A man’s dress shirt can elegantly frame his face during a presentation and later absorb his perspiration during a tough round of questioning. It can play a supporting role by enhancing his sport jacket or it can stand alone and be the centerpiece of his outfit. The dress shirt ranges in price from the $9.99 Wal-Mart polyester special to over $600 for a name brand custom shirt. But why would you want to read an entire article about dress shirts?
Because details matter. In any given day we only speak with a small percentage of the people we see; the shirt you wear, in the absence of a jacket, is the most powerful signal you are using to non-verbally communicate with those around you. Your shirt, whether you like it or not, is speaking for you; make sure it’s saying what you intend.
What is a Dress Shirt
A proper dress shirt is a button-up shirt with a collar, long sleeves, and wrist cuffs. It is usually made from a cotton fabric woven and dyed into various, non-obtrusive patterns and colors. By altering these characteristics, a dress shirt can either send the message its wearer is ready for sport or ready to meet the president.
Dress Shirt Fit
Most men wear dress shirts that do not fit them properly. The problem is that ready made garments are made to fit many; as a result, they fit no one perfectly. We all compromise somewhere if a shirt fits us in the neck it fails us in the sleeve length; if it fits well in the sleeves, it billows out around the stomach. So the fit I’ll describe here is generally only achievable on a custom shirt or one that’s close to fitting and then tailored by a skilled hand.
A well fitted dress shirt should first and foremost be comfortable; this is different for every man. Larger men are usually complimented by a looser fit while petite and thin men are complimented by a more form cut. In general, though, a shirt should:
- Allow two fingers in the collar when buttoned.
- Be tight enough around the wrist so that the cuffs must be unbuttoned to slip them off.
- Have long enough sleeves so that you can raise your arms like wings and not pull the cuffs down the forearm; they should be short enough so that you don’t have more than 1 inch of fabric bunching near the cuff when your arms hang.
- Shoulder points that extend to the end of the shoulder and no farther.
- Have room in the chest and waist to pinch out 1-3 inches of fabric (depending on fit desired).
Dress Shirt Fabric
Cotton. The undisputed king of shirt fabrics, cotton has been the choice of those in the know for centuries. A finely woven cotton fabric exhibits all the properties a man could want from a garment worn close to the body, good heat & moisture conduction, durability, smoothness, and the ability to take shape when ironed.
Man-Made Fibers. Although they do not exhibit the same desirable properties as cotton, man made fibers have made a huge impact on the shirt scene due to their ability to do an acceptable job at a rock bottom price. Often wrinkle and stain resistant, these fibers have and will continue to play a major role in menswear. Although I recommend staying away from shirts with more than 50% man made fiber, for the budget minded, they may be a viable alternative.
Silk. A luxury fabric easily recognizable because of its sheen and light drape, it is not recommended for most as, the maintenance costs are high and long term durability low. But that’s just my opinion!
Dress Shirt Color
White – The most common shirt color; historically it has dominated the scene and was initially the only choice for a gentleman. The lack of color on a man’s collar and cuffs signified he did not have to do dirty work; colored shirts were looked upon with suspicion as it was assumed they were colored to hide stains. To this day, white still reigns as the most formal color, and its popularity has safely placed it among the iconic garments a man can wear. Where ever you may be, a man can safely assume a white shirt will never be out of place.
Blue – Blue’s dominance has more to do with its ability to compliment most men’s complexions rather than heritage. The popularity of blue exploded in the United States as more and more off-the-rack manufactures looked for colors and patterns that would sell. Today the color firmly holds a place as a safe alternative to white. And unfortunately, this is often the extent of the variety found in a man’s dress shirt collection.
Other Colors – Pink, gold, lavender, off-white, forest green, and even red, just a few of the multitude of colors available to the man who is willing to walk a different path. Whether these colors dominate the dress shirt, or highlight the pattern woven into it, they can compliment every complexion out there. And with less than 10% of the shirt wearing population even dabbling into these shades, the man who masters wearing them can easily set himself apart in a room of like dressed men.
Patterns
Solid – The simplest and most formal pattern, yet the most versatile. A solid shirt’s defers attention away from the color (unless it is gaudy) and instead helps a man better display the style and fit of his garment. And solid doesn’t always mean solid; different weaves can slyly give the impression of monotony from a distance only to reveal their true nature up close. A solid white poplin fabric has a very different look and feel from a solid white twill or herringbone.
Stripe – Most of us can’t go wrong with a classic blue on white, but consider adding certain accent colors such as red or pink to liven up the hues in the face. This pattern looks especially good with a solid colored suit.
Check – Historically the purpose of the check was to signify a wearer’s background. Today, most men are intimidated to wear such a pattern with a suit as they think it will appear overpowering. It won’t, as long as you remember not to mix like patterns; a checked shirt with a solid suit and striped tie are a great combination. However, it is the least formal pattern and should be worn carefully in business on the US East Coast and abroad.
Dress Shirt Style
The Shirt Collar
The purpose of a shirt collar is to properly balance and frame a man’s face. It’s the most visible part of a shirt when wearing a jacket and because of it’s proximity to the face, plays a very large role in determining the formality and use of the shirt. For this article we will only talk about turndown collars and its two major variants, the point and spread.
Point Collars – The most common collar style seen in the US is the point collar; found on 95% of off-the-rack dress shirts, it is cut so that the collar points are reasonably close together with the collar angle being at or less than 60 degrees. The advantage of this collar style is that longer, more closely set points tend to draw the eye down which elongates the face. Unfortunately, most off-the-rack point collars seek the middle ground and do not have a small enough angle or long enough points to reap the full rewards of this effect.
Spread Collars – The second style is the spread or “cutaway” collar. These collars have the points “cut away” thus the name, revealing more of the upper shirt area; typically we see these collars with angles greater than 90 degrees. Spread collars are excellent for the gentleman with a medium to long shaped face, as they do the opposite of the point and spread out a man’s features.
Shirt Cuffs
Besides the collar, the shirt’s cuffs are the only visible parts of a shirt when a jacket is worn; they are divided into two types, button (casual to formal) and French (formal).
Button Cuffs – Button cuffs are single cuffs which wrap around the arm and are buttoned into place. These are the cuffs most commonly found on ready made shirts. Button cuffs may have a single button or may be adjustable, with two buttons side-by-side. Some have two buttonholes and two vertical buttons- a more formal option often called the “barrel cuff.” Button cuffs may also have a small button on the sleeve, between the cuff and the end of the cuff opening, intended to prevent the area from opening and exposing the gentleman’s wrist.
French Cuffs – French cuffs are the most formal option, yet are perfectly appropriate for daily wear in many industries such as finance. The French cuff is a double cuff, folded back and fastened with cufflinks to create a distinctive and distinguished appearance. Cufflinks must always be worn – though there are more subtle options available, such as fabric knots – so the gentleman must be prepared to keep a reasonable selection on hand.
Dress Shirt Buttons
Most buttons today are made of plastic, a suitable material for the job asit is inexpensive and fairly strong. However, if a low quality resin is used, the base of your buttons will crack, and they may break within a year. An eloquent alternative to plastic is Mother of Pearl. Not actually pearl, these buttons are made from shell and are so hard that they can break needles. They are only found on higher end clothing today because of their cost and tendency to disintegrate over time when exposed to harsh detergents.
Closing Comments
This article could go on; we didn’t even get into monograms, pockets, split yokes, the placket, gussets, pattern matching, collar stays, and back style. For those interested in more, please visit A Tailored Suit’s Style Guide or the resources we listed in The Art of Manliness’s best online style links.
The Contest
The Art of Manliness and A Tailored Suit have teamed up to give one lucky reader a hand-made custom dress shirt valued at $149. To enter you need to leave a comment describing your ideal dress shirt and specify 1) your fabric choice (include a reference #), 2 ) collar style, 3) cuff type, and 4)breast pocket style. This information can readily be found within A Tailored Suit’s online Build Your Garment tool. All comments must be submitted by Friday, April 17 at 10PM CST. The winner will be announced on Saturday, April 18, 2009.
Written by
Antonio Centeno & the Team at A Tailored Suit
Facebook 
{ 338 comments }
Art of Manliness=Coolest contests on the internets
My ideal shirt:
Fabric: #4-6-7
Collar type: Straight point style
Cuff type: One Button Square Edge Cuff
Breast pocket: square pocket
In nature, the female of the species is usually plain, and doesn’t need to show off because she _will_ be actively pursued. It’s the males that have the brightest plumage or coloring, in an effort to stand out from the background.
An ideal shirt, then, is eye-catching. All that’s required to avoid “obnoxious” is a proper base – you can wear a loud shirt with a simple jacket, and no one thinks it’s out of place – something like an orange #4-2-6 with a narrow straight point collar to bring out the rounded face,.
An ideal shirt for my husband:
Fabric: #4-8-29
Collar type: Straight point
Cuff type: Rounded edge French cuff
Breast pocket: Square pocket on left breast.
My ideal dress shirt of course has to fit proper thus a form fitting cut.
Fabric: #4-2-2
Collar Type: Medium Spread Collar
Cuff Type: One Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Break Pocket: Rounded Pocket
Panel front and plain back
Custom Shirt Basics #4-6-43 Blue, Regular Business Collar, Two Button Cut Corner Cuff, no pocket.
That’s my shirt.
My ideal shirt:
Fabric: #4-3-1
Collar Type: Classic Button Down Collar — Length of the collar would be approx. 3.2 inches, which allows for a little bit of natural roll when worn open.
Cuff type: Two Button Cut Corner Cuff — cuff length would be just under three inches. While I love the feel of two buttons, the cuff being too long gives it a strange feel around my wrists.
Breast pocket: Diamond Cut Pocket — on the left side, right on the breast.
Excellent, excellent article. Tantalizing finale there, too: don’t be afraid of boring us, I for one would love a follow up article diving into the countless details of a good dress shirt. You can never have too much information, eh?
Re: the contest, let’s get into it. I think my ideal shirt would look like this:
Fabric # 4-6-50
Classic Spread Collar
Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
Square Pocket
Fabric # 4-6-50
Classic Spread Collar
Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
Square Pocket
fabric #4-6-79
classic spread collar
one button cut corner cuff
diamond cut pocket
regular front
side pleats
white block monogram on right cuff (GGA)
regular fit
I went with white not because I am boring, but because I have too many french blue and no white shirts.
Wow. I just bookmarked this site in my RSS feed last week. I found this site in a Google search, and having read the same (verbatim?) post on A Tailored Suit earlier – also linked from here. I even went so far as to build a shirt – alas, I can’t afford it yet.
Here are the first four options of a basic shirt, just a classic white in herringbone:
Fabric ID# 4-6-64
Medium Spread Collar (and I would opt for a slightly taller-than-usual option)
Rounded Edge French Cuff
No pocket
Fabric # 4-6-71
Collar Type: Medium Spread Collar (have a narrow face and looks great with a windsor knot tie)
Cuff type: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Breast pocket: None
Reasoning: I like the black herringbone fabric, adds a bit of a distinguished and elegant style and allows you to stand out among the crowd of people that tend to represent cookie-cutters. You need every advantage for the ladies to notice you… so why not do it with poise and style? Why not allow her to really see what type of man you… confident.
Medium spread collar allows you to comfortably wear it to work with a tie and blazer, then head to the social gathering after without the tie. Be a man with a purpose.
One Button Cut Corner Cuff… just looks solid. Sure I could pick the french cuff for the elegant… but I think the one-button cut suffices for the everyday man who wants to wear it to work, and then to dinner with the lady. I just don’t think the french cuff allows for that type of flexibility.
Oh no… no pockets?! Yes, no pockets. Sorry fellas, but we are past the days of pocket protectors. Besides, I think it looks a bit more professional to place my pen inside my suit jacket. I like to keep my chest clear of any obstruction. Plus… I have plenty of other shirts with the front pocket if ever the occasion arises that I might need to use it (doubt it).
Fabric: #4-6-4
Collar Style: Straight Point Collar
Cuff Type: Rounded Edge French Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: Diamond Cut Pocket
Nice guide! As a young man about to start his first professional job this summer this was handy, although given the budget of a student corners sometimes need to be cut unfortunately.
As for the contest:
Fabric: ID# 4-6-47
Medium spread collar
One button rounded edge cuff
No pocket.
Fabric: #4-2-1
Collar: Regular Business Collar
Cuff: Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: None
My one decent-looking white shirt got lost a few months back when I moved. Since then, every time I needed to wear a nice collared shirt, I wore an awkwardly-fitting deep blue one that has absolutely no synergy with any of my pants. With a handful of job interviews approaching, this will no longer do. I truly dread going to the department store, where odds are I will not find anything even close to my measurements. My best hope of looking smart for my interviews falls with this shirt.
-Tom
fabric #4-8-31; tab collar; square french; regular front ; diamond pocket; center box pleat.
i hope i win!
Great post. Shirts are something I’ve been paying attention to a lot lately in terms of style.
For me, an ideal shirt is lightweight and versatile. Typically this means a lightweight cotton. I used to like bright colours but have been gravitating towards quieter ones. A point collar suits my face best and definitely no button-downs — I like neckties too much to do that, and they’re a bit preppy besides.
eg. from A Tailored Suit: Fabric 4-6-79, straight point collar, one-button cut corner cuff, no pocket.
My ideal shirt
Fabric #4-3-1
Collar: Straight Point
Cuff: Square Edge French Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: Square Pocket
I wear a white dress shirt with a fairly skinny black silk tie every day, so this would be an incredible thing to win.
Great contest idea!
Of course, the ideal dress shirt is one that fits perfectly — everything else is just details
That said, here’s my choices:
Fabric: #4-6-3
Collar: Medium Spread
Cuff: One Button Cut Corner
Pocket: Square
Fabric: #4-2-6
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff: One Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Pocket: Diamond Cut Pocket
My ideal dress shirt is one that is fitted around the waist. I am athletic and most dress shirts have lots of extra fabric in this area.
fabric #4-7-73
Medium Spread Collar
Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Diamond Cut Pocket
Panel Front Style
Center Box Pleat back
Fabric – Essential Business # 4-6-67
Collar – Medium Spread
Cuff – Two Button Cut Corner
Pocket – Diamond Cut Right Side
Ooh. Well written post. I’m used to thinking of dress shirts as so much less than this. Thank you for enlightening me.
Fabric #: 4-6-88
Collar Style: Regular Business Collar
Cuff Style: Two Button Rounded Edge
Pocket Style: No Pocket
I hope I win.
Great contest! Even for those who don’t win, it brings attention to an often shamefully overlooked aspect of our wardrobe.
Fabric: #4-7-72, brings out my baby blues
Straight Point Collar
Square Edge French Cuff, I remember my great-Grandfather alway wearing cufflinks, and I try to do the same
Diamond Cut Pocket
My dress shirts have all seen a lot of use, and French cuffs can be hard to find. This would be an awesome addition to my wardrobe!
Fabric #4-2-1
Collar: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff: Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: None
#4-8-14
Wide spread collar
no pocket
Convertable single cuff
placket
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
Fabric: #4-6-71
Collar type: Regular Business Collar
Cuff type: One Button Square Edge Cuff
Breast pocket: None
#4-2-1
Classic Spread
One Button Convertible
Diamond Cut
Fabric: #4-6-2
Collar: Straight Point
Cuff: Two button rounded edge
Breast pocket style: left, rounded
I am excited about how good I would look in this new shirt. Come on!
#4-7-90
Classic Spread
French Cuff (Square)
White Contrast Collar & Cuffs
No Pocket
Form Fit
Side Pleats
1. #4-6-88
2. Straight Point Collar
3. One Button Square Edge Cuff
4. (No Pocket)
Fabric: #4-3-1 White
Collar: Tab collar
Cuff: contoured french
Breast pocket style: none
Thanks for the heads up on ‘a tailored suit.’ i didn’t know sites like that existed. if i had a tailor, he would be pissed.
Fabric: #4-3-1
Collar: Wide Spread Collar
Cuff: Two-button Cut Corner Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: None
Additionally:
Regular Front Style
Side Pleats
Form fit
Thanks for this!
#4-6-7
Classic Spread Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
Left Square Pocket
Nice.
#4-6-17
Regular Business Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
No Breast Pocket
I would love a pink shirt, something my wardrobe is sorely lacking right now. My perfect shirt would be fabric 4-6-65 / medium spread collar / Two Button Cut Corner Cuff / no breast pocket / Regular Front Style / Plain Back / no monogram / regular over all fit
I’ve alway really liked dress shirts, ties, and sweaters. Lets see more of this!
Fabric: #4-6-55
Collar: Straight Point
Cuff: One button, rounded cuff
Square pocket.
Great Contest!
My ideal shirt:
Fabric: 4-3-1 plain white
Collar: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff: Contoured French Cuff
Pocket: none
Fabric:#4-8-39
Collar: Medium Spread
Cuff: Rounded Edge French
Pocket: None
Panel Style Font
Side Pleats
Regular Fit
Purple is a very gentle and regal color, always makes a nice impression on a shirt without being too flashy. French cuffs add so much personality to a shirt. When paired with my grandfathers cuff links the shirt really fells attached to me.
Another great article..I’m loving these style guides. A tip for the keyboard-jockeys out there though: French cuffs with chunky cuff links can be a real pain if you’re doing a lot of typing.
My ideal shirt:
1) Essential Business Blue Stripe (4-6-73)
2) Medium Spread Collar
3) 2 Button rounded edge cuff
4) No breast pocket
My ideal shirt would be:
Distinguished Black (#4-6-71) to add a little bit of a pattern that would pair with any neutral suit, with a straight point collar (Gotta love a long face with a square jawline). The cuff would be a square-edged french (To help frame rather large hands), and a diamond cut pocket to draw attention away from my broad shoulders.
Given a choice, I think I would actually prefer a Mandarin or “Collarless” style of collar, but we all have our own little idiosyncrasies, don’t we?
1) Cotton #4-6-62
2) Straight Point Collar
3) Square Edge French Cuff
4) None, I would like it to be my one and only.
I’m going to be interviewing for residency programs soon, and this would be my ideal dress shirt:
Color: #4-6-4
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff Type: One Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Pocket: Left Square Pocket
Thank you for the contest!
I prefer the “no pocket” approach. Having a pocket invites one the put things in the pocket which affect your silhouette. Here are my preferences.
1) fabric choice: #4-2-2
2) collar style: Medium Spread Collar
3) cuff type: One Button Rounded-Edge Cuff
4)breast pocket style: No Pocket
This is quite amazing. I hope I get a shirt.
My ideal shirt:
1) Fabric #4-6-60
2) Straight point.
3) Double button barrel cuffs with cut corner.
4) No breast pocket.
#4-6-64
Classic Spread Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
No pocket
Thank you!
fabric: 4-6-64 (white herringbone)
collar: straight point
cuff: square edge french
pocket: diamond on the left
my favourite shirt would be:
1. 4-8-9
2. Straight Point Collar
3. Two Button Square Edge Cuff
4. No Pocket
and to make things complete: Panel front + side pleats
fabric: #4-6-64
medium spread collar
two button squre edge cuff
square pocket
excellent shirt, GET!
Fabric: #4-6-67 Grey Herringbone
Collar: Classic Spread Collar (I wish they had Wing Collars.)
Cuff: Contoured French Cuff (Going for something different)
Breast Pocket Style: None (What is the point of a Breast Pocket nowadays?)
Additional!
Front Shirt Style: Covered Panel Front Style
Back Shirt Style: Plain Back
Fit: Form Fit (the slimier the better!)
Thanks for this contest! My proportions always mean off-the-rack dress shirts have poor fit — usually, too much fabric billowing around the waist.
1) Essential Business #4-6-69, 2 ) Straight Point Collar, 3) Rounded Edge French Cuff, and 4) No pocket.
Great article! An article solely on shirts is quite informative rather than as most articles about coats only. Thanks for your generosity in a giveaway!
1. Essential Casual #4-8-24
2. Straight Point Collar
3. Contoured French Cuff
4. No Pocket
Shirts are the best part of any outfit.
1 . #4-6-62
2. Straight point collar
3. Rounded french cuff
4. No pocket
Form fitting is the way to go for anybody who isnt large. Looks very young.
Fabric: White Oxford, #4-3-1
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff: Square Edge French Cuff
Pocket: Diamond Cut Pocket
I love cufflinks and I love the security a heavier cotton provids, even if it can be a tad hot at times when wearing an undershirt. That’s what A/C is for, right
?
It is refreshing to see discussions on topics such as this. My ideal shirt would be
Fabric: 4-6-82
Collar: Regular Business Collar
Cuff: One Button Square Edge
Pocket: Left Side Diamond Cut
Thanks!!
Great website – with great detail
Fabric: 4-6-79
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff: Square Edge French Cuff
Pocket: Left Side Diamond Cut
Must have a white silky smooth fabric since white is the most flattering color of a shirt a man can wear IMHO.
Thanks
My dream shirt:
1) Fabric: #4-6-16
2) Collar Style: Medium Spread Collar
3) Cuff Type: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
4) Breast Pocket Style: No Pocket
#4-1-1
Wide spread collar
Rounded edge French cuff
Square pocket
Great article!
1) Preference for cotton – wrinkle free/non iron #4-3-1, 2 ) Spread collar for my narrow face, 3) single button cuff w/ “sleeve button”, and 4) left square breast pocket style.
Excellent website. Hard to induldge in an expensive shirt, but if you ever get a custom shirt you will “feel” the difference. I am tall — 6-3, so shirts often are short in the sleeve or torso.
I definitely seem to be disappointed by the fit of most of my shirts. And my dry cleaners – they don’t seem to want to replace buttons when their machines break them.
At any rate, my dream shirt is as follows:
1) 4-7-76 – for some reason I am invariably drawn to an interesting stripe. Maybe the “slimming” effect, maybe the fact that a nice stripe just feels great to wear – I seldom get compliments on any of my solid color shirts.
2) Medium Spread Collar – in a biz casual environment, these seem to feel best
3) 1 Button square cuff
4) Square pocket
Hello, and thanks for the contest idea!
Just fyi: i’m 6.3, slim with long arms (and picky taste in detailes – which make all the difference). Getting the right shirt is either an adventure or a pain for me:)
Here’s what I’ve come up with:
Fabric: 4-6-18.
Size: 15 1\2, sleeves 36 or 37.
Fit: tailored or slim.
Collar: Classic spread.
Cuffs: double (French) with rounded edges.
Fit: tailored.
Extras:
- an extra button next to French cuffs;
- an extra hole for the cufflink to make fine adjustment of the cuff width;
- placeholders for collar bones (which will allow to use or not to use the bones);
- horizontal button hole for the last button.
No pockets.
No monograms.
Care expectations: machine washable at lights/colours cycle.
Thank you!
What? No recommendation for the classic button down collar?! This is the ultimate in every day casual/business attire. The look of a slightly roomy, heavy, 100% cotton version like the one Lands End sells, with creased sleeves and smartly starched, cannot be topped. VERY MANLY!
My favorite color for that shirt is powder blue or white. I also like the classic blue/white stripe.
RW
Hey, the perfect shirt is versatile! I don’t want a shirt I can go from garden to boardroom (does one exist?), but one from boardroom to dinner date would be nice.
Fabric #4-6-64, white with a herringbone weave would do nicely. A pin collar with rounded edge French cuff lets me show off a little style, so no pocket necessary.
I do prefer side pleats in the back as well, especially since it will be a custon fit — why settle for box pleats, like off the rack? Thanks for the contest!
I love my shirts.
1. #4-6-85
2. Business collar
3. two-button square edged
4. Square pocket
Fabric: #4-8-1
Collar Style: Straight Point Collar
Cuff Type: Rounded Edge French Cuff
no pocket
to Richard Williams: I like the no-iron button-down oxford from LL Bean. Boy, does it hold a crease. Slightly roomy, heavy, just like you describe the Land’s End. Can be worn almost every day and is indeed very manly.
fabric # 4-6-5, classic spread collar, one button rounded edge cuff, and a diamond cut pocket on the left would be my ideal shirt. Thank you for this post! I’ve checked out “A tailored suit” before, would be lovely to win something from them!
dream shirt (for a short-limbed long torsoed guy – it’s miserable finding ready to wear shirts that even come close to fitting)
1) fabric #4-6-67
2) straight point collar
3) contoured french cuff
4) no breast pocket
normally, i consider the breast pocket indispensable for keeping directions to wherever i’m going or other bits of information that i’ll need quick access to, but if it’s an occasion that requires a suit, i figure i’ll have an inside jacket pocket for that. and i do agree that a dress shirt looks better without the pocket (and certainly better without little bits of paper sticking out of it)
cloth #4-6-1
collar: straight point
cuff: one button cut corner
no pocket
As a small man – 5′4″, it is hard if not impossible to find a short at a typical store that actually fits so this is an awesome giveaway for me! Thanks for doing this!
I would say the following for me!
Fabric: 4-6-64.
Size: 14 1\2, sleeves 32
Fit: tailored.
Collar: Straight Point.
Cuffs: one button cuff corner cut
Pocket: Left Rounded
Front: Regular front
Pleats: plain back
Fabric #: 4-6-71
Collar Style: Medium Spread Collar
Cuff Style: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Pocket Style: No Pocket
I’m a real fan of the herringbone style, and I think black would be different without drawing unnecessary attention to myself. Giveaways are awesome, and classy, manly, and useful giveaways are even better. Keep up the great work!
P.S. I swear I made my selections before i saw raheel khan’s post. That’s too weird.
As always, another great reason to stay tuned to The Art of Manliness.
Fabric – 4-8-45
Classic Button Down
One button round
No pocket
This is a fun contest!
1) fabric #4-8-72
2) Classic Button Down Collar
3) Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
4) Diamond Cut Pocket
Thanks!
Fabric: 4-6-80
Collar: Regular Business
Cuff: Contoured French
Pocket: Left Diamond Cut
Front: Panel
Back: Plain
Fit: Form
I have been wearing custom shirts for years… I love them because they fit right. After wearing custom, anything else doesn’t feel right. Beside the fact that mass produced shirts are not designed with a guy that is 6′3″ with a 6′7″ wing span in mind.
A proper custom shirt can make or break a mans look.
My perfect shirt would be the quintessential business shirt.
#4-1-3 Blue, Classic Spread Collar, Two-Button Cut-Corner Cuff, with No Pocket. Stylish, professional, and the kind of shirt you’d want to wear for lunch with the boss.
1) #4-6-13
2) Straight point collar
3) Two-button cut corner cuff
4) No breast pocket
(you didn’t ask, but panel front and plain back, too)
My perfect shirt would fit me well, and would be one that I could wear to court or in meetings with clients:
1) your fabric choice (include a reference #): #4-6-82
2 ) collar style: forward point collar
3) cuff type: two button cut corner cuff
4)breast pocket style: no pocket
My ideal shirt:
Fabric: #4-6-61
Collar: Regular Business Collar
Cuff: Contoured French Cuff
Pocket: No pocket, my pocket protector is currently AWOL…
Great post!
My ideal shirt…
Fabric 4-6-75
Medium Spread Collar
Square French Cuff
No pocket
Thanks!
Fabric: # 4-7-83
Straight Point Collar
One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: None
Front Shirt Style: Regular Front Style
Back Shirt Style: Side Pleats
This is a superb article. Very well written.
Fabric: #4-6-79
Collar type: Medium Spread Collar
Cuff type: Square Edge French Cuff
Breast pocket: None
There is such a satisfying feeling to putting on a brand new dress shirt for the first time. Yet, being 6′4″ I have such a tough time finding one that fits – just right – and lasts for years. For me, the closest shirt that works for me is the Brooks Brothers Red label.
Grey houndstooth check
Classic Button Down collar
Two Button Square Edge Cuff
Left breast, square pocket
Panel Front Style with Centered box pleat
Red block monogram on the pocket.
Always love these entries.
Fabric: 4-6-33
Collar: Medium Spread Collar
Cuff: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: No Pocket
Fabric #4-6-75
Collar Type: Straight Point
Cuff Type: Button
Breast Pocket: None
Great Article-A lot of younger males (high school age) need to read this as a lot of manly fashion is going out with the “skater” and more feminine fashions that have attempted to infiltrate the manly wardrobe
My ideal shirt…
Fabric: #4-8-72
Collar: Classic Button Down
Cuff: One Button Rounded Edge
Pocket: Rounded
Putting on a custom fitted shirt is the best way to start a Monday.
Color: Custom Shirt Basics #4-6-79 “White Twill”
Collar: Medium Spread
Cuff: One Button convertible cuff
Pocket: Rounded Pocket
Other: Regular Front, Side Pleats
Fabric: # 4-6-59
Collar: Regular Business Collar
Cuff: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Pocket: No pocket
I do have shirts made and they make all the difference in the world. My favorite shirt is blue with white stripes (about 1 inch apart) and white contrasting french cuffs and collar. I always initial the pocket or sleeve with TMJ.
Thanks to you and Antonio for the contest!
Color: Pattern #4-6-61
Collar: Inside button down
Cuffs: French cuffs
Pocket: Diamond cut with pen/cigar holder
Bask: Side pleats
My ideal shirt would be
1) 4-6-88
2)A medium spread collar
3)One Button convertible cuff
no breast pocket
Great article. Dress shirts can really do a lot to a man’s wardrobe if worn properly with the right fit.
Fabric #4-6-47
Collar:Medium Spread
cuff:Square Edge French Cuff
Pocket: Square Pocket
And more information on dress shirts. I think every guy, myself included, could learn more about wearing alternative colors and finding shirts that don’t look like Im wearing a boat’s sail.
The perfect shirt for the Manager interview coming up soon:
Fabric: 4-2-5
Collar: Straight Point
Cuff: 1 Button Rounded Edge
Breast Pocket: Square
Thanks and keep fighting the good fight!
Fabric: 4-6-25 blue plaid
classic button down collar
2 button square edge cuff
no pocket
panel front / center box pleat back
The ideal dress shirt stays tucked in without ballooning around the waistband.
Fabric: # 4-6-10
Classic Spread Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
Square Breast Pocket
I’ve only recently joined this community, but I am thoroughly stoked to see the amazing quality of articles and I’ve already bought the equipment to start shaving with a safety razor! Still waiting on the blades to come in, but I’m excited!
My ideal shirt:
Fabric: #4-6-64
Collar style: Medium spread collar
Cuff style: One button cut corner cuff
Breast pocket: None
Front shirt style: Regular
Back shirt style: Plain
Regular fit
The devil is in the details. Off the rack shirts cater to the most generic body type/ proportion making no impact (if not negative). If I go with the basic fit for my size invariably there is a buff at the sides when I tuck in.
As a side note, there is always the least mentioned joy of getting a tailored dress shirt. Just like your barber, your tailor knows you. Over the years there is a camaraderie which is very rarely seen in any of the big stores.
My shirt:
#4-1-3
Straight point collar
One button square edge and diamond cut left square pocket
My ideal shirt would have ample sleeve length without having to get the next size up, like so many off the rack brands…
1.) #4-6-73
2.) Regular Business Collar
3.) Contoured French Cuff
4.) Diamond Cut Pocket (Left)
Being a tall and thin man, the ideal dress shirt for me must be simple, perhaps solid, and most important of all, long and fitted. When I tuck a dress shirt in my pants, if I didn’t have it tailored, it billows like you wouldn’t believe.
I’d take a shirt with these specs:
1) #4-6-64
2) straight point collar
3) square edge french cuff
4) no pocket
My favorite shirt would be simple, but effective. Being a big, tall guy, it would be comfortable and versatile with the following furnishings:
Fabric: blue, cotton (4-3-3)
Collar: Straight point
Cuff: One button, cut corner
Pocket: square, left
I’d love to win a custom shirt
1) #4-3-1
White
2) classic spread collar
3) contoured french cuff
4) No Pocket
#4-6-88/Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff, Regular Business Collar, no pocket
My ideal shirt well fits well, and recently went to Dillards and got shirts that were expensive but not comfortable- need long arms and a bigger neck that I can actually close for a tie and since I am bulky at the neck and have muscles in the arms it pulls the shirt up and turns out tight. These look great and more men need them just so they don’t have the pirate look with the shirts- that is horrible. Very nice site- I love the slacks too becuase I have a 39 inseam and hard to find is a nice word for pants so I love shorts weather but not feasible for work.
As a college student seeking to enter the workforce my perfect shirt has to be able to catch the eye of my interviewer and make me stand out from the crowd but also has to be versatile enough to work with many suit and tie options after I nail that job interview.
1.)#4-8-33 (the subtle check pattern really draws the eye)
2.)Straight point collar
3.) One Button Cut Corner Cuff
4.) Square pocket to work with my suits
1. #4-1-3
2. Straight Point Collar
3. Square Edge French Cuff
4. No pocket
Great Contest and just a fantastic – and very much needed- website! I have already introduced my nine year old son to the joys and insights of AoM.
My ideal shirt is one that helps subtly distinguish me and is one that isn’t readily seen on many other men. To wit, a shirt like that would be the following:
Fabric #4-6-65
Curved Spread Collar
Contoured French Cuffs
No pocket
Panel Front
Centered Box Pleat
Regular Fit
The ideal dress shirt should look formal but comfortable enough that there’s no rush to get it off at the end of the work day, and one would enjoy wearing it for the rest of the evening. Here’s what I’d go for:
Fabric: #4-6-69
Collar Style: Spread Collar
Cuff Type: French
Breast Pocket Style: Square Pocket, Left Breast
I have a really hard time finding shirts that fit me. I’m a large man, with broad shoulders and a big chest. Buying most shirts off the rack means either too small a neck, or a huge, blousey mess in my mid-section.
I’ve been thinking about custom shirts for a while now…
Ideal shirt:
Fabric #4-6-79
Straight points collar
One button rounded edge cuff
No breast pocket
Most of the time I do like cotton best, however depending on the shirt I have found some blends very nice. I recommend that all men where a tee shirt at all times under the shirt. Especially in the summer. Nothing looks worse that a sweaty shirt during a business meeting.
I would select Ref # 4-6-71for my shirt.
The collar I would select is pointed. I really like the way the spread looks but at 5′10″ and 205 lbs. it is just not happening.
Cuff, french by all means. Got some great links and I like to show them off, so remember when you order you get the sleeves long enough to show approx. one half inch at the wrist.
Pocket, for me a must. I do by them with out if I really like the shirt. Not that I much use the pocket but it is there if I need it.
Ditto on hard to find shirts with a good fit (but I’m a skinny guy, so most shirts have too much room).
Fabric #4-8-89
Narrow Straight Point collar
Contoured French Cruff
No breast pocket
Fabric: #4-8-28
Collar type: Narrow Straight Point
Cuff type: Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Breast pocket: No Pocket
Front: Panel Front
back: Centered Box Pleat
I like a traditional looking white or light blue shirt with a subtle movement in pattern for differentiation. The shirts pair well with a variety of suits and ties, as well as without a tie.
1) 4-6-68 (light blue herringbone)
2) Regular Business Collar
3) Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
4) Rounded Pocket
#4-6-68
Straight point collar
One Button Cut Corner Cuff
No pocket, regular front style
centered box pleat
loose fit
that’s my take on the dress shirt
I for one have to go to formal events often, so a good ol’ white french cuff with a fly front is perfect in my opinion.
Fabric: #4-6-64
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff: Square Edge French Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: None
Front Shirt Style: Covered Panel Front Style
well i’mnot a guy but I love to see a men in french cuffs. Men options are so much morelimited than women when it comes to accessories to dress up why not go for the cuff links to add a bit of pizzaz.
My son who is 16 wears a neck size of 151/2 and sleeve length of 35. Not an easy combination to find. But how did I know this? I got him measured by a consultant in Macy’s. It just wouldn’t do to buy size L.
Dads and moms should get the young ones started early on the road to good grooming.The Art of Manliness does a great job in helping them to do this. Bravo!
My perception of a fine shirt is that unless you had someone take your measurements, you have to compensate for the shirt’s inaccuracies to your body and cover up the shirt with a jacket or feel self-conscious.
Not everyone is made of money like Brad Pitt (which is the person I think of when I think of a man who can wear a suit better than anyone) and can’t afford to always be so finely dressed. In addition, there are many men that don’t have the opportunities to dress their best. I myself, have been to more funerals than weddings, and certainly am not a distinguished member of a upper echelon of some social strata that requires one to look their best at all times.
So, whenever I am at a fine restaurant or wedding, I try my best to show my character and sophistication by wearing the mish-mash that I manage to pull together from what the department stores have and the one suit I own. Now reading this article has given me a better knowledge of what to look for, but I can’t afford to make it tailored each time. Yet, I know that you don’t have to have a closet full of clothes, it just takes a few pieces and a lot of confidence.
In this case, I designed something I thought would be great with a dark gray suit or on its own:
Pattern: #4-6-40
Collar: Classic Spread
Cuff: Two Button Cut Square Edge
Pocket: None
Front: Regular
Back: Centered Box Pleat
Monogram: None
Fit: Form fit
Special: Soft fabric lining the inside collar to counter chaffing
Thank you, and please keep the posts coming. I’ve had a lot of success in improving my confidence and keeping my manhood in check since reading your site.
4-6-1
Straight Point
2 Button Corner Cut
None
My ideal shirt is made from a light fabric such as #4-2-1, classic business white. Button cuffs, a breast pocket, and gray buttons. I could wear one every day all summer long.
To enter you need to leave a comment describing your ideal dress shirt and specify
1) your fabric choice (include a reference #),
2) collar style,
3) cuff type, and
4)breast pocket style.
My ideal dress shirt would get me a nice promotions (with a sizable increase in pay and decrease in actual hours of work, thus allowing me more time for family and some classes). I think I found the formula (which you will find cooresponds to your questions):
1) Fabric choice: Twil Pink (4-6-78)
2) Collar style: Medium Spread Collar (I have a long face – but don’t want another too extreme)
3) Cuff type: One button convertible cuff – simple, practical, versatile
4) Breast pocket style: none – I never use it and it looks cleaner with out it.
I think this is a powerful, but approachable choice!
Fabric Type: #4-6-2
Collar: Medium Spread
Cuffs: Contoured French
Pocket: None
Awesome article. I am leaving the military after 23 years of service where the wardrobe choices were pretty easy to make. I have enjoyed this article immensely as it made me consider my personal style. That being said here is my ideal shirt:
Fabric: 4-8-86
Collar: Classic Spread
Cuff: Barrel
Pocket: Diamond on left
Thank you for the article and your generosity.
Regards,
Chris
These look like very well made shirts. My custom build would be form fitting for my slim frame and would include:
1.) Farbric: White herringbone 4-6-64 (Classic style)
2.)Collar: Medium Spread Collar (For my slender face)
4.)Cuff: Square Edge French Cuff (I enjoy the detail a nice pair of cufflinks shows)
4.)Breast Pocket: None (As stated, much more streamlined)
Thanks!
Fabric: 4-6-85
Classic Button Down Collar
One Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Rounded Pocket
I normally order my cotton dress shirts from Lands’ End. I can specify neck and sleve length and collar type and not much else. However, pricing is a lot less (about $50).
Finding the perfect fitting dress shirt can be a pain in the butt for me. I’m 6′4″ and trim, so the big & tall store shirts that carry garments that fit in the sleeves are massive around the midsection. Meanwhile shirts that fit in the torso have sleeves that are way too short. I’ve found that Jos. A. Bank gives me the best fit and they have great sales from time to time, but anyway… on to my perfect shirt:
Perfect custom shirt:
Fabric: ##4-6-64
Collar type: Medium Spread Collar
Cuff type: One Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Breast pocket: rounded pocket
Essential Business #4-2-2
Straight Point Collar
Rounded Edge French Cuff
Left Breast Diamond Cut Pocket
Also, a Centered Box Pleat, if you’d be so kind.
My ideal shirt makes me feel I am the leader in the room. Retired recently from the military – where you look like every one else and the rank on your sleeve shows who’s the ‘big cheese’ – I want the shirt that’s commands the room without saying a word.
Fabric: #4-6-68

Collar type: Medium Spread collar

Cuff type: Square Edge French Cuff

Breast pocket: none
This was fun putting together! Thanks for this contest — and for the excellent post on the Dress Shirt. I enjoyed it.
My ideal shirt looks like this:
1) White & Blue striped fabric #4-6-29
2) Rounded Collar (White collar, even though the shirt fabric is blue & white! Nice!)
3) Rounded French Cuff (White — see above)
4) No Breast Pocket
Wow! That’s a shirt!
My ideal shirt would be a jazzed up formal office piece which, with the undoing of a few buttons, wouldn’t look out of place in any trendy big city bar.
Fabric: #4-8-30
Collar type: Medium Spread Collar
Cuff type: Two button cut corner cuff
Breast pocket: No pocket (Shirts are all about aesthetics so lets keep it streamlined!)
This is a wonderful article, and I always enjoy exploring atailoredsuit.com
I would go with something elegant, with class in the details.
Fabric # 4-7-88.
Straight point collar.
Contoured French cuff.
Diamond cut pocket.
Panel front, and plain back.
Fabric: #4-6-52
Collar type: Straight Point Style
Cuff type: Two Button Square Edge
Breast pocket: None
My Ideal Shirt:
Fabric: 4-6-82
Collar: Classic Spread
Cuff: Rounded Edge French
Pocket: Left Square
Hope I win, I’ve never owned a really nice dress shirt and I could use one as I’m graduating from college soon, have to look sharp for those interviews!
Ahh, a contest that’s right up my alley. Since I wear a suit every day, I can never have enough quality dress shirts. I could use a few more stripes in my life, though.
1. 4-6-37
2.Regular Business Collar
3.Contoured French Cuff
4. Diamond cut pocket
Ah, nice! Just got back from buying a shirt, actually. My ideal shirt would be:
1. Fabric: #4-2-1
2. Collar: Straight point collar
3. Cuff: Square edge french cuff
4. Pocket: square pocket
Nice post. Up to par, as usual!
1. White 4-6-79
2. Classic spread collar
3. One button corner cuff
4. No pocket
5. Regular front
6. plain back
I prefer the clean and crisp
Fabric: #4-6-85
Collar: Wide Spread Collar:
Cuff: Contoured French Cuff
Pocket: Square Pocket
Thanks! BTW, this blog is awesome (hope that helps my chances).
fabric: 4-6-64
Medium spread collar
Contoured french cuffs
No Pocket
I need a shirt that is a slim, contoured fit. Ideally, It would have a plain back and regular front style.
If the shirt fits well, nice, low key details really stand out without being overly gaudy.
I’ve found a great looking fabric that reminds me of a favorite shirt of mine from several years back that was misplaced by the cleaners.
ID# 4-6-29
Color: White / Blue
1. Collar Style: Classic Spread Collar
2. Cuff Type: Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
3. Breast Pocket Selection & Location: No Pocket
5. Front Shirt Style: Regular Front Style
6. Back Shirt Style: Plain Back
7. Monogram Selection & Location: Breast Pocket (Low)
8. Monogram Details:
9. Monogram Stitching Color: Pink
10. Monogram Font Style: Block
1) fabric choice: 4-6-88
2) collar style: point collar
3) cuff type: button
4)breast pocket style: no pocket
1. Custom Shirt Distinguished #4-1-41
2. Pointed collar
3. Cuff type: button
4. Square pocket
Thanks for the excellent giveaway!
I would have a
white (#4-6-64)
with a regular buisiness collar
diamond cut pockets on the left,
round edge french cuff
purple monogram on the left cuff
plain back
OK, I’m 51 years old with fair skin and bright blue eyes and what hair is left is gray. I feel that my ideal dress shirt should be made from fabric # 4-6-65, the pink herringbone. Not only will the color complement my skin, eyes, and hair, but the subtle pattern will really pop when some gets close. Because my face is round, I need a straignt point collar and would like the 2-button cut corner cuff ( I really like this shape!), and no breast pocket.
Fabric type #4-8-36 (a subtle gray)
Narrow straight-point collar
Square-edge French cuff
No breast pocket.
Also, side pleats on the back and, for variety, a monogram on the left forearm.
As a college student, I don’t have a lot of business clothes. I’ll be interviewing for a career soon though, and it would be nice to have a classic and elegant dress shirt.
1. #4-6-64, a nice white herringbone
2. Medium spread collar
3. 2 button cut corner cuff
4. No pocket
Finding afforadable and stylish dress shirts has always been a problem given my +18′ neck . All the good ones tend to end stop at the smaller sizes leaving me with a choice of pastey white or cliche blue. let me tell you it sucks.
1) Essential Business
#4-6-13
Blue
2 ) Regular Business Collar,
3) Two Button Square Edge Cuff
4) no pocket
Great Post!!
My ideal shirt:
1. #4-6-73
2. Classic Spread
3. One button square edge cuff
4. Square Pocket
Ideal shirt for me-
#4-6-88
Barrell cuffed
Spread collar
Sans-pocket
Thanks!
1 – #4-8-2
2 – medium spread collar
3 – 1 button rounded cuff
4 – no pocket
* athletic or fitted cut
Very nice article. I had a couple custom made suits when I was in the military and was serving in the Middle East. They are much less expensive over there, and the quality is very good. I also had a custom shirt made, and I love it (though I admit the details were nothing like I see from A Tailored Suit!
I would go with:
1. 4-6-14
2. Classic Spread Collar
3. One button Corner Cuff
4. Diamond Cut Pocket
#4-6-1 Multicolor
Classic Button Down Collar
Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Diamond Cut Pocket
My Ideal Shirt:
ID# 4-3-3 Blue
Classic Button Down Collar
Two Button Corner Cuff
Diamond Pocket
Thanks,
Nate
My ideal shirt
Fabric ID #4-6-64
Medium Spread Collar
One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Diamond cut pocket
Thanks,
A.T.
Cool contest, once again, Brett.
1) fabric choice: #4-2-2
2) collar style: Medium Spread Collar
3) cuff type: One Button Rounded-Edge Cuff
4)breast pocket style: No Pocket
Ideal Dress Shirt: Proper fit, including not strangling me, and details as follows:
Fabric # 4-6-64
Collar: Point Collar
Cuff: French Cuff
Pocket: no
1) #4-6-79
2) Medium Spread Collar
3) Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
4) No Pocket
Well, coming from a slacker college student with no prior knowledge, this was really good info. Thank you!
My ideal shirt:
Fabric: #4-6-88
Collar type: point style
Cuff type: One Button Square Edge Cuff
Breast pocket: No thank you
1) Fabric: #4-8-83
2) Collar Style:Regular Business Collar
3) Cuff Type: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
4) Breast Pocket Style: No Pocket
To learn more about men’s classic dressing read Alan Flusser’s, Dressing the Man. That book really opened my eyes to everything I had once noticed but never knew about classic mens clothes.
1) #4-6-61 Blue with herringbone
2) Classic Spread Collar
3) One Button Cut Corner Cuff (although it depends on the use, suit or sport)
4) No Breast Pocket
4-7-79
point collar
one button cut corner cuff
square pocket
Fabric # 4-6-18
Regular business collar
One button square edge cuff
Square Pocket
These contests are amazing, such useful stuff.
1) #4-1-41 (black)
2) Medium Spread Collar
3) Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
4) no breast pocket
My ideal shirt:
Fabric #4-6-88
Regular business collar
Two button rounded edge cuff
Diamond cut pocket
Thanks much!
Why is it that no shirt maker on the planet has a crimson or other deep red shirt. Or even a deep purple for that matter. I only wear french cuff shirts which is even more impossible to find. I would highly suggest the hosts of this contest to make such a thing… I would buy one in a heartbeat. I think this is a great contest though.
so dream shirt…
fabric: blue #4-6-60
collar: straight point
cuff: square french cuff
pocket: none
front: regular panel
back: plain
Monograming: SLP right cuff (positioned on the interior side of the cuff or on top of the cuff centered on the writst.)
color: blue to match the pattern of the shirt
font: script.
regular fit.
It would be awesome to get mother of pearl buttons (or ivory if it was legal). It would also be great for the monogram to be a large S with the L and P in the circular portions of the “S”
Brass collar stays would be nice too.
Great contest:
Fabric: 4-6-77
Collar: Regular Business Collar
Cuff: Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Pocket: No Pocket
My dream shirt would make an impression without jumping out too much. Something like this:
fabric: blue 4-2-2
collar: regular business
cuff: 2 button cut corner
pocket: square
I would also go with the center pleats on the back, and monogramming on the right cuff, dark blue, block.
Great article. I’d like to see A Tailored Suit update with some information on the specifics of cuffs, pockets, and the back shirt style because they seem well-reputed and authoritative on the subject!
#4-6-64
Regular Business Collar
Square Edge French cuff
No pocket
Great contest guys!
My ideal dress shirt would be:
1)#4-6-69 cotton
2)Regular Business Collar
3)One Button Square Edge Cuff
4) No pocket
I would also add a plain back style with the monogramming on the right cuff with the letters TWK in white script style.
I’m always interested in the articles this website generates, although I’m surprised that none of them have focused on the smell of a man. That would be an excellent idea for a post, while your shirt can give an impression, the smell you give can be just as important.
Great contest!
My ideal dress shirt:
1) # 4 – 6 – 69, cotton
2) Straight point collar
3) French Cuff
4) No pocket
I’d have to go with something simple yet elegant.
Fabric: #4-6-47
Collar: Medium spread
Cuff: Contoured French Cuff
Pocket: None
A twill fabric, blue stripes on white
Medium spread collar
French cuffs
Shoulder/back “pleats”
Square pocket
and tails long enough to stay tucked in.
I love dress shirts
I stumbled your post.
1. wrinkle-free cotton (what are these reference numbers)
2. spread collar
3) One Button Square Edge Cuff
4) No pocket
1. #4-1-2 Pink
2. Classic Spread Collar
3. Contoured French Cuff
4. Diamond Cut Pocket
1) #4-1-1 White
2) Medium Spread Collar
3) One Button Convertible Cuff
4) None
I would love one of these:
Fabric: #4-7-76
Classic Button Down Collar
Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
No pocket
1. Fabric #4-6-39
2. Classic Spread Collar
3. Square Edge French Cuff
4. No Breast Pocket
Neat article!
Fabric: 4-6-69
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff: One Button Square Edge
Pocket: No Pocket
Great article. Can’t go wrong with:
Fabric: #4-6-88
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Pocket: No Pocket
1) 4-6-88
2) Classic Spread Collar
3) Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
4) No Pocket
1:fabric 4-6-8
2:medium spread collar
3:one button rounded edge cuff
4:diamond cut pocket on the left breast
Unlike many of the other men of his time peacocking about in bright, brand name colors- my grandfather never forgot that cash was never a substitute for class. Only (1)*solid white herringbone (4-6-64)* would wrap the thick shoulders of a man whose life’s purpose was to help bear the burdens of others. On many men, a (2)*straight point collar* would accentuate the face- but on this Hyperion, it drew attention to the fact that there was more to admire than his confident, brotherly countenance. Light would catch on a simple silver cufflink in a (3)*square french cuff* drawing attention to- and subtle envy of- the person who grasped this man’s hand in brotherhood. He wore (4)*no breast pocket,* but those that knew him well swear that there once was one, maybe even two, but they were torn off the shirt long ago in an outpouring of love from this man’s great heart. Many men can claim their dress makes for an impressive entrance, but hardly anyone can say that they didn’t notice when my granfather left a room.
I like shirts that stand out a little and send a subtle message of strength, especially using strong, rich colors.
Fabric: 4-6-88
Collar: Classic spread collar
Cuff: One-button square edge cuff
Pocket: Left square pocket
Fabric: # 4-3-1
Collar: Rounded
Cuff: 2 button cut corner
Pocket: none
I’m 5′ 9″ but broad shouldered, and I have had more trouble than I’d like finding dress shirts that actually fit. They either a) fit my arm length but movement is no-no because the buttons battle for their purchase at my chest or b) it looks like I’m wearing a moo-moo because the next size up is too large for my torso (don’t even ask about the sleeves). Even fitted shirts can’t get the job done. Looks like tailored shirts is my only reprieve (but then the budget comes into play…). So, if I had the choice for tailored shirt that would actually fit me, here goes:
Fabric: 4-6-29
Collar: Point
Cuff: French, square
Pocket: None
And there we go. Good luck everyone!
My ideal shirt:
1) White Cotton 4-6-79
2) Spread Collar
3) French Cuffs
4) No Pocket
Fabric: #4-6-29
Collar: Regular Business Collar
Cuff: French, square
Pocket: None
(Form fit, Regular Front Style,Centered Box Pleat, Contrast white collar and cuffs if you’ll permit me to be picky)
Starting my new job next week so fingers crossed!! Good luck everyone!
P.S at 6″6′ finding shirts is a real pain so this will be a welcome addition to my collection.
1) #4-6-69 Blue Herringbone
2) Medium Spread Collar
3) Square Edge French Cuff
4) Diamond Cut Pocket (for a pen and pair of glasses, yes pockets are still useful!)
Fabric: #4-6-65
Collar: Straight point
Cuff: Rounded edge French cuff
Pocket: Diamond cut, left side
Form fit
Panel front style
centered box pleat back
For dress, I prefer standard #4, white, although I am also a fan of lightly textured shirts, such as Oxford cloth. Point collars over spread. I have never owned french cuffs, but I think I might like them if I had a nice set of cufflinks, so I could go either way on this one. I am also indifferent as to breast pocket style.
Fabric: 4-8-35
Collar: Classic Button Down
Cuff: Two button Cut Corner
Pocket: No Pocket
Front: Panel
Back: Plain
This is my first comment on this site, I would like to say that it is refreshing to see that there are those that have recognized the affect that the fall of the gentleman has had on society. Please keep up the good work. I cannot express how much the advice on this site has helped me with my education, and with my personal relationships.
Fabric: 4-6-71
Collar: medium or quarter spread
Cuff: rounded button cuff
Pocket: single pocket, left breast, square.
Also, I think Jerry’s right about this: The second button is the key button. It literally makes or breaks the shirt.
Awesome giveaway. My picks are
Color: Pattern #4-6-61
Collar Style: Regular Business Collar
Diamond Cut Pocket
Panel Front Style
Square Pocket
My ideal shirt
fabric: #4-6-79
collar: regular business collar
front pocket: diamond cut pocket
cuff: two button rounded edge
Since i don’t have many shirts my ideal is versatile, well fitting, and high quality.
My ideal shirt would be…
Fabric: #4-1-41 Black
Collar: Widespread collar
Cuffs: Sq edge French
Breast pocket: none
Panel Fit style
Side Pleats
Form Fit
Thanks.
The point of this shirt is to be slightly formal, with a subtly quirky individual twist to it.
To that effect the fabric (#4-6-67) is tilted about five or six degrees, giving the pattern a slight slant to the left. That’s from the wearer’s left shoulder down to the right side of their waist.
The collar should be medium spread, so that
a) it doesn’t clash too badly with the slanted pattern
and
b) it works with the wearer’s face
The cuffs should be contoured french, to allow for some stylish, individual cufflinks.
Continuing with the theme of subtle quirkyness, the breast pocket should be diamond cut on the right hand side, not only to set the shirt apart, but to make life easy for a southpaw such as myself.
So, in review
Fabric – #4-6-67 (with a six degree tilt)
Collar – Medium Spread
Cuffs – Contoured French
Pocket -Diamond cut on the right side.
This shirt would work very well with a suit in most shades of grey, black or blue and while it isn’t the sort of shirt you would wear every day it’s the sort of shirt you can use to make some impact when image really counts.
Great post!! Thanks very much for the contest, too.
My entry is:
1) Fabric choice: #4-3-3
2 ) Collar style: Straight Point Collar
3) Cuff type: Square Edge French Cuff
4) Breast pocket style: Diamond Cut Pocket
1) 4-8-14
2) Classic Spread Collar
3) Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
4) Rounded Pocket
If could have a custom shirt it would stand out – and I think the above would do it.
My ideal shirt would be non-white, spread-collar with french or barrel cuffs. But I guess it would depend on the occasion (work, leisure, evening). Here are my choices for the custom shirt
1) 4-6-49
2) Classic Spread Collar
3) Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
4) No packet
Thnaks
1) #4-6-13
2) Medium spread. I don’t have any spread collared shirts, so this is my chance to branch out
3) Rounded French cuffs
4) Square left breast pocket
I wear a shirt and tie every day at the seminary which I attend, so this would be a nice new look since I could never afford this out of my own pocket. And I am single, so maybe the new look will help in that area too
My girlfriend went to Ireland and brought me back a pair of Guinness cuff links, so my ideal shirt would have to be one that goes with the cuffs.
#4-1-41
Straight point collar
Square edge french cuff
Diamond cut pocket on the left breast
Regular front
Centered box pleat for the back
Simple, yet classy.
What a terrific contest. If I win, I’m likely to wear it for a week just to show it off.
1) Fabric- 4-6-68
2) Collar – straight point
3)Cuff- 2 button cut corner
4) no pocket
In the article you did not mention anything about button down collars. Are they a no-no for a formal shirt?
Here is my ideal shirt: Fabric: #4-6-36, Classic Button down collar (unless its a no-no), Contoured French Cuff Shirt, Left Diamond Cut breast pocket.
It would be great to win this shirt so that I can wear my cuff-links again. My previous French-Cuff shirt shrunk. (Well, maybe I grew)
Thanks for having this great contest.
My ideal shirt would be:
Fabric 4-6-69
Straight Point collar
Two button rounded-edge cuff
No breast pocket
Ideal shirt has to have French cuffs and be fitted otherwise they tend to balloon around me.
Fabric: #4-3-34
Collar type: Medium spread collar
Cuff type: Two button rounded-edge cuff
Breast pocket: No pocket
My ideal business shirt:
Fabric: #4-3-1
Collar: Regular business collar
Cuff type: Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
Breast pocket: No pocket
Cool opportunity…
I would rock:
Fabric: #4-6-5
Collar type: Classic Spread
Cuff type: Contoured French Cuff
Breast pocket: Diamond Cut
My wife would love me forever if I wore that
Peace & Manliness…
jc
The shirt I’d sport:
4-1-2 fabric,
classic spread collar,
one-button cut corner cuff, and
no pocket (i’m never going to use it so…)
BTW, really great giveaway
Fabric: #4-6-64
Collar type: Narrow Straight Point
Cuff type: Contoured French Cuff
Breast pocket: Square pocket
Simple, yet elegant. Works well with the suits I own and the versatility is great for someone who is on the job hunt and therefor lacks the funds to invest in a large wardrobe.
Fabric: #4-6-64
Collar Type: Narrow Straight Point
Cuff Type: Cut Corner Cuff
Breast Pocket: Square
Classic
Fabric; #4-6-16
Medium Spread Collar
Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
Diamond Cut Pocket
This site has some great giveaways
I like to think that my style is a classic fashionable look without appearing trendy. I have a body type that cannot be fit by the standard off the rack shirt, but want a custom shirt that is just as at home with a nice pair of jeans as with a $4000 custom suit. I think the following exemplifies that:
1) Fabric # 4-6-47 — more exciting that a solid, plus the dotted stripe is more modern
2) Classic Spread — I like a full windsor Knot and this leaves space to show it off
3) Two Button Square Edge — looks sharp when buttoned or unbutton the first to let loose a little
4) No pocket
My ideal shirt would be
1) # – 4-8-45
2) Classic Button Down
3) 2 button cut corner
4) No pocket
Another great article, lots of good advice.
Fabric:Essential Business Blue #4-7-78
Collar: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Breast Pocket: None
The shirt I would choose. Thanks again.
Joshua
Fabric- 4-6-85 (Love the color; paired with a good tie would knock it outta the park)
Collar: Regular Business
Cuff: Contoured French Cuff (I absolutely LOVE French cuffs and a fabric knot will tone it down just a little bit compared to cufflinks)
Pocket: Toss-up between no pocket and diamond pocket. Both look good.
My body type just does not allow me to wear off-the-rack shirts. I have to get nearly every one I purchase taken in since I have such broad shoulders compared to my waist size. Another great contest!
Fabric – Cotton – pre shrunk if possible. It has to be breathable. #4-3-3
Collar – Classic Button Down Collar
Cuff – No particular preference but if I have to choose, it would be Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Pocket: I would go for a square pocket that is deep enough to actually drop a pen in. Rounded or Diamond cut pockets tend to make pens move towards the center of the pocket and I like my pen to stay put on the inside edge of the pocket.
Something icy blue and classy in a european cut.
Fabric: #4-8-31
Collar type: Classic Spread
Cuff type: Square Edge French Cuff
Breast pocket: None
My ideal shirt is:
1) Cotton #4-8-50
2) Spread collar
3) French Cuff
4) with NO breast pocket
Thanks!
Great Giveaway!
My Idea Dress Shirt:
Fabric: 4-7-78
Collar: Straight Point, Moderate length
Cuff: One Button Rounded Edge
Breast Pocket: Diamond Cut Left side
1: Black 4-1-41
2:Regular Business Collar
3:One Button Square edge
4: No pocket
Simple quiet quality
My ideal shirt is:
1)Ideal cotton: 4-6-79
2) Spread collar
3) French Cuff
4) with NO breast pocket
Let’s keep it classy
Great stuff!! Thank you for the insight!
I guess my ideal would be…
#4-6-47
Regular Business Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
No Pocket
Thanks for holding the contest!
I only recently discovered your website and have been so impressed thus far by the time and attention paid to real men and an appreciation of what manliness ought to be rather than the poor cliche it has become. Hard work, faithfulness to one’s friends and family and strength of character. Just not enough appreciation for that or striving to become that these days.
That said, what a great contest idea! So excited at the possibility of such a high-end and classic shirt; thanks to A Tailored Suit and Art of Manliness for sponsoring it.
If I had to choose, my ideal shirt would be as follows:
* Material: #4-6-64 (White Herringbone)
* Classic Spread Collar
* Contoured French Cuff
* No Pocket
* Covered Panel Front Style
* Plain Back
* Monogram: MWR on right cuff in black script
* As an extra note: Form fit: it’s so hard finding good shirts that fit in the neck and sleeve but are still slim.
To echo one of the above comments, hopefully this would be a shirt my grandfather would approve of and wear.
Once again, thanks for such a great contest!
Mike
1) Orange #4-2-6
2) Classic spread collar
3) Square edge French cuff
4) No pocket
Thanks! I’ve always wanted to try a shirt from this vendor – hope I win!
You’ve always got the coolest contests.
My perfect shirt?
1) Fabric: Poplin, white and red stripe on a light blue background, #4-6-30
2) Collar: Straight Point Collar
3) Cuff: Contoured French Cuff
4) Pocket: No Pocket
Fabric: ID# 4-6-20
Collar type: Straight point
Cuff type: Rounded edge French cuff
Breast pocket: Square pocket on left breast.
Thanks for putting this up
Just started reading this blog – Awesome contest
—
My ideal dress shirt -
#1 – Properly fitted!!! – For me that means a strong taper from the shoulders down to my waist. (I guess A Tailored Suit calls it a “form fit”)
Fabric – Lavenders are my meat and potatoes, something with a muted but complex pattern like 4-8-34
Collar Type – Standard Business – I like to show off my ties, but the spread collars just don’t like my face
Cuff – Square Edge French – It’s classic, what else can I say
Pocket – Diamond cut pocket on the left side
Panel Front with a Center Box Pleat and there it is – my Ideal shirt
My ideal shirt:
1) # 4-3-3 Blue
2) Classic spread collar
3) Rounded edge french cuff
4) no breast pocket
Fabric: 4-6-85.
Size: 15 1\2, sleeves 36
Fit: tailored.
Collar: Medium Spread.
Cuffs: one button cuff corner cut
Pocket: None
Front: Regular front
Pleats: Side Pleats
I wish I had known about site’s like A Tailored Suit before. I hate the fit and style of most store bought cloths.
I am an attorney, so my perfect shirt is pretty conservative, but with my own flair.
1)White Herringbone pattern, #4-6-64
2) Collar: Wide Spread Collar
3) Cuff: Contoured French Cuff
4) Pocket: Diamond cut pocket, normally I would go for no pocket, but they are needed for practical purposes.
5) Panel front
Alright, well since this would be the perfect birthday present, why not.
Fabric: #4-6-64
Collar: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff Type: Contoured French Cuff
Pocket: Diamond Cut Pocket, Left Side
If A Tailored Suit are willing to do it, I will also take that with side pleats and a covered panel front. Oh and just the regular shirt fit. But that’s only if they’re willing to do these as well, I’ve noticed that you only mention 4 parts that they’ll customize if we get picked, but some other gentlemen have made further remarks, and I will too if given the option (and if the shirt remains free). Thank you to The Art of Manliness blog and to A Tailored Suit for allowing this great contest to occur! Congratulations to whomever wins this contest.
My ideal dress shirt is a black-tie, soft-front, turn-down collar shirt for semi-formal occasions. It should be form-fitting with a classic spread collar that best suits my medium-long face. It should be true to the black tie tradition of the 1930’s with wide or “box” pleats on the front and a Marcella bosom and cuffs. French cuffs will be appropriate preferably utilizing 2 cuff links to match my height. Also desired is a bib front with a trouser tab to keep it neatly tucked in for a crisp sharp appearance.
1) Fabric Choice: White Twill 100% Cotton #4-6-79
2) Collar Style: Classic Spread Collar
3) Cuff Type: Square French Cuff
4) Breast Pocket Style: none
Hmm, ideal shirt would be:
Fabric: #4-2-2
Collar: Narrow Straight Point Collar
Cuff Type: Contoured French Cuff
Pocket: Diamond Cut Pocket, Left Side
Front: Covered Panel
Back: Centered Box Pleat
Fit: Regular
This makes for a nice formal dress shirt with a hint of Oriental styling which helps to distinguish from the rest of the crowd and plays up the blue colour and the light cotton weave. Oriental shirts are usually white but I like the pop the blue would give, also a button tie would accentuate the neck to balance the narrow straight point collar that draws the face.
Just my thoughts.
I would love one of these shirts. They look amazing.
1) fabric 4-6-69
2) Regular Business Collar
3) One Button Cut Corner Cuff
4) no pocket
Thanks!!!
I’m looking for something a bit more casual for country wear, but with a very classic look. (Ideally it would go well with a tweed suit.)
Something like:
Fabric: #4-6-5
Cuff: Two Button Square Edge Cuff
Pocket: None
Front: Panel
Fit: Regular
100% Cotton
#4-6-59
Classic Spread Collar
Contoured French Cuff
Diamond Cut pocket
Panel Front Style
Plain Back
My ideal shirt would be versatile – classic enough to wear to the office with a suit, yet stylish enough to wear on a night out with jeans.
I’ll go with:
Fabric: 4-6-78
Collar: Regular business
Cuff: One button square edge
Breast pocket: None
I’m going for a banker look:
Fabric: Blue w/ white stripes, #4-6-29
Medium Spread Collar
Rounded Edge French Cuff
Diamond cut breast pocket on the left
My ideal shirt:
-dark, solid color that goes with my skin tone
-slim fit & makes me look taller
-no pockets
excellent idea for a competition!
#4-6-7
Medium Spread Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
NO pocket
Regular Front
Plain back
My ideal shirt-
Fabric Color: #4-2-5
Straight Point Collar
One Button Rounded Edge Cuff
Square Pocket
Colour: White
Collar: Point
Cuffs: French
My Ideal Dress Shirt:
Colour: #4-3-2
Form fit
Classic Spread Collar
Square Edge French Cuffs
Centered Box Pleat
Panel Front Style
No Breast Pocket
Hello,
I would like my custom shirt to look like a custom shirt therefore it needs the type of detail generally not found off the rack.
I would go for:
Fabric 4-6-40 – blue striped distinguished
Collar – classic spread collar
Cuffs – Rounded edge French cuffs
Front: Panel Front
Fit: regular
Pocket: No Pocket (never put anything in a shirt pocket anyway!)
To make it a little different again I would go for White cuffs and collar.
Cheers
Peter
Ideal Shirt:
Color: 4-6-63
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff: Rounded French Cuff
Pocket: No Pocket
#4-7-89
Pointed collar
French Cuffs
No pocket please.
Ooh, this is fun.
My ideal shirt:
Color: #4-1-41 (pure black, makes a nice fancy look with a black suit)
Medium spread collar, on the taller side
Square cut french cuffs
No pocket
I’ve been trying to get my Sweetie to go and get a suit made for himself, but he doesn’t want to go. Everyone in NYC has great fitting suits. He loves online shopping so maybe this will be the start to his love of custom suits and shirts.
I like:
Fabric: #4-6-7
Collar type: Straight point style
Cuff type: One Button Square Edge Cuff
Breast pocket: square pocket
I’d have to go with:
Fabric: #4-8-30
Collar type: Medium spread collar
Cuff type: Contoured French Cuff
Breast pocket: Left diamond cut pocket
Hmm…
I’m really fond of my solid light green dress shirt. It’s cotton with a pointed collar and plastic buttons.
Sub out the buttons, replace them with mother-of-pearl, and that would have to be my ideal dress shirt, or at least really close to it.
#4-6-11
Classic Button-down collar
Rounded edge French cuff
Left rounded pocket
Panel front
Centered box pleat back
Since I have most of the basics (whites and blues in both button-down and spread/point, with barrel cuffs), the ideal dress shirt for me now is an interesting but not flashy patterned shirt that will add some variety to my wardrobe. I’m also interested in French cuffs, since my grandpa handed down a whole box of cuff links to me when he died last March.
Fabric # 4-6-70
Classic Spread Collar
Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
Square Pocket
4-8-45
Classic Spread Collar
Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
No Pocket
Fabric # 4-7-89
Classic Spread Collar
Contoured French Cuff
No Pocket
Panel Front
Plain Back
No Monogram
Form Fit
Fabric: #4-3-1 or #4-6-79 (if the 4-3-1 doesn’t qualify as being over $149)
Collar Style: Straight Point Collar
Cuff Type: Square Edge French Cuff
Breast Pocket Style: None
Perfect shirt for interviews and making great first impressions.
Ooh baby, ooh baby! A new shirt will come in great while searching for a new job!
Fabric# 4-6-64
Medium Spread Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
No Pocket
Thank you, thank you AoM
I really enjoy all of Tony’s posts. This would be just incredible to win.
Fabric: 4-6-11
Collar: Classic Buttoned Down
Cuff: Single Button Rounded Edge
No Pocket
Thanks.
My custom shirt would have:
1. Fabric: #4-6-40 (blue stripe)
2. Regular Business Collar
3. Contoured French Cuff
4. Diamond Cut Breast Pocket
Thanks, AoM!
Color: #4-6-79
Collar: Straight Point Collar
Cuff: Square Edge French Cuff
Pocket: Square Pocket
Fabric: #4-6-71
Collar: Regular Business
Cuff: Two Button Rounded
Pocket: Diamond Cut
Good luck everyone, and thanks to AoM.
Fabric #4-6-5
Classic Spread Collar
One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Diamond Cut Pocket
Panel Front Style
Centered Box Pleat
Form Fit
I have been considering buying this shirt for a long time
I love a good two-ply cotton twill with a nice pattern, and loud is good.
Fabric #4-8-86 seems to fit the bill nicely.
Regular Business Collar, Two Button Cut Corner Cuff, and no breast pocket.
And of course, the perfect shirt will have to fit perfectly…
Fabric #4-3-1
Classic Spread Collar
Rounded Edge French Cuff
No Pocket
Regular Front Style
Plain Back
Regular Fit
A good shirt may finally motivate me to get bespoke dress blues made!
Thanks AoM!
I thoroughly enjoy your articles on properly fitting garments. A custom dress shirt – one that doesn’t have enough excess fabric to make a shirt for one of my kids? Now that would be sweet.
1) Fabric: #4-6-68
2) Collar: straight point
3) Cuff: 2-button cut corner
4) Pocket: none
A custom shirt would take my wardrobe to a new level.
1) Fabric: #4-8-18
2) Collar: Classic Spread Collar
3) Cuff: 2-button cut corner
4) Pocket: none
Ideal shirt:
1) Fabric: #4-6-29
2) Collar: Narrow Straight Point Collar
3) Cuff: Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
4) None
As a side note:
Regular Front Style
Centered Box Pleat for the back
Form fit.
Thanks guys!
My ideal shirt:
1) Fabric: #4-6-81
2) Collar: Point collar
3) Cuffs: French Cuffs
4) Pocket: Diamond Cut
Fabric: #4-2-2
Collar type: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff type: One Button Square Edge Cuff
Breast pocket: square pocket
Fabric # 4-6-64
Classic Straight Point Collar
Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
Square Pocket
1) Fabric: $4-8-22
2) Classic Straight Point Collar
3) One-Button Square Edge Cuff
4) None
Glad that the site is bringing out the issues of off-the-rack shirts…for me, they always are too big at the waist and puff up around my torso after being tucked in (i.e. they never stay tucked in…). Switched to more fitted clothing (though not professionally tailored) and that made all the difference; i’m sure taking the next step would be that much better!
Standard White
1) #4-6-64
2) Classic Straight Point
3) French
4) None
Fabric: #4-6-68
Collar: regular business collar
Cuff Type: 2-button cut corner cuff
Breast Pocket: diamond cut, left side
Front: Panel front style
Back: side pleats
My custom shirt:
Fabric: #4-6-88
Collar: Straight point
Cuff Type: 2-Button square cuff
Breast Pocket: Diamond cut, left side
A classic white for me:
fabric #4-6-64
straight point collar
1-button rounded edge cuff
no breast pocket
My custom shirt
Fabric – #4-8-24
Collar – Narrow Straight Point
Cuff – Contoured French
Breast Pocket – None
Back – Plain Back
Front – Regular front
Thanks for bringing up these issues. I hate seeing guys wearing shirts puffed up at the waist. This isn’t a middle school formal, it’s the real world.
Fabric 4-6-36
Collar medium spread
cuff countoured french
no pocket
Custom shirt:
Fabric: #4-6-87
Collar: Regular Business Collar
Cuff type: Two Button Square Edge Cuff
Breast pocket: Left
The perfect shirt is a solid, light blue power shirt. It has a medium weight fabric (good for layering in the winter and yet light enough to be worn on warm sunny days). The shirt needs to be traditional and classy at first glance but have some quirky flare upon closer inspection.
Shirt: #4-3-3
Collar: Medium Spread
Cuff: 2 button, cut corner cuff
Breast Pocket: None
Front Shirt Style: Panel Front Style
Back: Plain
Fit: Form Fit
My Ideal dress shirt.
1. Must change color whenever I want it to. That way if I am out of a certain color of slacks my shirt can adjust.
2. Must be stain proof…especially coffee
3. Must be completely wrinkle proof…and I mean it. I mean ideally the thing would iron itself every hour or so.
4. A great dress shirt would have interchangeable collars. That way you could adjust it to whether you are wearing a tie/bow tie or nothing.
5. It would be custom fit and have nano technology built it to create more fabric…if needed.
That would be my ideal shirt, unrealistic, but we were supposed to have flying cars by now!
My Ideal dress shirt.
1. Must change color whenever I want it to. That way if I am out of a certain color of slacks my shirt can adjust.
2. Must be stain proof…especially coffee
3. Must be completely wrinkle proof…and I mean it. I mean ideally the thing would iron itself every hour or so.
4. A great dress shirt would have interchangeable collars. That way you could adjust it to whether you are wearing a tie/bow tie or nothing.
5. It would be custom fit and have nano technology built in it to create more fabric…if needed.
That would be my ideal shirt, unrealistic, but we were supposed to have flying cars by now!
The ideal shirt should fit neatly, form an orchastrated composition with the rest of the suit and follow the customary formalism. With that in mind, I would say that the shirt that fits that description best is:
1) #4-2-1 White
2) Classic Spread Collar
3) Contoured French Cuff
4) No breast pocket
4-6-85
Straight Point collar
Contoured French Cuff
Diamond Pocket Left
My ideal manly dress shirt has a close and comfortable fit to my body. Made of a light enough fabric that won’t cause me to sweat under normal outside temperature. And Is a color that can match well with both dark and light colored dress pants.
Fabric: #4-7-86
Collar type: Regular Business Collar
Cuff type: Square Edge French Cuff
Breast pocket: None
My favorite dress shirt was a plum-colored store-bought. Medium collar, one pocket, and slightly tapered at the ribs, so it accentuated the shoulders and chest. I stopped wearing it a while ago as I gained weight and the sleeves kept shrinking. Kind of a shame to not see that color represented in the builder. That being said, though…
Fabric #4-6-88
Collar: Medium Spread
Cuff type: One Button Square Edge Cuff
Breast Pocket: Left
Front: Panel Front Style
Back: Plain
Regular Fit
My ideal shirt would be
#4-6-17
Medium spread collar
Contoured French Cuff
No Pocket
Regular front and plain back
Just keep it simple with a touch of sophistication
My ideal dress shirt would be form fitted, worn with just the right tie to pull things together or by itself as the center of attention under one of my usually dark jackets.
Fabric #4-3-6 (yes, pink)
Collar: Classic Spread
Cuffs: Contoured French
Pocket: None
Panel Front and Side Pleats
describing your ideal dress shirt and specify 1) your fabric choice (include a reference #), 2 ) collar style, 3) cuff type, and 4)breast pocket style.
Definitely something slim and made of a subtly unusual fabric.
1. Fabric #4-8-90
2. High straight point collar
3. Contoured French Cuffs
4. No pocket
My ideal shirt (in actuality)
1) #4-1-41 (Black)
2) Tonsure Style Clergy collar (or, at least, a collar that will work with a neckband clergy collar, usually a mandarin style shirt collar fits this necessity).
3) Rounded Edge French Cuff
4) Square Pocket
My ideal shirt (for the contest)
1) #4-6-79 (White)
2) Classic Spread Collar
3) Rounded Edge French Cuff
4) Square Pocket
Fabric: 4-3-4
Collar: Classic Straight Point
Cuff: 2 button cut corner
Pocket: Left- rounded
Collar:Classic Spread
Cuff:two Button, corner cut
Pocket: Left, Diamond Cut
Fabric: 4-8-64
Custom shirt:
Fabric: #4-6-64
Collar:Narrow Straight Point Collar
Cuff type: Square Edge French Cuff
Breast pocket: none
Fabric: #4-6-79
Collar type: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff type: Contoured French Cuff
Breast pocket: No Pocket
1) 4-8-45
2) Classic Spread
3) One Button Cut Corner Cuff
4) None
Great idea for a contest. Now I have a chance to get the shirt that suits (no pun intended) my collection of ties.
Fabric # 4-6-79
Straight point collar
French contoured cuff – how cool is that?
Regular front
Center box pleat for the back
Diamond pocket on left
Black, block monogram “LTT” on right cuff (opposite the watch side of course)
This would be very cool! Thanks much.
Here goes nothing!
4-3-1 Fabric
Classic Spread Collar
Contoured French Cuff
No Pocket
I would have to go with:
1.) #4-6-79 (white, alittle boring but you can’t go wrong with it.)
2.) spread collar
3.) one button cut corner cuff
4.) no pocket (never use shirt pockets)
I love the work you guys put into this site. It’s one of my daily reads.
1. Fabric: #4-6-68
2. Straight Point Collar
3. Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
4. No Pocket
I’m a very large guy with no stomach so my dress shirts never fit well and I can’t afford to get a nice tailored shirt. So my choice would be:
1) #4-1-41
2) Straight Point Collar
3) Contoured French Cuff
4) No Breast Pocket
I’d like a dress shirt that was
1.) #4-6-75
2.) classic button down collar
3.) one button cut corner cuff
4.) square pocket
I’m a fairly skinny guy so I’ve always had trouble getting shirts that fit correctly, especially in getting shirts that don’t end up billowing around my waist.
Fabric: #4-6-79
Collar: Medium Spread Collar
Cuff: One Button Cut Corner Cuff
Breast Pocket: No Pocket
Fabric: #4-8-29
Collar type: Straight point collar
Cuff type: Rounded edge French cuff
Breast pocket: Square pocket
1) #4-6-14
2) Collar: Pinned Collar
3) Cuff: Contoured French Cuff
4) Breast Pocket: Diamond Cut Pocket
1)# 4-6-88
2) Collar: Regular Business Collar
3) Cuff: Contoured French Cuff
4) Diamond Cut Pocket on Left
Panel Front and Side Pleats
It’s hard to find good looking shirts for beefy guys.
I would go for a venerable wardrobe workhorse, with a pattern and other features that says “I didn’t buy this at Macy’s.” Such as:
#4-6-69
Medium spread collar
Square edge French cuffs
No pocket
panel front/side pleat back
and a left cuff monogram to finish it off.
I know, I know, it’s blue, but that’s the beauty of it. If this is going to be my very first shirt of this quality, I want to be able to wear it with a lot of stuff!
#4-6-17
Medium Spread Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
Square Pocket
Ever since seeing James Bond in a tux with his french cuff style sleeves I’ve wanted that same look. Nothing says stylish and manly like wearing the untimate men’s jewelry, the cufflinks! Unfortunately, I’m a tall guy and that kind of think doesn’t come cheap for me. Custom Shirts is the only way to go.
Great article. My ideal shirt would be…
Fabric: #4-6-46
Collar: Straight point
Cuff: Two button cut
Pocket: Diamond
Great contest!
My ideal shirt:
1) Fabric – #4-6-18 – “Red”
2) Classic Spread Collar
3) One Button Square Edge Cuff
4) Square Pocket
Color: #4-6-79
Collar: Regular Business Collar
Cuff: Two Button Cut Corner Cuff
Pocket: Diamond Cut Pocket
My ideal shirt would be one that fits. My neck is 17″ and waist is 34″. Off the rack, if the shirt fits my neck the body is way too large. If it fits my body the top button will not button. Even Brooks Brothers “slim fit” is like wearing a sail.
Fabric 4-6-64
Collar Straight Point
Cuff Two Button Cut Corner
Pocket Rounded, left breast
Fabric 4-6-36
Collar Classic Button Down
Cuff Contour French
No Pocket
Fun contest! I like to dream. If I am going to have a custom made dress shirt, it’s might as well be versatile : I’ll go for a regular fit, light 100% cotton white shirt. Medium spread collar, left rounded pocket, two button corner cuffs, panel front style and center box pleat back. This draw is open to canadians eh?
I need a classic white dress shirt that’ll look just as great with my black suit as it will with my favorite jeans. As an athletic guy, it’s always tough finding a perfect fit.
Fabric: #4-3-1
Collar: straight point
Cuff: one-button, rounded edge
Pocket: square pocket
Choice of fabric: #4-2-5 Gray
Medium spread collar
Square edge French Cuff
Square cut pocket (left side)
I think this shirt would look good with a wide range of business and casual attire.
Wooh! This sounds really interesting, I never knew there were so many design options for dress shirts!
From what they have, the combo I like best is:
ID# 4-6-66
Classic Spread Collar
Contoured French Cuff
No Pocket
Panel Front Style
Side Pleats
I would love to have a tailored shirt!
#4-6-64
Regular Business Collar
One button rounded
No pocket
Plain back
Although I was just a lowly clerk I fantasized about the day when I’d have enough f-you money to buy a dress shirt with my initials on the sleeve of a white dress shirt that had french cuffs adorned with sophisticated cuff links. The tabbed collar would accent my tie which just so happened to compliment the pocket square I had recently received from my future wife as a gift for landing a major deal. I dreamed of a time that when I’d put on my cotton dress shirt I wouldn’t have a bunch of extra shirt hanging about my midsection making me look heavier than I actually was. Maybe, if I worked hard enough, I could eventually have a closet full of these shirts in various styles all tailored to fit. Right now all I wanted was one.
Cotton
Basic white # 4-6-64
Point collars
button cuffs
pocket
Good thoughts, and quite convenient, as I will be in need of a good fitted shirt soon for my job search. If nothing else, I now know EXACTLY what I need to get a quality dress shirt. Thanks!
Color: #4-6-88 Blue
Straight Point Collar
Two Button Rounded Edge Cuff
No Front Pocket
Regular Front
Centered Box Pleat Back
No Monogram
Regular Fit
Neck: 14.75
Full Chest: 38.5
Full Shoulder: 21.0
Right Sleeve: 24.5
Left Sleeve: 25.0
Bicep: 13.25
Wrist: 6.25
Stomach: 35.5
Normal Stance
Normal Shoulder Slope
Fit Chest
Normal Stomach
Normal Seat
A good shirt should just fit, and not feel constrictive. I have so many that find their way to goodwill because the fit is uncomfortable.
1) #4-6-67
2 ) Regular Business Collar
3) Rounded Edge French Cuff
4) No pocket
Fabric – #4-2-88
Collar: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff -Square edge French cuff
Breast Pocket – none
Fabric – #4-6-39
Collar: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff -Square edge French cuff
Breast Pocket – none
Fabric: #4-1-41
Collar: Classic Spread Collar
Cuff: Button Cuffs
Pocket: non
Thanks for the contest guys! You rock!
Fabric #4-6-33
Collar – Point Collar
French Cuff
No Breast Pocket
great contest.
Great contest! Thanks AoM and ATS. And good luck to the other contestants.
1) fabric choice – 4-8-61 (Poplin, blue and white checks.)
2) collar style – classic spread
3) cuff type – square edge French
4) breast pocket style – none
Front Shirt Style – regular
Back Shirt Style – side pleats
Overall Shirt Fit – Form
Monogram – (classy!) “mod” on the right cuff, yellow color, block font style
Related to the “Role of Seasons” in the ATS Style Guide, I recommend the book “Color for Men”. I got a used copy for a few bucks in Amazon. It goes into detail as far as helping you determine which of the 4 seasons you are. Also has pretty good general advise for dressing your best, depending on your face shape, body type, and so forth.
i’d shoot for the basic look!
Fabric: #4-3-1 White
Regular Business Collar
Square Edge French Cuff
No Breast Pocket
Panel Front Shirt Style
Plain Back
Form Fitting
Thanks for all you guys do,
For the give-a-way the “skin” measurements are,
15 1/2″ neck
39 1/2″ full chest
20” full shoulder width
27 1/2″ right arm
28” left arm
13″ bicep
7 1/2″ wrist
35” waist/stomach
sorry, I forgot to put in a few things
cotton fabric
#4-6-64 color
French cuff
and a point collar
I am looking for a wild dress shirt with a white collar, white french cuffs, and a white front panels in order to look like I am in uniform during formal functions and then show some attitude later on.
1. #4-2-2
2. Medium Spread Collar
3. One Button Cut Corner Cuff
4. No Pocket
5. Regular Front Style
6. Side Pleats (Back)
7. No Monogram
8. Regular Fit –
I like the blue and black pinstripes: #4-6-4
Medium spread collar
One-button cut corner
No pocket
Thanks!
My perfect dress shirt would be in cotton fabric, white small check on a blue background (ID# 4-6-69), with a straight point collar, contoured French cuff, and no front pocket. I think the results would be beautiful.
Colored checks for casual outdoors or matched with a blazer for work.
Fabric #4-6-1
Regular business collar
Two button square-edge cuff
Square pocket
Ideal Shirt:
1. Cotton #4-6-73 Blue
2. Straight Point Collar
3. One Button Square Edge Cuff
4.Square-cut pocket – Left side
My shirt –
#4-6-47 Multicolor (cotton); straight point, 1 button cut corner cuff, and diamond-cut pocket on left
Ideal Shirt:
1) 4-6-69 Blue
2) Straight Point Collar
3) One Button Rounded Edge Cuff
4) Square pocket
My ideal shirt:
Slim Fit
Reference #4-6-68 (the light blue herringbone)
2 Button cut-corner cuff
Medium spread collar
No pocket
My ideal shirt would be a bit classy but versatile:
1) Solid White Herringbone ID# 4-6-64
2) Classic Spread Colar
3) One button square edge barrel cuff
4) No breast pocket
Thanks for all the gentlemanly advice.
My ideal dress shirt:
1. Fabric ID# 4-6-48
2. Straight Point Collar
3. Contoured French Cuff
4. No Pocket
I can only imagine the feeling and confidence of sporting a perfectly fit shirt. I have never owned a custom tailored shirt. Reading your article was eye opening and inspiring as usual. I wait with fingers crossed.
White #4-1-1
Narrow straight point collar
square edge french cuff
no pocket
panel front
center box pleat
regular fit
1 important thing if this is really a custom shirt: the collar must fit to hide a long neck so that, when I’m wearing the shirt, the back of the collar is displayed properly.
And, no matter what, a white shirt calls for a light grey undershirt ,invisible under the shirt, unlike a white shirt, which usually “shines” through.
For me, the classic look can’t be beat. Fashion trends come and go, but the classics endure forever. Also, my sense of dress clothing is deeply ingrained from watching the Bond films too many times growing up. So, keeping that in mind, my ideal dress shirt would be:
Fabric #4-2-2 Blue
Classic spread collar
2-Button, square-edge cuff (since I don’t see my preferred cuff)
No Pocket!
Panel Front
Side Pleats
A fit somewhere between form and regular.
1. Fabric #4-6-30
2. Straight Point Collar
3. One Button Cut Corner Cuff
4. No breast pocket
Awesome giveaway…
thanks guys
Fabric: 4-2-1
Collar: Medium Spread
Cuff: Square Edge French
Pocket: None
Just lost 30 pounds, so it would be awesome to wear a dress shirt that finally fits properly! Here are my specs:
Fabric: 4-6-25
Collar: business point
Square french cuff
Diamond cut pocket
I love this blog!
Great article, I just finished Life’s little Instruction book, and one of the things it said was to own a tailor made shirt, so I would like to own at least one shirt that was made for me and me only.
Fabric: ID# 4-6-47
Medium spread collar
One button rounded edge cuff
No pocket.
I’ve been dying to get a custom tailored shirt and suit for a while. Just need to come up with some extra money to SUIT UP!
Thanks for setting up this contest. Here’s my entry.
Fabric: #4-6-62
Medium Spread Collar
Contoured French Cuff
Contoured French Cuff
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