Basics on Oxford Dress Shirts
The base of any outfit is generally the shirt, and having a well-fitting, classic white oxford should be every man’s fashion staple.
What is an Oxford Shirt?
An oxford shirt takes it’s name from the cloth it is made from−oxford. Most often made from cotton and woven into a pattern that resembles a basket weave, oxford cloth is very durable, yet maintains a slight sheen making it the perfect workaday shirt. The style is a collared button down, and can be composed of either short or long sleeves.
How to Wear an Oxford Shirt?
An oxford shirt is the quintessential dress shirt. Wear it under a blazer for a snazzy work look, and pair it with your favorite tie to dress it up even more. Wear it with khakis for a business casual vibe, and dress it down with jeans on the weekend. The oxford shirt may just be the most versatile item in your wardrobe, so mix and match to find your perfect look.
Overall fit:
Whereas t-shirts or sweaters can be a bit baggy and no harm is done, a baggy oxford shirt is a fashion faux pas best left unmade. When choosing an oxford off the rack, choose one that has no more than about two inches of give at the waist after it’s buttoned. Can you comfortably sit in the shirt? If the shirt is suitably constructed and it fits well, it should not pull or squeeze, and the material should not gap between the buttons. If you are an unusual size or would like a custom tailored feel without the price tag, buy a shirt that fits well in the neck and sleeves and have the tailor fit the body to your specific measurements−the cost is minimal, but the results are an immaculate fit.
Sleeves:
Perhaps the most important factor when choosing your oxford is ensuring that the sleeve length is correct. Men’s style experts agree that the sleeve on an oxford should hit just below your wrist bone. Too short and you’ll look like a gawky teenager, but too long and you’ll appear to be wearing your older brother’s cast-offs that you haven’t yet grown into. Spend the time, effort and money to find a brand and style that coincide with your body type, then stick with it for a fit that’s always spot on.
Neck:
As with sleeves, you don’t want to look like you’re wearing clothes that you’ve outgrown or that have outgrown you. Choose a neck measurement that allows you to turn your head naturally, but one that doesn’t gap when standing up straight. If you like everything else about the shirt but the neck is just slightly big, a tie can cinch it in, but give this method a try before you buy, as you don’t want the neck to appear scrunched.
Just because you have been buying oxford shirts for years doesn’t necessarily mean the fit is correct. So perhaps it’s time to bite the bullet. Spend a little bit more and you’ll come home with a shirt that is guaranteed to become your own wardrobe staple.
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Your Mens-Ties.com Team