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 I cheated.

But only a little bit…

In efforts to get some of our indiDenim customers to design custom shirts as a Valentine’s Day gift for their special somebody’s, I told them about this great discount first. Ok, sue me.

So in case you haven’t heard, until February 14th indiTailored is giving you 10% off of all of our custom shirts. In fact, I’ve even included some style advice right here (which can also be found in our design vault) for great evening looks with your Valentine that I designed. Take a look:

                                               
              Let’s Hear It For the Boy 

Here’s a great casual yet trendy look. Made from one of our finest Italian cottons, this shirt will give you subtle style.
                                                                                                         
   
              Oh My Man I Love Him So

If you’re going out for a romantic dinner out, this shirt is for you. With a white executive collar that compliments the colored vertical stripes that elongate your body, you’ll appear distinguished, slim, and stylish.
                                                       
   
                      My Lovely Valentine 

And if you’re more eccentric (or want to be), I would recommend this lavender color. There’s nothing more fashion-forward and masculine than rocking a color like lavender, and with the matching contrast collar and cuffs you’ll definitely get noticed.

So try out one of the shirts I designed or design your own. Either way, you get 10% off by using this code at checkout: indiLove.

Yes, the name is corny. But if I’m afforded one corny moment a year, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time. Keep that in mind for the special day, eh?

Enjoy the savings!

Last Thursday, indiTailored was featured on Kurt the CyberGuy, which means that 15 million people across the country watching Tribune affiliate stations (FOX, CW, ABC, and MyNetworkTV) were enlightened. That’s right. They learned all about indiTailored.

For all you who missed the monumental event, never fear.

You can watch the video again and again and again by pushing that handy little play button below.

The segment might not be *quite* as amusing as Reporter Turns Ghetto in 3 Seconds or Charlie the Unicorn, but few things really are. So let us have our few seconds of fame in peace!

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Now that we’re done, feel free to go back to Greg Rutter’s List. That should keep you entertained for at least a few more hours.

French cuff shirts with contrast collars ooze power and precision.  As symbols of the straight-talking no-nonsense casino owners and big business tycoons of the old school business world, French cuff shirts have taken on a reputation over the years for the stuffy, uptight type.

The old rule goes, if the occasion is formal enough to wear a suit (vs. just a jacket) then it is also formal enough to wear French cuffs.  However, men everywhere are doing their part to downplay the uptown elegance of the contrast collar and cuff look by following these simple style suggestions.

1.  For casual Friday, pair a blue and white vertical striped French cuff shirt with a deep v-neck cardigan (watch out because this one is a babe magnet for end-of-the-work-week drinks).

2.  One word: denim.  Take your best pair of dark denim jeans (like your custom jeans from indiDenim.com), and instead of putting on some dank t-shirt to match, top em’ off with your pimpest French cuff contrast collar shirt. A dark color for the body of the shirt is the key to achieving the proper contrast with the white collar. The whole ensemble will frame your face even in the dimmest lit of all after hour hangouts.  This combination is a must have for the shy-guy come hither act in clubs across the country.

3.  For a casual day outing, a regular old run of the mill pair of khakis can go a long way with a contrast collar shirt.  Wear flip flops. Pack a picnic.  Unbutton that top button and leave the rest for someone else to do.

Don’t take our word for it.  Investigate what your own French cuff shirt will do for you by flipping through our shirt designer.