In the men's wardrobe, certain pieces transcend the ages without losing their seductive power. The shirt is one of them. But between the plain, classic, and timeless versions, and the more daring or graphic striped models, the choice isn't always easy. How do you know which one best suits your style, your body shape, or your current desires?
Two styles, two messages: understanding the impact of pattern
Men's plain shirt: the advantage of controlled sobriety
When it comes to style, the solid shirt is a sure bet. No unnecessary gimmicks: it gets straight to the point. A good cut, a breathable material, a well-chosen color, and you're all set.
The real advantage of a plain shirt? Its adaptability. You can wear it under a blazer at the office, open over a T-shirt for the weekend, or simply on its own, with the sleeves rolled up, over a pair of well-cut chinos.
And silhouette-wise, it's a good thing. It emphasizes the build and overall posture without overwhelming the overall picture with too much visual information. The result: a clean, crisp, simple, but not simplistic look.
Men's striped shirt: visual dynamism and play of lines
Conversely, the striped shirt fully embraces its character. It attracts the eye, structures the silhouette, and adds movement to a somewhat flat look. It has that little something extra that evokes the Riviera or the benches of the old English school, depending on your style.
This is what makes it a trendy piece. Thin sky blue stripes, bold navy and white stripes, tone-on-tone stripes... the choice is vast. Some are discreet, others more assertive. The idea is to choose according to your personality.
Worn well, it adds lift to your silhouette, especially if it's vertical. But it can also be tricky if the contrasts are too strong or if the cut isn't impeccable.
Tip: Avoid wide stripes if you already have broad shoulders, as this can visually weigh down your figure.
Morphology and visual rendering: combining cut and pattern well
Whether you choose a striped or solid pattern depends not only on your mood, but also on your body type. A fitted solid shirt works well on muscular or very slim builds: it follows the natural lines of the body without embellishment. On the other hand, if you're looking to elongate your silhouette or add structure, vertical stripes are your best bet.
But be careful: it all depends on the material. A striped shirt in stiff poplin can freeze a silhouette, while a flowing cotton will better accommodate movement. Similarly, a plain shirt in crumpled linen gives a more natural look than a cotton that's too shiny.
Simple tip: If you're undecided between two patterns, start by testing it under a sweater or overshirt to tone it down.
Occasion, style and use: which one to choose depending on the context?
Office, events, weekends: adapt without making a mistake
No need to reinvent the wheel for every outing. The idea is to have shirts ready to adapt to your schedule.
For a professional meeting, a plain shirt remains the safe choice. In white, sky blue, or beige, it inspires seriousness without rigidity.
For a dinner with friends, a discreet stripe under a light jacket or overshirt is enough to enhance a basic look.
On vacation, the striped shirt becomes a real playground. Nautical stripes on a light background, in soft cotton, immediately evoke a summer look inspired by the seaside.
Men's plain shirt look: the best combinations
To break away from formality, think about materials and contrasts. Pair a light, solid-colored shirt with dark, textured pants. Or vice versa: a khaki linen shirt with raw-cut jeans rolled up at the ankles.
Another option is to play with tone on tone, using the same shade in different shades (sand shirt + light camel pants = 100% perfect combo).
How to wear a striped shirt without overdoing it
The key with stripes is balance. While the shirt draws the eye, everything else should be more understated.
Pair it with plain, patternless pants in neutral tones. Avoid overloading with prints. And if you really want to try the all-over stripe look (shirt + pinstriped pants), make sure the colors match and the look remains fluid.
Tip: opt for a straight or slightly fitted cut to avoid the effect of unbalanced volumes.
Build a modern and versatile locker room
The three shirts to always have in your wardrobe
You can't miss these essentials:
- A plain shirt in light colors: white, blue, beige – perfect all year round.
- A striped, thin shirt preferably: for your stylish outings and moments.
- A textured shirt, like linen or chambray: ideal for summer or for more casual looks.
With these three models, you have what you need to compose easily, without asking yourself too many questions.
Materials and cuts to favor to stay stylish all year round
Fabric is what gives your outfit body. Poplin for the office, linen for summer, Oxford for cooler days, and chambray for casual looks.
Fit: Don't force yourself to wear slim-fitting pants if you're uncomfortable. A well-thought-out regular fit will do the job. The important thing is that the shoulder seams are well-placed and that the shirt falls just above the hips.