Our grandfathers, great grandfathers and those who consider themselves traditionalists have long supported the baggy dress shirt aesthetic. Today however, the shirt world has evolved into different styles and categories; some even giving the old-fashioned and classic dress shirt a modern twist. At indiTailored, we have three style options to choose from. While the choice ultimately remains in your hands, we’d like to share our thoughts on each one to give you a better understanding of their similarities and differences.

Classic Fit Shirt: This is the hallmark of a traditional shirt. A classic fit has all the basic elements that makes a shirt look classic ( the standard shirt front, the standard shirt back, the yoke, the cuffs,  the collar…etc). Classic fit shirts are straight cut through the shoulders and midsection while additionally allowing ample room in the shoulders and arms. It is best suited for those who want to play a safe look. Classic fit shirts have a certain elegant and understated look to them, so if you want a fit that’s been tested through time, pick this. It never gets old.

Tailored Fit Shirt: If you think that picking a slim fit shirt might be too tight or constricting for your taste, then the tailored fit shirt is a better option for you. The lightly tapered fit will provide you with a tailored look yet not a slim one. In other words, the shirt is not as form fitted as a slim fit shirt yet not as roomy as the classic fit shirt. The tailored fit shirt fits closer to the midsection than the classic fit shirt, but still offers plenty of room for movement in the shoulders.

Slim Fit Dress Shirt: Although they are certainly trimmer than the classic and the tailored fit shirts, the slim fit dress shirt is a nice staple to contemporary wardrobe. This form-fitting look is generally trim through the midsection and a little bit tighter through the shoulders and arms. Slim fit dress shirts accentuate and broaden the shoulders by tapering through the midsection. This shirt style can exaggerate proportions and can emphasize certain areas of your upper body, so wear this shirt if you want to show your body off.

Well that’s our breakdown for ya! If you want to check out more of some styles options, visit our design vault and see what style the indiTailored community likes best.

The blue shirt has, of course, an association with the term “blue collar”, dating back to the 19th century as a descriptor of the working class. Naturally, at the other end of the spectrum, “white collar” workers wouldn’t be caught dead in a blue shirt (probably not a stretch), terrified of being mistaken as a laborer.

Although white collar shirts still maintain a certain level of respectability and class, the blue shirt today is amazingly versatile and can be worn to adorn some of the most sophisticated looks. Thankfully, even though the term “blue collar” is still used, most people can wear a blue shirt without the same classist connotations.

Why, then, do not more men wear them? Aren’t we bored of always wearing white shirts? If you’re an adult male, chances are high that you have a white dress shirt.

Earth to You: the blue shirt is just as versatile (if not more so) than the white shirt, giving a subtle and masculine hint of color to your outfit. Here are some examples of blue shirts I designed (click on any shirt to see more) with suggested looks:

The Spring Blue Shirt:
Pair your blue shirt with khakis, dark wash jeans, or khaki shorts. Roll up your sleeves and leave your top two buttons undone. Feel free to either tuck the shirt in with a belt or leave it untucked.

The Executive Blue Shirt:
Perfectly paired with a black or gray flannel suit, I really encourage more guys to do this. It’s a great way to spice up your typical dark suit and white shirt combo while still maintaining a high level of professionalism and style. Made out of blue herringbone fabric, this shirt offers a unique texture.

By the way, you could easily substitute the “Spring blue shirt” in this snazzier ensemble. Ah, the versatility of the blue shirt. And finally what we’ve all been waiting for…

The Hot Date Blue Shirt:
Pair this with a chocolate corduroy blazer (or another blazer with a medium tone), dark wash blue jeans, and brown loafers. Tuck your blue shirt into your jeans for this look, and leave the top two buttons of the shirt (and all the blazer buttons) undone. 

I designed this shirt with a slim fit, fashionable wide spread collar, and some stylish contrast fabric that will attract the eye underneath your clothes…not bad, eh?

I hope this inspires you to start reinterpreting this underutilized basic. Got to, gents.

So let’s face it: who even considers wearing French cuffs? Aren’t those for fancy weddings and crap? Wait, what even is a French cuff? In case you are wondering, here’s what a French cuff looks like:

For most of us the only time we ever saw French cuffs growing up was while shopping for a tux for, let’s say, a winter formal (we all remember how fun those were). French cuffs quickly became synonymous with the feeling we had in a formal shirt: constricted, tight, and limited.

What you may or may not realize now is that French cuffs actually give you more freedom than barrel cuffs, not less. How, you ask?

1. French cuffs are roomier. While barrel cuffs fit closely to your wrist, French cuffs are free and never pinch.
2. French cuffs are more versatile. You can accessorize your French cuffs with knots or cufflinks instead of always being stuck with the same old button.
3. French cuffs are the epitome of class. Sure, you can wear them out to a less formal occasion and look fly. Go nuts. However, if you ever feel that your shirt isn’t formal enough, a French cuff shirt will always do the trick. French cuffs are the most sophisticated cuffs around, so they are great to have on hand when you need to look formal fast.

Whether they are hanging in your closet or in the back of your mind, take those French cuffs out (or design a French cuff shirt yourself) and show them off more frequently. Not only is it stylish to wear them in the US, but French cuff shirts are a quotidian style in other parts of the world. For example, in the UK, French cuffs are called Double cuffs because they are such a familiar, everyday style.

Or, if you need a more domestic example, take it from Joe Biden. Just look at how excited he is about them…

Courtesy of dreamdogsart.typepad.com

Ah, at last. A liberating cuff. In the words of a brave Scottish warrior, “FREEEEDOM!”

So tell me…what was your resolution for 2010? Better question: have you broken it yet? I know I have…

Was it to spend less money? Redefine your style?

These two resolutions may sound a little contradictory, but they don’t have to be. In 2010, let it be know that you can balance your wallet and your wardrobe, and here’s how: vary up your use of shirts.

Although we refer to most collared shirts as “dress” shirts, indiTailored has shown time and again how you can use tailored shirts for any occasion, be it for a night out on the town or Sunday brunch with the rents. Not only will you define your own style (trust me, it’s there), you will also save money by getting the most wear out of your outerwear.

In 2009 we saw some great trend revivals and dressed down looks, including flannel and checkered patterns coming back into every day style. Moving forward with 2010, let’s show some tailored love and embrace these relevant trends using different looks. Take it from Zac Efron in these three different looks:

(Images courtesy of Nylon Magazine and Teen Vogue Magazine)

In the first look, Zac styles a great street look, wearing his checkered shirt open, a skull cap, a casual V-neck, and a light wash every day jean. With his sleeves rolled up and his shirt unbuttoned Zac’s look is both casual and relaxed, perfect for every day.

In his second look, Zac tucks in his checkered shirt to make the look classier, yet still dresses it down (but not too much) with a pair of slim fit, dark wash jeans. This look is the perfect balance of classic and casual: while using casual apparel, Zac still maintains a tailored, clean look.

In the third look, Zac dresses up his checkered shirt with a blazer and skinny knit tie, proving that lumberjack shirts are not just for chopping wood. He styles an interesting and sophisticated look here.

So remember, it’s important to have great versatile basics (much easier when you design a custom shirt yourself) but it’s also important to know how to use what you’ve got. 

Hello there my well-tailored (or soon to be) friends. My name is Evan and I want to introduce myself as the newest member of the indiTailored team. I am ecstatic to be here to give my perspective on men’s fashion, trends, and to share my own personal style with you.

I’m also here as a resource on the often complicated world of menswear. The ladies may say they have it tough with their bra cup sizes and challenging figures, but who is there to teach us the basics? Who pulls guys aside when they are young and says “Hey, son. It’s time to learn about French cuffs!”?

No one. Until now…

In my posts I’ll be putting up essential style content, from taking your shirt measurements and tying ties, to pairing those ties with shirts and jeans. Using myself as an example, I’ll demonstrate that men too can customize the way their clothing looks and fits, accentuating their best assets and looking great. I’ll show that with a little know-how you can be on your way to looking sharp your way, feeling enabled and inspired to design your own outfits and express your own style. 

So never fear, gents. Whether you’re an experienced fashionisto or a total newbie to menswear, you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned!