A dress shirt sounds different from a sport shirt but not many really know the difference between the two. Contrary to the common belief, they are not interchangeable. You can substitute one for the other. A dress shirt is predominantly for formal occasions while a sports shirt is informal. Dress shirts are also more conservative in fabric, design, and colour while sports shirts are more vibrant and versatile. Below is a quick overview to help you shop better.
Dress Shirts
Dress shirts are a men’s wardrobe staple, a must-have for office wear. They are usually sober, sophisticated, long-sleeved, and stiff collared. Also called “tuxedo shirts” since they can be worn under tuxedos. Colours are more neutral, with a greater range in pastel hues. Patterns are less bold. The fabrics are more traditional such as 100% cotton, cotton blends, twill, pinpoint oxford, or broadcloth.
Styling: Formal dress shirts are best paired with ties and bowties that make them ideal for office wear, business meetings, weddings, and formal events.
Fit: Not all off-the-rack dress shirts guarantee custom-fits. It’s best to measure yourself and then select. Avoid picking a size too large in the hope of extra comfort. It will billow around the waist ruining your look. On the other hand, a size too small may result in discomfort in movement.
For the best fit, choose a tapered fit down the sides with a bit of room around the waist. The collar should be well-fitted, framing your face with enough room to insert two fingers comfortably. The shoulder points should sit at the edge, letting your arms move freely.
Sport Shirts
A sports shirt is more versatile and trendy. It can be worn both for formal and semi-formal events. Collars are softer and come in a variety of styles that can be worn with or without a tie. Sleeves are long and buttons run down the length. The fabric is a softer blend of fibres such as cotton and polyester to keep the easy-to-care, high comfort, and wrinkle-resistant.
Styling: Sport shirts are bolder and more vibrant in print, colours, and design. Fabrics can be textured, patterned, or sport a slight sheen. The best fabrics for sport shirts are cotton blends, linen, flannel, or plain oxford.
You can wear one with a tie if the collars are stiff or keep it casual without a tie for a more informal look. They can be paired with denim jeans or formal trousers. This is why they are perfect for everyday wear as well as for social occasions such as prom nights, parties, weddings, and casual events.
Choose a more traditional colour and style and your dress shirt become suitable for office wear as well that can be worn under a jacket or suit.
Fit: A sport shirt need not look as fit as a dress shirt but still, choosing one size too large may look clumsy on you. Choose a sport shirt with sleeves that ends just slightly ahead of the wrist that can be rolled up if desired. Tapered fits with two to four extra inches around the waist are best. A longer length helps you tuck-in if you prefer that way; a shorter length can be worn out.
Danini – Luxurious Men’s Dress Shirts and Sport Shirts in North America
A trusted label makes all the difference in quality, fit, and style. If you are unsure about the right fit, design, or style of dress shirts or sport shirts for you, simply check out our custom-tailored premium, ethically sourced selection at Danini. We have a range of custom-tailored sizes to make sure you find the right one for you, no matter what your shape or preferences. Browse our website to shop and order.
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