r e m a k i n g LONDON

March 31, 2017

THE GUIDE: SHIRTS

Men's fashion mainstay

The humble shirt is a key component in any man's wardrobe. Indeed as the world's oldest preserved garment - found in a 3,000 BC Egyptian tomb - it's certainly stood the test of time. When shopping for shirts, as with everything, fit is key. Most ready-to-wear shirts will shrink between three to five percent. Whilst many casual shirts come pre-shunk for softness, formal shirts often aren't, so this is something you should take into consideration.

As for fabric, the best brands tend to use Egyptian cotton, American Pima or Supima cotton, or West Indian Sea Island cotton. They have the longest fibers, and so make the best yarns, resulting in stronger shirts that can be woven finer. Whatever your style, there's much to be said for investing in simple well executed classics. Personally I find blue, whether cornflower, navy or sky, the most versatile shade. Whether it's for the boardroom or the bar, a classic blue shirt will invariably cover you for any occasion.