A true symbol of masculine elegance, the shirt is one of the essential components of the modern man's wardrobe.

Whether worn classically in a work outfit with a suit or more casually with jeans or chinos, the shirt lends itself to all occasions with a plethora of patterns, colors and fabrics.

However, have you ever wondered what the differences are between a poplin shirt and an oxford shirt? And which fabrics are best suited to each season? Hast offers to answer them in this article.

Cool season fabrics

- Flannel : Originally made of wool, flannel is distinguished by its "brushed" appearance. Also produced in cotton, its fluffy and very soft feel makes it the perfect material for winter. Naturally, the thicker it is, the warmer it is. Wearing a flannel shirt is very simple: it goes with just about everything, including suits!

- Velvet : Although quite rare on the market, velvet can be a good alternative to flannel when temperatures drop. Its very characteristic touch can give it a kitsch side. It is therefore necessary to have impeccable quality to obtain a satisfactory result.

A look with a velvet shirt is more than recommended to avoid any faux pas, so opt for trousers in a smooth material like chinos to contrast with the pronounced relief of the velvet.

Mid-season fabrics

- Oxford : This is a real in-between. Sometimes more suitable for casual use because it was initially intended for sportswear, it keeps a very elegant look (our formal oxfords are lighter and can also be worn as a suit). Thicker than poplin, it gives relief and guarantees a certain robustness. Oxford shirts are very versatile, they can be worn with jeans, dress pants or chinos, inside or outside the pants, with a sweater or sweatshirt, in short a real Swiss army knife!

- Chambray : The material par excellence for casual looks. This fabric is recognizable by the irregularity of its grain and the non-rigidity of its collar (which must nevertheless maintain a certain hold). The chambray shirt is almost as versatile as an Oxford shirt, except that it is less suited to formal uses.

- Denim : Derived from the material used to make jeans, denim gives a real raw look to a shirt that orients it towards casual looks. It is a material that evolves because it fades naturally over time (provided the material is of good quality).

Very popular with workwear fans, the denim shirt can be easily worn with a pair of boots and cargo pants, for example, to recall its working-class origins.

- Twill and herringbone : Two extremely similar fabrics, known for their ease of ironing. The difference lies in the weave: twill is woven diagonally, herringbone is woven square (in other words, diagonals that regularly oppose each other). These are excellent alternatives to poplin shirts when the temperatures cool down because they are thicker. They are generally intended for formal uses but can also find their place in casual looks as long as the shirt is not too long. The advantage of a white shirt in these fabrics is that it will go with almost everything.

Warm season fabrics

- Linen : Unbeatable when the thermometer explodes, linen is the perfect material for summer! It absorbs moisture and dries very quickly, so it is a material that effectively wicks away perspiration. It is called "thermoregulatory" because it provides a feeling of freshness even when temperatures rise. Linen shirts or linen pants are extremely pleasant when it is hot.

To wear it, there is no contraindication, it is a casual fabric but in a summer setting, prefer light colors! The must? Linen and cotton fabrics, a wonderful combination.

The “4 Seasons” fabric

- Poplin : Poplin is the fabric par excellence for the formal shirt, in other words the one you wear to go to the office or for special occasions. It is recognized by its smooth appearance, a guarantee of its quality, often in a solid color or with light patterns such as fine stripes or small checks, it is a lightweight material.

How to wear it? Always tucked into your pants, it can be easily worn with a suit but also with raw jeans or chinos with a blazer. A white poplin shirt is a classic in the men's wardrobe.

To conclude

The variety of fabrics on the market allows for a real plurality of styles and adaptability over the seasons. The shirt is now a very versatile piece and can be inserted into many looks of diverse and varied inspirations. If each fabric draws its full potential depending on the seasons, there is no absolute rule, it's up to you to experiment with the fabric that suits you best!