The white shirt is an essential menswear piece; no matter the occasion there is a white shirt to match. So it’s often considered the most basic piece of menswear you can own. But, is it? While most men own at least one (or ten) of the collared contraptions, it’s rare to find a white collared shirt that fits exactly right when buying straight off-the-rack.
Why? Today’s white shirt comes in a myriad of cuts and several different shirt collar types, as well as buttoning styles too. Which is why, like when shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, when you find your white shirt fit, stock up on seven of the wonderful things.
Still searching for the white-one? Here are some of the best white dress shirts for men. Their cut, fit and subtle texture, are sure to better your workplace style too, all the while adhering to corporate dress codes. Even if you’re not working in an establishment that requires formal attire, these white shirts will cover you for the races, your boss’s wedding and even that oh so important first date. It’s a whitewash win, really.
Rhone
Not just a brand associated with activewear (although admittedly, that's what it does best) Rhone is also in the game of dress shirts. Part of the company's Commuter collection, Rhone's dress shirts are guaranteed to be "the most comfortable ever".
As with the activewear range, Rhone's dress shirts are moisture-wicking, have plenty of stretch and are naturally wrinkle-resistant. And, as ever, Rhone puts considerable effort into sourcing some of the finest fabrics your skin will ever feel.
Uniqlo
For a reliable collection of good-quality dress shirts that won't break the bank, look no further than Uniqlo. The Japanese label is always keen to innovate wherever possible, employing new fabrics and technologies that result in a more comfortable wear.
The Easy Care dress shirt is just that, easy to care for. Wrinkle-resistant and made from a densely woven jersey fabric that is given a fair amount of stretch to allow for freedom of movement, Uniqlo's dress shirts are simple, comfortable and effective.
Topman
British menswear behemoth Topman is a brand is aimed at the man who needs to pick up the basics, fast. While quality isn't scarified in the name of fast-fashion (although naturally, the more you spend the more you get back) Topman's shirts get the job done and can, in fact, be had in a premium Egyptian cotton for more luxurious experience compared to the entry-level offering.
Available in various fits and with numerous collar styles to choose from, Topman has a shirt for everyone.
Bonobos
American clothier Bonobos has always put a heavy focus on how clothing fits. It all started with the development of a curved waistband for pants, before the company expanded into suiting and more.
It's with this in mind, that Bonobos' dress shirts are designed to fit like a glove. Available in a variety of fits to help you find the perfect match, Bonobos' shirts can be further customised by colour and pattern, collar style, neck size, sleeve length and you can even choose whether to add a pocket.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren's shirts are known around the world, namely for the logo that adorns the left chest. Offering a higher quality than your average high-street retailer and most commonly found in a heavier weight cotton, Ralph Lauren's single-cuff Oxfords are incredibly versatile, being able to be slipped on under a blazer or dressed down with a pair of chinos or jeans.
Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers is America's oldest clothing retailer, having recently celebrated its 200th birthday. Notable moments in the company's history include calling Abrahma Lincoln a loyal customer (and has since outfitted 41 of the US Presidents) and for introducing the ready-to-wear suit to the American public. Its two centuries of clothes manufacturing have given Brooks Brothers the knowledge to produce some of the finest garments available today.
But don't let that make you think Brooks Brothers shirts cost a bomb, as in fact, they're some of the most affordable on this list, making them accessible to everyone. What can be sure of as well, is a range of shirts that are cut beautifully, since the company understands what it is customers are looking for.
Hugo Boss
German menswear brand Hugo Boss is one that is always closely associated with formalwear and tailoring. The company has a, quite frankly huge collection of shirts, covering all the fits, colours, prints, patterns and styles you could ever want or need.
If it's something for the boardroom you're after, Hugo Boss is more than happy to take care of you with dress shirts that certainly exude youth, compared to the likes of the years-old British shirtmakers on this list, but more than hold their own in the quality stakes.
Charles Tyrwhitt
Leading a charge of British mens clothiers with a strong connection with all things suits and tailoring is Charles Tyrwhitt. The Jermyn Street based retailer quite literally specialises in dress shirts and is widely regarded as being one of the best retailers for customer service in the UK.
CT shirts belie their price tag, offering non-iron finishes and being made from cotton fabrics that are breathable and not too heavy, making them suitable for wearing throughout the year. Expect to find a range of collar styles, fits and colours to suit any business outfit.
Cordone
Another luxury shirtmaker is Cordone 1956. The Italian stalwart remains family-owned to this day and is known for its attention to detail, with each individual item of clothing being made by hand. Expect to find plain and patterned varieties in a multitude of colours and materials.
Canali
Italian luxury menswear brand Canali was founded in 1934 has remained committed to achieving the art of excellence through its tailoring collections ever since. Only the finest fabrics will do here and you'll immediately notice where your extra dollars have been spent as soon as you slip one on.
Eton
Swedish shirtmaker Eton prides itself on the quality of its product. Founded in 1928, the brand sources what it considers to be the finest cotton on the world to mould into its shirting collection. And that collection is vast, with various styles suited to different occasions, although its dress shirt range remains crease-resistant all day long.
Gieves & Hawkes
Proudly occupying No. 1 Savile Row on London's famed tailoring street, Gieves & Hawkes is one of the oldest tailors to remain in constant business, with it being founded in 1771. The company currently holds Royal Warrants for The Queen, the Dyke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales.
You can expect nothing short of premium from the British label when it comes to shirts, then, and, considering the heritage, you won't be breaking the bank. Numerous colours and styles are available, and with a selection of fits to choose from as well, you won't find it hard to stock up for your working weeks.
Hamilton
Leaving the British and hopping to America brings us to Hamilton. One of America's finest shirtmakers since its founding in 1883, Hamilton handcrafts each individual shirt at its Houston Workshop, which allows the brand to create custom-made shirts to order too.
Hamilton has also partnered with American menswear designer Todd Snyder to create a range of exclusive dress shirts. These shirts have the added benefits of being worn as casual pieces, thanks to their off-duty vibe.
Turnball & Asser
Another British shirtmaker with an esteemed heritage is Turnball & Asser. Founded in 1885 and currently occupying a spot on Jermyn Street, another street famed for its services to tailoring, Turnball & Asser is easily one of the finest shirtmakers around. The recipient of the Prince of Wales' first ever Royal Warrant, the British label has been supplying suits for the Royals, along with countless other prominent world figures for decades.
Shirts are certainly on the pricier side, but in return you receive something that fits as close to perfect as you can get without going down the bespoke route, and shirts that are made in England.
