The shirt is the universal garment, indispensable in any man’s wardrobe. Whether you wear it buttoned all the way up or left open with rolled-up sleeves, the right shirt will convey masculinity and good taste.
Still, do you sometimes feel you don’t look as good in your shirt as you expected? Something seems “off,” but you can’t quite pinpoint the problem?
Well, you’re not alone! Many men struggle with this issue. And a problem becomes even more serious when you’re not aware of it. That’s why, in this article, we’ll reveal the 5 common mistakes men make when choosing their shirts.
1. The Short-Sleeved Shirt
Here’s a communist-era legacy many men still carry with them! Originally, the shirt began its career as an undergarment—hence it wasn’t meant to be shown in public, and it was pulled over the head. Later, it started being used as a buffer piece between the jacket and the body. Essentially, the shirt was always meant to stay hidden from view.
During the communist period, however, the shortage of wardrobe items (like t-shirts) and fabric-saving measures led to the birth of this hybrid. Today we call it the short-sleeved shirt, but in reality, it’s a mix of a classic shirt and a casual tee. Precisely this blend of styles makes it completely devoid of refinement. On top of that, short sleeves can negatively emphasize the arms’ appearance. And if you wear it under a jacket, you might end up staining the lining with sweat… and you don’t want that!
2. The Shirt With a Chest Pocket
Here’s another wardrobe disaster, often paired with the previous one. There’s no reason to have a chest pocket unless you wear glasses and need to put them there frequently. Even so, objects tucked into a shirt pocket look inappropriate and ruin the shirt’s line. The good news is you can have the pocket removed, giving your shirt a fresh and stylish look!
3. The Untucked Shirt
This sight is common in our country, especially paired with jeans or shorts. You might wonder: what’s wrong with that? The truth is, only casual shirts that go past the hip line can be worn untucked. It’s important that the back is longer so it partially covers the seat. In contrast, classic style accepts only shirts tucked into trousers. Wearing a shirt untucked with a suit means a total lack of style.
4. The Loose-Fit Shirt
The loose-fit men’s shirt is generally the hallmark of mass production. It looks bad on the body for many reasons. First, it can appear too wide and bulky, putting your silhouette at a disadvantage. This gives the impression you’re dressed in a sack and makes you look completely sloppy.
Second, a loose-fit shirt suggests that the wearer doesn’t know his correct size—or, worse, doesn’t care. For a defined look, take another look at your wardrobe and, if needed, ask your tailor to sew in a few darts. Believe it or not, darts can work wonders!
5. The Bold-Colored Shirt
Bold-colored shirts are the fifth painfully common mistake! These intense shades can be overwhelming and draw excessive attention. Furthermore, overly vibrant colors are inappropriate for formal occasions, suggesting poor judgment in sartorial choices. On top of that, such colors are hard to match, and any failed attempt can slip into kitsch. Instead, a more subtle approach to color—based on white, light blue, and pale pink—is all you need to radiate style and good taste.
In conclusion, short-sleeved shirts, chest-pocket shirts, untucked shirts, loose-fit shirts, and bold-colored shirts form the arsenal of any man looking to irreparably ruin his reputation. Avoid these fatal mistakes, and if store-bought options don’t satisfy you, remember: there are always custom alternatives!
