Choosing a Gift

Men's Formal Shirts as Gifts and Shirt Gift Vouchers

A quality shirt can make a perfect gift for a man, especially a man who likes to look smart and needs to dress well for business. Everyone enjoys a touch of luxury every now and again, but it's sometimes something we don't allow ourselves. So to receive a top quality shirt as a gift makes it extra special.

But we know that choosing a shirt for a gift and buying a shirt for someone else can sometimes be a bit daunting, so we have included some tips below to help you make the right choice. But if you really aren't sure, then consider purchasing some gift vouchers instead. We checked with the top shirt retailers and found two of the very best offering gift vouchers which can be spent on the range of wonderful formal shirts and indeed their complete menswear (and women's wear) ranges. They can even get their shirts personalised with a monogram!

Things to Think About When Buying a Shirt for a Gift

If you prefer not to buy a gift voucher, but want to choose there shirt yourself, then there are a few things to think about when buying a shirt as a gift. We have listed them below as a little check list, to help anyone who is thinking of buying a formal shirt for a present:

• Finding the right size
• Consider which colour
• What particular style - slim/standard fit; collar style; cuff style
• What brand or designer?
• Which material?

If you consider the points above before you buy, we're sure you'll be able to find the perfect gift for that special man. To help you, we've expanded the points below...

Finding the Right Size

Obviously an important one this. And a bit tricky too, if you want the gift to remain a secret. After all, you can't just go measuring a man's neck without him knowing something is up! So the first point is to check out what other shirts he has in his wardrobe, check the size on the label, or if that's not possible, measure the actual shirt. Three measurements are important for a formal shirt: neck size, sleeve length and chest size. For more about how to measure for a shirt, see our Shirt Sizes page here.

What Colour?

Well, of course, you will know the man's taste better than we do. But if you really have no idea where to start, then consider the classic, standard colours for a formal shirt: white, and light blue. A man will always need these shirts as part of his business and formal wear. And if he already has a white or light blue shirt, it doesn't matter. Men who need to look smart for work need plenty of good shirts. But if you are worried that you are buying him something he already has, then opt for the highest quality shirt you can. After all, what man could resist a truly high quality shirt from one of the world's great shirt makers, such as TM Lewin or Charles Tyrwhitt.

But if you fancy treating him to something a little different, then sneak a peak in his wardrobe to remind you of his colour preferences. If that still doesn't give you any ideas, then consider an elegant lilac or pink shirt, which are very popular these days, or perhaps a slightly darker blue shirt, like a French blue.

What Style Shirt?

To keep it simple, there are 3 things about the style of shirt you should think about:

• Standard or Slim Fit? Slim fit is fashionable, but standard fit is more comfortable. A slim fit or tailored shirt is best only for a slimmer man. If in doubt, choose standard.
• What Type of Collar? Standard (just normal, collars pointing down), button down or cutaway. Cutaway is quite special, and has shorter collars pointing outwards, leaving more space for tie know - these look great with a wide tie knot. A button down shirt is a bit more relaxed and less formal.
• Double Cuff or Button Cuff? Double cuff is the classic traditional formal style for men's shirts, but requires cufflinks, and if you're not used to wearing one, a bit of patience. A button cuff is more simple and practical. But if you buy him a double cuff and he likes it, then you know you can buy him a pair of cufflinks for his next birthday!

What Brand or Designer?

To keep it simple and help you out with your gift buying, consider that there are 2 types of shirt makers:

• Traditional, classic shirt makers in the "Jermyn Street" style, such as TM Lewin, Joseph Turner, Austin Reed and Charles Tyrwhitt
• Fashionable and more contemporary designer names, such as Paul Smith, Ted Baker and Hugo Boss

So for a lover of gents classic tailoring and luxury, think Jermyn Street. For a man more into fashion and modern style, think designer name.

Which Material

A quality shirt has to be 100% cotton. Other than that, consider the 3 classic shirt making materials: poplin, Oxford weave and twill. Click on the links to find out more about each, but enough to say here, these are all quality finishes and any man should be more than happy with these style shirts.

Shirt Accessories

And if you still can't decide, then perhaps consider some shirt accessories, such as a quality pair of cufflinks, some shirt sleeve armbands, a beautiful silk tie or some silver collar stays or stiffeners. See some shirt accessories suggestions here.

Our Pick of the best in Men's Formal Shirts

Above are just a few of the finest formal shirts for men. Use the links on the right to find more of the best formal shirts, in a range of colours, materials and styles to suit you.