There aren’t many looks today that can’t be complemented by a good shirt, so having a decent selection hanging up in your wardrobe for all styles, occasions, and seasons is nothing short of imperative.
Not only can you have season-specific shirts, such as something short-sleeved and linen for spring and summer, or long-sleeved and more heavily weighted for autumn and winter, but you also need to consider the dress code of where you wear your shirts: business, luxury, evening dress, and, of course, casual. There’s always a need for good quality casual shirts.
Every clothing retailer worth their salt will have an extensive shirt collection, make no bones about it, but that also means the level of quality will waiver drastically (and usually be reflective of the money you spend). It probably goes without saying, but the more you invest in quality, the happier you’ll be long term. Just be sure to read the washing instructions!
We’ve selected some of our absolute favourite casual shirts and the brands that make them, that will keep you looking stylish at every casual and smart-casual affair.
Todd Snyder
You might be saying that Todd Snyder’s domain is the button down shirt, and you wouldn’t be wrong. His designs are eye catching, playful, and impeccably made. From his short sleeved bowling shirts to his two pocket long sleeves, Snyder takes a lot of his inspiration from fine tailoring traditions that go back to the early 1900s and then puts his own modern stamp on it, using only the highest quality fabrics; the end results are superb.
If you're a fan of printed or patterned short sleeve casual shirts for your holidays or festivals, Todd has you covered, but he also has plain, more versatile shirts on offer too.
Outerknown
If there's one brand that knows casual style inside and out, it's Outerknown. The laidback lifestyle menswear label was founded by champion surfer Kelly Slater, and has surfer style running through its veins. You'll see what we mean as soon as you take one look at the company's website.
With a fantastic range of casual shirts in both long and short sleeve varieties, you'll look effortlessly cool when wearing an Outerknown shirt.
Rhone
When three Stanford students took a trip to Europe they were inspired by a stretch of river that is one of great importance to the continent’s trade - the Rhone. Activewear may have been how they started, but Rhone now produces its own line of shirts from its own in-house fabrics developed in Italy. They’re the type of designs you can wear post workout thanks to sweat wicking technology and four way stretch construction that ensures you stay feeling comfortable and restriction free.
Rhone's casual shirts all feature this moisture-wicking tech as well as wrinkle-free properties, and will keep you comfortable in casual cool style.
Lululemon
Would you believe that Lululemon is not just for the yoga obsessed? They also make a great range of men's casual shirts. Their fabric technology and innovation means their shirts are light and breathable but still perfect for meetings and special events. Double win.
Everlane
As well as feeling good about how our clothing looks when worn, many of us are just as conscious about how it’s made. Everlane prides itself on using sustainably sourced fabrics made ethically in factories around the world. The company's shirts complement a more smart casual look, and are generally spun from quality cotton. And if that wasn’t enough they sit at the lower end of the price range, meaning they’re a great option if you’re looking to add more than one shirt to your collection.
Uniqlo
The key to staying on top as a high street brand isn’t just about catering for tastes on mass, it’s about creating collections that are both relevant and of value. This is what Uniqlo manages perfectly. Within its designs you can find shirts for both a casual ensemble and an office wardrobe, albeit with a much lower grade of cotton. If you’re going for a quick one off interview or meeting that may spill over into an after hours social gathering, then Uniqlo are sure to have just what you’re looking for.
Uniqlo is a big supporter of linen and cotton as shirt fabrics, and their casual shirts are available in a multitude of colours, so you could easily stock your entire wardrobe with a new look for each day of the week. Super-soft and with an oh-so casual silhouette, Uniqlo make perfect summer shirts.
G-Star Raw
Now, we all know how good G-Star is when it comes to denim jeans, but what about shirts? The answer is pretty darn good, especially if you like them a little more smart casual. The range has everything from basic and formal styles to bold and colourful creations, made from a wide range of fabrics. There’s also both long and short sleeve designs, which complement the transition between work hours and heading into town to wind down.
Eton
Swedish brand Eton has been a major player in luxury shirt production since 1926, creating flawless designs for gentlemen who just make things happen. The company's creations are realised using supreme quality cottons sourced from California and Egypt, and are available in a myriad of colours.
Eton is also renowned for its innovative technologies developed alongside high-end Swiss experts that offer crease resistance no matter how long and drawn out your day is, keeping you looking sharp both before and after long days in the boardroom.
Hugo Boss
Adding an element of tailored class to a man’s daily ensemble is arguably what Hugo Boss has become most well known for over the past 40 years. It's that close attention to fit and detail that makes its designs stand out and celebrate simplicity. The German brand may like to move into bolder more colourful territories from time to time, but it's the straight forward, black and white contrasts that we all love the brand for.
Even the brand's certified-casual shirts come across strikingly formal, so it all comes down to fabric used to help differentiate the occasion. We recommend going for a slim-fit shirt cut from a cotton-linen jersey blend as they're ideal for transitioning from office to after-work drinks.
Orlebar Brown
The team of designers at Orlebar Brown always manages to stay a cut above the rest with its creations, and the shirts that roll off the production line are in no way different. Made for sunkissed casual occasions, they’re designed using 100% Italian cotton to add the type of quality we so closely associate with the brand.
All shirts are constructed in Portugal, and what’s more, they offer a wider range of collar choices than most from Capri and Classic to Grandad and Cutaway, giving a little more variation to help elevate your overall ensemble.
Flint and Tinder
If you like an altogether more rugged and refined feel to your shirts, then you should definitely check out Flint and Tinder. The brand has a comprehensive range of button downs, so whether you’re after plain and simple, or something a little more suited to fishing, cutting wood, and the great outdoors, you're covered. Made from 100% cotton, they’re a little thicker than most, so probably best suited to either sit under a winter coat or over a tee to take the edge off an early autumn evening.
J. Crew
New York retailer J. Crew has been doing the rounds stateside since 1943, producing competitively priced garments for those who like things a little more casual. It has a great selection of shirts for all seasons that offer a touch of style and elegance to any look. The company's creations are also made from a mix of cotton and elastane fabrics to offer complete soft-to-touch comfort with just the right amount of flexibility, and work alongside just about anything in your wardrobe.
The range of shirts offered by J. Crew is nothing short of exhaustive, so no matter what kind of casual shirt you're looking for, J. Crew will definitely have it!
Polo Ralph Lauren
If you’re looking for an effective crossover piece that can flitter between styles effortlessly, then Ralph Lauren has to be mentioned. His shirts work under a suit with tie on your way to the office as well as open over a t-shirt for more smart casual occasions; or even with a pair of chino shorts and boat shoes on your way out to sea. All Ralph Lauren shirts are made from a blend of cotton and elastic fabrics depending on the style, season, and fit you’re looking for.
Any Ralph Lauren shirt will be a welcome addition to your wardrobe and will let those around you know you take your fashion seriously.
Suitsupply
Founded in Amsterdam back in 2000, Suitsupply does exactly what its name suggests and then some. It has a fantastic range of well made casual shirts that are versatile enough for office attire, luxury looks, or evening wear. Suitsupply use Italian and Egyptian cotton to create wonderfully cut shirts made for those who demand quality and style above all else. The company is also a part of Fair Wear Foundation that promote fair labour and safe working environments for their workers.
M.J. Bale
You don’t get to be the official suit maker of the Baggy Green Caps (the Australian cricket team for anyone who doesn't know) if you don’t know your tailoring. So that fact in itself should tell you a little something about the impressive rise that M.J Bales has been on since breaking through in 2009.
As well as wonderfully stylish and elegant suits, M.J. Bale creates exquisite shirts made for casual, business, and formal tastes, all cut to perfection and made from 100% cotton twill. These shirts are made to fit, no matter if your preference is slim, regular, tailored, or hanging - meaning there’s something for everyone.
Bonobos
Bonobos was born because founders, Andy Dunn & Brian Spaly, couldn't find men's pants that fit (they were either too tight or too boxy) and wanted to fix this common problem men face while shopping. They fixed it with their not-so-secret secret: all Bonobos' pants have a curved waistband that conforms to the natural shape of men’s waists. Bonobos then expanded into producing awesome shirts, suits, swimwear; you name a piece of men’s clothing, they do it!
Bonobos' range of men's shirts are perfect for casual events but will easily blend in with your office attire. Available in multiple styles, fits, and colours, a Bonobos shirt is a must-have for any man's closet.
Lands End
Founded in 1963, Lands End is an American brand dedicated to providing the world with comfort. They only use soft and durable fabrics, to make exceptional clothing that allows you to feel good and comfortable. But function truly meets fashion at Lands End, as while their garments are comfy, they are also extremely stylish.
Lands' End has an absolutely amazing selection of casual shirts for men, including a vast array of the plaid and flannel shirts you want for fall. Honestly, any casual button down shirt you might want can be found among Lands End's selection.
Club Monaco
Club Monaco was founded in 1985 to create 'better basics'; classic, effortless pieces that are well-made and elevate wardrobes. Club Monaco believes the mark of true style is experimenting thoughtfully, something they're experts at; constantly growing and evolving their style, Club Monaco encourages their consumers to do the same.
Club Monaco's vast shirt collection offers fits, fabrics, colours, and collars for every occasion.
Reiss
Since its creation by David Reiss in 1971, Reiss has established a design philosophy centred on creating design-led menswear, womenswear and accessories. With an uncompromising commitment to delivering innovative and original products, Reiss fuses exceptional design, quality and value.
From classic Oxford men's shirts to playful prints in laid-back fabrics, Reiss has an extremely stylish and versatile range of men's shirts.
