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 is suitable for 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 what fabrics are most suitable for each season? Hast invites you to answer them throughout this article.

Cool season fabrics

- Flannel : Originally made of wool, flannel is distinguished by its “scraped” appearance.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. To wear the flannel shirt, it's very simple: it goes with almost everything, including a suit!

- Velvet : Although quite rare on the market, velvet can prove to 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.

Inserting a velvet shirt into casual looks is more than recommended to avoid missteps, so opt for pants in a smooth material like chinos to contrast with the pronounced relief of the velvet.

Mid-season fabrics

- The Oxford : It's a real in-between. Sometimes more suitable for casual uses because initially intended for sports clothing, it maintains 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. We recognize this fabric by the irregularity of its grain and the non-rigidity of its collar (which must nevertheless retain 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 appearance to a shirt which orients it towards casual looks. It is a material that evolves because it naturally fades over time (provided that the material is of good quality).

Very popular with workwear enthusiasts, 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 chevron : Two extremely similar materials, known for their ease of ironing. The difference is in the weave: twill is woven diagonally, the chevron is woven at right angles (in other words diagonals which oppose each other regularly. They are excellent alternatives to poplin when the temperatures cool down because they are thicker. They are intended for generally formal uses but can very well find their place in casual looks provided that 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 wicks away perspiration effectively. It is called “thermo-regulatory” because it provides a feeling of freshness even when temperatures rise. But then what is its flaw? Unfortunately it is a fabric that creases a lot and is therefore quite complicated to iron.

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

The “4 Seasons” fabric

- Poplin : Poplin is the fabric par excellence for formal shirts, in other words the ones 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 light material.

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

To conclude

The variety of fabrics on the market allows for a true plurality of styles and adaptability throughout the seasons. The shirt is today a very versatile piece and can be integrated into many looks of diverse and varied inspirations. If each fabric achieves 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!