Every discerning gent’s repertoire should include a healthy men's work shirts contingent. Endlessly versatile and oh-so-reliable, the shirt has been the bread and butter of the male wardrobe for centuries (since 3000BC, to be more accurate) – and that’s not going to change any time soon.
Stock up on the key shirting styles and you'll have all the bases covered – whether you're at the office, meeting mates at the pub or soaking up the sun on holiday. Not quite sure where to start? Scroll on for classic men's work shirts you should have on rotation.
Essential types of men's work shirts
Popover shirt
Starting our list of versatile men's work shirts is the popover shirt, which is characterized by its half-buttoned front and pullover design, blending casual comfort with professional style. Its effortless yet refined appearance makes it perfect for the modern workplace, offering a balance of sophistication and ease for all-day wear.
Our pick: Pini Parma
Discover the epitome of Italian craftsmanship with Pini Parma's Brown Popover Polo Shirt. Blending casual comfort with refined elegance, this unique piece boasts a half dress shirt, half polo design. Crafted with care from 100% piqué cotton, it features a Windsor collar and "Zampa di gallina" button stitching for added sophistication.
Shawl collar jumper
The shawl collar jumper, with its distinctive rolled collar that elegantly drapes across the shoulders, embodies timeless sophistication and effortless style. This classic garment, favored by style icons like Steve McQueen and Sean Connery, has endured the test of time, remaining a staple in modern wardrobes. Crafted for both comfort and refinement, the shawl collar jumper seamlessly transitions from casual to formal settings, making it a versatile addition to any gentleman's wardrobe.
As men's work shirts, the shawl collar jumper offers a perfect blend of professionalism and comfort. Its refined silhouette and distinguished collar elevate the wearer's appearance, exuding confidence and sophistication in the workplace. Whether paired with tailored trousers for a polished look or layered over a shirt for a more relaxed ensemble, the shawl collar jumper exerts a subtle yet commanding presence, making it an ideal choice for discerning professionals seeking both style and functionality in their attire.
Our pick: &SONS
The Port Shawl Collar Jumper from &SONS is a tribute to maritime heritage and enduring style. Crafted from responsibly sourced wool, viscose, and polyamide blend, it offers unmatched comfort and warmth. With its versatile shawl neckline and classic design, it's a must-have addition to your wardrobe, perfect for pairing with our Raw Elder Henley, Indigo Brandon Jeans, and leather accessories for a timeless ensemble that commands attention.
Plaid shirt
A plaid shirt, characterized by its distinctive pattern of intersecting lines and blocks of color, is a versatile staple in menswear. Originally associated with rugged outdoor wear, plaid shirts have evolved to become a wardrobe essential for men in various settings, including the workplace. The pattern's versatility allows it to transition seamlessly from casual to professional attire, making it a popular choice for men's work shirts. Its timeless appeal and rugged charm add a touch of character to any ensemble, while its inherent durability and comfort ensure practicality throughout the workday.
For a polished office look, pair a plaid shirt with tailored trousers and a blazer. Opt for subdued colors and smaller-scale patterns to maintain a professional appearance. Complete the ensemble with leather dress shoes and minimal accessories for a refined yet approachable aesthetic. Alternatively, layer the plaid shirt under a solid-colored sweater or cardigan for added warmth and sophistication during colder months.
Our pick: Billy Reid
Tonal Grid Plaid Tuscumbia Shirt Bd from Billy Reid, a symbol of understated luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. Crafted from custom cotton in a soft tonal grid plaid, it offers unparalleled comfort and a timeless aesthetic. Featuring a button-down collar, single chest pocket, and box-pleated body, this shirt embodies both style and functionality. Thoughtful details such as genuine mother-of-pearl buttons and our signature heirloom ribbon accentuate its refined appeal.
Flannel shirts
Ever versatile, ultra comfy and ideal for layering, the easy-to-wear flannel shirt is a menswear classic for a reason. Frequently confused with plaid, flannel actually refers to the fabric rather than the pattern of a shirt. Flannel is a woven fabric that's typically made from cotton or wool and often brushed for a soft, almost fuzzy texture, although flannel shirts can also be unbrushed or brushed on only one side. Flannel shirts usually have a thicker weave than most other cotton shirts, making them ideal for the colder months.
The flannel shirt originated as a warm and durable workwear garment in 16th century Wales, before eventually becoming adopted by the likes of Kurt Cobain as a 90s grunge staple. Today, it's an everyday wardrobe hero beloved for its relaxed aesthetic and super soft feel.
Our pick: ISTO.
For fuss-free style that you'll rely on time and again, look to Portuguese label ISTO., which offers a range of perfectly understated flannel shirts, from lightweight styles to more winter-ready heavyweight versions. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, they're ultra-soft and comfortable, not to mention better for the planet than standard cotton shirts.
Denim shirts
Denim is one of the most durable materials at our disposal, even in 2024. What’s more, it looks great. This must have been what the stylish Italian sailors of the 19th century thought when they decided to wear early versions of the material. When the material reached France, in particular the city of Nîmes, local manufacturers tried to recreate the style and strength of the material they had seen foreign sailors wearing. What came out was not what they had seen, but what we now know as denim – de Nîmes. The vast popularity of denim can be credited most surely to a man we've all heard of – Levi Strauss. Importing this wonder material to America began a style revolution that birthed the jeans, denim shirts and denim jackets that went on to shape popular culture forever.
Nowadays, the focus of men’s denim shirts is less to do with durability as it is to do with style. While the material remains innately durable and functional, the style has evolved to encompass slim-fit denim shirts and denim shirts of different colours.
Our pick: ASKET
At OPUMO, you’ll find a range of denim shirts for men, which can be worn in the warmer months as lightweight spring jackets or layered under a sweater come winter-time. We recommend an inspection of ASKET's classic stone bleach and stone wash denim shirts, which are designed to exacting standards and crafted from dense cotton with elegant mother of pearl buttons. Style yours with chinos and white trainers or rock the double denim look by teaming it with a pair of dark denim jeans.
Oxford shirts
The Oxford shirt takes its name from the Oxford cloth from which it’s cut – a thick, slightly textured basketweave fabric that offers more of a casual feel than most other types of dress shirts. First created in Scottish fabric mills in the 19th century, the Oxford shirt was originally adopted by polo players, who required a shirt with buttons to hold their collar in place while riding. This precipitated the advent of the button-down collar as we now know it.
Today, the Oxford button down is a versatile menswear staple that you most likely already have a few versions of in your wardrobe. It traditionally comes in hues of pale blue and white, but feel free to experiment with other colours like navy, forest green or khaki.
Our pick: Luca Faloni
Crafted by skilled artisans from Grandi and Rubinelli weaving mills, each Luca Faloni Oxford shirt is meticulously woven from premium Egyptian cotton, renowned for its purity. With versatile designs for casual and professional wear, our shirts boast a long-lasting shape and elegant finish, featuring theirsignature 'Paramontura' one-piece collar and delicate mother-of-pearl buttons.
Linen shirts
With its natural breathable and moisture-wicking properties, linen makes for an excellent summer shirting fabric. Made from the fibres of the flax plant, it also happens to be a planet-friendly alternative to cotton, as it requires a whole lot less water to produce and its durability means it will stand the test of time. Well cared for, linen should last you a lifetime. And it will only get better with age.
The beauty of the linen shirt is its inherent versatility: it will serve you just as well on a sun-drenched holiday – teamed with swim shorts and espadrilles – as it will in the office, as part of a more polished business-casual look with tailored trousers and loafers. Avoid overly baggy styles and opt for linen shirts with slimmer, more tailored fits, which will allow for the natural stretch of the fabric while flattering the wearer.
Our pick: M'Essentiel
Embark on a journey of refined elegance with M'Essentiel London's luxurious linen shirts for men. Indulge in the premium craftsmanship of our small-batch, UK-made collection, meticulously crafted from 100% Irish linen, a fabric renowned for its sustainability and timeless allure. Elevate your wardrobe with these versatile men's work shirts, perfect for both casual outings and formal affairs, ensuring comfort and style all year round.
Overshirts
Occupying the space between a regular shirt and a lightweight summer jacket, overshirts are usually cut from slightly heavier fabrics than regular shirts. They also feature boxier cuts to allow them to be worn over the top of other layers. Given their origins are rooted in military clothing and workwear, overshirts are often cut from sturdy cotton twills or moleskines. Today, the popularity of the style means a range of fabric options are available — from linen to hopsack and wool.
Our pick: Wax London
If you’re looking for a simple and versatile wardrobe addition that you'll rely on year-round, Wax London should be your go-to. The beloved British brand is one of our favourite brands championing the overshirt. Its bestselling Whiting style has garnered cult status thanks to its utilitarian-inspired aesthetic and easy-to-wear checks. Choose from over 35 different fabrics, including recycled cotton, linen and corduroy.
Polo shirts
The polo shirt is a menswear classic, a reliable smart-casual go-to for just about any occasion. As its name suggests, the polo shirt – or a version of it – was originally invented for polo players in the late 1800s. It wasn't until the 1920s, however, that the polo shirt as we know it today was born, all thanks to the French tennis icon René Lacoste. Frustrated with the rigid codes of tennis wear, Lacoste began wearing a short sleeved shirt in a lightweight cotton pique – a soft, breathable and relaxed style that improved his freedom of movement and performance.
Fast forward to today and practically every menswear brand has created its own version of the men's polo shirt, harnessing all manner of cuts, fabrics and patterns and elevating the garment beyond its sporty origins.
Our pick: The Resort Co
Stockholm-based resortwear brand The Resort Co specialises in effortlessly elegant poolside essentials. Its knitted polo shirt – available in four easy-to-wear hues – elevates the humble menswear staple and epitomises the brand's minimalist aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail. Crafted from 100% organic Italian pima cotton and boasting a smart slim fit, this men's polo shirt is the perfect companion for the warmer months.
Grandad collar shirts
The grandad collar shirt – aka mandarin collar or band collar shirt – is a collarless shirt that's thought to have been born in the 1920s, when factory workers took to cutting off their collar, since they had no need for a tie. Today, grandad collar shirts are ubiquitous in the world of menswear, loved for their smart-casual appeal and breezy, unstuffy feel. The collarless shirt is a less-formal men's work shirts option than the Oxford shirt, so it will look just as good in the office as down at the pub on the weekend.
Our pick: LESTRANGE
London-based label LESTRANGE has made a name for itself as a go-to for timeless, seasonless capsule wardrobe staples. One such item is the linen collarless All Day Shirt, a year-round shirt that's crafted from a silky soft linen-cotton blend, with just a hint of stretch. The collarless style is perfect for adding a casual edge to any smart outfit. Style with tailored trousers and loafers for a contemporary take on office wear.
Shop all men's shirts at OPUMO.
Hungry for more? Check out our ultimate guide to men's linen shirts.
