Formal Shirts Will Never Go Out of Style

Formal shirts spell confidence and grace. The right formal shirt has the potential to be striking and bold while also being understated and gentle, no wonder formal shirts hold such a special place in men’s wardrobes.

While not long ago, the term formal almost automatically implied white shirts, today’s formal shirts for men are becoming increasingly adventurous. Most men take pride in owning a collection that includes classic formal shirts in white and black to printed formal shirts with patterns or stripes to match their unique style sensibilities.

At Zodiac, we understand the evolving formalwear needs for men. That is why we offer a wide variety of formal shirts for men. From formal shirts crafted in superfine 100% pure cotton to elegant Egyptian cotton to linen woven from Normandy flax, you will always find a rich range of fabric options to choose from.

The story of formal shirts

Did you know that the history of shirts dates back to as early as 3500 BC? In fact, the oldest preserved garment in the world is a linen shirt, spun from the flax plant, discovered in an Egyptian tomb! While shirts have been around for thousands of years, today’s version of formal shirts started taking shape in the early 1800s. Soon, they became an irreplaceable part of menswear. Formal shirts found their way into offices, boardrooms, and social gatherings, proving that regardless of how many fashion trends come and go, formal shirts are here to stay.

Picking the right formal shirts for men

As a general rule, shirts in lighter shades are more commonly accepted as formal attire. The same rule applies to patterns and prints. Bolder prints are considered to be more casual while micro prints or narrow stripes are widely accepted in formal shirts. This is also true for checks. Very rarely would one see shirts with wide and busy checks at formal gatherings. It goes without saying that flannel or denim shirts are strictly casual or semi casual. When it comes to choosing business or work appropriate formal shirts, always remember that the right fit is of utmost importance. The Zodiac collection of formal shirts is available in three fits: Classic, tailored, and slim fit. Understanding the difference between the three can help you find a shirt that best fits your expectations and preferences. The classic fit is characterized by more roomy tailoring. With plenty of fabric in the sleeves and body, it leaves ample space for mobility and is, without a doubt, high on comfort. The slim fit, on the other hand, is often more constricting in your movement. However, it is considered to be far more stylish as it eliminates the excess fabric around the arms and chest, giving you a lean and sharp look. As the name suggests, it flatters leaner body types and can accentuate your features in the best possible way. If you want the best of both worlds, look no further than the tailored fit. Striking a balance between the classic fit and the slim fit, tailored fit shirts can give you a trimmer appearance without compromising on comfort. A tapered silhouette around the waist, just enough room around the armholes and chest, makes the tailored fit look good with or without a jacket.

Essential formal shirts

There are so many different types of formal shirts available for men today. From tuxedo shirts that are best suited for black tie events to the classic cutaway collared shirts that pair extremely well with tailored trousers and a light jacket for your everyday formalwear needs. The key is to pick a shirt that fits the occasion, your body type, and your style. Having said that, there are a few essential formal shirts that you must include in your collection:

1. The classic white shirt: Whenever we talk about formal shirts, a crisp, well fitted solid white shirt comes to mind. Whether you are building a new formal wear collection or are a connoisseur of formal attires if you had to pick just one formal shirt let it be the classic white formal shirt. Why? Because it’s timeless, elegant, and it pairs well with almost anything. It exudes professionalism at work but can just as easily transform into a bold style statement at social gatherings after work. Regardless of what you pair it with, white formal shirts will always get you the right kind of attention.
2. The blue shirt: An incredibly versatile colour, blue shirts can be used to add a dash of colour to your formal shirts collection. Lighter shades of blue look impressive when paired with darker tones of the colour. At the same time, blue shirts can also be paired with burgundy, browns, charcoal grey, or black.
3. Pinstripe shirts: Truth be told, no collection of formal shirts is complete without a pinstripe shirt. Pinstripes comprise fine, narrow vertical lines at 1/16” wide. While minimal, these narrow stripes can command a lot of attention. Go for pinstripe formal shirts in lighter or pastel shades. Pair them with a dark toned blazer or a solid colour tie to amp up your basic formal look.
4. Checkered shirts: While checkered shirts have a reputation of being more casual, the world of formal shirts is changing to match the evolving tastes of the modern man. The intersection of narrow vertical and horizontal lines makes for an appealing visual detail in formalwear. Just remember, when choosing checkered formal shirts, smaller checks are considered more professional. Reserve your micro checks for lighter workdays or when you are out for a work conference, networking with peers.

The world of formal shirts may not always seem adventurous but it is full of surprises. When styled right, even the plainest of formal shirts can be transformed into an eye catching style statement that can help you stand out.