Whether it’s for work or a wedding, nothing makes a man feel smarter than pulling on a crisp shirt, especially when it’s box-fresh and freshly ironed. But there are so many styles to choose from, from short- and long-sleeved to smart and casual, not to mention the variety in prices and labels. Plus, it’s hard to keep up with so many different iterations being sent down the runway – what’s hot this month often is not the next.
Expert Guidance for Shirt Shopping
Who couldn’t use a guiding hand to point us in the right direction? An expert to help navigate shelves and websites bursting with different fabrics and cuts, and separating those long-term investment pieces from the fast-fashion fads.
Callum McCall, co-founder of menswear brand Flax London, says: “Increasingly, the consumer mindset is about buying better things, less often. As a shirtmaker, that’s exciting because it allows us to focus on impact, provenance and quality across every stage of making a shirt. We can invest time and energy into sourcing the very best fabrics, made in an environmentally and ethically conscious way, that will only get better with time. There’s never been the same breadth of fabrics and depth of quality as we see in today’s market.”
High Street Heroes
Sunspel is a firm favourite for men’s wardrobe staples, with commitment to quality fabrics, timeless designs and meticulous craftsmanship. The brand’s understated style, impeccable fit and attention to detail make every shirt feel polished and effortless. Arket's shirts will work harder than any others in your wardrobe, with a great selection of smart-casual heroes which can be easily dressed up or down. Everything by the Scandi label is designed to last, so these are button-ups you'll wear for years to come.
For elevated shirting on the high street, Cos is your best bet. The Stockholm-inspired, London-based label is known for premium fabrics and boxy silhouettes, and it all looks and feels expensive. There are evening-ready silk shirts, laid-back Oxfords, utility-inspired options and heavy-duty overshirts. Though Gap has always been known for its quality basics, since Zac Posen took the helm in early 2024, the menswear offering has gone up a notch – shirting, included. From a simple white button-up that’s cut to the perfect relaxed fit to an autumnal checked flannel, these are shirts you’ll reach for every morning.
Reliable Classics and Lesser-Known Labels
A familiar name on the high-street, and a favourite among young professionals, you can always count on Charles Tyrwhitt to have you covered. With a wealth of shirts in their wardrobe, from work shirts for meetings, to tuxedo shirts for special occasions, and linen shirts for easy, breezy days. Quality and fit aside, they’re known for options, so expect plenty of ‘em in terms of collar, cuff, size, fit and style. Marks & Spencer's men’s shirts have moved with the times to offer quality but real variety for the younger generation, too. Now replacing a sea of soulless white shirts is a curated collection of contemporary styles for the modern man.
TM Lewin has rightfully become a tried-and-trusted source for shirts with men across the land. Their styles stick to what they do best – traditional tailoring and classic colours – and we thank them endlessly for it. The range spans formal, casual and dress from slim to regular fits, so there’s always something for everyone, while their signature non-iron shirts have become a saviour to many.
Designer and Mid-Range Picks
If you’re into the Italian Riviera look à la Talented Mr. Ripley, Luca Faloni is the brand for you. The collections pair impeccable craftsmanship (with everything handcrafted in Italy) with premium fabrics and modern design. Wax London is an expert in the shirting game, with every piece thoughtfully designed using sustainably sourced fabrics – their signature overshirts, for example, are crafted from French upholstery fabric sourced from an independent family-run mill. Percival’s MO is designing menswear classics with a twist, with a starry fanbase including Tom Holland, Chris Evans, and Andrew Garfield.
If you like your shirting with a side of prep, look no further than Gant. A Scandi brand which takes its style cues from Ivy League nostalgia, its collections are supercharged with a collegiate aesthetic – think classic Oxford shirts and college-inspired crests. For lived-in denim shirts, there are few emporiums finer than Lee, the designer brand famed for the much-loved, universally flattering material. Mr. Porter is home to countless designer brands, stocking luxury labels like Loewe, Jacquemus and Louis Vuitton as well as more accessible brands like Carhartt and Portuguese Flannel.
Whether you recognise Ami from the latest season of Emily In Paris or the brand’s iconic heart logo, it’s a label every guy should flex in their wardrobe. The entire collection is Parisian nonchalance at its finest. Paul Smith has become known for statement shirts, from ornate patterns to signature stripes, with everything still overseen by the eponymous British designer. American designer Ralph Lauren has rightfully become the king of the preppy aesthetic, with classic shirts for men unified by the embroidered and distinctive logo above the left breast. Jacquemus’ shirting makes its way onto our wishlist season after season, ranging from statement printed styles to understated blue and white stripe staples.
