How to Buy a Man's Dress Shirt
Men are no longer limited to the standard white dress shirt. While it remains a classic choice, options have expanded to include many more colors and styles. Prices start at about $40 and go up to hundreds of dollars for a hand-stitched shirt.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Buy all-cotton, which breathes and offers the greatest comfort. Look for cottons that have been treated to resist wrinkles.
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2
Examine the collar. Though styles differ, every collar should be aligned, lay flat and fit snugly but comfortably around the neck. The best shirts have removable stays, which hold the collar's points and keep them in place. Never wear a button-down collar with a suit; instead opt for a spread collar.
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3
Inspect the shirt's stitching. A higher-quality shirt has singleneedle stitching and 22 stitches per inch, and cross-stitched buttons for durability. The design on any patterned shirt should meet perfectly at the seams.
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4
Select a cut to accommodate your build. Dress shirts come in either a fitted cut or a standard cut, which is looser.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Have the salesperson measure your neck size and sleeve length, if you are not sure of your correct size or if your weight has fluctuated since your last shopping trip.
French cuffs with cuff links add a dash of style.
Ceramic buttons are nearly indestructible.
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Comments
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SGSN
Mar 17, 2009
Can you explain the numbers inside the shirt? what are the 30-36 numbers referring toI think the 15 - 15 1/2 are for neck, right? How do I figure that correctly? -
SGSN
Mar 17, 2009
Can you explain the numbers inside the shirt? what are the 30-36 numbers referring toI think the 15 - 15 1/2 are for neck, right? How do I figure that correctly? -
Aug 08, 2006
1. Spirality of the shirt 2. Quality of buttons used (as they'll get loose often.) 3. Cut 4. Sleeve spirality -
Mar 11, 2006
1. Spirality of the shirt. 2. Quality of the buttons used (as they'll get loose often). 3. Cut 4. Sleeve spirality. -
Nov 22, 2005
I used to work at Macy's, and while working there I found out that plastic stays are the best way to go. They're cheap, and they won't ruin your shirt. Metal stays are commonly forgotten during the wash process, and will easily create holes in shirts. Plastic ones aren't strong enough for that, and if they loose there effectiveness, they can be bought almost anywhere dress shirts are sold. Most salesmen, however, will deny this.