In the realm of men's fashion, few garments embody timeless elegance quite like preppy shirts. Whether you're aiming for a sophisticated look or a casual vibe, preppy shirts offer versatility and style that effortlessly elevate any outfit. Let's explore what qualifies as preppy, how to style these shirts, and where to find the best options available.
Table of Contents
What qualifies as preppy
Preppy fashion is characterized by a classic, clean-cut aesthetic with a focus on traditional styles and high-quality materials. Think crisp collared shirts, cable-knit sweaters, chinos, and boat shoes. Key elements of preppy style include tailored silhouettes, vibrant colors, and timeless patterns such as stripes, plaids, and checks. The preppy look is refined yet relaxed, exuding an air of sophistication with a hint of collegiate charm.
How to style preppy shirts
Styling preppy shirts is all about achieving a polished yet laid-back vibe. For a classic preppy ensemble, pair a button-down shirt with tailored trousers or chinos, finished with loafers or boat shoes. Layering is key, so don't be afraid to add a cable-knit sweater or a lightweight blazer for extra warmth and style. Experiment with color-blocking and mixing patterns to add visual interest to your look while staying true to the preppy aesthetic.
Where to buy the best preppy shirts
Collars & Co.
Elevate your wardrobe with preppy shirts from Collars & Co. Born out of a desire to provide a more comfortable alternative to wearing dress shirts under sweaters and jackets, Collars & Co. set out on a year-long journey to create the perfect buttery-soft polo with a standard English spread collar. The result? A luxurious yet practical garment that combines comfort with refined style.
Neem London
Neem London's overshirt is a testament to sustainability and style. Crafted from 100% recycled cotton, it features a lightweight Zephyr weave for year-round comfort. With two side welted pockets and an elegant Prince of Wales check pattern, it's perfect as a jacket, shirt, or layering piece. Plus, Neem offers a buy-back program, promoting circular fashion.
Velasca
Embrace timeless Italian craftsmanship with Velasca's range of premium shirts. Founded in 2013 by Enrico and Jacopo, Velasca began with a mission to create excellent quality men’s shoes at a fair price by selling directly to customers. Since then, Velasca has expanded its product range to include apparel, maintaining its commitment to delivering freedom and beauty through artfully crafted items.
Private White V.C.
Discover the epitome of British craftsmanship with Private White V.C.'s collection of preppy shirts. Established in Manchester in 1853, Private White V.C. has a rich heritage of outfitting kings, queens, presidents, and Hollywood icons with its impeccably crafted garments. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Private White V.C. continues to produce shirts that embody timeless elegance and sophistication.
Luca Faloni
Founded with a passion for the Italian style in men's wear, Luca Faloni selects only the finest materials from prestigious Italian producers to create shirts of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. From pure cashmere and silk-cashmere to linen and brushed cotton, Luca Faloni's shirts are designed to stand the test of time.
Foret
Embrace the beauty of nature with Foret's collection of preppy shirts. Founded in 2014 with a vision to recapture the sense of the great outdoors, Foret offers high-quality, timeless garments that blur the line between outdoor clothing and casual staples. Made from sustainable fabrics and designed for versatility, Foret's shirts are perfect for both the wilderness and the office.
Wax London
Infuse your wardrobe with London cool with Wax London's range of preppy shirts. Founded in 2015 by three friends with a passion for dressing well, Wax London combines British style with affordability to create garments that are both stylish and accessible. From classic striped shirts to casual tees, Wax London offers a diverse range of preppy options for the modern gentleman.
Closed
Discover the perfect blend of French imagination, Italian craftsmanship, and German tradition with Closed's preppy shirts. With a focus on quality and attention to detail, Closed's shirts are made to last, using only the finest materials and production techniques. From denim to cotton, Closed's shirts exude European heritage and timeless style.
Pini Parma
Experience the elegance of Italian style with Pini Parma's collection of preppy shirts. Handcrafted by highly experienced Italian craftsmen, Pini Parma's shirts combine traditional manufacturing techniques with modern design sensibilities. Made from high-quality materials sourced from across Italy, Pini Parma's shirts offer a perfect balance of luxury and versatility.
Mackintosh
Elevate your outerwear game with Mackintosh's collection of preppy shirts. Established in 1824, Mackintosh is one of the world’s most influential coat makers, renowned for its craftsmanship and expertise in rubberized fabric. With a focus on quality and innovation, Mackintosh's shirts offer both style and functionality for the discerning gentleman.
For more like this, check out our pick of the best business casual shirts.
