How to choose a dress shirt

A shirt is the piece of clothing closest to your face, and it touches your skin all day long. If the collar is tight, the sleeves are short or the shirt balloons over your belt, it shows even under a jacket, and no suit can save the impression. Here is how to choose a shirt that is comfortable and looks good both with a suit and on its own.

Collar types

The collar is the most visible part of a shirt. There are only a few main types:

• Classic collar: pointed ends with a moderate gap between them. The most versatile option, with or without a tie, with a suit or a blazer.
• Spread collar: the points are set wider apart, leaving room for a larger tie knot. It looks formal.
• Button-down collar: the collar points button down onto the shirt. A more relaxed style that works well with a blazer, chinos or jeans, often without a tie. With a strictly formal suit, a classic collar is the better choice.
• Band collar: no folded points, just a narrow band. It is worn without a tie, for a relaxed look.

Finding your size

Some makers size shirts by neck measurement in centimetres; in our shop, Pierre Cardin shirts come in letter sizes: S, M, L, XL and so on. Either way, check the following when you try one on:

• Collar: fasten the top button. One, at most two, fingers should slide in between the collar and your neck. If they don't, wearing a tie all day will be uncomfortable.
• Shoulders: the shoulder seam ends at the edge of your shoulder, not lower.
• Sleeves: the cuff reaches your wrist bone and doesn't ride far up when you bend your arm.
• Body: the fabric shouldn't pull and gape between the buttons. Tucked in, the shirt shouldn't balloon over your belt.
• Length: a tucked-in shirt stays in when you raise your arms.

Slim or regular fit

Our Pierre Cardin shirts come in two main fits:

• Slim: follows the line of the body with no extra fabric at the sides. It looks good on slender and athletic builds and doesn't bunch under a slim jacket. For example, this 100% cotton shirt.
• Regular: roomier in the chest and waist. It suits larger builds and anyone who spends all day in a shirt and likes room to move. For example, this white shirt.

Choose the fit you can move and sit comfortably in, and that doesn't pull at the buttons.

Fabric

• 100% cotton breathes well and feels pleasant on the skin. The classic choice for the office.
• Cotton with polyester creases less and is easier to iron. Handy if your days are long or you travel a lot.
• Linen or a linen blend is light and airy, so it's great for summer, although it creases a little more.
• Cotton with wool is a warmer, denser fabric for the cold season.

The composition of every shirt is listed on its product page.

Pairing with a suit and tie

The basic rule is simple: the shirt should be lighter than the suit, and the tie darker than the shirt.

• White and light blue shirts go with any suit, whether navy, grey or black. If you're just starting out, get one of each.
• Mix patterns carefully: with a striped or checked shirt, choose a plain tie or one whose pattern is a different scale, so they don't clash.
• Tie width should match the width of your jacket lapels: a slimmer tie looks better with a slim-fit suit.
• Tie length: the tip of a tied tie should reach your belt buckle.
• Below the jacket sleeve, about 1–1.5 cm of shirt cuff should show. It's a small detail that instantly looks well put together.

Dark shirts, black or navy, are best worn without a tie, in the evening or for a relaxed look with a blazer or cardigan. For a classic office suit, stick to light colours.

Quick checklist

• One or two fingers fit under the buttoned collar
• The shoulder seam ends at the edge of my shoulder
• The cuff reaches my wrist bone
• The fabric doesn't pull between the buttons
• The collar suits the occasion, with or without a tie
• The shirt is lighter than the suit, and the tie darker than the shirt

You'll find Pierre Cardin shirts in white, light blue, stripes and darker colours, as well as suits, in our online shop or in the Pierre Cardin stores in Yerevan Mall, MegaMall Armenia and Rio Mall (open daily 10:00–22:00). We deliver anywhere in Armenia for 1,500 ֏, and within 2 hours in Yerevan. If the size isn't right, you can exchange or return an item within 14 days at one of our Yerevan stores, unworn and with its tags on.