Shirts and Essential Upper Garments

The hierarchy of shirts: from basics to etiquette.

Building a functional men's closet begins with the shirt, which acts as the canvas on which all other elements are built.

The undisputed cornerstone piece is the long-sleeved white dress shirt; its versatility is absolute, working for both high-level meetings and social events.

A black shirt should be added, ideal for evening outings where the aim is to project sophistication and mystery without effort.

For more relaxed contexts, the denim or chambray shirt has become a modern neutral that adds texture without sacrificing style.

At the pinnacle of formality is the French cuff shirt (for cufflinks).

This garment, preferably white, is a must for black tie events or important ceremonies, as it instantly elevates the wearer's status.

It is a strategic investment that separates the man who simply dresses up from the man who knows the codes of elegance.

Polo shirts, T-shirts and visual correction with prints

For casual codes, the polo shirt is the gold standard of smart casual.

It is recommended to have at least three in basic solid colors, as they offer a structured collar with the comfort of pique cotton.

Basic cotton T-shirts should be high quality, round or V-neck, and in neutral colors to serve as base layers or stand-alone pieces in warmer climates.

Regarding prints, stripes play a crucial corrective role. A man with a robust build should opt for shirts with thin vertical lines (pinstripe) to elongate the torso.

Conversely, a very slim man will benefit from horizontal lines or checks (such as gingham or vichy) that add visual volume a