One of the most flexible and versatile items that a man can have in his wardrobe is a good dress shirt. The best part about it is that it can be worn confidently for any occasion, be it formal or casual. For instance, you can wear them on dates, at weddings, for the office, and in many other scenarios as well. That is why no matter how many dress shirts you might own, you will still probably want more, and that desire is totally understandable. The problem that most men, however, face is that they don’t know how to properly wear a dress shirt. The resulting effect ruins not only their appearance but also casts intense doubt on whether they possess any palpable fashion sense or not. The actual problem isn’t about the dress shirt either; it is usually about its fitting, style, and the mistakes that one ends up making in pairing it with their outfit. That is why it is better to learn how to properly wear a dress shirt.
Start with the Right Fit
The biggest mistake that most men make is not wearing a dress shirt that is their exact, comfortable size. They end up wearing a dress shirt that is either too large or too tight. What they should actually target is a fit that sits well with and complements their body’s natural shape. Even the most expensive shirt can end up looking terrible if it is either swimming on your body or is clinging tightly to your waist.
Pay Attention to Sleeve Length
Another thing that is usually ignored by many men is their dress shirt’s sleeve length. The ideal length entails the cuff ending near your wrist bone and only a half inch of it showing when you are wearing a jacket over it. Excessively long sleeves make you appear too messy, and shorter ones can make your shirt look too undersized. It might not seem like it but small details can make a huge difference.
Learn When to Tuck It In
Another thing that you need to remember is that dress shirts should be tucked in, but not always. Traditional dress shirts are usually tucked in because their tails are longer and their design demands it. If you were to untuck them, then you might appear unkempt to others. On the other hand, those dress shirts that are casual can be worn without being tucked since their hems are considerably shorter. They look great on chinos or jeans.
Don’t Ignore the Collar
The collar is also significant in that it frames your face. That is what makes them one of the most important parts of your dress shirt. A collar that is either too tight or too loose can make you look sloppy. For one, tighter collars look very uncomfortable while looser ones mess up your appearance, making you look haphazard. That is why you should ensure that your collar is comfortable and allows you to fit one or two fingers between your neck and the collar easily. A well-fitting and structured collar goes a long way towards making your shirt and you look sharper and more put together.
Pair It with Modern Essentials
The thing with modern menswear trends is that they emphasize versatility and simplicity above everything else. That is why dress shirts work wonderfully well in that they can be paired easily with modern clothing essentials, including earth-tone chinos, tailored trousers, lightweight overshirts, loafers, and so on. Dress shirts that are paired with such excellent combinations culminate in lending you an appearance that feels incredibly polished without seeming excessively formal or curated. They make you look refined instead of overdressed.
Keep It Properly Maintained
No matter how expensive your dress shirt is or how amazing the fabric from which it is made, if it is uncared for, wrinkled, or worn out, then you can bet that it won’t look good at all. You need to take care of it, properly iron it before wearing, store in a clean and proper place, and make a point of replacing or having those shirts altered that lose their shape. You should try to keep your dress shirts clean, crisp, and maintained; they will enhance your appearance for the better this way.
Why Women Notice Well-Worn Dress Shirts
Women like a man who wears his dress shirts properly. It makes him look attractive and confident, not to mention downright mature as well. It makes women perceive a man as scrupulous, that he knows how to maintain his appearance and is interested in paying attention to details when it comes to his own self. That is why wearing the proper dress shirts can make you appear far more appealing and attractive to women.
The Bottom Line
Wearing a dress shirt isn’t that hard, and it certainly doesn’t entail adhering to complicated rules of fashion. All you need to do is ensure that your dress shirt fits you well, the sleeves are of proper length, and it is maintained properly. You will instantly love what the proper dress shirt does for you and how it elevates your appearance for the better. You don’t need the most expensive one, just the one that you can wear the right way.
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