10 must-have shirts for gents

Craig Twist Fashion Correspondent

What beautiful weather today…

I know the rains have been persisting and the good thing is that most of us have been prepared for this, from what to wear during the rainy season to how to live.

I agree with Quentin Crisp that “Fashion is what you adopt when you don’t know who you are.”

In that regard, as you age, it is quite important to pay attention to how you look and to take steps towards ensuring that you stay happy with how you look.

Again on grooming, whether you just use a moisturiser or go the whole hog at a salon, that can make that much-needed difference.

There is a debate about the must have shirts for every guy.

Not many know that a t-shirt falls in the shirt category.

Here are the top 10 tips about shirts.

1. T-shirt

No matter what profession you are into or your body type, a t-shirt is the most versatile piece of shirt every man needs in their wardrobe. You can wear a basic t-shirt with jeans, chinos, with a shirt on top or even with a blazer on top depending on the mood that you are in and across all weather. There is no specific colour you should own but whichever works for you, but always remember, fit is King.

2. The undershirt

Believe it or not, most men think an undershirt is not that important and they can throw any undershirt that they find clean in the wardrobe and that’s absolutely wrong.

The main purpose of an undershirt is to absorb sweat, odours and make you avoid staining your outer shirt but with that being said there are few rules that goes with it, for example, an undershirt has to be perfectly fitting and too close to your body and secondly, white undershirt inside a white shirt makes you look like you are wearing a bra, grey is my colour of choice inside a white shirt. Always go for a v-neck instead of a crew neck, your undershirt should not be seen just like your underwear should stay concealed.

3. Dress shirt

This is my favourite and definitely a must have. As the name implies, a dress shirt is mainly for your dress up look. Even though they are usually worn with a suit, a dress shirt can be worn with or without a tie and with or without a blazer, it still goes perfectly well. For starters, a plain white and a plain blue are a must have in every man’s wardrobe then most colours in between.

Dress shirts look great if paired with some nice dress shoes to go with it.

4. Polo shirt

Many people call them golf t-shirt obviously because they have been popularised and usually seen in the golf course but either way, a polo shirt is a must have too. Polo shirts are also quite versatile, you can wear any colour from yellow to green and still look classy.

They can be worn with shorts, jeans or chinos, you can choose to tuck them in or to unstuck them. I must say, you can play around polo shirts and the look is infinite, for example, you can wear a polo shirt with a casual suit, with a blazer on top, with a cardigan, a waistcoat or even with a hoodie on, the options are endless.

5. Oxford shirt

Oxford shirts have a button down colour and they can be worn casually or when dressing up. The thing is Oxford shirts can be worn with a tie or on their own just like a dress shirt. An Oxford shirt will never go out of style, especially the white one, its very versatile too, trust me, you can wear an Oxford shirt even with shorts, jeans and sleeves rolled up your arms, I mean why not.

6. The Henley

Listen, if you are the gym type or the well-built guy, you definitely need a Henley in your wardrobe. A Wikipedia definition of a Henley is a collarless pullover shirt characterised by a round neckline with 2 to 5 buttons.

The good thing about a Henley is its light material and its nice close-to-the-body drape. In my opinion and experience, if you want to look sexy effortlessly, spot a rolled up sleeve Henley.

A Henley can be worn with jeans, joggers, chinos, denim jacket or blazer on top, the choices are all yours.

7. Denim shirt

In my opinion, this is the most underrated shirt of all time. A denim shirt cuts through casual and formal dressing because you can wear it with a suit and tie or with chinos and a shirt inside, with trainers or with dress shoes. Make it a point to pick a denim shirt next time you go shopping.

8. Flannel shirt

The flannel shirt, popularly known as a checked shirt, is definitely a must have in every man’s wardrobe. The good thing about a flannel shirt is you can also tuck them in or let them loose, and can be worn with different trousers and shoe types. Traditionally, flannel shirts were meant to keep men warm when working outside given their heavy material but it transitioned to an everyday piece of clothing.

9. Sweatshirt

A sweat shirt is another piece which can be worn in a variety of situations. Even though it most ideally paired with joggers, a sweatshirt can be worn with a pair of jeans or even with an Oxford shirt inside, a pair of chinos and some trainers to complete a casual look

10. Cabela fishing shirt.

I know most of you have seen this shirt before but might not have been familiar with its name.

The cabela is usually a cargo, fishing shirt with a button on the upper arm so that when its sleeves are rolled up, you can fasten them to the shirt creating a short sleeved shirt. Cabelas are great especially in summer and again in my opinion this is a must have as well.