Updated by Sonia Su
White dress shirts are staples in any man’s wardrobe. The classic white dress shirt is incredibly versatile and can easily be dressed up or down. This makes white shirts ideal for almost any occasion and dress shirts a must-have for special events. Here is a guide to the best white dress shirts for men.
How to Choose the Best White Dress Shirt
To make sure you are getting the most out of your shirt, it is important to consider a few things:
Find the Size that Fits You
Size is perhaps the most important part of guaranteeing your shirt looks good on you. Even if you get a dozen of the best white dress shirts it doesn't matter if they don't fit.
They are not sold in the standard small, medium, large, etc. Instead, they are sized by giving you the neck and sleeve length. We have a full guide to buying a dress shirt here.
To guarantee that the shirt is not too big or too small, you should always go in with your measurements. This is as simple as taking a measuring tape and wrapping it around your neck to get the circumference in inches. From that number, you should add a quarter of an inch to it.
This will allow for some breathing room, without overcompensating. If your neck measurement is not on a clear inch mark or half-inch mark, you should round it up to the nearest half to get the perfect white dress shirt.
Perfecting Sleeve Length
Your sleeve length will also be measured in inches and can be done by measuring from the nape of your neck to the end of your wrist.
For the best results, this should be done by standing with your arms lightly at your side and then have a friend or partner measure for you. You should round to the nearest inch. Here's a full guide on how to measure your sleeve length.
Off-the-rack options will show you the neck size first then the sleeve length. For example, the tag may read “16 ½ 32-33”. The 16 ½ will be your neck circumference and the 32-33 measurement will be the sleeve length range.
If you want to have a custom dress shirt made, you will need to have more measurements, such as chest width or circumference, waist width or circumference, and even hips depending on the type of fit and how long you want the shirt to go.
Most custom white dress shirts will require you to be measured in-store, so they will take the measurements they find necessary.
Without further ado, lets go straight into our favorite white dress shirts for men.
The Best Men’s White Dress Shirts
1. [Overall Favorite] Actually Slim Fit - Men’s White Dress Shirt
The white dress shirt from Nimble Made stands out as the best choice for a slim guy due to its meticulous design and superior quality. Inspired by the moon’s roundness, the Crescent by Nimble Made is perfect for dressy and casual occasions. The bottom hem is curved to provide a shirt that can work tucked or untucked, and the sky-blue accents add something extra to the overall look.
Comes with free metal collar stays and features a semi-spread reinforced collar, this collar style allows you to go with or without a tie and look good no matter how you wear it.
Crafted from a high-quality broadcloth weave fabric, this shirt offers a crisp, clean look that complements a slim physique effortlessly. The broadcloth weave means minimal shine and texture and gives a sleek and stunning look. Browse Nimble Made's spread collar dress shirts.
The fabric's composition ensures both durability and breathability, providing comfort throughout the day without sacrificing style. Its tailored fit is specifically designed to flatter a slim build, with a tapered waist and narrower sleeves that create a sleek silhouette.
Additionally, the shirt's versatile white color makes it a timeless wardrobe staple that can be effortlessly paired with a variety of suits, trousers, or jeans, making it ideal for both formal occasions and everyday wear.
Overall, this Nimble Made crisp white dress shirt combines impeccable craftsmanship, superior fabric quality, and a tailored fit to offer the perfect blend of style and comfort.
2. [Best Extra Slim Fit] White Collar Speckled Dress Shirt
If you’re searching for an option that is more opaque, look no further! The white dobby weave dress shirt from Nimble Made stands out as the ideal choice for a slim guy for several reasons
It features a slightly thicker material than the first shirt. With a speckled collar and cuff interiors, this shirt can add a bit of flair in casual situations where you have your sleeves rolled up and your top button open.
This white dress shirt has a slim fit design that tailored to flatter a slender frame, ensuring a sleek and polished appearance without excess fabric that can often overwhelm or bulk up a slimmer physique.
Additionally, the dobby weave fabric offers a subtle texture and depth to the shirt, adding visual interest and sophistication while still maintaining a clean and classic look suitable for various occasions.
The fabric's composition also provides comfort and ease of movement, essential for someone with a slim build who may prefer a more fitted silhouette without sacrificing comfort.
Furthermore, Nimble Made's attention to detail and quality craftsmanship ensure that the shirt not only fits impeccably but also retains its shape and durability over time, making it a worthwhile investment for any wardrobe.
Lastly, the versatility of a crisp white dress shirt cannot be overstated, as it effortlessly complements any suit or ensemble, whether for formal events or everyday wear, making this white dress shirt an indispensable staple.
Overall, with this white dress shirt's tailored fit, premium fabric, and timeless aesthetic, the white dobby weave dress shirt from Nimble Made emerges as the top choice for a slim guy seeking both style and comfort in his wardrobe.
3. [Best Thicker Material] White Button Up Collar Dress Shirt
Our newest button up dress shirt is The Bai. The white button-up collar dress shirt from Nimble Made stands out as the best option for a slim guy due to several key factors.
This dress shirt features a light pink interior collar lining. This white dress shirt also features a Jacquard pattern compared to the broadcloth weave of The Crescent. This is one the best white men’s dress shirts thanks to its versatility. Wear this to the office, to a wedding, or out to the bar; it won’t let you down. Here is our guide on men wearing white to a wedding.
Its tailored fit is specifically designed to complement a slimmer physique, ensuring a sleek and flattering silhouette without any excess fabric that could appear baggy or bulky.
This precise fit not only enhances the wearer's appearance but also provides optimal comfort and freedom of movement. Pairs great with dress pants.
Additionally, the high-quality materials used in its construction offer durability and a luxurious feel against the skin, promising longevity and resilience to frequent wear and washing.
The classic white color of the dress shirt makes it incredibly versatile, seamlessly transitioning from formal to casual occasions with ease, and serving as a timeless wardrobe staple that can be paired effortlessly with a variety of outfits.
Furthermore, Nimble Made's attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the shirt's impeccable stitching, crisp collar, and overall polished finish, elevating the wearer's style and confidence.
Overall, the combination of this dress shirt and its tailored fit, premium materials, versatility, and attention to detail make this white dress shirt from Nimble Made the ultimate choice for a slim gentleman seeking both style and comfort.
These are also our favorite button down shirts of all time.
4. [Best Button Down] White Patterned Button Down Shirt
If you're searching for the epitome of sophistication and versatility in a white dress shirt, look no further than Nimble Made's White Patterned Button-Down Dress Shirt. This shirt is not just a wardrobe staple but a testament to fine craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
The subtle yet striking pattern adds a layer of texture and depth, making it stand out from the typical plain white dress shirt. This delicate pattern ensures that the shirt maintains a refined appearance while offering a touch of modern flair, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of distinction in their attire.
Constructed from premium, breathable cotton, this shirt promises unparalleled comfort throughout the day. The fabric’s softness against the skin is matched by its durability, ensuring that it retains its crisp, fresh look even after multiple wears and washes.
The tailored fit of this dress shirt enhances your silhouette without compromising on comfort, giving you a polished and confident look whether you’re in a boardroom meeting or at a formal event.
Attention to detail is where this white dress shirt truly excels. The precision of the button-down collar and the meticulous stitching reflect a commitment to quality and style. This white dress shirt transitions seamlessly from a formal setting to a more relaxed occasion, making it an invaluable addition to any wardrobe.
By choosing Nimble Made’s White Patterned Button-Down Dress Shirt, you’re not just investing in a piece of clothing but in a lasting impression of elegance and professionalism.
Top White Dress Shirt Comparison Table
| Dress Shirt | Features | Pros | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1. The Crescent | White Dress Shirt | High-quality broadcloth weave, curved bottom hem, semi-spread collar, sky-blue accents | Perfect for slim builds, versatile white color, breathable, durable fabric | Link to Buy |
| #2 The Blue Skies | Button Up Dress Shirt | White dobby weave fabric, speckled collar and cuff interiors, slim fit | Opaque fabric, subtle texture, tailored fit for slim builds, comfortable | Link to Buy |
| #3 The Bai | White Collared Shirt | Jacquard pattern, light pink interior collar lining, tailored fit | Versatile for any occasion, luxurious feel, durable, great fit for slim physiques | Link to Buy |
| # The Melati | Button Down Shirt | Subtle patterned design, premium breathable cotton, button-down collar | Refined look with modern flair, comfortable, versatile from formal to casual | Link to Buy |
Find the Right Fit
You need to find the right fit (so if you're slim check out the best slim fit dress shirts, or for shorter guys, check out our guide to the best dress shirts for short men), style, and comfort to get the best results.
This is why it is important to understand what makes certain white dress shirts more desirable than others. Here is a separate guide on how a dress shirt should fit. When it comes to the fit of your shirt, there are four main types:
- The classic fit is designed to provide more room on the shoulders, creating a broader appearance. There is also some extra room for the chest and waist, as well as looser sleeves. This fit is ideal for those who don’t want their shirts too tight and will also add the appearance of a broader chest and shoulders. This is, overall, a very flattering fit for anyone.
- The regular fit is also cut broadly across the shoulders and provides some extra room from the chest and waist. There is not quite as much room around the waist as the classic fit but is not form-fitting. The sleeves are slightly loose but not as large as the classic size. This provides a slightly more tailored fit to show off more of your form while making you still appear to have broader shoulders and chest.
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Trim-fit shirts are designed to be more form-fitting and make the body appear more slender, and give a crisp appearance to the shirt. The armholes are slightly higher than on the classic or regular fit and are cut much more closely to the chest. Here's a detailed guide on what slim fit means.
There is still room left for movement so you aren’t going to be restricted by the shirt but will aim to keep your chest and waist appear as true to size as possible. The sleeves are also trimmer to define arms and make it look smoother under a jacket.
Check out Nimble Made’s size chart and how it's actually slim fit for those looking for a slim fitting white dress shirt.
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For a slimmer body type, you may want to consider an extra-trim fit. This will provide you with a shirt that fits close to your body, preventing you from looking baggy if you have a skinnier body.
The armholes are high to keep the shoulders and armpits tailored to you, and the chest and waist are cut slim to avoid extra fabric. The waist and sleeves are both narrow and will fit very smoothly under a jacket.
Picking the collar
Not all dress shirt collars are the same and it is important to find the right one for you. There are two main types of collars, and then many different subtypes. The standard, or point, collar makes up around 95 percent of all dress shirts and is the classic look.
The collar’s edges are pointed down at a 60-degree angle and leave very little space between the panels. These collars are ideal for those who want to create a more elongated look to their face and draw the eye downward.
A spread collar is designed to look more youthful and less formal, while also showing off a tie if you choose to wear one. The collar points down at a 90-degree angle and helps to promote the eyes being drawn to your face. Spread collars are also associated with a younger style and can add some fun and quirkiness to your white shirts
Another popular style of collar is the button-down. This collar is sports and preppy, making it ideal for a casual or dressed down outfit. It is not designed to be worn in a business setting, but instead for events with a more lax dress code. Here we compare button up vs button down collars.
There are also many other collar types including the club collar, mandarin, pin, tab, spear, square, cutaway, band, and wing. They all vary in height and stiffness and are designed for various occasions.
How to Choose the Best Material
Finding the best white dress shirts involves a combination of factors that contribute to their quality, comfort, and style.
Fabric Quality
- Look for white shirts made from high-quality cotton or cotton blends. Supima cotton and Pima cotton are known for their softness and durability.
- Check the fabric weight and texture. A medium-weight fabric (around 150-200 GSM) tends to offer the best balance between comfort and durability.
Shirt Fit and Cut
- Consider your body type and preferred fit. Slim fit shirts offer a more tailored look, while regular or a relaxed fit provides comfort and ease of movement.
- Pay attention to the length. It should hit just below the waistband of your pants without being too long or too short.
Solid Construction and Stitching
- Inspect the stitching for quality and durability. Look for double stitching at seams, especially around the collar, sleeves, and hem.
- Check for flatlock seams or seamless construction for added comfort and reduced irritation.
Thickness and Opacity
- Hold the white dress shirt up to the light to check for opacity. Good white dress shirts, whether medium weight or heavyweight tees, should be thick enough to prevent transparency and maintain its color, even after multiple washes. Some may have a unique sweat wicking fabric.
Brand Reputation
- Research reputable brands known for producing high-quality white dress shirts. Look for the best clothing brands for men with a track record of using quality materials and ethical manufacturing practices.
- Read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the overall satisfaction with the brand's dress shirts.
- We love Nimble Made for the best overall slim fit and their white dress shirts.
Price and Value
- Consider the price in relation to its quality and longevity. While a higher price doesn't always guarantee better quality, investing in a slightly more expensive white tee often pays off in terms of comfort and durability.
- Keep in mind that quality dress shirts are wardrobe staples that will get a lot of wear, so it's worth investing in ones that will last.
Also check out our guide on dress shirts vs casual shirts.
How to Care for White Shirts
Caring for white shirts is essential to maintain their crispness, brightness, and longevity. Follow these tips to keep your shirts looking fresh and vibrant:
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Separate Whites: Wash dress shirts separately from colored garments to prevent color transfer and maintain their brightness.
- Pre-Treat Stains: Address stains promptly by pre-treating them with a stain remover or a mixture of water and mild detergent. Gently rub the stain before laundering.
- Use Cold Water: Wash in cold water to prevent them from yellowing and to preserve the fabric's integrity.
- Choose a Gentle Detergent: Opt for a mild, bleach-free detergent formulated for whites to avoid dulling the fabric or causing yellowing.
- Avoid Bleach: While bleach can whiten fabrics, it can also weaken fibers and cause yellowing over time. Use bleach alternatives or oxygen-based whiteners sparingly and according to garment care instructions.
- Turn Shirts Inside Out: To protect the fabric and minimize abrasion, turn the shirts inside out before washing.
- Select the Right Wash Cycle: Use a gentle or delicate cycle when washing the shirts to prevent excessive wear and tear.
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Hang Dry: Air-dry shirts on a clothesline or drying rack whenever possible to avoid shrinking and preserve the fabric's brightness. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause yellowing.
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Iron Carefully: Iron the shirts on the appropriate setting for the fabric to remove wrinkles and maintain a polished appearance. Use a pressing cloth to protect delicate fabrics from direct heat. Here is a more detailed guide on how to iron a dress shirt.
- Store Properly: Hang the shirts in a well-ventilated area with ample space between garments to prevent wrinkles and allow airflow. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to yellowing.
By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your shirts remain pristine and continue to be wardrobe staples for years to come. Be sure to also check out our guides on how to get stains out of white shirts and rings around the collars.
Bottom Line
Whether it is business, casual, formal, or a combination, you may be surprised how well a simple white dress shirt works to fit your needs. The classic white shirt works with nearly everything.
So whether it is with jeans, dress pants, or the full suit, dress to impress with the right white dress shirt.
FAQs about best white dress shirts
What is the best fabric for a white dress shirt?
The best fabric for a white dress shirt is 100% cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton is breathable, comfortable, and soft, making it ideal for all-day wear. For a more luxurious feel, you can also opt for Egyptian cotton or broadcloth for a crisp finish. These fabrics allow for both durability and a clean, polished look.
Who makes the best shirts for men?
Nimble Made is known for making some of the best shirts for men, especially when it comes to slim fit. Their shirts are specifically designed to flatter slimmer builds with a tailored fit, offering both comfort and style.
The brand focuses on unique slim fit and attention to detail, making their shirts perfect for those looking for a sharp, modern look.
Why do white dress shirts turn yellow?
White dress shirts can turn yellow due to a variety of factors:
- Body oils and sweat: These can build up over time, especially around the collar and underarms, leading to yellowing.
- Improper washing: Not using enough detergent or washing at too low of a temperature can result in stains setting in.
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Exposure to deodorants: Certain deodorants can react with sweat and cause yellow stains. To avoid yellowing, ensure proper washing techniques and consider using stain removers or fabric care products designed for white clothing.
Are white shirts in style in 2025?
Yes, white shirts remain timeless and are expected to be in style in 2025. Their versatility and classic appeal make them a wardrobe staple for both casual and formal occasions.
Whether it's a dress shirt, button-down, or T-shirt, a crisp white shirt can be styled in endless ways, making it a must-have for modern fashion.
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