Alright, man, so you’re finally getting yourself a suit? Nice! But listen, don’t overlook the shirt. It’s not just something to throw on under the jacket—the right shirt makes a huge difference. If you get it wrong, the whole look can feel off, even if your suit is on point.
I’ve been there, making those rookie mistakes, so let me save you some hassle. Here’s what you need to know about picking the perfect shirt to go with your suit.
1. Fit Is Everything
This might sound basic, but trust me, getting the fit right is non-negotiable. Even if the suit fits you perfectly, a baggy or tight shirt will mess it all up. You don’t want to look like a kid who borrowed Dad’s shirt, right?
- Shoulders: The seams should sit right at the edge of your shoulders. Too big, and it’ll droop; too tight, and you won’t be able to move comfortably.
- Sleeves: The cuffs should hit your wrist, not halfway down your hand or creeping up your arm. If the sleeves are too long, you’ll look sloppy; too short, and you’ll feel awkward all day.
- Body Fit: You want the shirt to sit against your body, not hug it too tight and definitely not baggy. A little room to breathe is good, but don’t go overboard.
Quick Fix: If you can, try on a regular fit shirt first. Once you get used to wearing shirts regularly, you can explore slim fits or tailoring, but for now, go with something that’s comfortable and looks clean.
2. Stick to Classic Colors
Dude, for your first suit, keep it simple with your shirt colors. You’re not out to make a bold statement here. You want something that works for pretty much any occasion and doesn’t scream for attention.
- White: Always a solid choice. Goes with any suit, looks sharp, and gives you that clean, “I’ve got my act together” vibe. You can wear this to weddings, job interviews, pretty much anything.
- Light Blue: If you want something a bit different but still safe, go with light blue. It adds a bit of color but keeps things classic and formal enough for most events.
Avoid: Don’t mess with bright colors or flashy patterns, at least not yet. Master the basics first, then get adventurous later when you’ve got your suit game down.
3. Choose the Right Fabric
You’re going to be wearing this shirt for a good chunk of time, so pick something that’s comfortable. Fabric matters more than you think—especially when you’re stuck in a suit all day.
- Cotton: This is your go-to. It’s breathable, comfortable, and won’t have you sweating buckets if you’re indoors for hours. Most dress shirts are made from cotton for a reason—it’s simple and reliable.
- Poplin: If you want something a little dressier and smoother, poplin is a good option. It’s lightweight and looks polished, so you’ll be looking sharp without even trying.
- Oxford Cloth: If the event’s more relaxed, maybe a semi-casual dinner or a less formal gathering, Oxford’s your friend. It’s a bit heavier with some texture, perfect for when you don’t need to be too fancy.
4. Pick the Right Collar
You probably don’t think about collars much, but they actually make a difference. Here’s the lowdown:
- Point Collar: Classic and versatile. It’s your safest bet because it works with ties or without. Perfect for your first suit since you don’t need to overthink it.
- Spread Collar: If you’re going for a more formal look and planning on wearing a bigger tie knot, go with a spread collar. It gives you that balanced, wide look that’s a bit more modern.
- Button-Down Collar: This one’s on the casual side, so probably not great for the wedding or big interview, but cool for smart-casual vibes.
Stick to point collars for now—they’ll do the trick without much fuss, and you can always experiment later.
5. Consider the Occasion
You’ve got to match the shirt to the occasion. The whole point of this shirt is to complement the suit and fit the vibe of where you’re going.
- For Formal Events: If you’re going to a wedding, fancy dinner, or job interview, a crisp white or light blue shirt is your go-to. Keep it classy, no wild patterns or colors.
- For Business Casual: If it’s a bit more relaxed, like a casual work meeting or a laid-back event, you can mix it up with subtle stripes or checks. But still, stay on the clean and professional side.
- For Casual Settings: If you’re wearing a suit casually (maybe a dinner out or something a little more low-key), you can get away with an Oxford or a shirt with more texture. It keeps things looking sharp without being overly formal.
6. What About a Tie?
You don’t have to wear a tie, but if you’re going for one, make sure it doesn’t clash with your shirt. Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
- Solid Shirt, Patterned Tie: If your shirt is plain white or blue, feel free to add a bit of personality with a striped or textured tie.
- Patterned Shirt, Solid Tie: If you’re rocking a subtle pattern on the shirt (like tiny checks or stripes), keep the tie solid to balance it out.
Oh, and don’t go too bold with your tie at first. Start with something like navy or grey, then get more adventurous once you’re comfortable.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple
Alright, here’s the deal: for your first suit and shirt combo, don’t overthink it. Stick with the basics—white or light blue shirt, cotton fabric, point collar. Make sure it fits right, and you’re golden. You can always get more creative once you’ve nailed the essentials, but for now, keep it simple and let the shirt do its job: making you look sharp, comfortable, and ready for whatever the day throws at you.
You’ve got this. Go out there and crush it.
