Shirts are making a comeback this year, and it’s easy to see why. They’re one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your capsule wardrobe. If it’s dressing for the office, keeping it casual on weekends or casual Friday, or meeting friends for a laid-back hangout, shirts can be adapted for each of these occasions. We can move from the classic crisp button-up, right through to the relaxed oversize shirts that give more of a cool, effortless vibe. Shirts offer endless styling options—you can tuck them in for a polished, professional look or leave them untucked for something more casual.
The best thing about the collared shirt is that it’s an instant “put-together” look with minimal effort. Whether you prefer classic styles or something more current, there are plenty of ways to bring more inject more shirts into your wardrobe. Here are eight easy ways to pick up your shirt game.
1. Button-Down Shirt
A button-down shirt is one of those easy pieces present a relaxed vibe. It’s smart enough for the office and casual enough for a relaxed day out. The small buttons on the collar keep it looking tidy, so you don’t have to worry about your collar curling up during the day. You can wear it with dress pants or a skirt when you need to look smart, or roll up the sleeves and pair it with jeans and trainers for a relaxed vibe. It’s a simple choice that fits different occasions without much effort.
When choosing a button down shirt, you often get a great option of relaxed fabrics too rather than the more conservative business shirt fabrics. Many are made from fabrics that resist wrinkles, which is a huge time-saver when you’re busy, as well as cotton linen blends and washed denim looking fabrics. Plus, with so many colours and patterns available, you can mix things up without overthinking it. Whether you like bold prints or classic shades, a button-down shirt is a solid choice.
2. Oxford Shirt
The Oxford shirt is known for its heavier, textured fabric, giving it a more laid-back yet professional look. It’s
durable fabric, comfortable, and perfect for smart-casual settings. Try pairing an Oxford shirt with tailored pants for a sharp look or wear it open over a plain tee for a stylish street vibe. Because of its durability, the Oxford shirt is a great choice for workplaces where employees are always on the move.
Thinking of upgrading your uniform? The Oxford shirt offers that perfect mix of casual and smart. It’s professional enough for meetings yet relaxed enough for after-work plans. Adding embroidered logos or custom details can turn this classic shirt into a standout uniform that looks great and feels comfortable too.
3. Dress Shirt
Designed for more corporate and formal settings, the dress shirt is more structured in it’s fit and fabrics, has a
crisp collar and cuffs and often made using more formal fabrics with a quality finish. It’s often paired with suits and ties, making it ideal for boardroom meetings, corporate events, or high-end hospitality roles. For added style, consider choosing dress shirts with subtle textures or patterns—they maintain a professional look but add some personality.
Have you ever noticed how a well-fitted dress shirt can instantly improve the impression someone makes? Layering it under a blazer gives a sharp finish, while adding cufflinks or a statement tie can further enhance the look. Our biggest tip here is to choose, high quality breathable fabrics like cotton to elevate your shirt game and create a durable staple wardrobe shirt.
4. Polo Shirt
This style of shirt has been around for decades and it’s easy to understand why. The polo shirt is a relaxed and professional option that suits a variety of industries. With the ribbed collar and short button placket, it’s perfect for retail, hospitality, or casual corporate environments and a great option for outdoor staff or roles. There is also the added advantage of the fabric options that polos can come in. For added durability and performance, look no further than moisture-wicking or performance fabrics to keep your team cool and dry.
Polos are also ideal for achieving a professional look. Pair them with tailored pants or chinos for a professional setting or combine them with jeans for casual Fridays. In this setting, a cotton polo is usually the best option as the quality tends to be superior than the poly cotton variations.
5. Chambray Shirt
The denim and chambray shirts is most definitely making a comeback! If you’re after a modern, laid-back uniform style, this shirt is a great pick. It’s lightweight, denim-like, and perfect for workplaces with a creative or casual vibe. Pair a chambray shirt with dark jeans – denim on denim is trending in 2025. Or neutral trousers for a more up market, professional style. These matching looks are especially popular in cafes, retail stores, or trendy workplaces where a touch of casual coolness is appreciated.
Let’s mix it up – try rolling the sleeves, layering with a jacket, or pairing with chinos. The other bonus is the nature of the fabric – a soft texture making it comfortable for all-day wear, especially in warmer climates.
6. Mandarin Collar Shirt
The mandarin collar shirt is probably one of the least popular option, but in the right setting it’s such a sleek look. Its collarless or short stand-up design gives it a minimalist and contemporary look. This style is great for hospitality, medical, or corporate settings where clean, professional designs are called for. Pair it with tailored pants or skirts.
Thinking about refreshing your uniform look? The mandarin collar shirt is a standout choice. Its simple neckline creates a clean, distraction-free look that’s ideal for roles where staff need to look tidy and professional. This shirt’s fresh style makes it a great pick for businesses aiming for a modern and sleek image.
7. Cuban Collar Shirt 
If you want to add a relaxed yet stylish feel to your team’s uniforms, consider the Cuban collar shirt. With its short sleeves and open, relaxed collar, this shirt offers a laid-back look that’s perfect for creative industries or casual workplaces. It’s a great choice for summer uniforms or teams that want to embrace a more modern style.
The Cuban collar shirt pairs well with tailored shorts, linen pants, or even lightweight chinos. It’s ideal for outdoor staff, tropical climates, or workplaces that encourage individuality. This style blends comfort with personality, allowing your team to look stylish while feeling relaxed.
8. Henley Shirt
A Henley shirt strikes the perfect balance between a polo and a t-shirt. With its round neckline and short button placket, it’s a step up from the standard tee making it a great in between shirt—not needing formal today but a tee is just a bit too casual? Then the Henley may be your go to
This makes it an excellent choice for workplaces where comfort is key and there is an overall relaxed vibe, but staff are still required to look presentable. The Henley shirt pairs well with jeans, chinos, or even layered under a jacket for a more formal look.
Do you want to give your team a modern, laid-back vibe? The Henley shirt offers just that. It’s a great pick for active roles or casual uniform policies. Another match it to pair it with utility pants or layer it with vests for added warmth and style, perfect for teams that need both comfort and a clean, professional look.
