The white shirt is man’s greatest sartorial tool. Simple, versatile and the epitome of gentlemanly elegance, this wardrobe mainstay will take you from the office to drinks and back again.
Historically a symbol of wealth and distinction (‘white collar’ doesn’t come from just anywhere) white shirts still hold much of their premium appeal, particularly when worn the right way. But whereas once colour alone was enough to separate you from the masses, the ubiquity of the white shirt today means you need to up the ante when it comes to standing out in this classic piece.
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Wearing A White Shirt With Jeans
Pretty much the oldest trick in the book, jeans with a white shirt straddles that fine line between sophistication and cool like nothing else. And whether you’ve gone for a pair of distressed skinny legs – as per Mr. West above – or you’re wearing a slightly more polished iteration of the look with an indigo denim boot cut, this is a combination guaranteed to work.
As is often the case with simplicity, the devil is in the details. Choosing the right style shirt is of utmost importance and it all comes down to occasion. If you’re simply updating your regular t-shirt and jeans, more casual shirts are a great option. I’d opt for a chambray or a plain poplin – preferably with a button-down collar. This will stop the collar from slouching around your neck and help the shirt sit across your shoulders.
On the flipside, if you’re scaling up your jeans for a nice dinner, opt for a fitted shirt with a dense weave. The starchiness will help elevate the denim and give the illusion of some serious effort – even if you’ve done nothing of the sort.
The Authentic Straight Jean
Perfect for work, weekend, and everywhere in between. If you have a more athletic shape, try sizing up for a little more ease in the thigh.
White Shirt With A Suit
It takes a lot for me to stray from a white shirt when suiting up. It’s the perfect blank canvas for a tie and pocket square and is pretty much universally flattering. For the day to day, nothing beats a dark navy or grey two piece with a white sateen finish shirt.
But where to start? Sometimes buying a white business shirt can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, the sheer number of options overwhelming. However, there are a few key parameters that can make the experience a little less daunting (and will impress every sales person you meet).
First and foremost, know what cut you’re after. Any good outfitter should fit you properly, starting with a measurement of the neck and then moving to the torso. Next, think about what cuff and collar you’d like. My personal preference is a French cuff (the one that requires cuff links) and a semi-cut away collar. Wherever possible, also go for a concealed placard. They’re small details but make a world of difference, particularly if you’re trying to get ahead in the rat race.
Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Wool Suit
Perfectly tailored with a hint of stretch for comfort. Available in five colours. Perfect with a white shirt.
White Shirt With Shorts
Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like a white linen shirt and a pair of Bermuda shorts. A staple for the warmer bits of the year, this iteration of the white shirt will be one you turn to time and time again and it’s worth investing. Go for a high quality French linen that has some weight. It will develop gentle creases over time and gives you an enviable sense of nonchalance.
The linen shirt is also a great opportunity to play with details, whether it be experimenting with a Mandarin collar, trying out a breast pocket or even dabbling with a short sleeve (not for the faint of heart). Venroy is a great spot to start your search with options that are beach to bar friendly.
Flint & Tinder Shorts
A linen blend short that’s extra breathable for summertime activities.
White Shirt With Chinos & Linen
A shirt with chinos is just about one of the dullest looks you can describe. And yet, adding a white shirt into the mix can make a world of difference, taking an otherwise workaday ensemble and turning it into something special. Pair a white Oxford with olive coloured, tab waisted linen trousers to give your regular kit some serious style punch.
Alternatively, the simplicity of a white shirt offers limitless opportunity in terms of trouser styles and patterns. Why not use this as an opportunity to try out a print like a pinstripe or dabble with something bolder? The gent below makes a strong case for taking an otherwise classic look and pushing it the extra mile with cropped black and white striped chinos.
White Shirt Appropriate Shoes
The shoes you pair with a white shirt depend entirely on the rest of your outfit and where you’re headed. For a night out, I balance a white shirt and navy trousers with some slick white sneakers – think Oliver Cabell or even a pair of Stan Smiths.
If, however, you’re needing to err on the side of fancy, you’re fully permitted to have some fun in the shoe department. Look to more experimental loafer brands like Santoni or even local, Aquila, to experiment with boldly coloured suedes and tassels.
Oliver Cabell Low 1 Sneakers
A classic that pairs perfectly with a white shirt and jeans.
How To Care For A White Shirt
There’s nothing worse than a white shirt that’s, well, not white. And though this sounds obvious, it’s very easy for the best asset in your wardrobe to turn stale.
To prevent this, there’s only one word you need to know; bleach. This miracle worker will ensure that you’re looking fresh and that you’re maintaining a true white – not that unpleasant grey that can creep into some wardrobes.
Perhaps even more important than bleach though is knowing when to call it quits. White shirts naturally colour and age – particularly in your high-wear zones like the collar and around the arm pits. If you notice that these spots are starting to yellow, do everyone a favour and replace it with a new shirt. I promise you’ll feel better for it.