Look sleek in a shirt

Abha Chaudhary

The classic male dress, shirt plays an undisputable role in conveying a message of authority, order and semi-formality in a man’s attire. The shirt should match the person’s position, the event, and, of course, convey the desired message .The shirt size must be exact. Shirt size includes collar size, sleeve length and body size. The first number listed on the shirt tag refers to the collar size, the second number refers to the sleeve length, and the third refers to the shirt cut. 

Wear it right

The wearer should make certain that the shirt is worn correctly. Whether a slim or standard-fit, the shirt must rest properly on the chest and stomach so that it can be easily buttoned and not look tight or stretched. With the help of your index finger, check to see whether you have enough space between the shirt and your collar, and that you can conveniently move your neck when the shirt is fully buttoned. 

Warm up

In warmer conditions the sleeve must not be folded above the elbow. The sleeve must reach the beginning of the fingers when the hand is stretched straight open at the side of the body. Pearl buttons convey the quality of the shirt. The most meticulous look is achieved when you show a quarter inch of shirt cuff from underneath your jacket sleeves. 

When another garment is worn over a shirt, the collar only peeps out from under the garment. A shirt should always be tucked neatly inside the pants. A short shirt climbing out of the pants conveys a sloppy appearance. Men can select a collar with the style they prefer and that matches the structure of their face and neck. 

Face cut

Men with narrow faces should wear a wide collar to help broaden their faces, and men with broad faces should wear a narrower collar to help lengthen their faces. Do not choose a collar according to the dictates of fashion, but one that will mainly express your personal taste. 

Most shirts for business use are made of cotton. However, shirts made of linen, polyester and blends as well as silk are also available. Smooth and subtle solid fabrics like poplin, twill, oxford, pinpoint and herringbone project formality. They are easy on the eye but rich in texture; they’re light and comfortable. They usually come in pastel shades: white, light blue and light pink that allow the tie to stand out. 

Sporty look

Striped shirts, less formal than shirts made of solid fabrics, make one’s appearance seem slightly more daring. These shirts are suitable for those wishing to present themselves as distinctive with a sporty style. 

However, the stripes should be thin and subdued. If the width of the stripes in the tie is different to the width of the stripes in the shirt, then this will prevent the illusion of the stripes clashing, thus busting the myth that at no time should a striped tie be worn together with a striped shirt. Shirts with a checked print exhibits a freer style, suitable for everyday use in business but projecting less formality. It is possible to wear this print with a formal solid-coloured suit and with a solid or even a striped tie. Men looking for plus size clothing must prefer shirts with vertical to horizontal lines and shirts with large bold prints. 

Appearance wise

Receding dark colours such as chocolate brown, black, and dark blue will give you a slimmer appearance. Shiny fabrics add volume to the appearance, so fabrics like silk and satin are best avoided. Choose your jacket to match the colour of your shirt as monochromes create an illusion of slimness. Do not wear a wide collar if your face is round. A normal V-shaped collar is better suited for round and full faces.

(Chaudhary is a Chandigarh-based image consultant and soft skills coach)