How to Wear a Dress Shirt

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Dress shirts aren’t just for fancy events—they can also be the bread and butter of your everyday looks. With all the different options and dress shirt combinations, it can be a tall order to nail down the perfect outfit. No need to worry! Take a peek at this list for some tips and suggestions to help you navigate the world of dress shirts.

1

Dress professionally with a dress shirt and suit jacket.

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    Then, add a dash of color to your ensemble with a necktie. As an extra formal touch, slip a vest over your tie and dress shirt—or, you can skip the vest and finish off your outfit with a suit jacket. [1]
    • Solid dress shirts provide a nice background for patterned suits, while patterned dress shirts add an extra dimension to solid-colored suits.
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2

Add a tie for professional engagements.

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    Other styles, like the spread collar, offer a bit more wiggle room. Keep your tie centered with your dress shirt for a polished, professional look. [2]
    • In some outfit combinations, you may tuck your tie into a suit jacket or vest.
3

Pair a dress shirt with trousers for a polished but casual look.

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    Dress for a smart casual event with a pair of nice trousers, a dress shirt, and loafers. For dressy casual events, wear your dress and trousers with a sport coat, along with loafers or slip-ons.
    • You don’t need to wear a tie with these outfits.
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4

Slip on an unbuttoned blazer to give off a casual vibe.

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    Layer your shirt over a pair of jeans or slim-cut pants, and slip on a blazer or suit jacket overtop. Leave the jacket unbuttoned to finish off your loose, relaxed outfit. [3]
5

Dress down with a pair of jeans.

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    Slip into your favorite pair, layering an untucked dress shirt over top. As a finishing touch, put on your favorite pair of tennis shoes. [4]
    • You could wear a dark dress shirt with a light pair of jeans, along with some white sneakers.
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6

Stay cool in shorts and a short-sleeved dress shirt.

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    Tuck your shirt into your shorts for a more polished, professional look. If you’d prefer a more relaxed outfit, leave your shirt untucked over your waistband. [5]
7

Layer your shirt under a sweater for a comfy outfit.

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    Then, add a sweater over top. Make sure the ends of your shirt cuffs, as well as your shirt collar, are visible beneath the sweater. [6]
    • You might pair your dress shirt and sweater with some nice jeans and a set of sneakers.
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8

Stay relaxed with rolled-up sleeves.

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    Roll your sleeve up to the middle of your forearm, creating a sleek look. For a more relaxed look, undo both cuff buttons before rolling up your sleeve. [7]
9

Secure your cuff buttons for a sleek look.

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    If you find 2 buttons, use the loosest option on your bare arm. If you’re wearing a watch, pick the tighter button option, which puts your timepiece on full display. [8]
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10

Leave your shirt untucked for a laid-back look.

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    Don’t worry! An untucked shirt can still add a chic touch to your outfit. [9]
    • For example, you might layer an untucked dress shirt over a nice pair of pants, with an unbuttoned jacket layered over top.
11

Tuck in your dress shirt for a polished feel.

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    Unbutton and unzip your pants, so you have a little wiggle room to work with. Tuck your shirt into your waistband and zip up your pants, leaving the button undone. Then, pinch any extra material along the sides of your dress shirt and fold it toward your hip into a pleat. At this point, re-button your pants and adjust the belt as needed. [10]
    • Try the underwear tuck if you’re wearing layers. With this style, tuck your undershirt into your underwear, and layer your dress shirt over top. Then, pull your pants on and tuck in your shirt.
    • You can also use shirt stays, or shirt garters, to hold your dress shirt in place.
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12

Undo several buttons for a casual vibe.

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    Then, let your undershirt peek out over your unbuttoned top—this gives off a light, relaxed look. [11]
13

Pick a solid shirt color for a traditional look.

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    You can also change things up with a solid blue shirt, or by delving into pastel colors like pink and lavender. [12]
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14

Play around with patterns to add an extra dimension.

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    This garment works great when paired with solid suits. For a more casual look, venture into the realm of checked shirts. [13]
    • Never mix patterns within a single outfit. If your suit jacket is patterned, stick to a solid-colored dress shirt.
15

Complement your dress shirt with loafers, slip-ons, or dress shoes.

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    [14] Other slip-on shoes, like moccasins or boat shoes, can give your outfit a relaxed vibe. [15] Pick out a pair of dress shoes if you’re getting dressed to the nines. [16]
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16

Choose a collar style that flatters your facial features.

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    Point collars tend to guide the eye downward, which helps add some length to your facial features. On the other hand, spread collars point more to the sides, which helps spread out your features instead of lengthening them. [17]
17

Stay comfortable with the classic fit.

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    If you’re looking for a safe, comfortably-fitting shirt, then a classic fit could be a great option for you. [18]
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18

Show off your physique with a slim fit shirt.

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    It also has a slimmer waist, chest, and seat. This type of dress shirt may not be comfortable for every body type—but if you really like this style, can you can always order a custom fit shirt. [19]
    • If the slim fit doesn’t fit comfortably at first, ask a tailor or specialty shop to extend the fabric around the back.
19

Choose the modern fit for a hybrid of slim and classic fits.

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    You get larger armholes while also boasting a slim waist, chest, and seat section. If you find the classic fit too roomy and the slim fit too constrictive, a modern fit shirt might be the perfect match for you. [20]
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20

Wear long dress shirts for formal outfits.

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    Save the garment for fancier occasions if the hem falls below your hips. [21]
21

Pick short dress shirts for casual outfits.

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    If the garment stops along your hips, save the shirt for more casual, relaxed looks. [22]
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22

Slip into an undershirt for extra security.

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    In warmer weather, undershirts help protect your dress shirt from unwanted sweat splotches. In the winter, an undershirt keeps you extra toasty and insulated. [23]
    • Undershirts also give you a bit of freedom if you choose to leave your shirt unbuttoned.

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  • Question
    Are you supposed to wear a shirt under a dress shirt?
    Paul Julch, MA
    Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
    Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley.
    Paul Julch, MA
    Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
    Expert Answer
    You can if you want! If you want to do a more casual look with an untucked dress shirt, wear a T-shirt underneath to make the dress shirt a little shirt jacket.
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  • Question
    Can you wear a dress shirt casually?
    Paul Julch, MA
    Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
    Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley.
    Paul Julch, MA
    Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely. Untuck your dress shirt, have it unbuttoned, or wear a T-shirt underneath it to rock the casual look.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
  • Question
    Does tucking your shirt in make you look thinner?
    Paul Julch, MA
    Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
    Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley.
    Paul Julch, MA
    Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
    Expert Answer
    In general, tucked-in dress shirts are more flattering because they show off your waist.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thetrendspotter.net/guide-to-mens-shirt-tie-and-suit-combinations/
      2. ↑ https://www.ties.com/blog/shirt-collars-require-ties
      3. ↑ https://onedapperstreet.com/how-to-wear-dress-shirts-more-casually/
      4. ↑ https://onedapperstreet.com/how-to-wear-dress-shirts-more-casually/
      5. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/guide-to-shorts/
      6. ↑ https://onedapperstreet.com/how-to-wear-dress-shirts-more-casually/
      7. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vZidWXPbeRk&t=5m38s
      8. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vZidWXPbeRk&t=4m50s
      9. ↑ https://onedapperstreet.com/how-to-wear-dress-shirts-more-casually/
      1. ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/ways-tuck-dress-shirt/
      2. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vZidWXPbeRk&t=7m35s
      3. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/understanding-the-dress-shirt-custom-shirt-giveaway/
      4. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/understanding-the-dress-shirt-custom-shirt-giveaway/
      5. ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/matching-shoes-with-suit/
      6. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/guide-to-shorts/
      7. ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/matching-shoes-with-suit/
      8. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/understanding-the-dress-shirt-custom-shirt-giveaway/
      9. ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-a-dress-shirt-should-fit/
      10. ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-a-dress-shirt-should-fit/
      11. ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-a-dress-shirt-should-fit/
      12. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vZidWXPbeRk&t=1m54s
      13. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vZidWXPbeRk&t=1m54s
      14. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vZidWXPbeRk&t=7m10s
      15. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vZidWXPbeRk&t=7m59s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Dress shirts are super versatile, and you can dress them up or down depending on what look you're going for. A tucked-in dress shirt always looks more polished, so it's a good look for dressier events. Leaving your shirt untucked is great when you want to look more laid back and casual. To look even more casual, you can unbutton the top 2 or 3 buttons on your shirt. You also have a lot of options when it comes to the pants you wear with your dress shirts. Slacks and dress pants will obviously make you look polished and put together, while jeans will give you a casual weekend vibe. Shorts also look great with dress shirts during the warmer months. For tips on how to shop for dress shirts, like what fits and colors work best, check out the full article below!

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