A true symbol of masculine elegance, the shirt is one of the essential components of the modern man's wardrobe.
Whether worn traditionally in a work outfit with a suit or more casually with jeans or chinos, the shirt suits every occasion, with a wealth of patterns, colours and fabrics.
But have you ever wondered about the differences between a poplin shirt and an Oxford shirt? And which fabrics are best suited to each season? Hast answers these questions throughout this article.
Cool-season fabrics
- Flannel: Originally made from wool, flannel is distinguished by its brushed appearance. Also produced in cotton, its soft, fleecy feel makes it the perfect fabric for winter. Naturally, the thicker it is, the warmer it keeps you. Wearing a flannel shirt is very simple: it goes with almost anything, including a suit!
- Corduroy: Although fairly rare on the market, corduroy can be a good alternative to flannel when temperatures fall. Its distinctive feel can give it a kitsch edge. Impeccable quality is therefore essential for a satisfying result.
A look with a corduroy shirt is highly recommended to avoid missteps, so opt for trousers in a smooth fabric such as chinos to contrast with the pronounced texture of corduroy.
Mid-season fabrics
- Oxford: A true in-between fabric. Sometimes better suited to casual wear, as it was originally intended for sportswear, it retains a very elegant look (our formal Oxford shirts are lighter and can also be worn with a suit). Thicker than poplin, it adds texture and offers a certain robustness. Oxford shirts are highly versatile: they can be worn with jeans, smart trousers or chinos, tucked in or left out, with a jumper or sweatshirt—in short, a true Swiss Army knife!
- Chambray: The quintessential fabric for casual looks. This fabric is recognisable by the irregularity of its texture and the softness of its collar (which should nevertheless retain a certain structure). A chambray shirt is almost as versatile as an Oxford shirt, except that it is less suited to formal occasions.
- Denim: Derived from the fabric used to make jeans, denim gives a shirt an authentic raw look, lending itself to casual outfits. It is a fabric that evolves, naturally fading over time (provided it is of good quality).
Much appreciated by workwear enthusiasts, the denim shirt is easy to wear with a pair of boots and cargo trousers, for example, as a nod to its workwear origins.
- Twill and herringbone: Two extremely similar fabrics, known for being easy to iron. The difference lies in the weave: twill is woven diagonally, while herringbone is woven in a zigzag pattern (in other words, diagonals that regularly oppose one another). They are excellent alternatives to poplin shirts when temperatures drop, as they are thicker. Generally intended for formal wear, they can also work perfectly in casual looks, provided the shirt is not too long. The appeal of a white shirt in these fabrics is that it goes with almost anything.
Warm-season fabrics
- Linen: Unbeatable when the thermometer soars, linen is the perfect fabric for summer! It absorbs moisture and dries very quickly, making it highly effective at wicking away perspiration. It is said to be “thermoregulating” because it provides a feeling of freshness even as temperatures rise. Linen shirts and linen trousers are extremely comfortable in hot weather.
There are no restrictions on how to wear it: it is a casual fabric, but in a summer setting, opt for lighter colours. The best choice? Linen and cotton fabrics, a wonderful combination.
The “4 Seasons” fabric
- Poplin : Poplin is the quintessential fabric for a dress shirt—in other words, the one you wear to the office or for special occasions. Recognisable by its smooth appearance, a mark of its quality, it is often plain or patterned with subtle motifs such as fine stripes or small checks, and is a lightweight fabric.
How should you wear it? Always tucked into the trousers, it pairs easily with a suit, as well as raw denim or chinos with a blazer. A white poplin shirt is a great classic of the men's wardrobe.
In conclusion
The variety of fabrics on the market allows for a true diversity of styles and adaptability throughout the seasons. Today, the shirt is a highly versatile piece that can fit into many looks with a wide range of influences. While each fabric reaches its full potential depending on the season, there is no absolute rule: experiment to find the fabric that suits you best!
