Finding the Perfect White Shirt

Button up Your Look with the Right to Wear White. Finding the perfect white shirt for your perfect first date...

As the saying goes, if you really care about someone, you are willing to give them the shirt off your back. The shirt is a critical part of the tailored ensemble that sits closest to the body, so it has to be comfortable and impeccably fitted. Even though it may seem irrelevant, a great shirt is what makes a great suit look, well, great. The shirt is the heart and soul of the suit - the jelly in the doughnut, the olive in the martini.

The White Shirt - A man's wardrobe staple. It seems simple, but as you might guess, the magic is in the details. From a brunch to a baseball game to a dinner on the town, you'd be surprised at how many dates the right white shirt can take you on.

Tie one on - Ties are a guy's personal imprint and a dynamic way to express your style. Whether you want to appear subtle and dignified, or to distinguish yourself as a trendsetter on your date, the necktie is a bold and economical way to make a statement on your first date.

Not All White Shirts Are Created Equal - It's all about Fibers, and Fit.

• Cotton quality is determined largely by the length of its fibers. American pima and Egyptian cotton, grown in the United States, in Egypt, or even the West Indies, have extra long fibers that result in finer, smoother, and softer fabric than cloth made from shorter fiber cotton.
• When a shirt's neck hole measurement is right, its collar won't droop-it will form a perfect V shape along with your tie. To find the perfect neck-width of your perfect white shirt, you must measure correctly. Starting at your Adam's apple, wrap a measuring tape around your neck. Note the actual measurement, then add 1 inch to determine your size. The number should be between 14 and 19 inches.
• For correct sleeve length, measure from the nape of your neck to the bottom of your wrist. Remember that your shirtsleeve should extend ½ inch beyond your jacket sleeve.
• Most shirts come in one of three silhouettes: classic, tailored, and trim. Pick classic if you have a broad or athletic build. For the lanky, compact, athletic types, choose a tailored style that fits a little closer to the chest and a lot closer to the waist. For the guy who wants absolutely no extra fabric to bunch under his jacket, choose a trim shirt style.

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