Men's Shirts: Complete Guide to Cuts, Collars, and Fabrics

Jul 10, 2026

Looking for the perfect shirt that combines comfort, style, and versatility? The men's shirt remains an essential piece in a man's wardrobe. Whether it's for the office, a wedding, or a casual look, choosing the right one makes all the difference. In this guide, we explore fits, collars, and fabrics in detail to help you find the one that's just right for you. Discover the best men's shirts in 2026.

To complete your wardrobe, explore our selection of the best men's shirts, designed to combine comfort and style.

Whether you're looking for men's cotton shirts for everyday wear, elegant wedding shirts, or original shirts that stand out, our collection of best shirts has everything you need for 2026.

Different men's shirt fits

The fit determines how the shirt sits on your body. It affects both comfort and overall appearance. Here are the main options available today.

The regular fit offers a classic silhouette with generous room through the chest and waist. It is especially suitable for standard or larger builds. You can move freely without feeling constricted. Many men appreciate its timeless style and everyday comfort.

The slim fit (or tailored fit) hugs the body's shape more closely. It defines the waist while remaining elegant. Ideal for athletic or slender builds, it creates a modern, dynamic look. However, always check that there is enough room in the shoulders and chest to avoid uncomfortable tightness.

The relaxed fit is growing in popularity for casual looks. Roomier, it pairs well with jeans or chinos for a casually chic style.

Depending on your body type:

Broad shoulders and a defined waist? Choose a tailored fit that enhances your V-shaped silhouette.
A rounder silhouette? Choose a straight cut for a fluid drape.

A good fit is easy to check: the shoulder seams should sit exactly on the shoulder bone, you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your neck, and the shirt should be long enough to cover the top of your trousers without coming untucked when you move.

To explore our styles for every body type, discover our men's shirt collection.

How to choose the right shirt collar?

The collar structures the entire upper part of an outfit. It frames your face and influences your choice of tie or bow tie.

Classic and versatile collars

The point collar has moderately spread points and a medium opening. Highly versatile, it works with or without a tie. It suits most face shapes and remains a safe choice for the office.

The spread collar offers a wider opening. It showcases larger tie knots and creates a contemporary look. Perfect for formal occasions or round faces, as it balances proportions.

Casual collars

The button-down collar, which originated in America, adds a casual touch. It pairs ideally with a blazer for a smart-casual style. Oxford cloth suits it particularly well.

The Mandarin collar, or officer collar, has no lapels and is loved for its modern minimalism. It works well in summer with lightweight fabrics.

Practical tip: measure the length of your neck and consider your face shape. For a long neck, choose a higher collar. For a long face, a more open collar creates the illusion of width.

A well-chosen collar transforms an ordinary outfit into a sophisticated look.

We offer a variety of custom collars to suit your preferences. Browse our shirts with different collars.

Fabrics for men's shirts: a guide to essential materials

Fabric determines comfort, durability, and care. Here are the most relevant options.

Cotton poplin is the top choice for dress shirts. Lightweight, with a tight weave, it offers a crisp drape and a smooth surface. It breathes well and is easy to iron. Ideal for the office.

Twill has a subtle diagonal texture. More wrinkle-resistant than poplin, it's suitable for everyday wear.

Oxford has a more casual look thanks to its basket weave. Hard-wearing and comfortable, it's perfect for button-down collars.

Linen excels in summer. Highly breathable, it brings a relaxed elegance, even if wrinkles are part of its charm.

Blends with elastane (2-5%) add flexibility without sacrificing elegance. They improve comfort in fitted cuts.

According to recent data on the men's shirt market (2025), cotton accounts for around 48-50% of the global market thanks to its breathability and durability. Linen is growing rapidly, with growth forecast at around 7% due to demand for natural materials.

Here's a simple comparison table to help you:

Fabric	Comfort	Care	Ideal use	Breathability
Cotton poplin	High	Easy	Office, formal	Good
Twill	Good	Medium	Everyday, semi-formal	Good
Oxford	Very good	Medium	Casual, smart-casual	Excellent
Linen	High in summer	Natural wrinkles	Summer, casual	Exceptional
Stretch blend	Very high	Easy	Active, everyday	Good

How to wear and care for men's shirts

A well-worn shirt changes everything.

With a suit : always tuck it in, and make sure the sleeves extend slightly beyond the jacket (about 1 cm).
Casual style : wear it slightly untucked with jeans for an effortless look.
Colors : white and light blue remain timeless basics. Subtle patterns (fine stripes, small checks) add personality.

Care: wash at 30-40°C and avoid the tumble dryer to preserve the fibers. Iron while still damp for a crisp finish. Rotate your shirts to extend their lifespan (ideally 5-7 shirts for a week at the office).

Current trends in men's shirts

In 2025-2026, there's a return to understated elegance, with semi-fitted cuts and natural fabrics. Lightweight oversized shirts are gaining ground in casual wear, while fine poplin dominates formal wear. Earthy colors (beige, camel) and deep blues round out the collections.

The French menswear market is showing steady growth, with an emphasis on sustainability and comfort.

Why invest in a good men's shirt?

A quality shirt lasts longer, is a pleasure to wear, and enhances your presence. At Zed By, we take pride in offering well-cut pieces made from durable fabrics, so you feel confident in every situation. Since 1981, our expertise has enabled us to create shirts that combine tradition and modernity.

Ready to refresh your wardrobe? Discover our men's shirt collection and order yours today. Free delivery on orders over €149 and installment payments available. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

For more inspiration, check out our guides to men's suits or our best sellers.

Best Men's Shirts in 2026

Zed By - Best Men's Shirts in 2026

White Honeycomb Ceremony Shirt

This shirt is made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester, offering comfort, softness, and easy care. It can be machine washed at 30° while retaining its quality and vibrant color.

Its tailored fit elegantly enhances the silhouette, while its small collar adds a subtle, modern touch. The button closure makes it easy to put on while maintaining a polished style.

White in color, this shirt is versatile and suits all occasions, whether formal or casual, for a look that is both classic and refined.

Blue Striped Spread Collar Shirt

This shirt is made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester, combining cotton's softness with polyester's durability and easy care. It can be machine washed at 30° while retaining its quality and colors.

Its tailored fit elegantly flatters the figure, while its spread collar adds a sophisticated, modern touch. The button fastening makes it practical to put on while maintaining a polished style.

With its blue striped pattern, this shirt stands out for its subtle, versatile elegance, ideal for both professional and casual outfits.

French Collar Shirt Black

This shirt is made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester, offering an ideal blend of comfort, softness, and durability. It is easy to machine wash at 30° while retaining its quality and color.

Its tailored fit elegantly flatters the figure, while its French collar adds a classic, sophisticated touch. The cufflink fastening adds a refined detail, perfect for a formal and elegant style.

Black in color, this shirt is suitable for dressy or professional occasions, guaranteeing a chic and timeless look.

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