Men's Style Blog
Section: Building Your Wardrobe - Blog
As you're building a basic men's wardrobe without bankrupting your budget, you may wonder how many shirts you'll need. Should you focus on solid colours for utility, or add in some patterns, semi-solids, stripes etc. for versatility and flair? Here's tips for building a work-friendly wardrobe on a budget.
Master French painter Francis Picabia said: “If you want to have clean ideas, change them as often as your shirt.” While that isn't the reason we'd advise you to fill up your wardrobe with business shirts, we'd like to focus your attention on how to keep your wardrobe budget friendly without tossing out all your shirts and starting from scratch.
Your core business shirts should be:
Buy your first threebusiness shirts in solid colours; preferably, white or blues as these pair well with almost any suit. You'll always look stylish yet classic in shirts with point collars and cuffs that match.
To minimise costs during your building phase, choose single barrel cuffs for your first three business shirts. Add variety by simply mixing in single or two-button barrel cuffs. As your income grows, and you want to add more flair to your outfits, add some shirts with French cuffs.
To get the best fit, the shoulder and the neck measurements should be perfect – or as close to perfect as possible. If you are buying your shirts off-the-rack, remember each brand manufacturer uses a different set of fit models to design their clothing, so a medium-size in one brand is probably not the same measurements as a medium in another brand.
You can avoid sizing problems altogether by wearing bespoke or tailored business shirts. Since the tailor takes your exact measurements as part of the tailoring process, you'll always end up with a perfectly fitted garment.
Most quality tailored business shirts have a split shoulder yoke, which provides a natural shoulder cut and fit for the shirt. How do you know if a business shirt has a split shoulder yoke? Look for a vertical fabric seam in the middle of the shirt between the shoulders. Split shoulder yokes are constructed from two separate pieces of fabric.
Lastly, if you cannot find a business shirt to fit you well, err on the side of caution and opt for a larger size. Why? Because your tailor can alter a larger fit by shortening the sleeves or tucking in the stomach fabric.
It doesn't make sense to spend money on a smaller shirt in the hopes of someday losing enough weight to fit into it, does it? Buying your clothes to fit the body you have today is always your smartest, most economical move. If your weight changes, you can buy new clothes or have your current items altered to fit, if possible.
As your budget allows, complement those staple solid business shirts with a variety of:
Remember, though, plain fabrics are considered more formal than fabrics which feature complicated patterns. What this means to you is you'll have a more versatile, interchangeable wardrobe if your core shirt collection doesn't contain too many shirts with memorable patterns or features.
Choose shirts to compliment your body type; don't be a trend fanatic. Stick with basic styling options like:
Do take your body type into consideration before making a choice. For example, if you have a round or extremely thin face, choose a collar that balances your facial features.
Avoid shirts made from fabrics with more than 50% manmade fibre need. Why? These fabrics do not wick moisture away from the body as well as natural fibres do, so you'll feel hot and uncomfortable in them.
Instead, choosecotton fabrics, which have inherent wicking properties. If money is no object, and you don't mind paying exorbitant drying cleaning bills, go ahead and invest in silk business shirts as well.
Owning custom made business shirts will spoil you, but in a good way. Once you've experienced the sheer delight of wearing a perfectly fitted shirt, with no excess fabric billowing over the top of your trousers, you'll never put on an ill-fitting garment again. If you're ready to experience that kind of luxury, schedule apersonal consultation with one of our master tailors today. Your body will thank you.
Original idea for article from Antonio Centeno, author of the internet's most actionable men's style guide. We recommend a read!
Image Credits © Curaphotography | Dreamstime.com © Shutterman99 | Dreamstime.com © Apolobay | Dreamstime.com © ArtyuStock | Dreamstime.com
With over 20,000 satisfied clients, Montagio's distinction as the top-rated tailor in Sydney and Brisbane is no coincidence. Our success lies in our commitment to personalisation, ensuring each suit is a true reflection of the individual wearing it. Unlike others, we focus on providing unparalleled service, meticulous attention to detail, and an array of bespoke options, making every Montagio suit a testament to quality and individuality. If it lacks that personal touch, it simply isn't Montagio.
Behind every Montagio suit is a team of expert tailors dedicated to precision, craftsmanship, and personal service. Get to know the masters who bring your vision to life, ensuring every suit is as unique as the person wearing it.
James Goodchild
With over 15 years of experience in suiting and 8 years at Montagio, James Goodchild has custom-fitted over 3,000 suits, achieving $8 million in lifetime sales and earning a reputation as a trusted bespoke tailoring expert. Passionate about bold statement suits and meticulous craftsmanship, he believes true greatness lies in integrity and influence, much like a well-tailored suit that leaves a lasting impression.
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Aaron Bry
Aaron began his career in 2002 and has deep expertise in tailoring and luxury menswear, achieving multi-million-dollar sales and earning induction into MJ Bale’s Million Dollar Club... twice. Now converted to custom, he is committed to excellence in both style and service and believes in always being impeccably presented. Outside of work, he enjoys bodybuilding and films, often described as a 'gentle giant' for his approachable nature.
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Raul Rodriguez
Raul is an experienced tailor with a deep passion for bespoke suiting, combining precision, craftsmanship, and a keen eye for detail to create impeccably fitted garments. Known for his ability to blend classic tailoring with bold, modern touches, he works closely with clients to craft suits that reflect their personality and style. For Raul, a well-made suit is more than clothing - it’s a statement of confidence, sophistication, and individuality.
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Named in GQ Magazine's "Best Tailors" list, and the highest reviewed tailor on Google, Montagio has paved the way for discerning men to get suited up with style. A truly personalised experience, we deliver perfectly fitted bespoke suits, shirts and coats for business, weddings, formal and casual events. Our showrooms are packed with designs that inspire and thousands of fabrics, making it easy for you to get the look you want. Our difference? We won't let you walk out until we've tailored your perfect garment. It's personal. To experience Montagio's red-carpet service, book your personal appointment today.
