Knowing the various types of shirts for men can make a huge difference the next time you create an outfit. Find out how you can level up your style here.
You need good shirts, period. It’s half of your outfit.
It’s one thing to understand why you need them, but do you know when and where to wear them? The fashion world has a wide range of shirts that you can choose from, but some have specific uses.
Why do you need to know about this, you ask? Because it will help you put your clothes together the right way — adding easy charm to your appearance.
To start, let this guide take you through the different types of shirts for men. It will give you the knowledge you need to dress properly.
Different Types of Shirts for Men
As mentioned, there are different types of shirts for men. They range from casual tees to sharp button-ups fit for the most formal events.
Built differently from one another, each one offers varying levels of comfort and breathability. To give you a head start, here are the three categories men’s shirts go by.
You will get a brief history lesson on their builds as well as their roles in the world of men’s wardrobe. Further down are the types of men’s shirts that fall within each group.
T-Shirts
Initially worn as an undergarment, T-shirts started when laborers in America cut their jumpsuits in half to survive the summer heat. In the year 1913, they became the standard issued uniform of the U.S. Navy.
It was only in the 1970s that tees became a fashion staple. Printing was easier, and they became a blank canvas for clothing brands, music bands, and even politicians.
By the 90s, T-shirts were everything from daily staples to fancy wear. Sharon Stone even wore one to the 1996 Academy Awards.
When they were still undershirts, they were primarily made of heavy woolen fabrics until the invention of central heating. The army wore variations made from light silk and cotton.
At present, they come from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, from durable polyester to stretchy jerseys.
T-shirts come in a variety of types, from V-necks to Henleys. Some kinds come with hoods, while others have unique patterns and vibrant colors.
Despite this, they all share one thing in common. They are meant for casual occasions if worn as a solo top matched with jeans and
You can pair them with outerwear like blazers or jackets for that smart-casual get-up. Just don’t expect to get compliments when you wear tees to a corporate setting.
Dress Shirts
The dress shirts’ roots also started as undergarments but date back to the 16th century. They began as wool or linen shirts that have a loose fit.
They serve as a foundational layer that protects a wearer’s outerwear. When the 18th century hit, they became symbols of sophistication and refinement.
They have the famous ruffled fronts and cuffs you see in theaters, embodying a person’s nobility and social standing. Then, they made another massive transformation in the 20th century.
Advancements in tailoring and mass production made dress shirts more available to the masses. Brands started sewing variations made from a diverse range of fabrics and styles.
More affordable options emerged, and the symbol of formality and elegance became available to everyone. The modern dress shirts come in different materials, fits, patterns, and colors.
The types often differ in collars like how button-downs hold them down for a more inviting appeal. Some have unconventional fabrics like denim, which give you a more rugged yet polished appearance.
Regardless of their structure, men prefer them as formalwear. Most companies require employees to wear them so they will look clean and professional.
Polo Shirts
Unlike the other two, Polo shirts began with the sport of the same name. Players in 19th century India did not like their thick, long-sleeved cotton shirts as the collars flipped upwards during matches.
They pinned them down using buttons to make the uniforms less suffocating. In 1896, John E. Brooks attended a polo match in England and observed the same clothes worn by the players.
He capitalized on the idea upon his return to the U.S. He produced the Brook Brothers shirts with button-down collars. People aptly dubbed them as “the original button-down polo shirt.”
They became a signature staple of American fashion in the 20th century, preferred by celebrities, athletes, and artists. Soon after, athletes like French Tennis player Jean René Lacoste manufactured his own, including the iconic crocodile logo.
Today, polos have an athletic yet elegant top fit for neighborhood parties or office wear. They strike a balance between formality and comfort, often coming in various fabrics and designs.
Types of T-Shirts for Daily Wear
Given your newfound knowledge, you can begin identifying the different types of T shirts, starting with the V-necks. These have a “V-shaped” neckline, often worn with other layers like shackets or overshirts.
Their counterpart, the crew neck, has a round neckline. Most brands print them with graphical art or texts so people wear them with no coats or jackets on.
Both come in solid colors or striped patterns, which can add preppiness that fits individual styles more. Henleys are the extraordinary result of blending polos and T-shirts.
You can redesign your entire outfit with these on without looking pretentious. The buttons add a classy appeal that can complement your natural charms, and they come in both short and long sleeves.
If you want to show off your beach-ready body, then a muscle T-shirt might work well for you. These are sleeveless tops that allow you to flaunt your gym-toned biceps.
For functionality, hooded T-shirts are flexible enough to add a calculated edge to your office attire. You can wear them for all seasons as they can protect you from heat, cold, and light rain.
Types of Dress Shirts for Various Occasions
The different types of dress shirts have subtle variations, particularly on the collar. Case in point, a camp collar shirt varies greatly from a classic spread.
The prior has a relaxed, open collar that lays flat on the neck and opens into a V-shape. The latter boasts the perfect height to frame the face nicely when you wear a tie with it.
Camp collar shirts are fit for more informal settings than the classic spread — also known as the President Spread. If you want a more breathable and comfortable business outfit, then the button-down Oxfords will serve your needs best.
They offer enough professionalism to pass as a workplace staple. You can elevate them by matching them with tailored trousers or a blazer.
Alternatively, you can double down on the casual appearance by wearing button-downs made from flannel. It is a soft, medium-weight cotton fabric that has a napped and fuzzy finish on the side.
Chambrays are great spring and summer staples. They have a lightweight and soft texture that makes them more breathable than other dress shirt materials.
Types of Button-up Shirts for Work
There are different types of button up shirts, even though they are classified as dress shirts. They will appear more formal than their button-down counterparts, even if some come from sturdy, heavyweight materials like denim.
The easily noticeable button-ups are business shirts made from thin cotton twill or poplin weave. They have stiff collars and cuffs, with some dyed in blue-tone colors or subtle patterns.
Button-up denim shirts, ideally the long-sleeved options also pass as an informal office outfit or a utility garment. They typically come with front pockets and have soft collars.
Think casual Fridays if you want to style this particular top. Pair it with jeans and a neutral undershirt for a polished, upscaled image.
Types of Polo Shirts Gents Can Confidently Wear
The types of polo shirts come in simpler forms than the previous categories. You can categorize them into three namely short-sleeves, long-sleeves, and athletic.
Short-sleeved variants are the most common polos and you will see tons of them in the market. They come in different colors, patterns, and materials.
Their common structure usually involves having finished hems on the sleeves, shorter torso lengths, and soft, unstructured collars. You can wear them tucked or untucked, depending on how formally you want to appear.
Long-sleeve polo shirts look like sweaters or button-ups that have a softer and warmer feel. They have thicker weaves than regular Oxfords but also have identical features like buttoned cuffs.
Despite the similarities, they still fall on the smart-casual wardrobe. Finally, athletic polos are the types that golfers and tennis players use.
Made of synthetic, performance fabrics, they have moisture-wicking, waterproofing, and stretch properties. Sports like golf require their players to wear collared tops for professionalism, and polo shirts offer both comfort and grace.
How Wearing the Right Shirt Benefits You
Knowing how to wear the right type of shirt for any occasion will benefit you more than you think. Imagine attending a corporate party wearing graphic T-shirts and ripped jeans — not cool, right?
Meanwhile, wearing Henleys with a jacket, a pair of jeans, and
On the contrary, equipping shirts that fit well with your body shape can enhance your self-confidence. Just look in the mirror, and if you don’t like what you see, consider changing your outfit.
Try to mix and match your tops with other garments and see how they work. Just think about where and when you will wear them.
If you ever find yourself in doubt, you can always come back to this guide to different types of shirts for men.
What’s your favorite type of shirt? Let me know in the comments!
