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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
