Best Dress Shirts for Men: 8 Stylish Options for Any Occasion

As much as most of us would love to live our lives in t-shirts and sweaters, some occasions call for dressing a little smarter. Enter the dress shirt, the average guy’s signal to the world that, come on, we took off the sweatpants and made an effort, didn’t we? If you’re looking for something to blend in at work, stand out at the bar, or hold up through a long formal event, I’ve got you covered (your top half, at least—pants are up to you). Read on for our picks for the best dress shirts for men, across a range of styles and men’s clothing brands.

Our top picks for the best dress shirts for men

How we selected the best dress shirts for men

My selections were made after consulting with three fashion and menswear experts, who all gave their considered opinions on which shirt worked best for each category. I also factored in personal experience with various brands, and conducted thorough research to ensure all of my picks have overwhelmingly positive reviews, especially as pertains to comfort, fit, and style.

What to consider when buying dress shirts for men

“When purchasing dress shirts for men, I take several factors into consideration that reflect my values as a clothing designer committed to ethical sourcing and using sustainable materials,” says says Melony Huber, co-founder of ethical lifestyle collection La Peony, in addition to things like where you plan to wear it and your budget. Here are her suggestions for what to watch for:

Occasion

“Occasion is key when selecting an appropriate dress shirt, from weddings and black-tie events, to casual gatherings like Sunday brunch,” Huber says. “For formal events such as weddings or black tie affairs, crisp and tailored shirts in classic colors like white or light blue are best; for less formal gatherings, subtle patterns can offer more relaxed yet stylish looks that give off just as much elegance.”

Price

“While price can often be an important consideration when making investment decisions, investing in high-quality dress shirts that have been carefully constructed with attention to detail could prove wiser in both style and durability terms,” says Huber. “Consider purchasing well-constructed garments as they tend to last longer and maintain their appearance over time. I like to think of it as an investment for both style and the long run.” The picks on this list range from $22 up to $225, so there is something for every budget.

Fit

“Fit is so important. Look for a modern or classic fit dress shirt–these are the two primary choices when it comes to looking for a good fit and what fit will work best for you,” Huber says. You can find more information on fit in the FAQ section that follows our best shirt picks.

Fabric

Huber suggests that those interested in sustainability choose dress shirts made of eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, linen or bamboo fabric. If you can’t find something in those fabrics that works for you, though, look out for shirts that are either 100% cotton (for optimal softness and quality), or shirts that include a small amount of a material like Spandex or Lycra, which will make the shirt a little stretchier and more comfortable to wear.

How to wear men’s dress shirts

You have your shirt and you’re ready to hit the town. Here are a few things to watch for when wearing a dress shirt:

Pairing

“Pairing it with your wardrobe is the next step!” says Huber. “Dress shirts can be versatile garments to help create various looks with your style. For formal events, pair one of your crisp white dress shirts with a well-fitted suit and tie. For more relaxed ensembles, try leaving one button open while rolling up its sleeves slightly and pairing with tailored trousers or even dark denim, for an impressive smart-casual ensemble.”

Tucking

“Unless you’re wearing a shirt designed to be untucked, always tuck it in and always wear a belt,” says Fratto. “This singular styling point will elevate any look from too casual to always presentable.”

Accessorizing

“Don't forget accessories,” says Malarkey. “You’ll want to pair these shirts with a nice watch, bow tie or tie or even cuffs. You can wear the shirt on its own or under a blazer or tux, depending on the occasion.” And don’t forget shoes: A stylish pair of loafers for men goes a long way toward completing a look.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between modern fit and classic fit dress shirts?

“Modern fit dress shirts feature slimmer cuts for a more tailored and contemporary appearance,” explains Huber. “Classic fits boast looser cuts with more relaxed silhouettes that may suit different body types better.”

What’s the right dress shirt for my body type?

“Finding a dress shirt to flatter your figure requires taking proportions into account and finding one with an ideal fit for you,” advises Huber. Here are her suggestions:

If you have an athletic build

“For individuals who possess muscular physiques, slim fit dress shirts with darts or tapered cuts may provide the optimal choice in highlighting their physique without becoming restrictive,” she explains. “These options help accentuate your upper body while remaining comfortably fitting.”

If you have a slim build

“Dress shirts tailored specifically towards slim builds are an effective way of creating a more defined silhouette,” says Huber. “In general, select slim fitting shirts which snug closer around the torso while eliminating unnecessary fabric from excess draperies and cuts. You don't want to be swimming in your shirt!”

If you have a fuller build

“A classic fit dress shirt provides more room through the chest and waist for those with fuller frames,” Huber says. “You don't want to feel restricted or, even worse, have your shirt pulled too tight. This fit lets you enjoy wearing this type of shirt and can also be really flattering.”

Which is better, classic fit, or regular fit?

“Neither is better than the other,” insists Fratto. “It’s entirely dependent on who is wearing it and where they are wearing it. This is why I love personal style, because it’s so completely personal in every way. What may look good for one person might not look good on another even if they have the exact same body type. Why? Because the story they tell in the clothes that they wear determines everything.”