A shirt is an essential fashion piece of clothing. It works in any scenario to show off your personal style, and if accessorized and styled properly, it really cleans up your look. You’ll need a few good ones to round out your basic wardrobe.
The best men’s shirts keep you looking sharp for everything from long workdays to weddings.
Bonobos
But finding the best men’s shirt comes down to a good knowledge of fit, fabric and quality. We asked professional stylists to determine the best shirts for different body types and business and lifestyle situations. Whether you’re into fashion or just need a step up from your “nice t-shirt,” we’ve found the best men’s shirts that you can wear on a regular basis. You may even want to stock up and buy in bulk.
The best men’s shirt overall
Eton: excellent quality and fit
Door sizes: 13.75 – 18 | Cloth: 100% cotton twill | Colors: White, off-white, pink, purple, blue, navy, black
This sleek style offers sturdy, high-impact materials in luxurious fabrics with flawless lines. “Swedish brand Eton has beautifully tailored European-style shirts that come in four different fits – super slim, slim, contemporary and classic,” says Natalie Tincher, founder and head stylist at BU Style. “In general, they’re great for slim builds and those with a slim inverted triangle shape.” The Eton brand is also a favorite of Ben Twaits, Head Men’s Stylist at Wardrobe Therapy. “Eton is a moderately expensive shirt that we use a lot because of the fit and quality,” he says.
The most affordable men’s shirt
Banana Republic: The basics for building your wardrobe
Sizes: XS-XXL | Cloth: 100% cotton | Colors: White, Black, Navy Blue, Classic Pink, Country Blue and more (9 total)
Banana Republic has long been a go-to for workwear, and their well-made button-downs are wallet-friendly. “Banana Republic offers a great shirt for under $100,” says Twaits. “They size by letter instead of neck and sleeve length, and they also offer tall sizes.” Whether you’re on a budget or love a bargain, this pick is a good staple in your wardrobe.
“For a sporty fit that’s a little more casual, I like David Donahue’s shirts, especially their Fusion knit collection,” says Tincher. “This style fits more body types because it’s constructed like a Pima cotton dress shirt style, but has 4-way stretch for an easier, more comfortable fit.” The length is also slightly shorter, so it can be worn tucked or untucked with trousers or jeans, making it a versatile good choice for the office.
The best slim fit shirt for men
Ted Baker: Go to for slim figures
Door sizes: 15-17.5| Cloth: 100% cotton | Color: Light blue
Ted Baker originally opened its doors in Glasgow in 1987, and at the time even provided a laundry service for every shirt purchased. The brand remains focused on quality and unique details. “Ted Baker offers a good selection of classic shirts with twists in pretty prints, textures or with subtle details like contrast stitching on the buttons that make them a good basic that’s not boring,” says Tincher. This slim fit shirt also comes in white, pink and lavender.
Founded by twin brothers Alex and Mike Faherty in 2013, Faherty is a self-described family brand focused on “excellent quality, legendary comfort and good vibes.” In less than a decade, the brand has become a button-up favorite, and this shirt wins major points for being comfortable and wrinkle-resistant. “For weekend shirts or for creative types in more casual work environments, Faherty has great options that you can wear untucked with the sleeves rolled up,” says Tincher.
Think of this as a refined shirt with the resistance and odor-fighting ability of workout clothes. “It looks and feels like a regular shirt to the eye, but when you put it on it stretches and moves with you like a knit,” says Tincher. “It’s great for packing or for people who are on the road a lot and need to get off the plane to a meeting.” They are versatile in terms of design possibilities, as they come in classic monochrome and modest, casual patterns. “These shirts are stretchy, wrinkle-free and moisture-wicking,” says Twaits. “They’re also easy to wash—no dry cleaning!—and offer shirts in plus sizes.”
The most comfortable men’s shirt
Bonobo: not so classic shirt in many colors
Door sizes: 14.5-17.5| Sleeve length: 32-36 | Cloth: 75% cotton, 21% polyester, 4% lycra | Colors: 19 colors, patterns and prints
Since 2007, Bonobos has been popular with professional employees, and this comfortable shirt in stretch material is great with or without a jacket. “Bonobos have different capabilities, so it’s a great place for different builds,” says Tincher. “They carry shirts for slim, tailored, athletic and standard builds and include more sizes than many brands – they carry up to 22 inch collars and sizes 4XL.”
For a look that’s classic but a little more casual, this shirt from Hugo—a sub-brand of German lifestyle brand Hugo Boss—is a great piece for under $200. “Hugo distorts business casual and [many of] their shirts come in a variety of cuts,” says Tincher. They have slim, regular, extra slim, classic options. They also come in regular or long lengths.”
The best luxury shirt for men
Zegna: luxurious fabrics and impeccable cut
Sleeve length: 36-45 | Cloth: Cotton | Colors: Blue check
Italian luxury fashion house Zegna has been a menswear powerhouse since 1910, and while their shirts are opulence, men love them for their quality, fit and elegant sophistication. “The manufacturing and construction of this brand is so beautiful,” says Twaits.