All types of men's shirts: detailed classification with photos

All shirts can be divided into formal (dress) and informal (casual). The main criterion for referring to one type or another is the relevance, conformity to the situation. The first should be worn at special events or worn at work, if required by the dress code. The second - in all other cases.

Basically, we determine the type of shirt by a combination of features: color, pattern, collar shape, fabric. One taken detail is often not enough: white can be both a strict and a casual shirt; checkered or striped patterns can be there and there. However, there is a factor that will accurately and without reservations indicate to us that the shirt belongs to a free style - incompatibility with a tie.

To knit a tie, a collar is required, in the design of which both a stand and a turn-down part would be present. Today we will talk about two types in which one of the elements is missing. These are the shirts that can be considered the most informal.

Open turn-down collar


This collar is stripped of a stand, which makes the neck more open, giving the shirt a completely relaxed look. In English, such a collar is called camp, or Cuban, or cabana collar, and the most obvious example would be "Hawaiian rabashka". Despite the fact that the associations are exclusively related to leisure and in the overwhelming majority of cases such shirts are not worn for work, there are models that are acceptable and even necessary for a change (because they look really interesting), from time to time to be worn in the office in the summer:


In this case, choose shirts that fit your figure, with fairly narrow sleeves. If a loose fit and wide sleeves are acceptable on vacation and carry some retro charm, then in the office it is better to appear in a shirt with a sharper silhouette.

In general, both heroes of today's post generally have a retro style, for example, the peak of popularity of an open collar falls on the 50-60s:

Shot from the film "Ball Lightning", 1965

A scene from the movie "The Talented Mr. Ripley"

However, their relevance has increased markedly in the last couple of years: many brands have begun to include such shirts in their assortment. For example, in the just released Uniqlo U collection, there are a couple of loose-fitting models with a camp-collar.

Shirts with an open flat collar are worn mostly without a jacket and are not tucked into trousers. However, not always: if you wish, you can tuck in and put on a light jacket. In this case, such a collar, in my opinion, is better to straighten.


As a rule, a short sleeve is more typical for a camp-collar, but models with a long one are not so rare. Here are a couple of examples:
Beige-Habilleur.com and MrPorter.com

Where else can you buy similar models:

Stand collar


An even more vintage collar. The most common English terms are band and grandad collar. The main upper part is absent here, but this does not make this type inferior, although it distinguishes it from the background of all the others, sets it a little apart.

The model has a longer history than the first type in our today's post: workers wore such shirts in the year before last and at the beginning of the last century. That is why they look very organically with clothes designed in style. The ideal option would be a shirt made of chambray or other textured cotton, plain gray or blue, or with a medium vertical stripe, as in the photo above.

Such shirts can be unbuttoned completely, or they often have a placket that only reaches the middle (half placket shirt) - they will have to be removed over the head.

At the same time, if desired, such shirts fit quite easily into an ordinary modern casual set, and with sports jackets and even suits.

There are not many places where you can buy them, unfortunately. They are today, again, in Uniqlo, as well as in foreign online stores:

There are even more interesting materials in our groups.

Shirts are divided into two types, fitted and straight. The classic shirts are straight-cut shirts, straight along the side seams with tucks on the back for a comfortable fit.

In turn, fitted shirts are divided into 2 types: less-fitting Bodi Fit shirts are fitted only along the side seams, Slim Fit shirts, fitted along the side seams and have darts on the back, create a more fitting silhouette. These shirts are usually worn for parties and informal events, where there is no strict dress code.

The arsenal of men's clothing is quite minimalistic, so small details, for example, the shape of a shirt collar, or original cuffs, allow you to add a noticeable variety to your wardrobe. In addition, the style of the collar dictates in which case one should wear one or another shirt, determines the type of tie and the type of knot.

The classic collar is a turn-down collar with pointed ends pointing slightly to the sides. Its size and shape may vary, but the classic line is always maintained. A classic collar is a required option for any formal event. You can use both a tie and a bow tie here. Almost any tie knots are suitable with such a collar, the main thing is to choose them depending on the density of the material so that the knot does not turn out to be too large.

Collar "Kent"

Collar "Kent" - a turn-down collar, with longer and sharper ends than the classic one, in the buttoned form it represents an acute-angled triangle. A shirt with this collar is versatile and will never go out of style. It goes well with ties and business suits of any cut, the only thing is that the knot on the tie should not be very large. For a tie made of medium-weight material - a simple knot, for a tie made of light fabric - a Half-windsor knot.

The Italian collar is similar to the classic collar, but with wider corners that are set wider than the classic collar. You can use both a tie and a bow tie here. The ends of such a collar are spread wide apart. This is ideal for people of small build and short stature, because it visually expands the cheekbones and shoulders. Almost any tie knots are suitable with such a collar, the main thing is to choose them depending on the density of the material so that the knot does not turn out to be too narrow.

French collar ("Shark")

French collar - a turn-down collar with ends of various shapes (cut, sharp, rounded, etc.), which are wide apart to the sides. When the collar is buttoned, an obtuse triangle forms and even an almost straight line. Ties for this collar must be selected from a dense material, counting on a large knot. For a tie made of lightweight materials, a Windsor knot is suitable, for a heavy, filled tie, a Half Windsor knot. You can also wear a bow tie. Such a collar does not suit everyone, since the reversal of its corners gives a horizontal line, and if the neck is short, it will shorten it even more.

Collar "Batten Down"

The "Batten Down" collar is a turn-down collar, the corners of which are fastened to the shirt with buttons. This collar is considered to be sporty, so shirts with this collar are preferred to be worn in their free time or to work. In this case, the tie is not the main attribute, and therefore many people prefer to do without it. A Batten Down collar shirt should not be worn for formal occasions, but can be worn with jumpers, cardigans or pullovers. The Batten Down collar works best with medium to narrow tie knots, but can also be worn with the top buttons open.

What type of shirt collar is right for you

Men with a standard figure are lucky - a shirt with any collar will suit them. But men with a special figure should not despair, because by choosing the right shirt, you can correct everything.

The most suitable option is the most unsuitable option

Features of the figure,
which I would like to fix
Classical "Kent" Italian French ("Shark")
Narrow face
Round face
Big head
Small head
Long neck
Short neck

Choosing a shirt, not every man will pay attention to such a miniature detail as a collar. Meanwhile, it is he who complements the image, makes it complete and bright. In addition, it is easy to determine by the collar whether it is worth making a purchase: to do this, you just need to button the shirt with the top button. If the neck does not tighten and you feel comfortable, take it.

How to choose the right collar?

  • The invariable rule is: be sure to consider your face type as well as the length of your neck. For example, if you have a face that is too long in the shape of an oval, then a short wide collar will visually correct it without any problems.
  • A high collar is taboo for a man with a short neck, but a low stand-up collar or a flat version will look perfect.
  • If you, on the other hand, have a long neck, then a high stand-up collar is the best fit.
  • For those whose parameters can be characterized by the word "average", experiments are prohibited: you need to choose a simple collar of medium length.
  • Men with a round face and thick neck should never wear a shirt with a collar that fastens with buttons. A small turn-down collar will not work either, but a model with sharp corners is fine.
  • Keep in mind that the collar and lapel of your jacket should be approximately the same width.

Collar types

There are several main types of collars, and each one has its own unique characteristics. If you are free to navigate in them, then you can easily choose the perfect shirt.

Classic collar

Best suited for those who prefer timeless classics, regardless of the choice of wardrobe detail. Over the years, this model has undergone some changes, and now the distance from the top button to the end of the collar is 7 cm, but otherwise it is still the same.

Looks best with a double-breasted blazer and pinstripe suits.

Italian collar

This collar is a salvation for short, thin men who are not satisfied with their appearance: it visually expands the cheekbones and shoulders. Now this type of collar is very popular.

Kent

This collar can be described as a cross between the two previous types. Its main difference is sharp corners, the ends of which are directed downward. This is a versatile option that fits into any wardrobe. It looks appropriate and stylish regardless of the setting.

To make the look brighter, you can buy a plain jacquard tie for a shirt with such a collar.

Butterfly

The name of this type speaks for itself: it looks best in combination with a bow tie. It is a small stand-up collar with pointed ends that curl to the side (at a 45 degree angle).

There is also another version of it - a double butterfly collar. It consists of two layers of fabric, while the upper one is slightly smaller and opens the lower one.

Mandarin

It is a low, tight-fitting stand-up collar. A shirt with such a collar is difficult to combine with something, but in its defense it should be said that most often the mandarin collar is preferred by designers who turn to bold, unusual options.

This collar is very stiff and strict, more popular in the West than here. Its distinctive feature is a strap on a special fastener, thanks to which the ends of the collar are attracted to each other, and its position is rigidly fixed. You should not wear it with the top buttons unbuttoned and ignore the tie.

The modern man's wardrobe has expanded significantly in comparison with the set of clothes even of our fathers. Designers of menswear every year become more daring and show more and more imagination and creativity. To follow the latest trends or not is an individual choice of everyone. But there are garments that every stylish man should have in his wardrobe. Various shirts can be safely attributed to them: from classic to Hawaiian. This season, the men's collarless shirt is rapidly being added to must-have items. And there are a number of reasons for this.

Men's shirts for all occasions

Long gone are the days when the shirt was the destiny of exclusively business men and was combined only with suit trousers. Today the choice is huge: classic strict, informal denim, exclusive club, short and long shirts. Men's versions of this garment may differ in cut, button placement, cuffs, and collar shape.

Even if you do not consider yourself a big mod, knowing the basic criteria for choosing a shirt is a must. Theoretical knowledge in this matter will allow you not only to choose the most suitable thing for yourself, but also to always look confident and appropriate in the appropriate situation.

Such different collars

Many do not attach importance to such an inconspicuous detail of a shirt, like a collar. But in vain! This element of clothing plays an important role: it determines the format of the shirt, correlates only with a certain type of tie, and can even correct the shape of the face.

There are several basic types of collars. The most familiar to everyone is the classic one. If you are in doubt about the choice of the collar shape, then this option is absolutely a win-win. It is suitable for men who prefer a conservative wardrobe and wear mostly business style.

Also, a feature of the classic cut collar is that it can be worn with ties of different thickness and density, and even with a bow tie.

Italian is considered to be a variety of the classic collar. It is distinguished by elongated ends, which are at a slightly greater distance from each other. This option is suitable for both formal suits and an informal setting.

But the stand-up collar, familiar to everyone, has the official name "mandarin", which is explained by its Chinese origin. It looks like a low and narrow cuff, without any cuffs. Therefore, clothes with such a model looks like a men's shirt without a collar.

Since this trend is very relevant now, you should know the intricacies of wearing such shirts.

Stand-up collar: who is it for?

Trying to follow fashion trends, one must not forget that the thing must first of all suit its owner. And even if she is at the peak of popularity and in all fashion magazines, if the clothes do not fit the features of the figure or appearance of a man, he will look ridiculous.

A collarless men's shirt will suit guys with a long, well-defined neck. Due to the peculiarity of the cut, the stand-up collar will favorably emphasize the harmony and sophistication of its owner, will allow him to look stylish and slightly careless.

For men who wear large sizes and do not have a slender neck, shirts with a classic collar and its varieties are suitable. A stand-up collar in this case risks getting lost between the head and shoulders and will only emphasize the weight of the figure.

When to wear collarless shirts?

A shirt with a stand-up collar is more of a loose garment. It is permissible to combine it with suits, but in cases where a strict business dress code is required, it is better to give preference to a model with a classic collar.

But for everyday wear, as well as for work in the office with a not too demanding dress code, a white shirt without a collar is ideal. Men's fashion is changeable, but white models are always relevant.

Also very popular are stand-up collars in lightweight shirts, which are optimal for summer vacations or parties. Such clothes will allow a man to look stylish, not too formal and at the same time comfortable.

If you are a lover of an active summer vacation, which involves not only lying on the beach, but also partying, your wardrobe must have.Men's options for summer clothes this season differ in a variety of colors, fabrics and textures, so everyone can choose a thing to their taste.

What to look for when choosing a shirt?

Even having decided on the style and model, the choice of a shirt must be approached with all seriousness.

First of all, it is necessary to take into account the composition of the fabric, especially if you need to choose summer shirts. Male models most often have a small percentage of synthetic thread in their composition. Manufacturers add it in a small amount so that the thing keeps its shape better and is worn longer. In a summer shirt, such an industrial technique is unacceptable: in hot weather, even a little synthetics on the body will not allow the skin to breathe and will provide the effect of a sauna.

A good shirt should contain 100% natural material: cotton, linen, cotton. And then it will not only look good, but also be able to provide comfort to its owner.

Fashion is changeable: every season, designers offer new details for both business guys and casual style lovers. The now fashionable men's shirt without a collar is definitely worthy of the attention of stylish men who want to feel free and confident in any environment. If you haven't worn a similar item of clothing before, it's worth a try! A properly selected shirt will emphasize the dignity and add sophistication to the image.