In the men's wardrobe, certain items transcend time without losing their appeal. The shirt is one such item. But between plain, classic, and timeless versions, and striped, bolder, or graphic designs, the choice is not always obvious. How can you know which one best suits your style, your body type, or even your current mood?
Two styles, two messages: understanding the impact of the pattern
Plain men's shirt: the advantage of understated elegance
When it comes to style, a plain shirt is a safe bet. No unnecessary frills: it gets straight to the point. A good cut, breathable fabric, a well-chosen color, and you're good to go.
The real advantage of a plain shirt? Its versatility. You can wear it under a blazer at the office, open over a T-shirt on the weekend, or simply on its own, with the sleeves rolled up, over a well-cut pair of chinos.
And in terms of silhouette, it works well. It emphasizes the build and overall posture without overwhelming the whole with too much visual information. The result is a sharp, clean, simple but not simplistic look.
Men's striped shirt: visual dynamism and interplay of lines
On the other hand, the striped shirt fully embraces its character. It catches 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 an old English school, depending on its style.
That's what makes it such a trendy piece. Thin sky blue stripes, bold navy blue and white stripes, tone-on-tone stripes... there's a wide range to choose from. Some are subtle, others more assertive. The idea is to choose according to your personality.
When worn well, it gives your figure a boost, especially if it is vertical. But it can also be tricky if the contrasts are too stark or if the cut is not impeccable.
Tip: Avoid wide stripes if you already have broad shoulders, as they can make your figure look heavier.
Morphology and visual appearance: matching cut and pattern
The choice between stripes or plain fabrics depends not only on your mood, but also on your body shape. A fitted plain 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 are looking to elongate your silhouette or add structure, vertical stripes are your best bet.
But be careful: it all depends on the fabric. A striped shirt made of stiff poplin can make your figure look stiff, while a flowing cotton shirt will move more naturally with you. Similarly, a plain shirt made of crinkled linen will give you a more natural look than one made of shiny cotton.
Simple tip: if you're unsure between two patterns, start by testing them under a sweater or overshirt to tone down the effect.
Occasion, style, and usage: which one to choose depending on the context?
Office, events, weekends: adapt without compromising on style
No need to reinvent everything every time you go out. The idea is to have shirts that are ready to adapt to your schedule.
For a business meeting, a plain shirt is always a safe choice. In white, sky blue, or beige, it inspires seriousness without stiffness.
For dinner with friends, a subtle striped shirt under a light jacket or overshirt is enough to enhance a basic look.
On vacation, the striped shirt becomes a real playground. Navy stripes on a light background, in soft cotton, immediately evoke a summery look inspired by the seaside.
Men's plain shirt look: the best combinations
To break away from formality, think about fabrics and contrasts. Pair a plain light-colored shirt with dark textured pants. Or vice versa: a khaki linen shirt with raw denim jeans rolled up at the ankles.
Another option is to play with tone-on-tone, using the same color in different shades (sand-colored shirt + light camel pants = a perfectly mastered combination).
How to wear a striped shirt without overdoing it
The key with stripes is balance. If the shirt catches the eye, everything else should be more understated.
Pair it with plain pants in neutral tones. Avoid overloading on prints. And if you really want to try the full striped look (shirt + slim-striped pants), make sure the colors match and the look remains fluid.
Tip: Choose a straight or slightly fitted cut to avoid uneven volume.
Building a modern and versatile locker room
The three shirts you should always have in your wardrobe
You can't do without these essentials:
- A plain light-colored shirt: white, blue, beige—perfect all year round.
- A striped shirt, preferably a thin one: for your outings and stylish moments.
- A textured shirt, such as linen or chambray: ideal for summer or for more casual looks.
With these three models, you have everything you need to compose easily, without worrying too much.
Materials and cuts to choose to stay stylish all year round
The fabric is what gives your outfit its 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-fit shirts if you don't feel comfortable in them. A well-designed regular fit will do the job just fine. The important thing is that the shoulder seams are well positioned and that the shirt falls just above the hips.