Quick Answer: How Do You Choose a Good Dress Shirt?
- Fit: Slim Fit or Modern Fit, depending on your build.
- Collar: spread or point, depending on your face shape and tie.
- Fabric: breathable cotton, ideally with stretch or an easy-care finish.
- Colour: start with white and light blue, then add patterns and colour.
- Quality: patterns that line up at the seams, neat stitching and sturdy buttons.
A great dress shirt is one of the most versatile things you can own. It works under a suit, with a sport jacket or blazer, or on its own. Here's how to choose the best dress shirts for your wardrobe.
Start With Fit
Fit matters more than anything else.
- Slim Fit: tapered through the chest and waist. Great for slimmer builds and for wearing under slim suits.
- Modern Fit: a little more room through the body while still looking tailored.
Check the collar (two fingers should fit inside), shoulders and sleeve length. Our full guide to how a dress shirt should fit covers every detail.
Choose the Right Collar
- Spread collar: points angle outward, framing a bigger tie knot. Flatters longer or narrower faces.
- Point collar: points are closer together. Pairs well with slimmer ties and flatters rounder faces.
Pick a Comfortable Fabric
- Cotton: breathable and comfortable, the classic choice.
- Stretch cotton: moves with you, ideal for long days and events.
- Easy-care or non-iron finishes: resist wrinkles, perfect for travel and busy mornings.
- Sateen: a subtle sheen that looks great for weddings and evening events.
Build Your Shirt Wardrobe
Every man should own:
- A white dress shirt. The most versatile shirt there is. Shop white shirts.
- A light blue dress shirt. Works with navy, grey and tan suits.
- A subtle pattern. A fine check, stripe or micro-pattern adds variety. Shop patterned dress shirts.
- A colour. Pink, lavender or a deeper shade for weddings and events.
- A black shirt. For evening events and all-black looks. Shop black dress shirts.
Look for Quality Details
- Pattern matching: stripes and checks should line up at the front placket, sleeves and pockets.
- Stitching: small, even stitches along the seams.
- Collar structure: collars should hold their shape after washing.
- Buttons: securely attached and evenly spaced.
House brands like Bellissimo offer dress shirts in a wide range of colours and fits. Browse Bellissimo.
Style Your Dress Shirts
Wear them with a suit and tie, under a sport jacket without a tie, or on their own with chinos. For ideas, read our dress shirt styling tips and how to match your tie to your shirt and suit.
Prefer comfort above all? Compare butterknit vs. regular dress shirts.
FAQ
What colour dress shirt should I buy first?
White, followed by light blue. Both work with almost any suit and tie.
What's the difference between slim fit and modern fit shirts?
Slim Fit is tapered and closer to the body. Modern Fit offers more room through the chest and waist.
Are non-iron dress shirts worth it?
If you want to save time or travel often, yes. They resist wrinkles and look crisp with minimal effort.
Shop Dress Shirts at Tip Top
Explore our full range of dress shirts in Slim Fit and Modern Fit, or visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.
