When it comes to looking sharp at work, nothing sets the tone quite like an office shirt. It’s the foundation of any professional wardrobe — the piece that can instantly elevate your confidence and how others perceive you.
But while the term “office shirts” gets thrown around a lot, what does it actually mean? And more importantly, which ones should you be wearing if you want to strike the right balance between comfort, style, and professionalism?
What Is an Office Shirt?
At its core, an office shirt is a smart shirt designed to be worn in professional or business settings. Traditionally, that means a long-sleeve shirt with a structured collar, made from woven fabric like cotton.
Office shirts are versatile, able to move between formal and semi-formal settings — whether you’re pairing one with a suit and tie for a boardroom meeting or wearing it with chinos on a more relaxed business casual day.
Unlike casual shirts, office shirts are cut with clean lines and designed to present a polished appearance. Fit, colour, and fabric are all essential. You’re not reaching for loud prints or overly relaxed cuts here, but styles that project sharpness and confidence.
What Material Are Office Shirts Made Of?
The fabric of your shirt plays a huge role in how it looks and feels. Cotton is by far the most popular choice, loved for its breathability and durability, making it a natural fit for long office days.
Within cotton you’ll find weaves like poplin, which has a smooth finish that works especially well in the summer, or twill, which has a heavier feel and a subtle diagonal texture that drapes crisply. Oxford cloth, with its more textured weave, is often seen in offices that lean towards business casual.
Modern blends, such as cotton with a touch of polyester or elastane, are also common, giving you wrinkle resistance, easy care, and a little stretch. The right choice depends on your workplace and personal style.
If you’re in a more traditional corporate environment, crisp cotton dress shirts are usually the best bet. In a relaxed setting, Oxford cloth or stretch blends can deliver the right mix of comfort and professionalism.
How to Wear a Shirt to the Office
Styling your office shirt is just as important as choosing it. For formal business environments, the safest route is to wear a classic white or pale blue shirt with a suit and tie. It projects authority and makes a clean impression without distraction.
For business casual settings, pairing your shirt with chinos or tailored trousers while leaving off the tie creates a polished but approachable look. And on those smart-casual Fridays, you might roll up the sleeves of your office shirt and wear it with dark jeans for a more relaxed but still sharp style.
No matter the occasion, the way your shirt fits matters just as much as how you style it. An office shirt should enhance your build and sit close to the body without pulling across the chest or ballooning at the waist. The right fit ensures you look intentional, not sloppy.
What Are the Best Office Shirts?
The best office shirts are the ones that achieve balance: they must be stylish enough to present you at your best, comfortable enough to wear all day, and cut to fit your body properly. A quality office shirt is usually made from breathable fabric, designed with a sharp collar and clean finishes, and versatile enough to transition from meetings to evening events without looking out of place.
This is where many high street brands let men down. Their standard slim fits are either too tight across the shoulders and chest or too baggy around the waist. At Tapered Menswear, we designed our office shirts to solve this exact problem. The unique Tapered fit is engineered specifically for men with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, creating a tailored look straight off the hanger.
Where to Buy Office Shirts
Office shirts can be found on the high street, in department stores, or online, but most still force men into a compromise on fit. They either billow around the waist or feel uncomfortably tight at the chest.
Here At Tapered Menswear, our collection is built differently. Our office wear is crafted from premium fabrics and cut to flatter your physique, giving you the appearance of a custom-tailored garment without the expense.
When you shop with us, you’re not just buying another office shirt. You’re investing in something that will boost your confidence, fit better than anything you’ve worn before, and last through the wear and tear of daily life.
Our revolutionary cut provides a 10" drop from chest to waist.
Fully fitted in chest and shoulders whilst tapering sharply down, giving a tailored look. No more bagginess in the waist.
Enhanced Darts
Expertly tailored darts at the back, for the perfect fit.
Stretch Cotton
Super soft, breathable and allows complete freedom of movement.
Perfect for the office.
With our non obtrusive logo stitched subtly on the wrist makes our TAPERED Fit Shirt ideal for formal occasions.
Tapered Fit Shirts are the true solution to your shirt fitting problem. If you want a shirt that fits your body like it should, check out or best selling shirt here
