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11 Best Dress Shirts for When You Want to Clean Up Real Nice
You know it’s time for a new one.
Let's talk about dress shirts. These staple pieces might not be the most exciting thing to shop for, but they can still be a little sexy—there's no reason to groan and grumble over this purchase. Because when you do find the right dress shirt, you're going to look and feel classy as hell.
Finding a good dress shirt comes down to the two f's: fabric and fit. To start with the former, the fabric that you select will depend on the season. For the summer, you will want something more breathable, like a lightweight cotton or linen. When it's cooler out, a knit or cashmere will be your best choice. Then comes fit, which ultimately depends on your preference. A slim fit will give you a more tailored look, whereas an oversize fit will give you roomier comfort. And, of course, there's everything in between.
From Amazon options that are under $50 to the most luxe designer picks, we've rounded up the 11 best dress shirts to wear to the office—and beyond. Now all you're missing is some loafers and slacks and you're good to go.
Few—and we mean very few—brands can surpass Lululemon's ability to offer sleek, uber-comfortable styles that move with you. I mean, this is the brand we all know and love for its ridiculously great athletic clothes, and as luck would have it, its dressier options are equally as thoughtfully made. This tailored style is stretchy, easy to care for, and easy to dress up or down—so basically it's everything you could ever want in a shirt.
| Fit | Classic |
| Colors | 7 |
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
| Materials | 52% Polyester, 34% Recycled Polyester, 14% Nylon |
The brainchild of two iconic brands, this dress shirt is underrated and cool. The chambray composition gives the easy, effortless appearance of denim but with a lightweight cotton feel that makes it ideal for warmer weather. Mother-of-pearl buttons create an elevated contrast, making this shirt endlessly versatile.
| Colors | 2 |
| Sizes | 14.5–18 |
| Materials | 100% Cotton |
At this point, J. Crew's Ludlow is one of my favorite lines in the fashion industry. It's the pinnacle of perfectly tailored ready-to-wear, and if you need a little refresher, Ludlow is the umbrella name for J. Crew's classic suits, coats, and shirts that will work for business meetings, barbecues, weddings, dates, what have you. This style is endlessly versatile, classically cool, and ridiculously wearable. Woven with fine two-ply 100s yarns in 100 percent cotton, it has a silky finish and a lighter feel.
| Fit | Tailored |
| Colors | 8 |
| Sizes | 14-17 |
| Materials | 100% Cotton |
We're living in a future in which athletic brands are producing dress shirts with the same technical prowess as their other apparel, and I'm glad for it. Like Lululemon, Rhone is an activewear brand that offers dressier styles too. Our editors are tempted to work out in this shirt—that's how stretchy and comfortable it is. (We won't, though.) The best part? This option allows you to ditch the dry cleaner, so you never have to choose between looking good and feeling good again—just pop it in your washing machine and be merrily on your way.
| Fit | Slim |
| Colors | 22 |
| Sizes | S-2XL |
It doesn't get much more classic and reliable than Van Heusen; consider this brand the Levi's jeans of dress shirts. Our editors love the details in this minimalist shirt. It has four-way stretch for maximum comfort and a slim fit that flatters most body shapes and looks great under blazers—which is a big reason why reviewers can't get enough of this style.
| Fit | Regular |
| Colors | 23 |
| Sizes | 13-18 |
| Materials | 91% Polyester, 9% Spandex |
I turn to Everlane for everything from cargo pants and sneakers to cashmere sweaters and dress shirts, personally. The brand offers timeless pieces—including this not-too-dressy dress shirt—that won't fail you or break the bank. Our editors love this easy, minimalist pick that looks great with everything from chinos to jeans. Plus, this style is made from organic cotton, so it's the ultimate breathable garb.
| Fit | Regular |
| Colors | 8 |
| Sizes | XS-2XL |
| Materials | 100% Organic Cotton |
Bonobos is a household name in the world of dress shirts, and for good reason. The brand's iconic Jetsetter shirt is comfortable, stretchy, and infallibly chic. In my opinion, this is about as close to a custom-made shirt as you can get online—choose from different colors, collar styles, fits, and neck and sleeve constructions too. It's 2025—why go to the tailor for the perfect dress shirt when all the work can be done for you with just a few clicks?
| Fit | Regular |
| Colors | 40 |
| Sizes | 14.5-17.5 |
| Materials | 76% Cotton, 21% Nylon, 3% Lycra |
Calvin Klein, the brand that ushered in minimalism in the '90s, continues to offer unfussy styles that'll work for everyone. This shirt feels perfectly tailored to your body, despite not being too fitted. It has a classic, slim-cut fit that flatters everybody and a simple, streamlined look that leaves the pockets behind. We love how this dress shirt wicks away moisture, and I especially love how the fabric doesn't crease easily.
| Fit | Slim |
| Colors | 15 |
| Sizes | 14-18.5 |
| Materials | 100% Cotton |
Really, though—if you love the custom-shirt vibe Bonobos offers, you'll get a real kick out of Stantt. Gone are the days of ill-fitting dress shirts: wrinkly and all-around uncomfortable. Stantt is changing the game with its completely customizable, wrinkle-free shirts. Plug in your collar and sleeve sizes, preferred fit, and preferences for the collar, cuffs, buttons, front, and pocket and voilà: a completely custom, personalized dress shirt is yours.
| Fit | Varies |
| Colors | Navy, Pink, Blue, Lavender |
| Sizes | 14-22 |
| Materials | 100% Cotton |
My father is a dress-shirt connoisseur, and he swears by Zegna. The Italian brand is known for being luxurious and elevated, yes, but people often fail to point out how damn comfortable its shirts are—this is like wrapping yourself in a cloud, if that cloud was chic and Italian.
| Colors | 1 |
| Sizes | 15–18.5 |
| Materials | 100% Cotton |
When you need to step it up a bit from Polo Ralph Lauren, go to Ralph Lauren Purple Label, a collection of pieces made of the finest materials and tailored to the absolute nines. Our editors have been fans of American-made clothing for years, and online reviewers love how this timeless shirt can be worn for just about any occasion. This timeless, crisp white shirt is a closet staple you'll be celebrating some of your best moments in.
| Fit | Tailored |
| Colors | White |
| Sizes | 14.5-18 |
| Materials | Poplin |
How We Chose
Picking out a dress shirt isn't rocket science, but it can certainly feel that way. Here are the factors to consider when compiling a list of the best dress shirts for men in 2025.
Budget: Just like all dress shirts are different, so are all budgets. That's why on this list you'll find options that range from $30 to $800. Note that you tend to get bang for your buck. A high-quality, finely crafted dress shirt at a steep price point is certainly an investment, but it'll last you for years to come. Something cheaper, on the other hand, is great ... until it isn't.
Reviews: Not only did our reviewers test hundreds of different styles, but we also paid close attention to what customer reviews said about each individual product. Our editors picked dress shirts that reviewers love and that we love to ensure that we were including only the highest-quality shirts in our roundup.
Material: If you're like us, you don't want to feel uncomfortable in your dress shirt, which is why we chose only products you can move in without feeling restricted. Fabrics like cotton and linen are lightweight and breathable, whereas cashmere tends to be a bit warmer (great for chilly months but not so ideal for layering under a blazer in the dead of summer). If you prefer machine washing to dry cleaning, you should pay extra attention to the fabric of your dress shirt to ensure it can be tossed in the washer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I care for a dress shirt?
As with all garments, we highly recommend reading the care tags and the manufacturer's washing instructions. Some of these shirts have to be taken to the dry cleaners, and others can be tossed in the washer with your dirty towels and socks. To ensure your dress shirt lasts as long as possible and continues to look fresh, though, professional care is never a bad idea.
What's the difference between a spread collar and a point collar?
A spread collar is shorter in length than a point collar, and the two tips are—you guessed it—more spread out. This style is great for wide tie knots and for making your face and shoulders look broader.
For a sleeker, slimmer look, a point collar comes in handy. This style has the two sharp collar points closer together, so ties fit more snugly without any gaps that show the shirt underneath. Point collars, being more traditional, are also designed to meet the lapels of your jacket rather than go underneath them.
How do I measure my dress shirt size?
Measuring for the perfect fit without the assistance of a tailor can be tricky, but it's absolutely still doable. Some shirts on this list ask for a collar size, sleeve length, and shirt length; here's how to find those out.
For your collar size, place a tape measure flush against your neck and wrap it around, with two fingers between the tape measure and your neck for comfort. Sleeve length is measured by taking the length of your mid-back to shoulder, shoulder to elbow, and elbow to wrist, then adding them all up. And shirt length is perhaps the simplest: lay a button-down you already love down flat, and measure from in between the collar to the bottom hem.
What to Consider
Fit: This is the first thing you should look for when deciding what dress shirt to purchase. If you have a rectangular body, look for options with a slim fit. If you are more oval shaped, seek out brands that have a classic fit. And no matter what type of body you have, make sure that every shirt is tailored with back seams or darts to contour to your back.
Fabric: This part comes down to personal preference, but here are some of the fabrics we recommend:
Cotton—This is a breathable, lightweight material that will allow you to stay comfortable all day long.
Silk—If you want to wear a garment that feels light and smooth against your skin, silk is the best choice. Plus, it can instantly upgrade any fit.
Polyester—Moisture wicking, wrinkle resistant, and breathable, polyester is the ideal option for all your upcoming summer weddings.
Finishing Details: Paying attention to the little things is key when finding the perfect dress shirt. You should look out for tiny details like cuffs, seams, buttons, and hemlines to ensure that the shirt you choose matches your personal style—and, hey, maybe gives it a little extra flair too.
Shop More Esquire Essentials
- Now that you have your dress shirt, don't forget about a pair of dress shoes.
- You can even try pairing your favorite top with some khakis that are more than just chinos.
- Upcoming wedding? Grab one of these affordable suits that make getting dressed up easy.
Why You Should Trust Esquire
We won't say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to dress shirts—especially ones that emphasize comfort—you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting styles that we've personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We've had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these comfortable dress shirts are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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