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How to Style a Men’s Shirt with a Suit Perfectly
Oct
A men’s shirt is a wardrobe essential, whether for work, meetings, or important events. But pairing it perfectly with a suit isn’t as simple as it seems. Sometimes it looks great, while other times it feels like something is missing. Choosing the right shirt for your suit requires a bit of technique. It’s not just about matching colors; you also need to consider the fit, fabric, and small details that can elevate your look to perfection.
Imagine you pick a simple white shirt to pair with your favorite suit. The look will, of course, be neat and classic, as a suit should be. However, if you choose a shirt that doesn’t fit well, it could turn what you thought would be a sharp, polished look into something rather ordinary.
Wearing a men’s shirt with a suit should look great, so why does it sometimes go wrong?
Sometimes, we think that simply pairing a shirt with a suit will make the outfit look great, but when we put it on, something just feels off. In fact, these issues often stem from overlooking small details that many tend to ignore, like the choice of color, size, or even the collar style, all of which can significantly affect the overall look. But don’t worry, there’s always a solution! Let’s take a look at what to watch out for so you can confidently choose the right shirt and suit, ensuring you look your best every time.
Start with choosing the right shirt color.
Choosing the right shirt color to match your suit is crucial. If chosen poorly, not only can it make your overall look feel mismatched, but it can also diminish the suit’s intended elegance. For instance, wearing a dark shirt with a black suit can make the entire look feel dull and lack vibrance. Matching colors too closely may result in a lack of distinction, making what should be a stylish look appear repetitive.
The solution is to choose a shirt color that balances the suit. A common example is pairing a navy suit with a white or light blue shirt, which helps create a sophisticated yet vibrant look. If you want a more modern look, try matching a gray suit with a light pink or pastel-colored shirt. These colors add style without looking too unconventional.
Another important tip is to choose a shirt color that doesn’t overshadow or diminish the suit. The shirt and suit should complement each other, no matter what colors you choose, creating a harmonious look.
Patterned shirts can also make your outfit more interesting. The key to pairing patterns is to maintain balance. If your suit has a pattern, like stripes or checks, opt for a shirt with a smaller, more subtle pattern. For example, if you wear a large checkered suit, try pairing it with a shirt with thin stripes or small dots that don’t overpower the suit. Additionally, playing with contrasting colors in the patterns is important. A pinstriped navy suit, for example, could be paired with a light blue checkered shirt to create harmony.
Remember that if you choose both a patterned shirt and suit, avoid overly complex patterns. Choose patterns with clearly different sizes, and let the suit remain the focal point of the look. Don’t let the shirt’s pattern steal the attention.
The shirt size doesn’t fit properly
When it comes to choosing the right shirt size, it’s essential to find one that fits well so you look sharp and confident. A shirt that’s too tight can feel uncomfortable, especially when moving your arms, and may cause unwanted creases around the chest or stomach. On the other hand, a shirt that’s too loose can appear unkempt and not smart. Not only does this negatively affect your overall look, but it can also impact how well your suit fits over it.
Key considerations for choosing the right shirt size.
- Shoulder Width The shirt should fit well at the shoulders, with the seams aligning perfectly at the shoulder points. They shouldn’t extend too far onto the arms or the back. If the seams stray from this position, it can make the shoulders appear too broad or too narrow, and can cause the suit to look ill-fitting when worn over it.
- Sleeve Length The length of the sleeves is another crucial point when wearing a suit. The shirt sleeves should extend just to the wrists, with the cuffs showing about half an inch beyond the suit jacket sleeves. This difference highlights the contrast between the suit and the shirt. If the shirt cuffs don’t extend beyond the jacket sleeves at all, it can make the suit look tight or obscure important details.
- Shirt Length The length of the shirt should be sufficient to stay tucked into your trousers without easily coming out. If the shirt tail is too short, it may become untucked when wearing a suit, resulting in an unkempt appearance.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Men’s Shirts to Match Your Suit
Choosing the right fabric for your shirt is a crucial factor in achieving a perfect suit look. Different fabrics not only affect your appearance but also impact your comfort and suitability for the occasion. Selecting a fabric that complements the style of your suit and the event you’re attending can significantly elevate your overall look.
Cotton is the most popular material for shirts due to its breathability and comfort. It’s suitable for both formal and casual occasions and pairs well with a wide range of suits. On the other hand, linen is a great choice for hot weather because it’s lightweight and highly breathable, making it ideal for outdoor events or more casual settings. However, linen has a downside—or perhaps a charm, depending on how you see it—in that it wrinkles easily. Therefore, it’s best worn in more relaxed occasions.
Another popular fabric is polyester, known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and easy care. It’s ideal for everyday wear or events where luxury isn’t a priority. However, for formal occasions or pairing with high-quality suits, polyester may not have the same upscale appearance as other fabrics. This is why cotton-polyester blends are often the most sought-after choice, as they combine the best qualities of both cotton and polyester. This blend makes them suitable for various occasions and styles, and they tend to be more affordable compared to shirts made from other natural fabrics, making them a great option for those looking for stylish and durable shirts at an accessible price point.
Special Details That Make a Shirt Look Luxurious
Choosing the right shirt to pair with a suit goes beyond just color and size; it also involves the details and features that add interest and charm to your overall look. In the past, details on shirts were embellished to enhance beauty and reflect social status. However, designs have since evolved to better suit work and everyday life, making these added details contribute to a more polished and sophisticated appearance. We’ve gathered a list of must-have popular details that you shouldn’t miss!
Buttons
It may seem like just a small detail, but buttons play a crucial role in elevating the appearance of your shirt! Buttons serve not only to fasten the shirt together but also to enhance the shirt’s overall look and style. Generally, most ready-to-wear shirts use plastic buttons, which are common due to their durability and practicality for everyday use. However, if you want to add a touch of luxury to your shirt, Mother of Pearl buttons are an excellent choice. Their natural luster and delicate texture make the shirt look more luxurious and special, instantly elevating the ensemble, whether paired with a suit or other formal attire.
Collar
The collar of a shirt is a key element in defining the style and character of the shirt. Each collar style can distinctly change the overall look of the wearer.
- Classic collar The classic collar is a balanced and simple collar design, featuring slightly pointed ends. The collar’s angles are neither too wide nor too narrow, making it versatile for various styles, especially when paired with a suit and tie. The classic collar enhances a neat appearance and is suitable for formal and semi-formal occasions.
- Spread collar The spread collar resembles the classic collar but features a significantly wider gap between the collar points. This design makes larger tie knots, like the Windsor knot, stand out beautifully, making it ideal for formal looks or office wear. The spread collar offers a polished yet modern appearance. Those who prefer wearing Windsor knots will find this collar particularly suitable, as it emphasizes a full and attractive knot.
- Cutaway Collar The cutaway collar is considered one of the most luxurious and modern collar styles. Its distinctive feature is that the collar points are more widely spread than other types, angling outward, which creates more space between the collar. This design is also suitable for pairing with a tie.
- Button-Down Collar The button-down collar resembles the classic collar but features small buttons at the collar points to attach it to the shirt. This collar offers a more casual look and is often worn in informal settings. It can also be paired with a casual suit to create an interesting appearance.
- Mandarin Collar Also known as the stand collar, this style does not have collar points extending out like other types. It features a height that stands up around the neck, creating a simple and clean appearance. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a minimalistic look while still maintaining a distinct style. Importantly, it does not complicate pairing with a tie.
- Wingtip Collar This is the most formal type of shirt collar. The distinctive feature of this collar is its slightly folded ends, resembling bird wings, which is where it gets its name. The wing collar reveals more of the shirt’s center than other collar types and is typically found on tuxedo shirts, which often have luxurious details such as pleats on the chest. Its design allows for more exposure of the shirt’s center, making it ideal to pair with a bow tie for a luxurious and polished look on special occasions.
Cuffs
The shirt cuffs are another detail that can greatly enhance the luxury and uniqueness of a shirt, especially when worn with a suit. Cuffs come in various styles, but the most popular for formal occasions are the French Cuff or Double Cuff, which require cufflinks to fasten the cuffs together. Wearing cufflinks not only makes the shirt appear more refined but also offers an opportunity to add personal touches, such as selecting cufflinks with unique designs.
In the past, cufflinks were a symbol of status and luxury. While they are not required for every occasion today, opting for French Cuffs remains a mark of stylish and sophisticated dressing. They also provide a way to add extra elegance to a suit.
Is it true that shirts worn with suits should only be custom-made?
Choosing a shirt to wear with a suit can be done with both ready-made shirts and custom-made shirts, depending on individual preferences and styles.
Ready-made shirt
Ready-made shirts are typically designed to fit the shapes of most people, available in various sizes and styles. They are suitable for those who want convenience, speed, and don’t wish to spend much time choosing or waiting for production. Additionally, ready-made shirts today are often made from high-quality materials and can be easily found in regular stores or online. For example, a white shirt can be paired with a navy suit, or a striped shirt offers a relaxed look suitable for less formal occasions.
Bespoke shirts
On the other hand, bespoke shirts offer a more tailored fit and specific details. You can adjust various measurements, such as sleeve length, collar width, or even minor details like buttons or cuff styles, which helps create a unique look that suits your body shape. For example, if you have a non-standard body shape, ordering a tailored shirt that fits you perfectly will significantly enhance your appearance in the suit you wear.
In summary, shirts worn with suits do not always need to be bespoke; ready-made shirts can also provide a good look. However, if you desire a higher level of fit or more specific details, a tailored shirt may be the better option. It ultimately depends on the occasion and your personal preferences.
Shirts are as important as suits because they not only serve as the first layer of clothing but also define the look and formality of the wearer. Choosing the right shirt can instantly transform a plain appearance into a polished and sophisticated one.
Investing in a quality shirt that fits well is something to consider, as a properly fitted shirt made from good materials can elevate your confidence in every occasion, whether it’s a party, a meeting, or even a casual outing with friends. Particularly, selecting shirts that can coordinate with existing suits will help you create a variety of looks effortlessly.
I hope this article provides useful insights for readers on selecting the right shirt and highlights the importance of having good shirts in your wardrobe so that everyone can dress confidently and look great in every situation while enjoying the process of dressing up even more!
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