Dress shirts deserve attention. They’re the foundation of a man’s wardrobe, seamlessly taking you from business meetings to social events.
But with dress shirts, you need to be careful that you don’t overcrowd your wardrobe with items you rarely wear. Instead, it’s far better to invest in high-quality, essential shirts that are super versatile and fit with pretty much any occasion.
To help you make the right choices, here’s our list of the five key dress shirts every man should own. Whether you’re building your wardrobe from scratch or giving it a refresh, we’ve got you covered.
Classic white shirt
A great-fitting white dress shirt is undeniably the most versatile and sought-after shirt in any wardrobe – and for good reason.
It effortlessly complements virtually any outfit, whether you’re dressing up in your best work suit, a sleek black tuxedo for a formal event, or wearing something more casual, such as chinos and a blazer.
The timeless appeal of a crisp white shirt is unmatched, making it a must-have for both business and casual occasions.
However, there’s one catch: white shirts are prone to staining, and especially around the collar and cuffs. To ensure you always have a fresh, spotless option ready to go, we recommend keeping a few extras in your wardrobe.
With regards to our favorite type of classic white, we think you can’t go wrong with a white poplin shirt with three-inch (8cm) collar.
Poplin is a smooth, lightweight fabric with a subtle sheen, giving your shirt a fresh, refined appearance.
While a three-inch collar provides a sharp, refined appearance without being too overpowering or too small.
Light blue dress shirt
A light blue dress shirt is an absolute wardrobe essential, offering brilliant versatility for both formal and casual occasions.
It’s the perfect companion to a sharp navy or grey suit, effortlessly adding a touch of sophistication to your professional attire. But its charm doesn’t end there – the light blue shirt can easily be dressed down with a sports jacket and tailored jeans, creating a polished yet relaxed look for less formal events or weekends out.
To truly maximize its potential, we recommend owning a selection of light blue shirts in slightly varying shades. This allows you to mix things up, ensuring you never feel like you’re wearing the same shirt day after day.
The subtle differences in tone can add variety to your wardrobe while maintaining that fresh, clean, and timeless appeal.
As for our favorite type of light blue shirt, we love a densely woven cotton twill that has great body but still comes in at a weight that’s perfect for year-round wear.
Blue striped Oxford shirt
A made-to-measure blue striped Oxford shirt is an investment in both style and comfort that can elevate your wardrobe in a significant way.
Oxford fabric is known for its durability and soft, breathable texture, making it a practical yet refined choice for everyday wear.
When tailored to your exact measurements, the fit is perfectly personalized, ensuring a flattering, sharp silhouette that off-the-rack shirts can’t match.
The blue striped pattern adds a touch of sophistication while remaining versatile enough to pair with a variety of outfits.
Whether worn under a suit jacket for business meetings or dressed down with chinos for a weekend look, the stripes offer a timeless, classic appeal that never goes out of style.
The style of stripe you choose is entirely up to you, with countless options available. However, at HKT, we have a special fondness for the classic Bengal stripe.
This timeless pattern features evenly spaced stripes that alternate between bold colors and crisp white, creating a clean, sharp look that’s both sophisticated and versatile.
Whether for a formal or casual occasion, the Bengal stripe adds a refined touch to any shirt, making it a standout choice in any wardrobe.
Gray checked dress shirt
A made to measure gray and white checked shirt is an excellent addition to any wardrobe, combining both style and functionality.
The checked pattern is timeless and versatile, offering a more dynamic look than solid colors while still remaining understated enough for both professional and casual settings.
The classic gray and white combination is sleek, modern, and easy to pair with various styles and colors of suits, as well as neutral and bolder ties.
When choosing a checked shirt, you have a variety of stylish options to consider. Graph check features evenly spaced lines for a sharp, clean look, while Tattersall check adds a multi-colored twist to the classic graph pattern. Windowpane offers a larger, bolder check with thin, clean lines, and houndstooth stands out with its jagged, woven check.
However, our personal favorite is the Gingham check. With its crisp, neat pattern of small, evenly spaced checks, Gingham exudes timeless charm and sophistication. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly transition between both formal and casual outfits, making it a must-have for any well-rounded wardrobe.
Whether you’re dressing up with a blazer or dressing down with jeans, the Gingham check remains effortlessly stylish and always in fashion.
Chambray shirt with spread collar
A chambray shirt with a spread collar is a versatile and stylish addition to any man’s closet.
Chambray fabric offers a lightweight, breathable feel with a textured look that mimics denim, making it both comfortable and durable.
Its soft, casual aesthetic can be dressed up or down, perfect for pairing with tailored trousers, chinos, or jeans.
The spread collar is a style of shirt collar where the points are angled outward, creating a wider distance between them compared to a standard or point collar.
This adds a polished touch to a chambray shirt and means you can accommodate a variety of tie knots.
As for color, a light blue shade is an excellent choice because it pairs well with the casual, laid-back essence of the fabric. But we’re also big fans of charcoal gray, dusky pink, and olive green.
Looking for an outstanding custom made shirt? Book a style consultation today
A custom shirt isn’t just a piece of clothing – it’s a reflection of your style, a commitment to quality, and an embrace of individuality.
Combining a flawless fit, premium materials, and lots of customization options, made to measure shirts stand out as a smart, long-term investment that delivers exceptional value.
If you’d like to discuss having one of our five essential dress shirts made for you – or any other style of shirt – please use the link below. We’d de delighted to help you look your very best and feel like a million dollars.
