A Guide to Men’s Formal Shirts
Every man should own at least one formal shirt. And whether it’s something you wear just once or twice a year or on a regular basis, it is important it looks exactly right.
When planning an outfit for a big occasion or simply just refreshing work wear, people often omit to pay sufficient attention to their shirts. Having purchased a suit, many make the incorrect assumption that they can team it with any shirt. In fact, the perfect suit requires a good-quality, well-fitted shirt to look its best. Investing in the whole package will really enhance and complement the look
So what should you look out for when selecting mens formal shirts?
Fabric - Although you can choose any fabric, cotton is the preferred fabric for men's formal shirts due its durability and breathability. Cotton is also very easy to care for. Twisted (also known as two-fold) cotton is used in the highest-quality cotton shirts. The fabric is strong and will easily retain its shape for many years. Look for a shirt which is 100% cotton.
Split Back - At the back of the collar is a panel of fabric. This is called the yoke. The yoke can be a single panel or split. It is usually best to opt for a split back yoke, as the fit tends to be considerably better.
The Collar - The very best shirts will feature collar bones. These can be removed for cleaning and replaced to ensure the corners of the collar remain sharp and uniform.
Buttons - How buttons are attached to the shirt is more important than the actual button material. If they have been secured correctly, preferably using a lockstitch machine, there should be no reason to use the spare button at any point in the future.
Stitching - Always look closely at the stitching on the shirt. Loose threads are an indication of poor quality. The majority of shirt cuffs, collars and side seams are made using around 10 stitches per inch. However, the better-quality mens formal shirts will have been stitched with approximately 15 stitches per inch and as a result will typically last longer.
Design - Look carefully at the shirt to ensure the design flows nicely across the whole of the shirt. The pattern should match at all seams. In addition, choosing a shirt with long tails will ensure it stays securely tucked in throughout the day.
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