When out to buy a dress shirt (or any kind of shirt for that matter!), be very careful about its size. Check to ensure that it fits you well. This would mean taking a good look not only at the size of the chest and the torso, but also the opening of the neck, the length of the sleeves, the expanse of the shoulders and the like.

For instance, the opening of the neck should be such that the button can be fastened comfortably even if you have to wear a tie with it. However, it should not be very loose as even that would give it a clumsy appearance.

In the case of dress shirts with long sleeves, the sleeves should be long enough for you to move your arms comfortably. They should not be so short that the slightest of arm-movement makes them look untidy. If the shirt has to be worn under a jacket or blazer, the length of the sleeves should be chosen accordingly. On the other hand, sleeves that are too long should also be avoided.

The cut of the shirt should be selected based on your physique. Men with a heavy torso might like to go for full cuts, while leaner men might prefer tapered cuts.

The slightest of errors in these things can spoil the look of your shirt, no matter how classy its fabric and design are. Before buying a shirt, tuck it in your trousers or jeans (or whatever you would like wearing it with) as it would give you a better chance at finding the perfect fit.

Usually, men’s shirts made of 100% cotton enable a better comfort level and appearance than the synthetic ones. However, there are several mixes and blends of fabric such as polyester, nylon, and synthetic that you can choose from, depending upon your pocket and style.

The collar, its shape and size should match the dimensions of your face. Collars should also be long enough to outline your face crisply.

The stitching of the shirt should be neat and even all over. Check the pockets, in particular.

Wrinkle-free shirts are also an option if you want to buy men’s shirts.
Since dress shirts provide a relatively formal look, you should pay greater attention to detail while you’re out to buy them.

Dress shirts used as official wear generally have long sleeves, unless the office-code suggests otherwise.

There are various types of collars that you can consider, including collars that have a color dissimilar to the rest of the shirt.

Choosing the right kind of cuffs is also important, based on your personal style as well the setting.

Buying shirts can be a pretty tricky business for men. Just make sure that you do not miss any of the details mentioned above, so that you can pick the best from among all the men’s dress shirts options available.

Collars

The collar is an important part of men’s shirts as it frames the wearer’s face. No matter what the occasion, the collar is always visible. It determines how your face appears to the person looking at you. An appropriately chosen collar can enhance your facial strengths and hide the weaknesses. If you like sporting smaller tie knots, buying a shirt with point collar is advised, as the points of the collar are closely cut. Buy a shirt with a cutaway collar, where the points are spread apart, if you are fond of wearing larger knots on your tie.

Cuffs

The cuffs are another part of the shirt that can mark the wearer’s style.
These are usually of two types: Button cuffs and French cuffs.
Button cuffs are found on ready-made shirts and may have single or double buttons that can be adjusted into place. The more formal option in button cuffs are known as barrel cuffs where there are two vertical buttons and buttonholes.

The classy alternative is the French cuff which has a double cuff that is folded back and tied up with cufflinks.  Such a cuff appears to be very classy yet can be worn every day.

Sleeves

The sleeves of your dress shirts must reach your wrists comfortably and must have good cuffs to complement them. The more casual look can have half sleeve shirts that reach your elbow.

Buttons

Buttons, sadly, are the most ignored detail in men’s shirts. Little preference is given to the choice of buttons while selecting a shirt. However, the next time you decide to buy a shirt, keeping in mind this small detail can make your shirt look better. You can pick a shirt with four-holed buttons, two-holed buttons or engraved buttons. The last option looks quite classy and can make a great style statement. All these buttons are usually made of plastic as the material is strong and can withstand wear and tear while washing. On the other hand, if you want a more formal look, go for Mother-of-Pearl buttons that are rare and expensive but worth the buy.

Pockets

These shirts usually have a single pocket on the left breast; however, most men prefer to wear shirts without pockets as pockets do not serve any purpose in shirts. Nevertheless, if you want to sport a casual look, you must go for a shirt with double pockets with buttoned flaps. For a semi-formal or formal look, you can buy a shirt with a jagged diamond pocket on the left-hand side.

So the next time you decide to buy men’s shirts, along with fabric and patterns, consider the above-mentioned details to add to the style statement you want to make.