Shirt Types
A shirt is named by its fabric, collar and how smart or casual it is built to be. This hub sets out the main shirt types across our range, so a product name tells you the character before you see the photo. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Smart and formal
Dress Shirt
A crisp, formal shirt for suits and tailoring.
What defines it
A dress shirt uses a smooth, fine fabric such as poplin or twill with a structured collar and cuffs, built to be worn with a tie and suit.
Who it suits
It suits the office, formal events and business wear. Browse BOSS shirts (/collections/mens-boss-black-shirts).
Poplin Shirt
A clean, lightweight shirt with a smooth finish.
What defines it
A poplin shirt uses a tightly woven, plain-weave cotton that stays crisp and light, giving the classic smart-shirt look.
Who it suits
It suits smart-casual and formal wear year round. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Twill Shirt
A soft, durable shirt with a subtle diagonal weave.
What defines it
A twill shirt uses a diagonal weave that feels a little softer and thicker than poplin, resists creasing and drapes well.
Who it suits
It suits smart wear that needs to travel and last.
Casual and everyday
Oxford Shirt
A textured, versatile shirt that smartens or relaxes.
What defines it
An Oxford shirt uses a basketweave cotton with a soft texture and slight body, the most versatile shirt weave for smart-casual wear.
Who it suits
It suits almost any smart-casual outfit. Browse Paul Smith shirts (/collections/mens-paul-smith-shirts).
Chambray Shirt
A lightweight, denim-look casual shirt.
What defines it
A chambray shirt uses a light plain weave with a coloured warp and white weft, giving a soft, faded, denim-style look without the weight.
Who it suits
It suits relaxed, everyday wear. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Linen Shirt
A breathable, textured shirt for warm weather.
What defines it
A linen shirt uses woven flax that breathes, keeps you cool and develops a relaxed, lived-in crease.
Who it suits
It suits summer, holidays and warm-weather smart-casual.
Relaxed and layering
Flannel Shirt
A soft, brushed shirt for cooler days.
What defines it
A flannel shirt uses a brushed cotton that traps warmth and feels soft, often in checks, built for autumn and winter.
Who it suits
It suits casual layering in cold weather. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Denim Shirt
A rugged cotton shirt in a denim weave.
What defines it
A denim shirt uses a sturdy twill denim, heavier than chambray, that works as a shirt or a light overshirt layer.
Who it suits
It suits rugged, casual and layered looks.
Overshirt
A heavier shirt worn as a light jacket.
What defines it
An overshirt, or shacket, uses a thicker fabric and a boxier cut so it layers over a tee or shirt like a light jacket.
Who it suits
It suits transitional-season layering. Browse Belstaff overshirts (/collections/belstaff-overshirts).
Grandad Shirt
A collarless or band-collar casual shirt.
What defines it
A grandad shirt swaps the turndown collar for a low band collar, giving a relaxed, vintage-inspired look.
Who it suits
It suits laid-back, casual outfits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an Oxford and a poplin shirt?
An Oxford shirt uses a textured basketweave cotton that has a soft body and works dressed up or down, making it the most versatile shirt to own. A poplin shirt uses a smooth, fine plain weave that stays crisp and light, so it reads a little smarter and is the classic choice under a suit.
What is an overshirt?
An overshirt, sometimes called a shacket, is a shirt made in a heavier fabric with a boxier cut so it can be worn open over a tee or shirt like a light jacket. It bridges the gap between a shirt and outerwear and is ideal for spring and autumn layering.
What is the most versatile shirt to own?
A light blue or white Oxford shirt is the most useful single shirt. It works tucked with tailoring for smart wear and untucked with jeans for the weekend, and it pairs with almost any trouser or chino in your wardrobe.