14 Essential Shirts Every Man Should Have In Their Closet
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Looking to upgrade your closet for the new year? Start with your shirt game. After all, it's one of the first things people notice during your video conference calls. The best shirts for men will keep you looking your best for any occasion, whether you're dressing for work, play, or just lounging around the house.
If you're a guy who's always on the go, focus on styles that work for multiple activities (which is why you'll see outerwear-inspired picks below). Stick to base colors–blue, black, white, and gray–since they look great with just about any layering piece and they help anchor your wardrobe. Once you had your base layers set, throw in some bold patterns and color to add personality to your fits. Ahead, we found the best men's shirts to keep you looking good all year long.
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Robert Barakett Georgia Crewneck T-Shirt
There is nothing like the perfect T-shirt to take on the day but with so many options saturating the market, finding that perfect combination of fit, length, and softness can be challenging. Enter this best-selling tee from Robert Barakett made with super soft pima cotton and available in 20 colors.
Polo Ralph Lauren Iconic Mesh Polo Shirt
While the origins of the polo shirt can be traced back to Northeast India, it was Ralph Lauren who eventually turned the short-sleeve, three-button collared shirt into an international fashion staple. Choose a lighter color to elevate your summer look, or pair a neutral hue with a suit.
Topman Formal Short Sleeve Shirt
The classic short-sleeve shirt can easily be one of the most versatile button-ups in your wardrobe. Wear untucked with shorts or chinos for the perfect vacation or warm weather outfit.
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve 2.0
When looking for a workout shirt that you'll use over and over again, you'll want one that's breathable and easy to watch. Lululemon's essential short sleeve top checks both boxes, and is also odor-resistant, so your dirty gym clothes won't stink up your hamper.
Read more: Best Moisture-wicking Shirts for Men
Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt
Popularized by American frontiersmen for its warmth and durability, a flannel shirt is most often associated with outdoor adventuring and chilly weather. Pair with selvedge jeans and a white T-shirt for a rugged daytime look, or layer with outdoor gear on your next winter hike or ski trip.
Rhone Delta? Pique Polo
We can't stop (and won't stop) raving about Rhone's performance polo, which has the slim shape of some of the best polo shirts for men, while incorporating a breathable fabric that can be worn at the golf course, or the gym. A true athleisure staple.
David Donahue Regular Fit Oxford Cotton Dress Shirt
The Oxford button-down has a permanent place in a professional guy's wardrobe. It can be easily worn at the office or a more casual get-together, and stocking a handful of colors means that you will also always be ready to take on the day. A good fit makes this style pop so pay attention to the width between the shoulder seams (not too loose and not too snug). The same goes for the sleeve length; the cuff should end where the arm merges into your hand.
Read more: Best White Dress Shirts for Men
Selected Homme Loose Fit Organic Cotton Overshirt
There are moments–during spring and autumn’s cooler months–when you want to layer up, but a jacket feels too heavy. Instead, throw on an overshirt, a button-up usually constructed with a richer cotton blend, that layers perfectly with a T-shirt or lightweight sweater.
A.P.C. Denim Shirt
The denim shirt owes its popularity to the cinema, specifically; Western movies that showed cowboys dressed in the blue-hued garments. Try this laid-back version from A.P.C. made with pure cotton denim and a functional patch pocket. Yeehaw!
Desmond and Dempsey Cuban Camp-Collar Shirt
The refined camp collar shirt, with its relaxed fit, short sleeves, and distinct collar, is a welcome alternative to other summer staples for an elevated yet straightforward look. Ahh yes, we can already taste the Mai Tais.
Suitsupply White Royal Oxford Slim Fit Shirt
Occasions to dress up will inevitably return in the not-so-distant future (we hope). A dressier Oxford button-down shirt, usually made with lighter fabrics, like cotton, should be on hand for an evening out. This design from Suitsupply offers a physique-enhancing slim fit and subtle waffle pattern.
Tom Ford White Slim-Fit Bib-Front Tuxedo Shirt
Dressing to impress is all about details. Take a cue from Tom Ford and pay close attention to your evening shirt’s construction like this tuxedo-ready number by the designer that features a sharp piqué collar, front bib, and double French cuffs.
Goodthreads Men's Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Band-Collar Chambray Shirt
While commonly referred to as a “Granddad shirt” a collarless button-up can be worn by men of all ages. Pair with your favorite jeans for casual get-togethers or dress pants on formal occasions where you want to make a great first impression without feeling stuffy.
Sacai panelled long-sleeved T-shirt
Are you hoping to earn some style cred this year? Adding a shirt with unexpected embellishments to your wardrobe, like this fashion-forward crewneck, featuring asymmetrical metallic zippers, will take you to the front of the sartorial pack.
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