Tips For Choosing A Shirt

For many of us, choosing a shirt is just like selecting a pair of running shoes, jeans or even a T-shirt. We either like it or we don't, and it's usually the price that dictates whether we'll buy it or not.

I might have simplified the thought process a little too much, but the reality isn't so far off. That said, the next time you're planning on purchasing a shirt, keep a lookout for these details:

  quality

  type of collar

  fit

  versatility

quality

Designer brands aren't always synonymous with quality, but for the most part, if a brand name has been around long enough, then odds are that the quality is up to par.

Brand name or not, a quality shirt should be made of the finest quality fabrics. Look for 100% cotton, silk and other fine natural fabrics.

Delicate stitching also says a lot about the quality of a shirt. A fine quality shirt should have solid yet discreet stitching around the seams and buttons. Manufacturers often try to cut corners by using insufficient or cheap thread.

Also, make sure to look out for the smaller details. Cuffs and collars are the most important details of any man's shirt. A shirt that boasts nice cuffs and a well-designed collar is usually of higher quality. As well, a shirt with cufflinks and a heavily starched collar is often seen as more formal than one without the aforementioned extras.

collar

Choosing the shirt's collar is an important step in the selection process. Your collar should sit evenly on your neck, without choking you. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to slip in your fattest finger without feeling choked.

For more precise proportions, measure your neck size right below your Adam's apple with measuring tape.

Different collars, and more shirt-shopping tips...

Here are the most common collar styles you can choose from:

The turn down collar
Also called the "straight point collar," this is the collar type you'll see on most men. Most corporate style shirts consist of short turn down collars. On the other hand, long turn down collars are normally seen on more casual and trendy shirts.

The tab collar
The tab collar is a stubbier version of the turn down collar. It normally features a small strip of lined fabric, which helps to button both wings of the collar at the front of the shirt.

The button down
Again, the button down is similar to the turn down collar. The only difference is that it has buttons at each of its points. These buttons help fasten the collar ends to the shirt.

The rounded collar
The rounded collar is also called the club collar. Both collar points are rounded and have small pinholes at their tips.

The English spread
The English spread collar is medium in width and has flared points. Some English spread collared shirts have extremely wide spread collars.

The mandarin collar
Finally, a mandarin collar comes up one or two inches from the collarbone and doesn't turn down.

Style

Each collar type has its own character; the way it looks depends on how and what you'll be wearing it with. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable with the look and feel of the particular collar.

Generally, a higher collar that is not too wide will complement a narrow face, while one with a lower collar will help exaggerate the length of the neck, and therefore complement a wider face.

Fit

On a more general level, a shirt should fit nicely around your shoulders and back. You should feel comfortable while stretching forward and avoid feeling as though your shirt is going to rip off your back.

While your arms are well rested to your sides, your sleeves should end where your thumbs begin.

Finally, if you're planning on tucking in your shirt, make sure it's long enough because having to re-tuck it into your pants all day long can become quite annoying.

On the other hand, if you're planning on letting your shirt hang out, make sure it doesn't hang too low.

Versatility

Last but not least, you should choose a shirt for its versatility. If you're on a limited budget, stay away from odd colors and patterns. Instead, opt for solid colors such as plain whites, blacks and grays; they're classics and can easily be matched with the rest of your wardrobe.

Hopefully, this simple screening process will help you find good quality, versatile and detail-oriented shirts that will keep you looking sharp for a long time.