A shirt isn’t just clothing. It’s confidence stitched into cotton, linen, or flannel. It sets the tone for a meeting, a date, or a lazy Sunday. But not all shirts are made equal. There are dozens of types, and most men don’t even know half of them. That changes today. Whether you’re building your wardrobe or reinventing your look, this guide breaks down 20 shirt types every man should know. And yes, we’ll show you exactly where to shop smart, too.
1. Dress Shirt
This is your sharpest shirt. Smooth fabrics like poplin or twill make it clean and elegant. A stiff collar keeps things formal, especially under a tie or blazer. Think weddings, boardrooms, or classy dinners. It usually comes in white or pale blue — crisp, no pocket, no fuss. You need at least three in your wardrobe.
- Long sleeves with cuffs
- Designed for formal wear
- Best with suits or ties
- Slim or regular fit
- Common in solid colors
2. Oxford Shirt
The Oxford shirt is at the top of the list. It is one of the highly durable shirt types. The quality of this shirt is amazing. They have a thicker weave and a classic button-down collar. This shirt has a balance of formal and casual. You can wear it to work or roll up the sleeves on a weekend.
- Heavier-weave cotton
- Ideal for smart-casual settings
- Worn tucked or untucked
- Available in timeless colors
3. Flannel Shirt
Another type to add to your closet is a flannel shirt. It is soft, warm, and often plaid. These are ideal for cold weather or outdoor vibes. Usually, these are made of brushed cotton or wool. Thus, the shirts offer you a fuzzy feel. When you want to style it, you can wear it buttoned. Or, you can even keep it open over a tee. Whenever you wear it, you get a rugged and comforting experience. So, get ready to wear the shirt on hikes or lazy Sundays.
- Soft and thick texture
- Common in check patterns
- Ideal for layering
- Works well in fall/winter
- Adds instant warmth
4. Cuban Collar Shirt
Well, you will love this option. A Cuban collar shirt has an open, notch-style collar. It offers a light and breezy feel when you wear it. Generally, these are trending in retro styles. People love them as a short-sleeved option. They look fantastic when kept untucked. You can wear this shirt for beach parties, barbecues, or rooftop evenings. And guess what? One button down, and you’re the cool guy.
- Flat collar design
- No tie needed
- Easygoing summer fit
- Often patterned
- Works well with shorts
5. Polo Shirt
The next option is a little casual. It is excellent, and its name is Polo. This shirt type has a soft collar. Adding to this, this shirt has a few buttons at the neck and short sleeves. When you wear it, you get a sporty look. It is possible without being sloppy. Do you know that originally, these were made for tennis and golf? But today, it has become a smart-casual staple. When you style them, they go well with chinos, shorts, or jeans.
- Short-sleeved with soft collar
- Cotton or performance fabric
- Slightly fitted silhouette
- Suitable for business casual
- Year-round wearability
6. Henley Shirt
The Henley shirt is rugged and relaxed. It looks like a collarless polo with a round neckline and a few buttons. Usually made from cotton or waffle-knit, it’s a great layering piece. Long sleeves in winter, short sleeves in summer. It gives a laid-back, masculine look without trying too hard. Just simple, stylish comfort.
- No collar
- Button placket
- Works solo or layered
- Soft and breathable
- Every day, casual pick
7. Chambray Shirt
Chambray looks like denim but feels way lighter. It’s woven from cotton and offers a similar blue color without the weight. You can wear it all year round. It’s a go-to for casual style that still looks clean. Pair with dark pants, roll the sleeves, and you’ve got an easy, effortless outfit that never fails.
- Lightweight denim look
- Soft cotton material
- Versatile and breathable
- Great with neutral trousers
- Works tucked or untucked
8. Linen Shirt
Linen shirts breathe. That’s their magic. They’re perfect for hot weather, thanks to their loose weave and natural airflow. Slight wrinkles are part of the charm. Whether buttoned up or left open, they give off effortless summer energy. Best in white, beige, or pastels. Great for beach weddings, brunches, or just staying cool.
- Natural and airy fabric
- Light, crisp texture
- Absorbs moisture
- Ideal for tropical climates
- Perfect for layering
9. Denim Shirt
Rugged and cool, the denim shirt brings workwear edge into everyday fashion. Thicker than chambray, it gives you structure and a bit of toughness. It looks great worn over a white tee or even double-denim with the right pair of jeans. The washed-out look only gets better over time. Style meets durability.
- Tough cotton fabric
- Looks great faded
- It can be buttoned or opened
- Works for casual layering
- Always in fashion
10. Tuxedo Shirt
Another option on the list is formal to the core. The tuxedo shirt is exceptionally designed to be worn under a tuxedo jacket. The amazing features it has are pleats, studs, and a wing or spread collar. These are usually white and have that extra crisp look. Mostly, these are reserved for black-tie events, galas, or weddings. Yes, you won’t wear it often. But, when you do, on occasion, you look like you own the room.
- Formal pleated front
- French cuffs with cufflinks
- White cotton fabric
- Goes with a bow tie
- Reserved for black-tie
11. Poplin Shirt
The next option to check is light and sleek. Poplin shirts are tightly woven with a fine finish. These are perfect for warm-weather formal dressing. They offer a crisp look without being heavy. You can see that they are ideal for your office wear. The best part is that they are the right pick when you don’t want the wrinkles fast. These shirts offer you a smooth feel on your skin. Besides, they go well under blazers or suits.
- Tight weave fabric
- Subtle shine
- Ideal for dressy occasions
- Lightweight yet structured
- Best in solids
12. Mandarin Collar Shirt
No collar flaps, just a band. The Mandarin collar shirt brings a modern, minimal edge to your outfit. Inspired by traditional Chinese fashion, it’s perfect for those who want something clean and different. Usually worn without a tie, it gives off confident, artsy vibes. It’s a standout without trying too hard.
- Band-style collar
- No tie required
- Unique formal-casual hybrid
- Clean, sharp neckline
- Modern minimalist appeal
13. Western Shirt
Think cowboy cool. The western shirt features pointed yokes, snap buttons, and chest pockets. Usually made of denim or plaid flannel. Worn by ranchers, rockstars, and rebels. It brings a rugged, masculine edge to your wardrobe. Pair it with boots and a confident walk. You don’t need a horse to pull this off.
- Decorative stitching
- Snaps instead of buttons
- Chest pockets
- Sturdy construction
- Country-inspired vibe
14. Utility Shirt
Built for action. The utility shirt is functional. They are often military-inspired. A utility shirt has reinforced stitching and multiple pockets. These are great for hands-on work or street-style layering. Usually, these shirts are made from tough cotton or canvas. You can see them in olive, tan, or camo prints. When it comes to use, they are ideal for hiking, traveling, or just styling up.
- Functional chest pockets
- Durable fabric
- Often includes epaulettes
- Structured design
- Industrial flair
15. Shacket (Shirt Jacket)
A shacket is part shirt and part jacket. This is thicker and oversized. A shacket is perfect for layering in colder weather. It offers an excellent vibe that is both casual and cozy. Usually, they are made from wool blends, flannel, or heavy cotton. You can wear it over a tee or hoodie for an effortless, cool look.
- Oversized and warm
- Heavier than a shirt
- Great for layering
- Often has utility pockets
- Street-style favorite
16. Camp Shirt
Easy, breezy, bold. The camp shirt is like a Cuban collar shirt’s bolder cousin. It has short sleeves, vibrant prints, and a square hem. No need to tuck it in. Great for poolside parties or summer hangouts. Wear it open over a white tank or buttoned with shades. It’s pure laid-back energy.
- Square-cut hem
- Short-sleeved
- Often features patterns
- Worn untucked
- Vacation vibe guaranteed
17. Overshirt
This one’s built to layer. Overshirts are structured like a shirt but heavier, almost like a light jacket. Usually worn over tees or thermals. Great for transitional weather — not too hot, not too cold. Neutral shades work best. Snap buttons and chest pockets add utility. Just enough warmth with a whole lot of style.
- Thicker than regular shirts
- Ideal for layering
- Casual yet structured
- Comes in wool or cotton
- Functional fashion
18. Grandad Collar Shirt
Clean and classic. The grandad collar shirt drops the traditional collar for a neat band around the neck. It feels old-school yet fresh, like something out of a sepia photo shoot. You can wear it formally or casually. The use totally depends on the fabric and color. It’s subtle but definitely not boring.
- Collarless band design
- Crisp neckline
- Old-school elegance
- Can be dressed up or down
- Sophisticated without a tie
19. Graphic Shirt
This shirt speaks — literally. With printed text, logos, or bold visuals, the graphic shirt lets you express your vibe. Rock band tee? Vintage logo? Statement artwork? It’s all game. Best worn with jeans or shorts, it’s great for everyday wear. Just don’t wear it to a wedding. Save it for fun. Even PatPat has some options for graphic shirts.
- Printed visuals or slogans
- Short-sleeved
- Cotton-based
- Expressive and bold
- Youthful and casual
20. T-Shirt (Crew Neck)
Simple never goes out of style. The crew neck tee is the ultimate foundational piece. You probably have a dozen, but make sure they fit right. A clean white or black tee can work wonders under any shirt or jacket. It’s the shirt equivalent of comfort food — always reliable, always cool.
- Round neckline
- Short sleeves
- Fits snugly or relaxed
- Works as innerwear or outerwear
- Daily essential
Shirt Maintenance Tips
Caring for your shirts keeps them looking fresh. Always check fabric labels before washing. Oxford and flannel can handle regular cycles, but linen and poplin need gentle care. Air-dry instead of tumble-drying to avoid shrinkage. Use wooden hangers for dress shirts to retain shape. Iron shirts inside-out to protect patterns and seams.
Don’t overload your closet — give your shirts breathing space. Lastly, rotate your shirts often. Wearing the same one too frequently shortens its lifespan. Maintenance isn’t hard — it’s just a habit.
Why PatPat Is the Smartest Choice for Shirts
Finding great shirts shouldn’t cost a fortune — or your time. At PatPat, we’ve made it easy for men and their families to upgrade their wardrobes with comfy clothes. The best part is that we sell matching outfits that can elevate the closet of the whole family for special occasions, seasons, and trips. Point to be noted – without breaking the bank!
Our every product is thoughtfully crafted for comfort, quality, and fit. We don’t just sell shirts and clothing items. We help you create memorable moments with your family. How are we unique? Modern fashion, everyday value, and smart design!
Finally, You Have the List of Shirt Types you wanted
Shirts do more than cover your body. They shape your image. From casual staples to formal must-haves, each type adds something different to your wardrobe. If you want to look sharp, feel good, and stay comfortable, variety is key. This guide has shown you the full spectrum. All 20 types of shirts have their own voice. Now, it’s your move. Explore, experiment, and express yourself. And when you’re ready to shop smart and stylish, you know where to go — PatPat’s got your back, your chest, and your sleeves.
