25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Is the dress shirt all you have in your wardrobe? Check out 25 more types of shirts that you could get to build an exciting wardrobe.
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Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
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Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
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A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 16, 2023
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A shirt is an indispensable clothing item in men’s and women’s wardrobes. It is comfortable and versatile. Shirts come in various designs, quality, and material. Very few people are aware of all the different styles of shirts available as they only keep a few familiar designs. Whether you are a barista, lawyer, or businessman, there is no excuse for monotony. Anyone can be spruced and stylish with a little variation in their wardrobe.

You should pick a shirt that suits your style and needs and is within your budget. This article will help you choose different types of shirts for expanding your wardrobe. You will also get to know what’s trending in 2023 and how you can incorporate it into your style.

Types of Shirts for Men

1. Dress shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

This is a wardrobe basic that virtually all men have in their closets. A dress shirt has long sleeves, a stiff collar, and button-up fronts. It comes in myriad colors and fabrics, including polyester and cotton, though cotton is more common. For office and formal events, a plain dress shirt with fewer patterns is a popular choice for men.

A dress shirt is best worn with a blazer or jacket and chino pants. Tuck it in and complement it with a tie. Avoid folding its sleeves.

2. Button-up

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Button-up shirts are regular shirts with buttons running up their front. They do not have extra buttons on the collar. The shirts come in short and long sleeves, with or without pockets. Some have a collar; some don’t. You can get a button-up shirt in any color with or without patterns to pair up with jeans or formal trousers. Tuck or untuck the shirt and style it with studs and a good watch to complete the look.

3. Button-down shirts

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Bottom-down shirts are pretty similar with bottom-up shirts. The only difference is that they have two buttons on each side of the collars. They come in various materials, including cotton, polyester, and synthetic, with multiple color and pattern options. The best way to style a button-up shirt is to wear it with casual jackets or formal blazers, chinos, and boots. You can also wear it over a t-shirt and leave the buttons open for a sporty look.

4. Oxford shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

An oxford shirt is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing a man should own. It is comfortable and sleek. It comes in different styles, but the most common is button-down collars with full or half sleeves. The most distinguishing thing about the Oxford shirt is its fabric. The shirt gets its name from the Oxford weave, which is a basket weave that involves combining two yarns woven lengthwise and a heavier yarn crosswise.

You can achieve a professional and casual look with the oxford shirt. For a professional look, put on slim-fitting trousers and tuck in the Oxford shirt, then throw on a jacket and a pair of loafers. Pair the Oxford shirt with skinny, dark denim jeans and a pair of boots for a casual look.

5. Denim shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

According to Forbes Trusted Source Menswear: The Best Denim Brands And Trends In 2021 What better time than fall 2021 to refresh your denim styles. Throughout most of this great nation, the mercury is dropping, leaves are changing color, and you are gearing-up to replace your summer pieces with fresh fall essentials. With that being said, there is one fashion staple that every man must have—a good pair of jeans. www.forbes.com , Denim is one of the most worn fabrics in the world. A denim shirt is more common among millennials and Gen Z because it is stylish, versatile, and durable. Denim shirts barely have patterns but include two chest pockets. You can pair up a denim shirt with jeans or trousers and boots. You can also wear it on top of a black or white t-shirt with sneakers for a casual look.

6. Cuban collar shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

This is a shirt that mostly comes in short sleeves and has an open neck with a straight, boxy hem. It is also known as a camp collar shirt. The shirt is popular for its unique collar and ability to flatter all body shapes. It comes in polyester and synthetic materials in multiple colors and patterns that make it easy to pair with anything.

7. Chambray shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Chambray shirts are often mistaken for denim as they have similar look and feel. Chambray shirts have a smoother and lighter fabric that you can comfortably wear during summer. As it is considered semi-formal wear, you can pair a chambray shirt with anything, including jeans, khakis, formal shoes, or loafers.

8. Checkered shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

This is another wardrobe basic for all men, regardless of age and size. The different types of checkered shirts include; madras checks, shepherd’s checks, gingham checks, and tartan plaid checks, among others. You can find checkered patterns on different shirt styles like linen, formal, casual, flannel, and business. The classic way to don a checkered shirt is pairing it with denim jeans. You can throw on a cap for a more casual look.

9. Aloha shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Aloha shirts are a must-have for vacationing at the beach or a resort. The shirts’ origin is Hawaii, hence the name Aloha. They come in short sleeves and have various bold, floral, and leaf patterns. You can get them in any type of fabric, including silk and cotton. The Aloha shirt is best worn untucked with casual pants, shorts, or a bathing suit.

10. Linen shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

A linen shirt is one of the most comfortable clothing items you should have in your wardrobe. It is lightweight and highly breathable because of its low thread counts. It is a perfect summer wear, and you can get it in long or short sleeves. Pair a linen shirt with dark blue denim jeans, chinos, or shorts for a casual look. You can also wear it to the beach with slip-ons, khakis, or shorts.

11. Casual shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Every man should own a casual shirt, irrespective of their career, lifestyle, or location. A casual shirt has the standard ‘shirt’ design, except its collars are less rigid and has different printings and patterns. Some have two chest pockets, like the denim shirt. Casual shirts are perfect for informal settings like weddings and parties. Pair a casual shirt with jeans and slip-on sneakers. They also go well with plain brown trousers and leather shoes.

12. Flannel shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Flannel shirts have a soft and unbrushed texture from their woven fabric that consists of wool and cotton. Many flannel shirts come in a checkered pattern, but you can get plain ones with the button-up and button-down styles. Flannel shirts are fantastic winter wear because of their long sleeves and warm, comfortable fabric. You can wear the shirt casually with jeans and joggers or professionally with chinos, and loafers.

13. Tuxedo shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

A Tuxedo shirt is a dress shirt meant to be worn with a Tuxedo only. It is known for its elite look and soft, comfortable, luxurious fabric. The shirt has unique collar styles and studs that have to be placed carefully. Unlike the typical shirt, the tuxedo shirt has a fabric strip for a placket with buttonholes and buttons running down its middle. You can wear a tuxedo shirt with a blazer and tailored trousers to a wedding. The shirt mostly comes in two colors; white and black, and you can complement it with a bow or tie.

14. Henley shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

A Henley shirt is a type of collarless t-shirt with few buttons on its front. It comes in long and short sleeves. The long sleeved kind look like a sweater with a narrow buttoning V-neck. Henley shirts are made with cotton or cotton/synthetic blend, thus are affordable and low-maintenance. They are a perfect way of adding versatility to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

15. Mandarin collar shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

This is one of the most elegant shirts you can add to your wardrobe for formal events. Also known as the band collar, the Mandarin shirt has a fine style that you can rely on for weddings, engagement parties and other serious events. The best thing about it is that you don’t have to wear a tie or a bow.

16. Polo shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Polo shirts scream ‘rich’ and ‘put together.’ They are stylish and sophisticated. You can wear them with anything, from sweatpants to shorts, as long you keep the lighter colors for vacation and the darker colors for dates and hangouts with friends.

17. Knitted shirts

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Nothing gives luxurious, but relaxed more than a knitted shirt. They come in different styles, including polo and you can pair them with your favorite jeans and sneakers for a casual, yet sophisticated look.

18. Short-sleeved shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

The classic short sleeved shirt should not miss in your wardrobe because what will you wear in summer? It comes in different styles and you can get several in various colors and prints. You can wear the shirts with shorts and jeans for a casual look, or chinos and slim-fit trousers for work.

Types of Shirts for Women

19. Blouse

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

A blouse is the classic shirt style for women. Blouses come in different styles; some have open necks, inverted necks, or Peter pan necks, and others have decorations like ruffles, embroidery or hoops. They also come in different materials including cotton and silk and may or may not have a collar and sleeves. Decorations like tassles, bows, and ties are added to blouses to give the shirt a feminine look. You can wear a blouse with legs, tailored pants, jeans, a skirt or dress; the options are endless.

20. T-shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

A t-shirt is a wardrobe essential for women just as it is for men. T-shirts for women come in various materials that have a distinct softness. You can get a plain t-shirt in any color and have something like an image or message printed on it. Whether it is short or long-sleeved, a t-shirt is easy to wear as it goes well with most bottoms, and can be worn to work, gym, or parties.

21. White button-up/button-down shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

Whether you borrow your boyfriend’s or get a new one, a white shirt is an indispensable companion. You can wear a white shirt in multiple ways for a casual or professional look. A white shirt is perfect for wearing to a business meeting if paired with tailored pants or skirt. You can also belt it and wear it with a mini-skirt and boots for a girls’ night out.

22. Denim shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

A denim shirt is a wardrobe essential for youngsters and millenials; both men and women. It is super-versatile, as you can pair it with a dress, skirt, jeans and pants. Throw on sneakers for a casual look, or a pair of heels for a more chic look.

23. Overshirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

An overshirt is a hit for women just as it is for men. It is perfect for the transitional season as you can wear it when it is too cold for a t-shirt alone or when it is too warm for a jacket. Besides keeping you warm, overshirts add a stylish touch to simple outfits. Pick a color that suits your style and play around with it to get the perfect look.

24. Sweatshirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

This is a loose, collarless type of shirt that looks like a pullover. It is made with a thick wool-like absorbent material that feels like a sweater, but is soft. A sweatshirt is meant to be worn during athletic activities like going to the gym, but you can wear it casually with jeans or matching sweatpants and sneakers.

25. Flannel shirt

25 Types of Shirts Every Man and Woman Should Have

A flannel shirt is a timeless clothing item that every woman should have in their wardrobe. It will keep you warm and make you look cool. You can get the traditional checkered flannel shirt or a plain colored one and wear it as an overshirt, with a tank top, or t-shirt and jeans.

Popular Styles of Shirts in 2024

Cropped button-up: According to Cosmopolitan Trusted Source 8 Major 2023 Fashion Trends You'll Be Seeing Everywhere Get ahead of ’em now. www.cosmopolitan.com , a cropped button-up shirt paired with trousers or a pleated mini is a hot look in 2023.

Extra-large shirts: According to Glamour magazine, extra-large t-shirts and other extra-large clothing are a trend that will grow in strength in the year 2023.

FAQ

What is the highest quality shirt fabric?

Cotton is the highest quality shirt fabric because of its breathability and durability. It is also low-maintenance.

What is the most breathable shirt material?

Cotton is the most breathable Trusted Source How to Pick the Most Breathable Fabrics | REI Co-op When the weather is hot, breathable fabric is a must. Learn what makes a fabric breathe well and what other features will help you stay cool. www.rei.com fabrics for a shirt. It is also versatile, as it is suitable for both casual and official shirts.

How can I customize my shirt?

You can get a shirt designer to make you a customized shirt or do it yourself if you have the right tools like best fabric cutting machines and the best fabric markers. You can find a shirt customization guide on Youtube for the exact design you desire.

Conclusion

The different styles of shirts for men and women on this shirt name list are enough proof that you should have more than the standard dress shirt in your wardrobe. Many women shirt styles get inspiration from men’s shirt styles. A prime example is the oversized white button-down shirt that is a wardrobe staple for the Millennial or Gen Z woman. You could easily steal your boyfriend’s, brother’s or dad’s white button-down and style it to rock the 2023 extra-large clothing trend.

When choosing different types of shirts to expand your wardrobe, consider comfort, ease of maintenance, your style, and versatility. Shirts like Polo and Oxford are the most versatile options a man can add to their wardrobe. A woman should not miss a blouse and a white button-down/ button-up shirt in their wardrobe.

References

1.
Menswear: The Best Denim Brands And Trends In 2021
What better time than fall 2021 to refresh your denim styles. Throughout most of this great nation, the mercury is dropping, leaves are changing color, and you are gearing-up to replace your summer pieces with fresh fall essentials. With that being said, there is one fashion staple that every man must have—a good pair of jeans.
2.
8 Major 2023 Fashion Trends You
Get ahead of ’em now.
3.
How to Pick the Most Breathable Fabrics | REI Co-op
When the weather is hot, breathable fabric is a must. Learn what makes a fabric breathe well and what other features will help you stay cool.
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