The white button-up shirt is, or should be, one of the cornerstones of every man's wardrobe. It's a fail-proof item that can be dressed up (with a tie, blazer and dress slacks) or down (top button undone, sleeves rolled up and tucked into jeans with a pair of laceup shoes) which makes it an easy yet stylish option.
Originally known as the 'Oxford shirt' because of the cotton fabric from which this type of shirt was originally made back in 19th century Britain, this shirt has been around since our Great, Great, Great-Grandfathers were pulling them off the store racks. For our modern generation Calvin Klein and Geoffrey Beene (my favorite) make an impeccably tailored, quality white button up that will last you (just make sure to dry clean it ONLY and request that it not be starched, starch breaks the fabric down over time and gives it that shiny, worn look). Your shirt should:
- Be made of durable, 100% cotton so that you don't end up with that cheap, see through look.
- Be slim-fitting enough where it's not ballooning around your waist & torso, this way it'll still look neat if you decide to wear it untucked.
- Have slim (not tight) sleeves that fall just at your wrist (not your knuckles!).
- Fall (the bottom of the shirt) mid-hip or at the middle of your, umm, butt (I gotta be frank :)
- If you can't find one with a firm collar, make sure it's as firm as you can find because you can always slip collar stays into the long, slim pockets underneath the collar flaps. (pic below)
(Collar stays: you can purchase them at Macy's, Men's Warehouse or K&G. They usually come in packs of 4 or more)
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