50under50

Every well dressed man should have atleast 3 white and 1 blue button down shirt in his wardrobe. Men who take their clothes seriously have their white shirts custom-made. There’s a reason for that. The right shirt is the cornerstone of a man’s wardrobe. It’s the pristine anchor for a formal suit and the crisp complement to a blazer and jeans.

When it comes to fit, the key is to find the middle ground between too loose and too tight. Find it. Since no two manufacturers’ shirts fit exactly alike, be sure to try it on before you buy. The numbers don’t always add up.

The shirt should be snug in the chest, but not so snug that the fabric pulls between the buttons. Most men wear their shirts a full half size too big. And a blousy, billowy shirt is just as unflattering as a skin-tight one.

According to Details magazine, the search for an off-the-rack dress shirt that fits perfectly can be a frustrating business. The 16/32 that pinches in one store may hang below your knees in another. Anad when you do find a brand that fits, they go and change the cut on you. Until now, made-to-measure seemed like a prohibitively expensive option, but a handful of new do-it-yourself online shirt shops are democratizing what was once a sartorial luxury. Try Alexander West (Virtual Tailor) for your  next built to order shirt.

Prices range from $95-$150. They have great craftsmanship and an extensive selection of fabrics and patterns for both casual and business needs. Plus, there’s an easy to use interface that changes in real time with your choices to show you exactly how your finished shirt will look. Be prepared to fill out a thorough measurements form. If anything looks off, someone will contact you to review your order.

If you’re not ready to have one tailor made for you, pick one up from Swedish retailer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) for $40. Find a store near you here, but don’t delay. These things don’t last forever. Rest assured that the shirts are good enough for the editors of GQ Endorses. Get the “Slim Fit”.

You can also try buying the White Poplin Fitted Shirt online from the Savile Row Co., London. They’re currently on sale for 50% off at $37. Buy it here.

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