Picking the best shirt for work or a formal event, especially when pairing it with a suit and tie, is not so easy at first glance. But if you're an adult male, chances are you'll spend most of the working week and weekend in a shirt, so feeling comfortable and looking sharp is certainly important. Knowing what to look for and how to wear it are the first steps to choosing the right work shirt. But where to begin?
Firstly, you must decide how big you’d like your rotation to be and what is currently missing from your wardrobe. Then look at how you’d like to pitch yourself through styling options. Are you looking for simplicity and comfort, or perhaps something to make a statement?
Whether you’re hunting for inspiration or ready to step up your power dressing game, below is a round-up of the best work shirts for men.
The best business shirts for men ranking 2023
There might be a dress code at your office or perhaps you’re free to choose what you like. With that in mind, the most basic type of work shirt is a simple white or blue long-sleeved shirt. You can’t go wrong with these. A simple long-sleeve will carry you through most professional environments and also carry to events outside of work.
Never be tempted by short-sleeve shirts. They may seem like a good idea when it's hot outside, but ultimately they make you look like a school boy. Instead opt for a lighter fabric, such as linen.
Colour is an important consideration when buying a work shirt. At the very least, if you stock up on neutral colours like black, white and navy then you’ve got a versatile setup with shirts that can transition between seasons and events. Going for a printed design can also change your style up. The aim with printed shirts is to add character to your ‘fit.
While this can make matching with suits a little trickier, it’s worth the effort for a more vibrant look. But if you’re unsure, an easy workaround is to go for printed shirts with neutral colours.
The entry-level business shirt
+ Versatile
+ Affordable
+ Washes well
- Lacks standout qualities
Here’s a classic from Hugo Boss. The 'Jenno' is a sharp, formal shirt that works well as a professional piece or for formal occasions. On the more affordable end of the scale, this shirt has removable collar stays and a slim fit that will hold its shape over time.
For when you want to look sharp
+ Double Cuffs
+ Suit-and-tie match
+ Staple item
- Better for formal situations
This classic shirt from Canali is cut from cotton twill and features double cuffs. Its slim-fit styling and details lend itself to more formal settings, so this is best worn when you want to look sharp. A good shirt to have to get your basics right, you should bear in mind that this is more of a suit and tie shirt, so you probably won’t be rolling up the sleeves too often.
A great shirt from the famous British designer
+ British designer
+ Brilliant colour
+ Rainbow-striped lining
- Pink doesn't suit everyone
Showcasing a distinctly British vibe, the Paul Smith collection illustrates the designer's immaculate tailoring skills, faultless construction and brilliant eye for detail. Each considered piece fuses heritage craftsmanship with a distinctive, alternative edge. We love the shade of pink used in this shirt, and the rainbow-striped lining in the cuffs sets it off perfectly.
A tailored and stylish staple
+ Tailored fit
+ Contrast inside collar and cuffs
+ Versatile
- Only four colours available (not as many as Schöffell's other shirts)
Designed to fit well in all the right places, this sharp-looking addition to the Schöffel Country shirting range is a great chouce. This staple features adjustable cuffs, a chest pocket and a button-down collar. It's versatile and perfect for any outfit - just the ticket for office, dinner parties or wear untucked and buttons let loose for a relaxed summer's evening outdoors with a glass of something in hand.
A high-quality classic shirt for special occasions
+ Made from 100% Italian two-fold cotton
+ Single needle stitching
+ Fantastic quality
- Pricer than other shirts in this guide
This crisp two-fold 100% cotton poplin dress shirt is cut trim but not tight, with a rakish cutaway collar and double cuffs for a more formal look. Featuring single-need stitching for elegance and comfort, a split-yoke back, full-length tail and reinforced side gussets.
A classic slim fit style
+ Naturally breathable
+ Versatile
+ AllSaints cotton products support more sustainable cotton farming
- Only two colours
The AllSaints Lovell slim-fit cotton shirt is a reliably versatile piece woven from naturally breathable cotton, it's cut with a slim fit, topped with a classic collar and embroidered at the chest with the label's iconic Ramskull motif.
The best casual shirts for men ranking 2023
All rules are out of the window when it comes to casual shirts, you can pick whichever matches your style. As workplaces are becoming less formal, casual shirts are also becoming more and more popular, giving men the opportunity to have one shirt for a variety of different events or get togethers. Understanding the details that make up a casual shirt helps to appreciate each component so we'll take a look at these details together.
The right fabric is essential for a casual shirt. As the name suggests, you'll want to be comfortable no matter what you're doing, and soft fabrics such as linen or corduroy are great for this. You also won’t see any French cuffs on a casual shirt, with the most common cuffs being barrel cuffs with squared off edges.
Casual shirts can also be worn as a single layer, or paired with a t-shirt and left unbuttoned. If you want to be bang on trend, opt for a camp collar, or bold patterned shirt. Casual shirts are also naturally worn untucked so you'll want to make sure your shirt's hemline is rounded.
A great shirt for stylish men and Rugby fans
+ Comfortable fit
+ England Rugby embroidered rose on left chest
+ Heavier-weight Oxford weave
- You'll have to be a rugby fan really!
Support your favourite rugby team and look good while doing it (if you support England Rugby, that is) in Charles Tyrwhitt England Rugby Supporter's shirt. This a wonderfully comfortable shirt which gives a nod to England Rugby with a little embroidered rose on the left chest. The shirt is crafted from breathable cotton and garment-washed for extra softness.
A preppy shirt from a great brand
+ Classic preppy style
+ Affordable
+ Stylish
- Again, you'll have to like the Ralph Lauren look!
Polo Ralph Lauren's Oxford shirts are the epitome of preppy style – the brand started making them back in the 1970s and they've hardly changed since. There are a number of fits and colours available, meaning you can grab more than one if you come to love it!
A country look that oozes with class
+ Classic fit
+ Contrast inside collar and cuffs
+ Fantastic quality
- The countryside check isn't for everyone
The Brancaster Shirt is a classic fit, 100% cotton shirt with a button down collar. It includes tonal cuff knots and has a chest pocket. As it's available in 10 different checks, there's a colourway to suit everyone.
A smarter denim shirt with MoP accents
+ Rich colour
+ Develops patina
+ Mother of Pearl fastenings
- Wears down over time (but you may like this!)
Norse Projects' Anton shirt is twice indigo-dyed for a really rich colour; it'll take on a subtle patina over time, so the fabric will only get better the more you wear it. Detailed with a relaxed button-down collar, it's got elegant mother-of-pearl fastenings that'll keep it looking sharp.
A lightweight shirt made to be dressed down
+ Lightweight, slight stretch
+ 100% cotton
+ Exposed button fastening at front
- More of a streetwear brand?
The CARHARTT WIP Madison regular-fit cotton-poplin shirt is whipped (we had to) up from a soft cotton poplin and embroidered with the label's unmistakable emblem, before it’s cut to a regular fit. Button yours up or leave it open over crewneck tees depending on the job at hand – the most pressing occupation being brunch, of course.
An effortless, corduroy design
+ Lightweight, slight stretch
+ 100% cotton
+ Exposed button fastening at front
- Lumberjack feel (could be a good thing)
Available in four different colours, the Brook Taverner is a 100% cotton needle cord shirt. Its classic fit and button down collar makes it a great casual option, perfect for staying round the house or heading out for a pint. It has a strong lumberjack feel if that's your thing as well?
How to choose the best shirt for you
First of all, you've got to decide what type of shirt you're after. We've selected the best formal dress shirts, business shirts, and casual shirts here, to cover you for every occasion.
Dress shirts are the most formal, intended to be worn with a tuxedo and black tie. You'll want to have the best steam iron for these, or get them professionally cleaned and pressed. Business shirts are perfect for the office, while casual shirts are ideal for more relaxed environments.
