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So, you’re thinking of buying a dress shirt and want to know how many you should own? Or, perhaps, if your current collection is up to par. If you currently own or plan on buying dress shirts at all, this article will provide some insight in the amount and styles you need to create a well rounded and versatile wardrobe.
When Do You Wear Dress Shirts?
A man should own several dress shirts for various occasions, weather, and events. If you go out, to work at the very least, you’ll need dress shirts. First impressions are important; it’s not fair if all of your coworkers show up in t-shirts and jeans while you’re wearing a polo or button down. Even if your office is a casual work environment, it’s still better to err on the side of caution and dress as formal as your company allows.
Dress shirts are also important for job interviews. In an interview, you definitely want to make a good impression and dress as nice as possible. You’ll want your potential employer to look at you and think “Wow, this guy is sharp” when they see you. Dress shirts are also great for other events such as weddings, funerals, and casual dinners.
The number of dress shirts to have depends on the occasion, but a good rule of thumb would be one to wear at all times in case you’ll need something nicer than a t-shirt and one to wear on special occasions such as interviews and weddings.
How Many Dress Shirts Should a Man Own?
For each occasion, you should own at least two dress shirts in order to look your best in any situation. Casual Friday in the office? Your shirt options are limited here but it’s always better to have one on hand in case an impromptu meeting pops up or someone wants to grab lunch with you.
Colored and patterned dress shirts will prove invaluable for social engagements such as casual dinners, weddings, and other such events. A man should own at least four dress shirts: one to wear daily, one for special occasions, and two extras in case something happens to a shirt or you attend an event where a tie is not required.
How Many Dress Shirt is Too Many?
It’s difficult to find dress shirts that fit well and look great, so you don’t want to buy more than what you actually need regardless of how many different colors, patterns, or styles are available. Too many choices are an overpopulated market causing product saturation. If you have too many shirt options it will be difficult to make a decision on a specific shirt and you’ll end up not buying anything.
If you have too many dress shirts, they won’t fit in your closet properly and you won’t have any room to hang other clothes. Plus, it will be hard to find the shirt you’re looking for if it’s lost among several others. It is better to own as few dress shirts as possible to ensure they fit well and look appropriate.
A man should own at least four dress shirts but not more than six in order to have enough options for various occasions while minimizing closet clutter.
Different Colors for Dress Shirts are Not Only Acceptable But Also Encouraged.
When selecting dress shirts, you should consider the various colors that are available. While white is always a timeless classic, it’s advisable to also own one or two other lighter shades of blue and pink.
Colored dress shirts can serve as a substitute for a t-shirt when a man doesn’t feel like dressing up but wants to still look presentable. They also provide options for social engagements like casual dinners and weddings where a tie is not mandatory.
A man should own at least 1 white dress shirt, 2 other lighter shades of blue, and 2 other lighter shades of pink to match various occasions and outfits.
Different Dress Shirt Patterns are Encouraged but Optional
Many dress shirts have interesting patterns or features through which a man can express his individuality. There are various designs available from the normal stripes and checks to solid colors to graphic prints.
Some of these patterns go well with certain color combinations while others clash so it’s important to consider a pattern’s visibility before you buy a shirt in a specific color. Once you’ve established a color scheme, you can find dress shirts with matching patterns to give your shirt choices some variety.
A man should own at least 1 striped dress shirt, 1 checked dress shirt, and 2 graphic print dress shirts to match various colors and occasions.
Styles of Dress Shirts are Optional
There are various styles of dress shirts available. Slim fit, slim-straight fit, and regular fit are the three most popular types of dress shirts for men. It can be difficult to decide which one is best for you since they all have their pros and cons.
Slim Fit
Slim fit dress shirts are tight-fitting but not too tight and flatters a man’s body. However, it can be difficult to find sizes that fit well since these shirts tend to run small. Slim fit dress shirts look great when paired with regular cut trousers and jeans.
Slim-Straight Fit
Slim-straight fit dress shirts are slimmer than regular fit but not as slim as the slim fit. These dress shirts are also great for men who have lean bodies that can’t handle the snugness of a slim-fit shirt.
Regular Fit
Regular fit dress shirts are loose-fitting and perfect for men who need breathing room or have larger body types. However, these dress shirts are not as flattering on men who don’t have bigger frames.
Slim fit dress shirts should be worn with slim-straight or regular cut trousers depending on body type. Slim-straight dress shirts are more versatile, but regular fit is the most common style available since it’s what majority of men prefer.
FAQs About Dress Shirts to Own
1. How many dress shirts does a man need to own?
A man should own at least 4 dress shirts but no more than 6 in order to have enough options for various occasions without creating too much clutter in his closet.
2. What color dress shirt is best for a man to wear?
A man should own 1 white dress shirt, 2 other lighter shades of blue, and 2 other lighter shades of pink to match various occasions and outfits.
3. What pattern dress shirt is best for a man to wear?
A man should own 1 striped dress shirt, 1 checked dress shirt, and 2 graphic print shirts to match various colors and occasions.
4. What style dress shirt is best for a man to wear?
A slim-straight fit dress shirt is the most versatile and common style available. Slim-fit gives you a slimmer appearance but baggier cut, while regular fit provides more room but can make everyone look bigger.
Conclusion
A man should own at least 4 dress shirts but no more than 6 to have enough options for various occasions without creating too much clutter in his closet. If you prefer a slimmer fit, choose a slim-straight fit dress shirt. Different patterns and styles are available but not necessary since they don’t affect the overall style of your outfit.
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