Before you think about getting yourself a new dress shirt, you are required to get your measurements in order. You can also have these done at a tailor's shop or in the privacy of your home, but it's essential to be precise. To be exact, you'll want to get measurements for your neck, chest, arms, and waist.
Neck: Get the measuring tape around the base of your neck, right where it encounters your shoulder. If you want a snug collar, note the figure as is. If you wish for a looser fit, put one finger under the tape and then measure it.
Chest: Take this measurement right underneath your armpits. Ensure you're circling the widest part of your chest and shoulder blades without squeezing the tape too tight.
Arms: Identify the midpoint of your neck and measure from that point to the end of your shoulder at the top. Then calculate from your shoulder to your wrist bone, bending your arm a little to allow for some wiggle room. Add the two numbers, and voila, you have your sleeve length.
Waist: Circle the measuring tape around your waistline, which should be right about where your belly button is. As with the neck size, put a finger under the measuring tape if you want a looser fit.
Once you know what size you desire, it's time to think fit. As with any other apparel, you want a dress shirt that allows for a wide range of motion and shows off your body in a good light.
Slim fit: If you have a thin or lean torso, you may want to consider a slim fit dress shirt. Here, the structure is a little tighter without a lot of giving at the waist, so it could be perfect for men who usually feel as though they're swimming in their button-downs. Those with taller or stronger builds should steer clear.
Regular fit: A regular fit is the most traditional of the lot. It sits a little slack on the body but isn't so relaxed as to not look nice when tucked in. Most men will fare well with this style of a dress shirt, but you'll still want to let your exclusive measurements dictate your buying choice.
Loose fit: This dress shirt style is most suitable for casual get-togethers. Though it should feel comfortable at the waist, chest, and arms, you still need to check it's in line with your measurements. That being said, the armholes should hit right at your shoulders, the hem should lie just above mid-thigh, and the collar should be one to two fingers away from your neck.
Fabric
Another critical contemplation to make? The kind of fabric used to make the dress shirt. However, you can precisely choose whatever clothing material you like best; it's highly recommended staying away from synthetic or human-made fibers (like, say, polyester or rayon).
Fine cotton: Easy to breathe in, crisp, and soft, fine cotton is a handy material that makes for an excellent dress shirt. Perfect alone or combined with a suit jacket, cotton dress shirts are sure to leave you feeling sharp and stylish.
Linen: If you live in a hot environment or want something a bit more casual, linen is another fantastic option. Linen is an all-natural fabric and is too cooling and exceptional at wicking moisture away from the body.
Oxford cloth: A perfect choice for a more casual look, an oxford shirt is a little thicker than a fine cotton dress shirt, making it a good pick for outdoor occasions. If durability and functionality are the attributes that you prefer, this could be the fabric for you.
Collar
Spread collar: Characterized by points spread outwards from the neck (as opposed to straight down), this kind of collar can be casual or dressy depending on how you want to wear your shirt.
Classic collar: Compared to the spread collar, the traditional style has a much smaller “spread” between its points, so it has a slightly tighter look. It's suitable for casual and dressy moments.
Widespread collar: With a broader spread than either the traditional or spread collar, the widespread collar has a sophisticated look that works well with thick tie knots or even unbuttoned sans tie.
Button-down collar: This is like the typical collar, but with points that affix to the shirt via buttons. This style works mainly well if you're wearing a tie as it supports to keep the accessory in place.
Color
If you are unable to choose, go with either a solid white or light blue dress shirt. These colors are the most adaptable, able to impress in both the workplace and the outside gatherings. Though man cannot rely on solid colors solely, so ensure to add some vibrant options into your wardrobe, too. A bold floral pattern can be unique for a birthday party or an outdoor wedding.
