photo by ianmunroe

When a man chooses to wear a suit, he’ll typically go with a cotton shirt (we endorse 100% Egyptian cotton); something with long sleeves, a collar and that buttons all the way down. This shirt in Australia is called a business shirt; however, in other dialects, it’s just known by one name… a shirt. It’s also not uncommon for some people to refer to it as an Oxford shirt. However, Oxford shirts are actually shirts made of a certain kind of fabric called Oxford cloth; they are also made to a certain style such as button down collars.

Acceptable business shirt colours

Business shirts usually have to be ironed then when a shirt is worn, it must be tucked into a man’s trousers and worn to the protocol of a business shirt. Now most shirt colours can be found in white or light blue; white is seen as the most conservative. Still, white and light blue are not the only colours available for sale. Pastel coloured shirts are very popular in Australia though they are not always seen as acceptable.

Acceptable cuffs for business shirts

If you want to wear a formal business suit, choose a suit and wear a shirt with French cuffs. Bear in mind that these kinds of shirts are not mandatary but rather optional; it’s up to you depending on the occasion and how good you want to look…

Acceptable collars for shirts

When you look at shirts, you’re liable to see the most common, traditional spread collar. It’s usually seen on French cuff shirts although these can also be found on point collars. Button-down collars are typically seen during casual settings with or without a sports jacket/coat. Button-down collars are not seen so much today especially since more formal shirts with the French cuffs and spread collars are making their way into the business casual wear.

Consider going for the class colour palette when you’re looking at premium business shirt colours but don’t leave out the contemporary cut. By getting both of the new and old style, you can make a huge impact on the corporate world.

Now, if you’re looking to make a long-lasting impression (for the wrong reasons, for whatever reason), consider wearing a short sleeve shirt with trousers to the next corporate board meeting. You’ve been dared to do it.

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