How to choose

A well fitting dress shirt first and foremost should feel comfortable. Of course, most comfortable and flattering shirts would be bespoke or at least tailored to suit your body, but putting time and effort into it one can find excellent mass production shirts. First of all, you have to choose the model that fits your body type (tips here). When choosing a color or pattern it all depends on your taste and occasion shirt will be worn. The safest color choice is always white. The safest collar – semi cutaway (spread collar) – It works with every kind of suit, every kind of tie and looks great when worn unbuttoned. When trying on  shirt at home or in the shop you should pay attention to the following details:

1.Allow two fingers in the collar when buttoned.

2.Check that shirt is tight enough around the wrist so that the cuffs must be unbuttoned to slip them off.

3.Check that you have long enough sleeves so when you raise your arms horizontally they do not pull the cuffs down the forearm. They should be also short enough so that you don’t have more than 2,5cm (1 inch) of fabric bunching near the cuff when your arms hang loosely.

4.Shoulder points should not extend to the end of the shoulder.

5.In the chest and waist area one should be able to pinch out 2,5- 7,5 cm (1-3 inches) of fabric (depending on shirt fit).

Do not be afraid to ask the seller- maybe he can offer you  tailoring services. Everything is possible – sleeves can be shortened, shoulders or waist taken in, a wider collar added or other minor tweaks made.

And most importantly- invest your time and try on as many shirts as needed to find your perfect one.