Yes, It's Time to Start Wearing Dress Shirts Again.

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WHAT CONSTITUTES A dress shirt might have changed over the years, but it's still an essential wardrobe essential. It looks great solo, or under a sleek blazer, or your favorite sweater. And if you're looking to strut on a red carpet or just in your office to command awe or respect, having on a dress shirt is absolutely necessary.

But finding the best dress shirt for you can be tricky. As one of the most versatile menswear pieces to keep on regular rotation, men's dress shirts can be as basic as as just any long-sleeve collared shirt with full buttons in the front, in any color or pattern variations. However, like pretty much everything else we wear these days, dress shirts for men too have incorporated the latest technical fabric innovations—like stretch or thermal feats—that render them all the more durable and comfortable.

That is to say: the best dress shirts for men nowadays have been freed from the shackle of only being donned for formal or dressy occasions to becoming actual practical pieces of clothing that can—and do—work wonders in more casual settings.

So, whether you face a daily office situation wherein sporting formal button-down shirts are not up for debate, or you just need to hit refresh on your shirting game with perhaps some white dress shirts or easy going denim shirts, these 18 best dress shirts for men below will do you a good turn.

Slim-Fit Non-Iron Stretch Solid Dress Shirt

This dress shirt by Calvin Klein features a spread collar, and regular one-button barrel cuffs and is constructed in a performance stretch fabric that, despite the top’s more tailored fit, makes moving around an easy feat. And thanks to the cotton and elastane blend, the shirt wicks moisture and resists wrinkles, guaranteeing you’ll feel as cool as you look.

Spread Collar Poplin Dress Shirt in Blue Banker Stripe

If fit and fabric are the two most important features of a dress shirt - which they are - then Todd Snyder paired with Thomas Mason is a match made in sartorial heaven. Todd Snyder, the designer, spent over a decade mastering the dimensions of men’s formalwear while designing for Ralph Lauren and J.Crew before going solo. All that expertise is on display in this spread collar dress shirt with a French placket and no pocket, in a cotton poplin fabric from Thomas Mason.

Wornwell Single Needle Dress Shirt

“Single Needle,” being the operative term here, is a sewing technique that stitches each piece of the shirt together from both sides, creating a much stronger connection than more common methods. Buck Mason added another unique touch by mercerizing the fabric, which improves durability while adding a slight luster. As a final touch, the cotton is peached, which is a brushing process that adds the kind of softness found in your favorite t-shirt that has been worn and washed a hundred times.

The Organic Oxford Shirt

Oxford cloth has a hearty weight and durability, balanced out by a softness that just gets better with age. It makes for a shirt that you will enjoy wearing pretty much anywhere, with anything from a tie and blazer, to running shorts and flip-flops. All that comfort and function usually comes at a price, but Everlane sells one of the finest organic cotton oxfords out there at an unbelievable bargain. The fit is traditionally slouchy, with a single pleated back and pleated cuffs.

Classic Fit Chambray Shirt

The right chambray dress shirt, like this one from Ralph Lauren, can handle casual or formal with equal fluency. Add a twist of texture to your suit and tie, or put a classy edge on your chino shorts and canvas sneakers. The classic fit is a little loose in the shoulders and body, without getting baggy or messy. A small but impactful detail is the replacement of a chest pocket with the embroidered Polo pony.

White Royal Oxford Slim Fit Shirt

You need a white dress shirt—that's for damn sure. But finding the best white dress shirt needs more than just your weathered eye. You need to get down the fabric (from twill to Sea Island) that suits you, the style (from collar to cuff) that flatters you, and the size (from neck to sleeve) that actually fits you. As such, opt for Suitsupply's customization service that lets you own the very best white dress shirt, tailored to you and you only.

Wrinkle-Free Allen Shirt

Untuckit prioritizes a comfortable fit more than any other dress shirt company. The cropped body design that looks good untucked is the brand’s trademark, but the shoulders, chest, and sleeves are all optimized for all day comfort. The Allen Shirt, as well as many other options, come in a wide range of sizes and three different fits to complement any body time. Plenty of fabric options are available, but the simple windowpane design is a foolproof pick.

37.5® Oxford

The last thing you want to encounter while donning a dress shirt is perspiration—the dread of all businessmen! In with the save, thankfully, is Mack Weldon and its oxford shirt featuring thermal regulation built into it to prevent sweating. Even more so, it's got underarm sweat guards for when your nervous system just won't chill. Its easy classic fit that can be tucked or untucked is a plus.

The Jack Everyday Slim Oxford Shirt

A blue and white striped oxford shirt is one of those pieces that fits into every man’s wardrobe, regardless of personal style. It is so well established and so well explored that you can plug it in with just about any outfit and it just works. There are plenty of options out there, but the Jack Shirt from Taylor Stitch offers a rich and hearty fabric in the archetypical design. It also has a button down collar with a third button in the back, and pointed cuff plackets.

Commuter Shirt

Now, dressy stuff can feel a bit agonizing at times the longer you wear it. Rhone's iconic Commuter dress shirt, however, won't let you sacrifice comfort for style or vice versa. Made with ultra-stretchy fabric that has no cotton, it'll move with you and even let you show off your gains. It also meets several other practical requirements, including built-in anti-odor control, an athletic cut, and a lightweight feel. You can even score on nice checkered or striped options.

Ludlow Premium Fine Cotton Tuxedo Shirt

J.Crew's Ludlow line has elevated the brand to a formal menswear staple in closets across the US. Boasting a tuxedo cut, it's truly meant for all of your formal gatherings. Its silky finish will also wow. But don't just put it under a blazer or garnish it with a tie. Feel free to dress it down with casual jackets or coats—and you'll still look elevated with the Ludlow.

Button-Down Collar Washed Oxford Short Sleeve Shirt

The beauty of a short sleeve dress shirt? You can throw it under a blazer and still look as polished as a traditional button-up, without losing your cool. This one is rendered in the oxford style to make it all the more formal.

Apollo Shirt

Truth be told: you can probably do a light jog on the treadmill in this dress shirt and everything will turn out fine. That's how much of a workhorse Apollo is. Not only is it made with NASA-grade temperature regulation in a fabric that is 19 times more breathable than basic cotton knit, but it's also sweat-wicking and wrinkle-resistant. Therefore, Apollo is a dress shirt that can stand up to all occasions: commutes, work from XYZ, date night, etc.

Commission Long Sleeve Shirt

Not only is this a slick button-up that’s easy to pair with a range of different pants styles to multiply your smart casual outfit options, but it is also a dress shirt built with movement in mind—hence the four-way stretch. Its classic fit, while not really tailored or tapered, adds just enough formality without veering too far, especially with a worn-in look to boot.

James Solid OoohCotton® Shirt

Lovers of looking on fleek on the go, rejoice: because with Bugatchi's unparalleled eight-way stretch and breathability, you'll truly look your best in a dress shirt that has gotten the best of both worlds—form and function—in spades. The brand's line of OoohCotton® shirts features quick drying and anti-wrinkling properties. It's the performance shirting you need whenever you're out and about, in Bugatchi's solid tones or lustrous prints.

Leeward Dress Shirt

If you need a dress shirt to look like the wolf of Wall Street who's ready to take on the stock market, then you better get a wingman that is as reliable as Mizzen & Main's Leeward. Not only does it have the practical schticks from four-way stretch to sweat-wicking to wrinkle resistance to back you up, but its many neat patterns from plaid to geo print will also flatter you as well. Now that's a dependable dress shirt.

Portofino Linen Shirt

Once the temperature breaks 80, you'll probably want to switch to a linen dress shirt. While the lightweight fabric is a go-to for summer, more linen dress shirts can be billowy and itchy. Luca Faloni fixes that with a lightly leaner silhouette that's dressy enough for the office.

Design a Shirt

Proper Cloth has a wonderful custom shirt program with an easy and intuitive interface. Choose from dozens of fabrics, ranging from flannels and corduroy, to cotton poplin and linen. Then stick with a standard design or adjust the collar, cuff, placket, pocket, yoke, bottom hem, and buttons. You can even add a personalized touch with a monogram.

For sizing, there are standardized presets or input up to nine different body measurements to achieve a perfect fit. Keep in mind, it is best to consult a professional, like a tailor or your local seamstress for these measurements.

Prices start at $100, with most dress shirts ranging from $120 to $145. Some premium fabrics top out at $195. Many minor adjustments come with a small fee as well.

What to Look for in Men's Dress Shirts

Fabric: The first consideration when choosing a shirt fabric these days is whether or not to include stretch. Traditionalists insist that all stretchy materials, such as elastane and spandex, should be avoided. The notable flaw is that blending natural fibers, like cotton and linen, with synthetic fibers that have far different properties, such as enhanced elasticity, will lead to a breaking down of the fabric’s integrity sooner than with 100% natural fabrics.

However, stretch fabrics have a clear advantage when it comes to comfort. Enhanced flexibility is a worthy priority to have when shopping for a dress shirt. So if you find stretch fabrics to be more comfortable and that’s your priority, ignore the haters and buy the fabric you like. Just make sure that you are aware of the generally shorter lifespan of stretch fabrics, as opposed to 100% natural fabrics.

Other than the addition of stretchy fibers, which should never exceed 10% of the fabric’s total weave, cotton is the only material you want in a dress shirt. It breathes well, is light and soft, and can be machine washed. That said, there are a few different types of cotton weaves to be aware of that are commonly found in dress shirts. Here is a quick breakdown of each one:

• Cotton: If the fabric listed just says cotton, then it is a standard cotton weave. This is the most commonly used dress shirt fabric. It has a looser drape, which can be prone to wrinkling, and breathes really well.

• Oxford Cloth: This is thicker weave, with a weight and texture closer to denim than standard cotton. It has higher durability, is wrinkle resistant, and a stiffer drape. Another quality shared with denim is that good oxford cloth gets softer and more comfortable with age.

• Poplin: As a tightly woven cotton, poplin has a crisper finish that lends itself to more formal looks. It is more expensive because the tighter weave requires more cotton and takes longer to produce. The drape is stiffer and, depending on the dye used, it usually has more of a matte finish.

Fit: Gentleman, the days of slim and skinny fitting dress shirts are long behind us. Fashion trends have swung in the opposite direction towards a baggy fit, akin to the ‘90s. When it comes to dress shirts, especially for a professional environment, find a balance between the two that is form fitting but not tight. Essentially, you want your shirt to match your natural silhouette without hugging onto your body.

Here are a few pointers to find the right fit:

• The shoulder seam should be very close to vertical when you are standing naturally with your arms at your side.

• When the shirt is tucked in, it shouldn’t billow out in a mushroom shape, but lay a bit loosely along your torso.

• The shirt cuffs should sit about where your wrist bone makes a little bump when your arms are relaxed at your side.

• You should be able to button the collar without feeling like you are choking, but be able to fit no more than two fingers comfortably inside the collar.

Collar: If you wanted to do a deep dive into the history of men’s shirting, you could find almost a dozen different collar designs. Today, there are only three basic types that look good on a dress shirt. The standard issue for most collared shirts are pointed collars, with each side coming to a roughly 45° angle pointing down when the neck is buttoned.

Spread collars are the second most common variety, which are slightly narrower than pointed collars, and feature a reinforced layer of fabric that creates a stiffer look. Dress shirts often feature spread collars because they look best with a tie. These usually come with collar stays as well.

Button down collars are the third most popular option, which are just pointed collars with buttons added to secure the collar to the shirt. These are typically found on oxford shirts and chambrays.

Placket: A placket is the bar of fabric sewn over the button holes of a dress shirt. It runs from the collar, all the way down the front of the shirt. European dress shirts often do not use a placket, which is why a shirt without one is often called a “French placket” in America.

The bottom line is that a packet is a matter of taste. Most American shirt makers include them, but they are by no means required. There is a slightly more refined look to a shirt with no placket and no pocket. The only time it is preferable to not have a placket, is when wearing a tuxedo.

Pocket vs No Pocket: There is no shortage of opinions on whether or no a dress shirt should have a pocket. Simply put, the matter is just that, an opinion. Dress shirts with pockets are a bit more common, making them easier to find. However, if you prefer the look of no pocket, there are plenty of good options out there. To be honest, most of us will never use our shirt pockets anyway. So it really does come down to a matter of aesthetics.

How We Selected

For this story, we tested more than 30 dress shirts in the past year and evaluated their fit, construction, and just how great they looked. We also consulted with our fashion director, Ted Stafford, who has more than 20 years of menswear experience, on his go-to picks for the best dress shirts for men.

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