Menswear can get pricey. It’s the reason why some men don’t make an effort to dress themselves better. While there are places where you can find affordable dress shirts for men, not all of them can be relied on. Some are just really better than others.
If you’re looking for great dress shirts at a low price, you shouldn’t just go for the cheapest brand available. Turning to bargain racks can be disastrous as well because they most likely don’t have a good array of sizes and styles left.
So, what are you supposed to do if you want to look better on a budget? While there’s a good number of menswear brands that retail at friendly prices, not all of them offer good products. If you want to find an affordable dress shirt that you can wear at the office without denting your bank account, you have to be quite discerning. Look for these three things in every affordable dress shirt that you come across:
1. Good Fabric
Cotton is the best material for dress shirts, if you can find affordable ones that are made from 100% cotton, then those are considered great steals. Egyptian and Zimbabwe cotton are considered the top materials, but they can be really expensive. They’re comfortable, but they wrinkle fast and are not ideal in colder climates.
Most affordable dress shirts come in blended materials. This means that they use a mix of cotton and other fabric (usually polyester, linen, or wool) to create the garment. These can still be great as long as they’re smooth and comfortable. Some are even wrinkle-free, which makes them more convenient to use on a regular basis.
A good fabric also involves the print. Choosing a print is essential, as it will determine how wearable a shirt is. If your affordable shirts are for the office, going for solid colors is always a good choice. Opting for more subdued and professional prints is also a safe way to go about it. However, if your office allows more relaxed and creative clothing, don’t hesitate to go all out as long as you can carry the shirt with confidence.
2. Good Cut
The fit is the most important thing when it comes to menswear, so make sure to choose shirts that fit you well. Different brands have varied sizing, so if you can try the shirt on before purchasing, do so. If you’re buying online, take note of the measurements and compare them with yours to ensure that they will fit you well.
3. Good Craftsmanship
Quality can determine if a dress shirt is affordable or simply cheap. You’ll want a shirt that is made of high-grade craftsmanship so it won’t fall apart while you’re still wearing it!
You don’t have to splurge every time you need a new shirt. You just have to know where to find them.
