A Men’s Guide To Buying Shirts

Buying a shirt might seem like a simple enough task. However, there are actually a few things worth factoring in if you’re looking to buy a shirt that looks good and gets a lot of wear. Below are just a few golden tips when it comes to buying men’s shirts. 

Which color?

It’s worth owning shirts in a range of colors. Just bear in mind that certain colors may look better on you than others. Certain colors are known to match certain skin tones better than others, which could be worth looking into.

Neutral colors like white, grey and black are dynamic and can be paired with almost any other color. It’s worth having a few of these shirts in your wardrobe and not just brightly colored shirts.

Neutral or statement?

On top of the color, you should consider how subtle or loud the design of the shirt is. Plain tees may seem boring, but are useful to have – you can pair them with a flashy jacket without them clashing.

Of course, it’s also worth having a few statement shirts for when you want your shirt to be the main attraction. Look for eye-catching styles that match your personality or interests. 

Polyester or cotton?

Polyester and cotton are the two most popular materials for men’s shirts. Both materials have quite different properties. Polyester is not as breathable as cotton and is more sensitive to heat. It’s also generally cheaper though, dries more quickly and is more resistant to wrinkling, on top of being more durable. 

Cotton is of course more natural and tends to be more comfortable and better for sensitive skin. Most sophisticated and ethical mens fashion brands will use cotton. Polyester is sometimes favored by athletes because it’s moisture-wicking and stretches more. It’s worth noting that you can get many shirts that are a combination of both.

Which size?

In order for a shirt to look good, it needs to be the right fit. This involves looking beyond the standard small, medium and large sizes and checking out the precise dimensions of the neck, sleeves, chest and waist. 

You can take your own measurements with a tape measure. This allows you to then look for clothes that most closely fit your measurements. Some large shirts may have a large chest and waist, which may not be ideal if you’re tall and slim, so you should try to look for slim-fit large shirts offered by some brands. If you can’t find shirts that fit your dimensions, consider whether it’s worth investing in some tailored shirts. 

How much should I spend?

There’s no minimum or maximum price that you should pay for a shirt. Just bear in mind that cheaper shirts will typically be lower quality, while more expensive shirts are more likely to last. If you don’t mind replacing shirts regularly, opt for cheaper shirts – many are just as stylish and comfortable as more expensive shirts. Of course, if you want a shirt from a major brand, expect to pay more for it (cheap shirts from major brands are likely to be fake unless they are used).