The shirt is one of the most basic items that we all wear. Aside from the few staple outfits like the tuxedo or the suit, the shirt is usually the part that covers the back, shoulders, and arms and usually matches the pants. In my previous articles, I’ve described what happens with the necktie, the bowtie, and the collar tie, and for the most part the shirt is always included. In fact, it is so common that we look at sleeve initials instead of the shirt’s full name. Throughout this article I will cover the basics of what you will need to know when choosing the right shirt for your needs.

First, an understanding on the types of fabrics available:

Cotton-Cotton is very popular and one of the most durable materials available. When wet, cotton will absorb a detergent, keeping its shape but still the same great look and comfort as always. For this reason, the fabric is perfect for a shirt, and can give great comfort as well. This is not the material of choice for a tie, especially if it is expensive. However, regular washes wash the fabric and send it into another category.

Denim-The name may understate the connection, but Denim is basically made from cotton. Layered over polyester, it is a tough fabric but still very comfortable and favored by many. The problem with denim is that it is a very casual fabric so not really appropriate for most offices. However, there are bright and solid colors of this fabric that gives the classic blue jean look, great for less formal stuff.

Polyester-I personally never feel comfortable in a shirt or suit that is made of polyester. It will make you feel very sticky and uncomfortable too. In fact, you can find polyester fibers that are already blended for that purpose. They give you an amazing shirt that will move you seamlessly from the office to happy hours. They feel very good too, without sacrificing the comfort that you work for.

Fit and structures-There are three major elements to creating a shirt that fits your body structure. Those are the sleeve, collar, and length.

So here are the elements you should remember for your tips on getting the right shirt that will enhance your body structure:

Sleeve-This is the area that you want to focus on. Sleeve can be calculation, but it is also an area that is very subjective. Some people like sleeves that are a certain length up to their elbows. Some don’t like those sleeves very much because they tend to look a littleclerical. However, there are two solutions: To ignore the length altogether, which is a kind of fashion speaks; or To design a shirt that has short sleeves. The latter tends to be popular because the shirt will have freedom of movement while someone is having fun.

 Collar-This is the most visual part of the shirt. A correctly styled shirt collar will make your face look good and smart. It is one of those elements that is very hard to please. There are two solutions for this as well: You can design your own shirt collar the way you want it, which will make perfect for you. If that is not your thing, you can have a shirt tailor made with your preferences in mind.

L Length-This is the length of the shirt from your neck to your feet. Many shirts actually have an L on the label, as a way to better formalize their look. You can talk to your shirt manufacturer and have them fit you just right, or you can deal with what the designers have to offer. It all depends on what you want.

Collar angle-The man behind the shirt; also known as the necktie, is in charge of keeping the collar of the shirt in place. Style and fashion play a big role in this; well, it plays a big role too. You may or may not be aware that there are two kinds of collars available: The safe collar, and the Progressive Collar. The latter must be clipped onto the opposite side of the conventional collar.

Here are some tips for you to help you look good while wearing a dress shirt.

The safest collars are those that have large spread collars and buttons.Also, the spread collars should be made of non-iron materials.

You cannot go wrong with full-buttoned dress shirts.These are also known as the conventional shirts and they are the safest to wear.

The rules for spread collars are the same as for the ordinary collars.

The buttons of a spread collars should be small, easily visible.

Collar angle plays a role here as well. You cannot go wrong here. Either the spread collar must be left at its normal position, or the collar must be moved one little bit up, as soon as possible.