Business shirt fabric options
photo by Fern R
When you walk into a men’s suit shop and are ready to make your business shirt purchase (or while shopping online) you may be overwhelmed by how many fabric styles there actually are. While there’s many styles available, don’t let this intimidate you. Something to keep in mind is that although there’s been amazing advancements in fabric technology, when it comes to men’s shirts cotton fabric shirts are still the best. Why?
- First, 100% cotton is a breathable fabric
- Second, it is comfortable for you to wear
- Third, with constant care, your shirt can look its best all the time.
However, if you want something more than just the stock standard cotton business shirts, here are several other fabric material options you can pick from.
Broadcloth – Chances are you’re going to come across a fabric called broadcloth, which was once woven wool but is now using cotton (although it is quite heavy among other shirt fabrics). This fabric can be very smooth like poplin or be twilled. Weights, weaves and textures will vary with this type of fabric. However, it’s a workable fabric for formal, dress and casual shirts.
Oxford – This is one of the more popular fabrics for business shirts. After all, it’s softer but a heavy cloth with a large weave. The majority of these shirts have button down collars (considered a trademark quality). These shirts are either all cotton or a cotton-blend; great for casual or business shirts whether the sleeves are long or short. If you come across Pinpoint Oxfords, it basically means the material is lighter and smoother.
Poplin – Shirts of modern poplins are generally 100 percent cotton (although they used to be designed with a silk blend). Poplin is lighter than the broadcloth and is smoother than the Oxford fabric and is used mainly for formal wear and business shirts. The weights of these types of shirts vary based on the season. Summer shirts are generally light and a bit translucent; winter shirts are heavy but still thin when compared to other shirt weaves.
Twill – Twill fabric is much heavier than pinpoint or poplin material but it’s lighter than Oxford and broadcloth. Keep in mind that twill is similar to Oxford because of its diagonal weave. Twill cotton and cotton-blends make wonderful casual and dress shirts.
Other Shirt Fabrics – Now keep in mind that you’re going to come across some man-made fibers, all of which are tough and inexpensive. However, they don’t breathe near as well as natural fibers. These fabrics can look like the real thing or be completely awful. It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to blend natural materials in with the synthetic material.
Linen – If you always like to iron (and let’s face it… most people don’t), then linen fabric is great for men’s business shirts.
Silk – This fabric material is favored by some for men’s and women’s shirts because it’s a strong natural fiber. It does, however, but it does have some drawbacks:
- Fading when not dry cleaned
- Can stretch out of shape
- Very expensive
It’s not uncommon for men to save the silk material for ties or formal occasion shirts such as weddings, anniversaries, etc.
Something new to the fabric market
You may not know until you go shopping for business shirts and suits but there is a new selection of 100 percent cottons.
- First, the 140 broadcloth is highly desirable, as it has a high thread count and close weave.
- Second, the 100 two-ply broadcloth is closely matched in desire.
- Third, the 80 pinpoint Oxford is two-ply and quite durable; it’s also got a more obvious weave than what you see with broadcloth.
- Fourth, the 50 broadcloth is one-ply; however, it’s durable but lightweight.
- Fifth, you can find easy care or no-iron shirts in broadcloth or Oxford. You can also wear it just out of your dryer.
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