Tellar
Search

The Perfect Men’s Shirt

Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025

Author: Robin Blake | Tailored Menswear Insight from tellar.co.uk

Few garments define a man’s wardrobe like the perfect shirt. Crisp, elegant, and versatile, a shirt isn’t just an item — it’s an intention. Whether you're dressing for a boardroom, rooftop drinks, or a spontaneous weekend escape, your shirt speaks volumes before you say a word. Inspired by the unapologetic precision of designers like Tom Ford, this guide dives deep into how to shop for men's shirts with style, structure, and purpose — from collar to cuff, and every stitch in between.

Classic Shirt Styles Every Man Should Own

The Oxford Button-Down

The workhorse of the modern man’s wardrobe, the Oxford shirt is cut from thicker woven cloth, often with a button-down collar. It’s relaxed yet structured, polished without trying too hard. Layer it under a jumper or wear it open with rolled sleeves and chinos. Its charm lies in its understated adaptability.

The Poplin Shirt

Sleek and streamlined, the poplin shirt is your go-to for anything that calls for tailoring. Lightweight and crisp, it sits neatly beneath a blazer or suit. Think of it as the formal twin to the Oxford — elegant, precise, and quietly confident.

The Linen Shirt

When the temperature rises, the linen shirt becomes your best ally. Breathable, relaxed, and tactile, linen shirts bring effortless cool to your summer wardrobe. Best worn untucked with chinos, or half-buttoned over a vest on warmer evenings abroad.

The Dress Shirt

Engineered for formality, the dress shirt delivers sharp lines and refined structure. Perfect for tuxedos, formal suits, and those rare occasions that demand polish. Look for clean plackets, double cuffs, and high-quality cotton blends. A wardrobe essential for men who know when to make an entrance.

The Camp Collar

A trend-led favourite with fashion editors and stylists alike, the camp collar shirt is all about attitude. With a flat, open collar and boxy shape, it's designed to be worn out, not tucked in. Go bold with prints or keep it monochrome with tailored trousers and loafers.

Patterns and Prints: What Works and Why

Post Image

  • Solid Whites and Light Blues: The timeless foundations of a shirt collection. These shades flatter every skin tone and work in any setting — from interviews to Sunday brunch.
  • Pinstripes and Micro-Checks: Understated yet refined, these patterns offer visual texture without overpowering. Ideal for more formal contexts or slimming the torso.
  • Bold Plaids and Windowpanes: Casual and expressive, these work best on broader frames and in laid-back settings. Pair with neutral trousers to let the print take centre stage.
  • Florals and Artistic Prints: Reserved for the daring. Best on camp collar or resort shirts, they command attention. Keep the rest of your look simple to stay sharp.

High Street Essentials That Get It Right

tellar.co.uk — Fit First, Always

No matter your budget, brand, or build — the shirt has to fit. That’s where tellar.co.uk comes in. We match your precise body measurements to sizing across 1,500+ brands in real time. One fit profile, thousands of correct answers. No confusion. No returns.

tellar.co.uk

The Tellar Fashion Hub is the World's Largest, 100% Free, Fully searchable, Fashion Library. Filled with 4000+ Honest & Unbiased posts, written by our expert stylists.

No adverts, no sponsored posts, no subscriptions. We are 100% free to use.

We are paid by affiliates, but we never allow brands to influence our recommendations.

Honest, Unbiased, Accurate & Free.