The shirt is the universal garment, indispensable in any man’s wardrobe. Buttoned to the top or worn open with the sleeves rolled up, a well-chosen shirt conveys masculinity and good taste. Yet sometimes a shirt simply does not look as good as expected. Something seems “off”, but the problem is impossible to pin down.

This is a common experience; many men face the same problem. And a problem only grows worse when no one is aware of it. That is why this article reveals the 5 common mistakes men make with their shirts.

1. The short-sleeved shirt: why it looks wrong

Here is a communist legacy many men still carry around. The shirt began its career as an undergarment, which is why it could not be shown in public, and it was pulled on over the head. Later, men used it as a buffer between jacket and body. In effect, the shirt was always meant to stay out of sight. In the communist period, the shortage of T-shirts and the scarcity of materials gave rise to the short-sleeved shirt. It is, in fact, a cross between a classic shirt and a casual T-shirt. It is precisely this mix of styles that robs it of refinement. Short sleeves can also show the arms in an unflattering light. And worn under a jacket, the shirt may well leave sweat stains on the lining. Hardly desirable.

2. The shirt with a breast pocket: when it makes sense

There is no reason for a breast pocket unless it regularly holds a pair of glasses. Even then, objects in a shirt pocket look out of place and spoil its line. The good news: the pocket can be unpicked, for a stylish new lease of life.

3. The untucked shirt: when it is acceptable

It is a common sight in Romania, especially with jeans or Bermuda shorts. What is wrong with that, one might ask? The truth is that only casual shirts long enough to extend past the hips can be worn this way. The back must be longer, so that it partly covers the seat. Classic style, by contrast, accepts only a tucked-in shirt. An untucked shirt with a suit is a complete absence of style.

4. The unshaped shirt: why it spoils the silhouette

An unshaped men’s shirt is generally the mark of mass production. It looks bad on the body for several reasons. First, it can look too loose and voluminous, to the detriment of the silhouette. It gives the impression of a man dressed in a sack, and a thoroughly unkempt look. An unshaped shirt also suggests that its wearer does not know his size or, worse still, does not care. For a defined look, then, a glance through the wardrobe is in order. A tailor can add darts to take the shirts in. A few darts can work wonders.

5. The loud-coloured shirt: when it becomes too much

Shirts in loud shades are the fifth, painfully common mistake. Intense shades can be overwhelming and draw too much attention. Overly vibrant colours are out of place on formal occasions and suggest a lack of sartorial judgement. They are hard to pair, and any misstep can tip into kitsch. A subtler approach, built on white, pale blue and pale pink, is all it takes to exude style and restraint.

In sum, short-sleeved shirts, breast pockets, untucked shirts, unshaped shirts and loud colours make up the arsenal of any man bent on ruining his reputation beyond repair. These fatal mistakes are best avoided. And when the shops fall short, there is always a made-to-measure alternative. A coffee in our showroom will settle the matter.