How to Pick the Proper Dress Shirt

Picking the proper men's dress shirt is not always an easy task.  In addition to figuring out the proper size, many other choices need to be made as well.

Image Source Bloomingdale's:  Apparel Search suggests that you shop at Bloomindale's for Classic Fit Dress Shirts and more.

1) Figure out your size.  Sleeve length and neck measurements are critical.  You also want to ask the retailer regarding their fit options such as slim fit, classic fit, regular fit, loose fit, etc.  Obviously, if you are on the larger side, check on big & tall sizes.

2) Figure out which fiber you prefer.  Do you enjoy 100% cotton, 100% polyester, a blend, or an entirely different fiber such as silk, rayon, etc.  Their is definitely a difference between natural and man-made fibers.  Each have advantages and disadvantages.  I am not telling you how to live your life, but my suggestion is typically 100% cotton.  Breathable, comfortable, and for the most part relatively durable.
3) What type of fabric is best for a dress shirt?  No, we are not only talking about the fiber.  The fiber is one aspect of fabric.  We are now talking about the fiber selection as well as the weave.  Learn about dress shirt fabrics.

4) Collar & Cuff - many choices for collars as well as many options for cuffs.  You will possibly have to make your own style choices on this issue.  You can either be a trend setter or a follower.  If you are a trend setter, who cares what collar style other people are wearing?  If you are not a trend setter, we suggest you ask a retailer what is trendy this season or check the fashion magazines.

• Spread collar
• Straight collar
• Button down collar
• Tab collar
• Eyelet collar
• Club collar
• Button cuff
• French cuff
• Short sleeve (no cuff)

5) Off the Rack, made-to-measure, or Bespoke - Learn about made to measure verse bespoke.  Off the rack is what you purchase in the store (or online) with no special tailoring.

6) Where to shop - sorry, I am not going to do all the work for you.  Obviously you can search online to find dress shirt stores.  You don't really need my help with finding a men's clothing store that sells dress shirts.  OK, here are a few tips just in case you are finding the process of finding a retailer to be challenging.  Try Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Paul Fredrick, Bloomingdale's, Men's Wearhouse, Brooks Brothers, etc.  You can also visit boutiques from high end brands such as Burberry as well.

Don't forget to consider the occasion for which you are wearing the dress shirt.  That should be an important factor in your decision regarding which shirt to wear.  This would help dictate color selection as well.

Here are a few options to consider when shopping at retail locations or online:

• non-iron dress shirts
• white dress shirts
• french cuff dress shirts
• button cuff dress shirts
• custom dress shirts
• slim fit dress shirts
• big & tall dress shirts
• non-iron impeccable dress shirts
• pinpoint oxford dress shirts
• egyptian cotton dress shirts
• non-iron supima dress shirts
• button down collar dress shirts
• straight collar dress shirts
• spread collar dress shirts
• The list goes on but I am tired of typing.

Learn about the following clothing companies:

Brooks Brothers

Bloomingdale's

Paul Frederick

Paul Frederick Men's Dress Shirts

You may want to also read about the influence of dress shirts in the menswear market.

Oh, if you are looking for a deal, you may also want to try the outlet stores or off-price retailers.

Nordstrom Rack

TJ Maxx

The Find (Lord & Taylor off-price)

Hope this guide to picking a proper dress shirt is of some to help to you.  If you have suggestions to help others, please add your comments.