How To Dress Like A Gentleman

Clothing is an extension of a mans personality and sophistication, whether it is flamboyance with color and texture or the crisp white oxford that is the epitome of conservatism. Let us take a closer look at the way a finely-crafted shirt with perfect collar can truly make a man. We will also see that not only the shirt but the way you decorate it, can show poise and flair.

There are a few ways a gentleman can show his personality without sacrificing his debonair style.

Collar stiffeners, while not being very decorative, serve as a prime function to make a shirt look even more appealing.

A solid shirt can be matched with beautiful silk ties and cufflinks that enhance the entire look with understated elegance.

A pair of colorful braces can frame a fabulous tie and a smart looking belt can add definition to your overall look. Even a fine looking pen can exude an air of confidence and garner extra attention.

The Evolution of the Dress Shirt
While the dress shirt is today a trademark of a gentleman, it has not always been the case. Although you will find the starched shirt in almost every culture, it began as a basic garment to protect the skin and heavy outer garments from perspiration and body odor. Collars and cuffs were added some time later to also protect the body from the rough fabric of outer garments. The modern shirt has evolved through the years, and is now used as a statement of class as much as a covering of the body.

While colored shirts have always been popular, classic white is still the most preferred color for a gentleman to wear. In fact, the term white collar was coined during the industrial age, when professional workers were differentiated from the labor workers who wore blue collars. A white shirt might still point toward professionalism, but those who love sports may be interested in wearing richer colors, with more patters and variety. Today there are many designs on the market for both sports and leisure that are perfect for the modern gentleman.

Here are just a few of the classics:
Stripes- Also called regatta shirts, striped shirts with white collar and white cuffs are a classic that have ruled the fashion scene since the 1870s.

Millraye- Fine parallel stripes that are arranged along the direction of the warp make up the classic Millraye pattern.

Tattersall- Usually seen on sports shirts, the tattersall pattern comprises checks in two colors against a light background.

Madras Checks- These checks are large and multicolored and slightly broken. The fabric is typically light cotton.

Nowadays, in addition to the traditional classics you can also find a wide array of striking designs, which include the Scottish tartan and the Hawaiian shirt; both completely different yet classic nonetheless!