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10 Style Tips for Men’s Casual Band Collar Shirts

10 Style Tips for Men’s Casual Band Collar Shirts

If you’re like most of us, you’ve made the leap to get a band collar shirt – but haven’t quite figured out how it best fits into your routine. Let us help you with these quick and easy styling tips for your band collar shirt. We recommend combining a few tips for a smart casual look. If you don't have any band collar shirts in your closet get some here. 

Band Collar Gray Shirt With Top Button Undone
  • Top Button Un-Done

Always, always, always leave at least the top button un-done. At best, un-button the top two to three buttons. The more buttons left un-done, the most casual and carefree the look. This rule does not apply if you are a chef, clergy member, or an actual grandad. 

Band collar men's shirt fatigue green sitting image
  • Roll the Sleeves

Un-button your cuffs, fold back the cuff toward yourself. And repeat. The best rolled sleeves end just below your elbow. Make sure both rolled sleeves hit at the same spot, you’ll look sloppy if one sleeve is longer than the other.

Band collar men's shirt with half tucked hem image
  • A Hem Tuck

The art of tucking has become a phenomenon. We recommend either the French tuck (front is tucked in, back is out) or the Half Tuck (one half of the front of the shirt is tucked in). A Full Tuck In is also acceptable, but to keep the look casual make sure your belt and shoes aren’t dressy. 

 

  • Without Socks

The less “stuff” to put on, the more casual. Try a band collar shirt with rolled hem light denim and a sneaker, without socks. A great look for Spring and Summer days.

 

 

  • Underneath a Casual Blazer

The important key here is a CASUAL blazer. The rest of the look should follow suit with casual dark denim rolled at the ankles and sneakers. Make sure the hem of the shirt is higher than the hem of your blazer, it should not be longer. We suggest to leave the shirt un-tucked for this popular smart casual look.

Men's band collar shirt in white poplin image
  • White Band Collar Shirt

White is the easiest entry into our closet. We understand the color. It makes us look sharp and clean. And we don’t have to worry about color matching. A white band collar shirt is an easy switch out instead of your favorite white button down collar shirt. Find some white band collar shirts here.

men's band collar shirt image with casual chino pants
  • Casual Bottoms

Your bottoms should also be casual: a chino, jogger, dark or light denim, shorts. Stay away from suiting pants or dress pants for a casual look. Make sure your choice of bottoms isn’t sloppy or overpowering the look. For example, don’t pair a madras short with a band collar. It’s too many oddities. Instead try a classic chino jogger with a navy band collar shirt.

 

Men's band collar shirt in olive green with chinos image
  • The Fit

This one should be easy. Make sure your band collar shirt is a tailored / contemporary fit. If the fit is too oversized, you will look like you have on a chef’s shirt. The shirt should easily move on your body, and not be too restrictive. 

  • As a Layering Piece

Style tip #4 is great for the Spring and Summer Months. But what about in the Fall and Winter? A band collar shirt is a raised crew-neckline. Which makes it a great layering piece for a crew-neck sweater. Another smart and modern casual office look.

 

  • Leave the Shirt Open

This is our last style tip since it is a tough one to style well, without looking too 90’s. We recommend creating a monochrome look, such as black: a black opened band collar shirt, with a white crewneck tee underneath, and black jeans paired with boots. See our men's band collar shirt collection here. 

 

Need additional style advice? Check out our Style Guide.

 

7 Casual Ways to Rock a Dress Shirt

7 Casual Ways to Rock a Dress Shirt

Over the past few years, we have noticed a movement away from the traditional "suit and tie" towards a more casual and unique manner of dress. Men are increasingly permitted to put their personal style on display, even in professional settings, and we are loving it. That doesn't mean that sophistication has fallen by the wayside- quite the opposite, in fact.

We encourage you to wear the dress shirts you love with a bit of a casual touch. And, ditch the tie!

Untuck That Dress Shirt

Whereas it used to be frowned upon to untuck a dress shirt, today many dress shirts are tailored to be worn tucked or untucked. No longer considered to be "sloppy" the untucked dress shirt is a sign of casual sophistication and confidence. Business casual dress shirts with contrasting buttons can be paired with raw denim jeans or trousers for casual Friday at the office or drinks with friends after a long day. Style an untucked dress shirt with a blazer for a refined dressed down look that turns heads.

Roll the Sleeves

 

For an interesting casual dress shirt on the go, roll the sleeves and style with some white jeans and casual shoes. The Commander Shirt combines function with versatile style with roll tabs to secure sleeves. Light weight twill works great for this look and minimizes wrinkling. It's amazing how a dress shirt can be transformed in seconds into part of a more relaxed outfit. 

Pair with a Sweater

The sleek and simple look of a casual dress shirt layered under a fitted cardigan is understated. Our favorite is wearing a slate gray Essential Casual Shirt under a light gray blazer cardigan for an achromatic look that makes an impression. 

Whether you are going for a bright and bold outfit or a muted statement, showcase your favorite sweater with a dress shirt.

Ready for Vacation

Feeling carefree on vacation means looking the part. Leave the khakis at home and add a few short sleeve dress shirts to your mix. Being on vacation doesn't mean you can't look pulled together. Short sleeve dress shirts help you do just that. Throw on a paid of leather sandals and a classic straw hat and be the best dressed at the resort. 

Casual Yet Classic

Time honored and respected, the khaki/dress shirt combination is a go-to casual look. Class it up with a luxury watch or add some brogues for a bit of flair. The most important part of this look is that the fit of both shirt and trousers is perfect and the fabrics are clean and crisp.

Black on Black

Pairing black with black is always a smart move as long as you use varying textures. Start with the Commander Casual Dress Shirt in jet black cotton twill. Add some black jeans and a black knit sweater vest for a sleek Hollywood vibe. Play around with different fabrics for multiple ways of casually rocking a dress shirt.

The dress shirt is an important part of any capsule wardrobe because of how simple it is to dress it up or down. 

Athletic Casual

Nothing is more impressive than an athletic man striding down the street in joggers and a utility dress shirt. This look exudes casual confidence and energy. Pair this ensemble with some fresh tennis shoes and a casual watch and you are ready for whatever the day brings. 

It can't be overstated that the best way to successfully pull off any of these looks is to make sure that your casual dress shirt fits properly. Rely on a fit guide to achieve a showstopping tailored look. 

Types of Dress Shirts for Men from Casual to Formal

Types of Dress Shirts for Men from Casual to Formal

Dress shirts are an essential component in any man's wardrobe. Dress shirts play a role in every event in your life from weddings to job interviews and fun nights on the town. High quality dress shirts are comfortable, flattering, and can assume various looks for any occasion. If you are dress shirt obsessed, like we are, you will love this guide to help with types of dress shirts from casual to formal. 

Men's Utility Dress Shirt

Casual dress shirts are comfortable, easy to maintain, and elevates your casual style. The men's utility dress shirt is the perfect choice. Utility shirts balance too casual and too formal, allowing you to be the best dressed in the room while still maintaining a cool, casual look. Pair it with chinos, denim, or trousers and tuck or untuck. As part of a capsule wardrobe, add one white, one navy, and one black utility shirt to your mix and match options. 

Men's Casual Dress Shirt

A step up from the utility shirt, the casual dress shirt can easily be dressed up or down. The focus of the casual dress shirt is the fit. Casual dress shirts should fit differently from essential dress shirts but still have a tailored fit. Opt for fabric that is breathable and light weight, but never see through. Dress casual dress shirts up for date night with trousers and leather shoes. Dress them down for running errands with a pair of joggers and tennis shoes. 

Band Collar Shirt

For a slightly more formal twist on the casual dress shirt, the band collar shirt is a modern take on a classic style. For occasions when a collar is not required, but you still want to look your very best, the band collar shirt is the perfect option. Choose from canvas cotton, mercerized cotton, poplin, and even oxford fabrics. Available with either one chest pocket or two, the band collar shirt is beautifully worn buttoned up or casually open over a t-shirt.

Business Casual Dress Shirt

When Monday rolls back around, the essential business casual dress shirt is perfect for the office without sacrificing comfort. Here are the most important features to look for when shopping for the essential business casual dress shirt:

  • Wrinkle defiant fabric
  • Clean hidden-button spread collar
  • Perfect tailored fit
  • Details like mother of pearl buttons and back neck detail
  • Basic colors for capsule wardrobes

Once the business day is complete, untuck and head out for dinner and drinks with friends.

Formal Dress Shirt

A formal dress shirt, or the tuxedo shirt, are worn with formal suits or tuxedos and are the most formal of the men's dress shirt. These dress shirts have a cuff link option and are always tucked in. They are not worn semi-formally and must be perfectly tailored. Reserve this dress shirt for formal occasions such as weddings and black tie affairs.

As a man who prioritizes your image, your wardrobe must include a few of each of these dress shirts. While other men are wearing t-shirts, elevate your style and be the best dressed at any outing with a dress shirt.