The 15 Best Men's Dress Shirts for Every Occasion
Paired with a tuxedo or some jeans, these button-ups will never go out of style.
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If your calendar includes events like summertime weddings, business meetings, and Friday night dates, it might be time to invest in one of the best dress shirts for men. While there's nothing wrong with preppy polos, some occasions call for more formal attire. And if you haven't shopped for a new shirt since prom, you might be surprised at the breadth of options now available. Alongside Italian cotton blend investment shirts, you can now find styles that are customizable, comfortable, and can work for the Kentucky Derby or casual dinners.
When it comes to finding the best dress shirts, we turned to stylist Cindy Conroy, a fashion expert who broke down the most important factors to consider before making a purchase. "For the upper echelon of men's dress shirts, it comes down to three things: the uncomplicated charm of strong mother-of-pearl buttons, clean double-stitched seams, and multiple length offerings. If a bespoke poplin is not an option, the latter allows you to get the look. You can test drive lengths to ensure the hem of the shirt hits at the right place on your body."
With all that in mind, below, we found the 15 best dress shirt options for men in 2024.
Unlike some dress shirts that can be stiff and stuffy, this version manages to find a middle ground between comfort and classic styling. Thanks to its soft, stretchy blend of cotton and elastane, it can be worn as a tuxedo shirt or as a business casual option at the office. It comes in three different cuts–classic, slim, and tall–and is also machine washable.
Size: XS—XXL
Materials: Cotton, polyamide, elastane
Opting for linen over classic cotton can make all the difference during the warmer months. This airy, moisture-wicking linen shirt is a great option for summer weddings or any outdoor event this season.
Size: XS—XXXL
Materials: Linen
Armani is a go-to for classic suiting, so it's no surprise that the brand's dress shirts are some of the best on the market. This cotton twill version is definitely an investment, but it will never go out of style and can be worn in a myriad of ways.
Size: 38 EU—45 EU
Materials: Cotton
Whether you need something for a summertime event or just prefer a slightly more laidback option, a short sleeve dress shirt is perfect. This elegant twill style is more polished than most and will look nearly identical to a classic button-down when worn with a blazer.
Size: XS—XXL
Materials: Viscose
For black tie events, a tuxedo shirt is a must—but it doesn't have to be uncomfortable. This version is made with a stretch material that allows it to move with your body. Even better, the fit is entirely customizable, so can get the look of a custom shirt without the high price tag.
Size: Customizable
Materials: Cotton, polyamide, elastane
Tom Ford is a master of sharp dressing, emphasizing clean, classic lines and elevated embellishments. This luxurious cotton shirt from the designer is made in Italy and has mother-of-pearl buttons. If you've been searching for the crème de la crème of dress shirts, this is it.
Size: 38 EU—36 EU
Materials: Cotton
Looking for something with a little street style edge? This chic Loro Piana style forgoes some of the traditional trappings of a dress shirt but can still easily be dressed up for formal events.
Size: S—XL
Materials: Linen
Thanks to this classic cotton number, you'll never have worry about showing up to an event with a wrinkled shirt ever again. It doesn't need to be ironed, so you can simply button it up and be on your way.
Size: Customizable
Materials: Cotton
Made with cotton piqué, this cozy shirt feels like your favorite T-shirt but is dressy enough to be worn with a blazer. Unlike stiff alternatives that can become uncomfortable over time, this is a great option for business casual meetings.
Size: XS—XXL
Materials: Cotton
If you're shopping on a budget, this slim-fit Uniqlo style looks just as sophisticated as an investment piece but is priced at just $40.
Size: XS—XXXL
Materials: Cotton, spandex
Proper Cloth The Portuguese Cotton and Linen Dress Shirt
Dressing for a warm-weather black-tie event can be a real challenge. Pure cotton shirts can feel stifling, yet breezy linen alternatives aren't always appropriate for the occasion. The solution? Proper Cloth's cotton-linen blend shirt, which strikes the perfect balance of being elegant yet ultra-breathable.
Size: Customizable
Materials: Cotton, linen
While a plain white shirt will always be a staple, sometimes you want something with a little more pizazz. Kiton's made-in-Italy plaid style has all the hallmarks of a classic dress shirt but will help you stand out from the crowd.
Size: 39 EU—43 EU
Materials: Cotton
If you're not used to wearing formal dress shirts, this is a great option for beginners. Not only is it made with 100 percent cotton and reasonably priced—but it's also wrinkle resistant, so you don't need to invest in an iron to pull it off.
Size: XS—XXXL
Materials: Cotton
Eton Contemporary Fit Geometric Medallion Print Dress Shirt
Our list of the best dress shirts wouldn't be complete without mention of heritage menswear brand Eton. This geometric-printed option from the label is fun and stylish yet still classic and formal.
Size: 15—18
Materials: Cotton
Polo Ralph Lauren Pinpoint Cotton Oxford Button-Down Shirt
Ralph Lauren has been perfecting the dress shirt for decades. This classic logo option can be styled in a myriad of ways, whether with a full-on suit for formal occasions or simply a pair of slacks.
Size: L—XXL
Materials: Cotton, elastane
What to look for in the best men's dress shirts
While shopping for the best men's dress shirts, look for silhouettes that balance comfort, functionality, and style. "Seek out stretch poplin shirts that are slimming but not suffocating," says Conroy. "I also suggest choosing options made with smooth, opaque fabric that's still thin enough to comfortably move and stretch with the body. In terms of utility, stitching and sturdy collars are key components, especially when you’re spending big bucks. When these elements combine, it allows you to wear the dress shirt solo or underneath a linen blazer for that perfect summertime fit."
Also, don't be afraid to order a few sizes. "Whether it's a slim fit or standard dress shirt, sizing can vary between seasons and brands," notes Conroy. "Having options means you can get the best fit."
How to style men's dress shirts
Gone are the days when dress shirts should only be worn with tuxes. "Tailored trousers or chinos do wonders to elevate a classic dress shirt," Conroy advises. "But for a high-impact casual look, pair yours with a cardigan, fitted jeans, and loafers—it spells quiet luxury with New England sensibility."
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For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
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