The White Dress Shirt Hierarchy

To most men, one white dress shirt is no different than any other white dress shirt. But to others that’s so far from the truth it’s insane. Prepare yourself for what the average American male would find to be the most boring article on clothing…ever. All white dress shirts. No oxford cloth. No button down collars. Just the best-of-the-best true, white dress shirts.  Listed in order by cost, starting with super-affordable, and heading as far north as the great nation of Splurgeistan.

 

Target Merona Ultimate Dress Shirt (60% Cotton / 40% poly) – $24.99

Yes, these will need some tailoring if you want them right up on your torso, but they’ll do fine without under a blazer or suit jacket. The 60% cotton / 40% poly blend is surprisingly soft and smooth on the all-white option. Most shirts with that kind of blend are scratchy.

 

J. Crew Factory Slim Point Collar – $29.50 ($59.50)

Regular J. Crew shirting seems overpriced. But J. Crew factory shirts are pretty solid when on sale. 1.5″ slimmer through the body, this is about as affordable as a true slim fit dress shirt gets. Nice and slim through the body. Arms feel slimmed down, but not tight. $29.50 through 7/7. One drawback: Like the Target Merona, no neck and sleeve sizes. Just standard Small, Medium, Large, etc. 100% cotton with a not too stiff non-iron finish.

 

Neiman Marcus Trim Fit Dress Shirts in Dobby or Stretch – $35 – $40

Price all depends on how much of a sale Lastcall.com is running. And word is, the actual trimness of each shirt can vary. But some guys swear by these things. Lots of options, like the textured dobby on the left the smooth stretch on the right, and a non iron version here.

 

Nordstrom Smartcare Trim – $65.00

Expect extra tailoring if you want it super slim, BUT… the construction is nails. Nice sized collars, great feel, and durable. They do wrinkle a bit in the wash, but iron out real easy. Worth taking for a spin since Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns. A few sizes left over here at 50% off.

 

Brooks Brothers Extra Slim Fit Non-Iron – $88.00 (or less if you buy in bulk)

Getting up there in price, but Brooks Brothers runs sales every so often where if you stock up, you can save up to 40% off. And some guys are addicted to the extra slim fit non-iron. Note: “Slim” fit for Brooks Brothers isn’t really all that slim. So, go for extra slim if you’re in good shape. Currently on sale for 25% off if you buy two, or, 40% off if you lay some serious financial lumber and get four. Sale ends today, 7/2.

 

ratio/clothing Slim Fit White Pinpoint – $89.00

A splurge, but as good as it gets for double digits. You get a custom fit through a precise, but not overly invasive measuring system. Neck sizes down to the quarter inch and sleeves to the nearest half inch. No more of that 32/33 off-the-rack garbage. You also get to pick your collar, placket, cuffs, the type of pleats you want on the back, and whether or not there’s a pocket. Send customer service an email, and you can get the buttons spaced out a bit more, which helps if you like to go tieless. Made in the USA. More over here.

 

Ledbury Royal Twill Slim Fit – $125.00

If you jumped on the half-priced deal Ledbury ran a week or so ago, strongly consider using that $65 you spent on the Royal Twill Worker in slim fit. The fabric is nothing  short of amazing. Textured with a barely noticeable ribbing, this is a shirt you’ll stand out in when wearing it with jeans and a navy blazer, or with a tuxedo. Made in Poland. Sizes are all but sold out right now, and Ledbury is awfully limited when it comes to the range of sizes that they offer. But, it’s $125 full price, so… consider your wallet safe if you’re not a 15, 15.5, 16, or 16.5 neck. Mother of Pearl buttons, and Ledbury’s second button is lower than most shirts, so it looks perfect with the top undone. Money might not be able to buy happiness (or maybe it can, to a point) but money can buy one of these shirts. And wearing one will probably make you awfully happy.

Your turn guys. What’s your go-to white dress shirt? One of the above? Charles Tyrwhitt? A department store brand not mentioned? Leave your personal pick and why you like it so much in the comments below.