The 15 Types of Shirts Every Man Needs In His Wardrobe

Buck Mason Perfect Oxford Shirt

Dress Shirt

The dress shirt is an essential garment, but don’t let the word “dress” intimidate you. Modern dress shirts are designed for comfort. They’re made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or nylon blends, and pair effortlessly with tailored pants or casual jeans.

Polo Shirt

Let’s be honest, the polo shirt has become quite polarizing. But scratch every association it has with frat boys, finance bro, or the like. While we understand your hesitance to reintroduce this classic piece into your wardrobe, trust us when we say the polo shirt is back baby, and better than ever.

Rhone Delta Pique Polo

Now 20% Off

Flannel Shirt

Disclaimer: Flannel shirts are no longer reserved for wearing in the woods or while driving a big truck. When the weather cools down, flannel shirts become indispensable. Available in many styles and fabrics—some softer and lighter, others with muted or bold patterns—they all have one purpose: to provide extra warmth when you need it most.

Chambray Shirt

You probably know this by now, but just in case, let’s make one thing very clear right off the bat: chambray shirts are not the same as denim shirts. Unlike denim, chambray is woven differently, giving it a lighter, more breathable feel. The result is a relaxed yet practical look that exudes effortless style. Chambray shirts pair perfectly with sleek chinos or your favorite jeans, offering a laid-back appearance that doesn’t compromise on sophistication.

J.Crew Chambray Shirt

Now 31% Off

Linen Shirt

Few fabrics embody summer quite like linen. Its tactile nature drapes elegantly around your body, providing a sensual feel when styled properly, wrinkles and all. Linen ages beautifully with each crease and fold, and keeps you cool even when the weather is not. The best part about linen? It can be dressed up or dressed down, so whether you’re going for that all-inclusive resort feel or bohemian vibe, you’ll always look put-together.

Banana Republic Castello Shirt

Overshirt

Picture your perfect date. Is it April 25th, when the weather is not too hot or not too cold, and all you need is a light jacket (if you know, you know)? An overshirt is the ideal outer shell for such an occasion. Crafted with materials thicker than a regular shirt but lighter than a traditional jacket, this style will be your go-to layering piece for transitional seasons.

Henley Shirt

Consider the Henleythe T-shirt’s cooler, older brother. Distinguished by its classic scoop neck and three-button placket, this type of shirt has a comfortable, effortless style that can be worn as a top layer, base layer, and more. Experiment with a jersey cotton Henley for those scorching summer days, or choose a thermal knit to layer under your heaviest winter gear. The world is your oyster; try them all.

Abercrombie Essential Henley Tee

Camp Collar Shirt

The camp collar shirt is chic, easy to wear, and will carry you through your spring and summer days. We love how easily this option can be styled—whether you’re doing up all the buttons and putting on some pleated pants or casually leaving it open with a tank top underneath—and we especially love how many different fabric options camp collar shirts come in for endless versatility.

Fair Harbor Clothing Casablanca Shirt

Undershirt

Even though no one technically can see it, the undershirt should not be overlooked. It will ensure you look and feel your best without becoming a sweaty mess. And while you may think you can grab any old white shirt and call it a day, actual undershirts are designed to be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and will help spare you from embarrassing pit stains. But if that’s not enough, they’ll also keep you fit in place without bunching or restricting your movement.

Hanes Performance Undershirt 5-Pack

Now 24% Off

Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Chances are, you’ve worn a short-sleeve before. Chances are, you’ve worn a lot of short-sleeve shirts before. So while we may not need to wax poetic on why this style is so damn good, there are a few things that we want you to keep in mind. When looking for the right short-sleeve t-shirt, seek options that blend versatility and comfort. Invest in a piece made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or nylon, and find one that is well-fitted and allows for a free range of motion.

Cozy Earth Short Sleeve Shirt

Now 45% Off

Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

With its straightforward silhouette and neckline variety, the long-sleeve shirt is a must-have in every man’s closet. To maintain a versatile collection, we suggest having at least five of these bad boys on deck—hell, make it six. But whether you prefer solid colors or graphic designs, crewnecks or V-necks, cuffed sleeves, or uncuffed, you’ll find endless options with this classic piece.

Denim Shirt

Let’s talk about denim shirts, a.k.a. western shirts. I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t that style reserved for movie cowboys and dudes who live in Montana? The answer is not anymore—Westernwear has expanded beyond the ranch. This style is not only a great way to replace your old go-to oxford and flap-pocket shirts but also allows you to upgrade your wardrobe to include options that are bold, unapologetic, and durable. There’s a reason why ranch hands have worn this look for so many years, after all. So, go ahead and step into your cowboy era, and look good while you’re at it.

Wrangler Iconic Snap Shirt

Levi’s Barstow Shirt

Now 32% Off

Knitted Polo Shirt

A knitted shirt has the delightful ability to make you look put-together and approachable, but not too stuffy— and if you don’t want to look like either of those things, we suggest going with a different style. The best-knitted shirts typically come in lightweight fabrics, frequently embellished with bold patterns, and have a texture-heavy look that adds dimension to any outfit.

Theory Knit Polo

Now 11% Off

Marine Layer Ethan Cardigan

Band-Collar Shirt

A silhouette rooted in menswear lore, the band-collar shirt is just like any old button-down you already have in your closet, absent of one important detail: The whole damn collar. And we know what you’re thinking, “Won’t I look like a hot priest in this type of shirt?” Well, whether or not you like this answer, it’s a little bit of a yes and a little bit of a no. When you button a band-collar shirt to the top, it creates a sleek line that might give off a little bit of a “our father,” type vibe, but if you leave it entirely unbuttoned, it will evoke a cool and casual style.

Todd Snyder Band Collar Shirt

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Choose the Right Type of Shirt?
It all comes down to style, occasion, fabric, and personal preference. For formal events, opt for an Oxford button-down or dress shirt. For a casual look, choose a classic tee or camp-collar shirt. Regardless of the type of shirt you choose, you want to ensure the fabric matches your setting. For the warmer summer months, find one in lightweight linen or cotton. While in the winter months, you may want a heavier shirt like a cozy flannel or overshirt. But whatever the season, make sure the type of shirt you buy has the proper fit for your body, whether that’s slim, athletic, tall, or relaxed.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Shirts for Men?
The term “popular” can be subjective, as shirt preferences vary by occasion. For those working 9-5 jobs, traditional styles like button-downs or polos are likely favorites. However, if you work from home and your “commute” is to the couch, relaxed styles like tees or undershirts may be more appealing. That being said, camp-collar shirts, denim shirts, and knitted polos are trending with our editors, and if you invest in one of these pieces, you’ll find out it’s for a good reason.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully chosen by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to different types of shirts, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tried, tested, and loved, along with options that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these shirt styles are simply the best.