feature sweat-wicking fabrics, with built-in stretch, and layer nicely under blazers or sweaters while keeping you cool.
Everlane: Sustainable Basics
Everlane is known for high quality basics stitched with ethically sourced materials at a reasonable price. Made from slow spun Japanese fabric that feels soft against the skin and is machine washable, the Oxford shirt is built to last through commutes and cocktail hours. Experts also like Everlane for the great customer service—the brand will replace any damaged shirt for up to a year after purchase.
Best Budget Dress Shirts For Men
Uniqlo: Wrinkle-Resistant Styles
These well-fitting, no fuss dress shirts are a cult-favorite pick, says stylist Franklin, who likes their “really clean, minimal” design. This 100% cotton shirt goes to work without wrinkling even after a quick tumble in the wash. It comes in a range of basic colors, so at $35, you can stock up a few shirts at once.
Charles Tyrrwhitt: Customized Options
For under $100, Charles Tyrrwhitt’s crease-resistant dress shirts hold up extremely well and offer the same custom sizing you’d expect from a luxury brand. You can choose from three fits—classic, slim, extra slim—collar and sleeve lengths as well cuff types (button versus French for cuff links). For a touch of style, you can also monogram your shirts with your initials.
Best Men’s Button Down Shirts
J.Crew: Standout Prints And Patterns
What is the difference between dress shirts and button-downs? These days they are mostly synonymous, but traditionally-speaking, button-downs are considered more casual, with lower side seams and shorter shirt tails so that you can wear them untucked. J.Crew excels in both types of shirts but their button-downs stand out for the selection of prints and patterns, which you can wear with jeans.
Best Men’s Dress Shirts For Athletic Fits
Bonobos: Fabrics That Stretch
Bonobos originally set out to create a better pair of men’s pants. Fifteen years later, their offerings have expanded, all with emphasis on style and comfort. Sizes ranges from XS to XXL with the option to choose from specific fits and shirt lengths. Broad shouldered guys prefer the Athletic fit for added room in the chest, arms, and shoulders and a slimming taper down the torso.
Mizzen+Main: Flexible For Broad Shoulders
Mizzen+Main aims to create dress shirts that perform like workout wear and don’t restrict movement. The ultra-stretchy, quick-drying shirts are cut from a sweat-wicking synthetic blend that resists wrinkles and are best worn untucked. Stylist Franklin emphasizes the overall look should be neat, though. “Dress shirts should fit your chest and your waist,” she says. Her tip if you’re between sizes: “Find a shirt that fits your shoulders and then get it tailored to your waistline.”
