How to Choose a Shirt
Whether for yourself or for someone else, choosing a men's shirt can be more complicated that you think. Here are a couple of steps to keep in mind when selecting a shirt.
Choose a color. Are you buying a shirt for a job interview, or are you looking to dress up more fashionably?
- For an interview, the traditional choices are conservative colors. A light blue is usually the safest. White is very formal. Grays are also generally safe.
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If you are looking to portray a more lively image, choose bright, unconventional colors. Bright greens and oranges are relatively popular, as well as pink.
Choose a pattern. Solid colors are considered wardrobe staples because they are easiest to match, but you might consider choosing stripes or a plaid pattern.
- Solid shirts are beneficial in that you can wear virtually any tie with them (solid or patterned).
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Patterned shirts are a bit more difficult to match with ties.
Choose a style. Are you looking for a more trendy and tapered-cut shirt, or would you prefer to stick with a standard, full-cut shirt? Do you want a standard collar, or a spread collar? Will your collar be buttoned down, or will you use collar stays? Each of these are points to consider.
Determine your neck size and sleeve length. If you are shopping at a retailer, most salespeople can help you find your neck size and sleeve length by using measuring tape. The chart below displays a guideline for common neck sizes and approximate sleeve lengths, determined by normal shirt size.
Complete with a suitable tie. You will want to choose a tie that matches the rest of your outfit. The color of your tie should closely complement with your shirt, whether in the "background" of the tie, or inside of a subtle pattern on the tie.
Striped ties are classic and conservative. Solid ties are generally more formal
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