How to wear a men’s formal shirt may seem like one of the more basic questions in men’s fashion, but the answer can actually be quite complicated. With thousands of different kinds of formal shirts and hundreds of formal shirt combinations to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start and what works best with your style. Luckily, you don’t have to play guessing games every time you need to dress up — with this guide, you can figure out how to wear a men’s formal shirt quickly and easily so that you look great no matter what the occasion calls for.

Why dress shirt?
A dress shirt is a man’s best friend when it comes to formal attire. In fact, most professionals prefer wearing these over any other style of shirt since they exude an air of professionalism and poise—but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. There are plenty of styles out there, each offering its own unique look; whether you choose one with a plain design or are looking for something more complicated will ultimately come down to your individual tastes.

The right fit
First, you need to understand your body type. Are you a V-shaped torso or an X-shaped torso? Do you have broad shoulders and small hips, or are they more balanced? This is important because men’s formal shirts come in different cuts and designs, so it’s vital that you find one that matches your physique perfectly. When you do, expect to feel comfortable and well-dressed in your shirt.

Shirt quality
There are two main types of formal shirts: dress shirts and sport shirts. Dress shirts are heavier, have a finer weave, and feel stiffer. They’re usually made from cotton or silk. These days, you’ll also find a lot of fabrics that blend these natural fibers with synthetic blends like polyester and rayon for a shirt that looks and feels almost as nice as one made from pure silk or pure cotton but is less expensive.

Shirt style
The formal shirt style is often considered a symbol of class and refinement, but it really depends on how you wear it. Wear your suit jacket with a tie and you’ll look like an executive in a business meeting; wear it without one and you’ll look casual or even sloppy—but if that’s what you intended, then all your bases are covered.

How to accessorize your shirt
Unlike a casual shirt, which comes as part of a stylish outfit (jeans and a belt included), men’s formal shirts tend to stand alone. While that can be problematic when it comes to accessorizing, it also gives you more room for creativity. A good rule of thumb is that if you can wear it on your wrist or neck, you can probably wear it with your dress shirt.