As a man, you cannot escape shirts. They are versatile garments that instantly give your outfits a groomed look. Therefore, it should not be surprising that they are often worn during business meetings. A good shirt is a powerful tool to immediately give the right first impression. This is especially true during meetings with clients, colleagues, or potential employers. Nevertheless, finding a shirt that perfectly matches your style is not always easy. In this article, we give you five tips to help you make a choice that makes you feel confident faster.
1. Base your choice on the occasion
First, consider for yourself how formal the occasion is. For example, no one will be surprised if you dress more informally amongst colleagues. For meetings with shareholders or new clients, however, you will be expected to put on a representative outfit. So, make sure you have a clear idea of what kind of shirt you need at the beginning of your search. For example, GANT shirts are suitable for both formal and informal occasions. When in doubt, seek advice from experienced store personnel or family and friends.
2. Go for comfort
Whether you walk around in a shirt all day or only for special meetings, comfort remains the most important thing. When you are trying on a shirt, it is important to pay attention to the following: the dress shirt should not pinch. In addition, you should be able to easily put two fingers between your Adam’s apple and collar. You look groomed when the shirt falls to 5 cm below your belt and sticks out 1.5 cm from the sleeve of your jacket. For the tall men among us, there are shirts available with extra-long sleeves, also called Sleeve 7.
3. Be aware of the fit
In addition to the right size, you should also consider the fit. This means that fabric is taken in to accentuate the shape of your body. The most popular fit among men currently is the Modern Fit. This type of shirt is slightly fitted, giving you a sporty and youthful look. If you want to show off your slim or athletic physique more, you should go for the Slim Fit. Because most shirts have elastane (stretch) woven into the fabric, the shirt moves with you. As a result, you won’t feel constricted and experience extra comfort.
4. Think about the type of collar
The collar of the shirt plays an important role in your appearance. For example, you have collars where the tips are further apart so that accessories such as bows and ties stand out more. Well-known examples are the Widespread and Cutaway collar. Do you find it difficult to keep the collar in place? Then the Button-down collar is ideal. Thanks to the special buttons, you don’t have to worry about the tips curling or sliding. For formal occasions, you can choose the Hidden button-down collar. As the name suggests, the buttons are not visible, making the shirt look neater.
5. Keep the season in mind
Most shirts are made of cotton. This is an airy fabric that feels fresh in the summer and warm in the winter. However, during a heat wave, you might want to opt for a linen shirt. Linen absorbs moisture and dries faster in comparison to cotton. Due to its antibacterial properties, it also does not retain unpleasant odors. For the cold winter months, merino wool shirts are ideal for extra warmth and comfort. Wool also has the property that it regulates your temperature, you will therefore never feel too hot or cold.
