How to choose the right shirt for the new season?

The start of the new season is often an opportunity to get back to good habits, reorganize daily life… and take stock of your wardrobe. After the light outfits of summer, returning to the office or to a more structured routine calls for clothes that are elegant, comfortable and easy to put together. Among the essentials of the male wardrobe, the shirt naturally holds a place of choice.

Formal or casual, plain or striped, close-fitting or more relaxed, it adapts to many situations. The key is finding the right style. To choose the right men's shirt for the new season, several criteria need to be considered: the cut, the fabric, the collar, the color, and also the use you intend to make of it. Here is all our advice for building a coherent and lasting selection.

Choosing the right shirt cut

The cut influences both comfort and overall appearance. A well-chosen shirt should follow the lines of the body without restricting movement or creating tension across the chest, shoulders or buttons. To check that it fits, make sure in particular that the shoulder seam falls correctly, that the collar allows you to slip a finger in when fastened, and that the sleeves reach the wrist bone.

The slim fit

The slim-fit shirt follows the silhouette without constricting it. More tapered at the waist, it creates a clean and structured look. It is particularly suited to slim or athletic builds, provided you choose the right size.

This cut is ideal for the office, a professional appointment or a smart occasion. Worn under a jacket, it minimizes creasing and maintains an elegant line. To stay comfortable all day long, however, opt for a sufficiently supple style and check that the fabric does not pull when you sit down or cross your arms.

The straight cut

More consistent from the chest to the waist, the straight cut offers more room. Versatile, it suits most body types and is an excellent option for everyday wear.

It can be worn tucked into trousers for a polished look, or left untucked when it has an appropriate length and the setting is more casual. Paired with chinos, raw denim or lightweight wool trousers, it makes it easy to put together balanced outfits for the new season.

The relaxed fit

Inspired by a more contemporary wardrobe, the relaxed-fit shirt embraces volume and ease. However, it should not give the impression of simply being too large: proportions remain essential, particularly at the shoulders and sleeve length.

To wear it without sacrificing elegance, pair it with straight or slightly tapered trousers to create a controlled contrast. You can also wear it open over a plain t-shirt when September temperatures are still mild. Fluid or textured fabrics will enhance its modern look.

Which fabric should you choose for the new season?

The fabric determines the drape, warmth level and ease of care of a shirt. At the start of the new season, the weather can still feel summery in the morning before cooling down later in the day. The ideal approach is therefore to choose breathable, comfortable fabrics that are versatile enough to handle this transitional period.

• Cotton remains a safe bet. Soft, durable and breathable, it can be worn comfortably all day long. Its appearance varies depending on the weave, making it possible to find both formal shirts and more casual styles.
• Oxford is recognizable by its slightly textured appearance. More casual than poplin, it is perfect for a casual chic style and pairs particularly well with chinos, raw denim or a soft jacket.
• Linen remains a relevant choice in September, especially when temperatures are still high. Light and breathable, it brings a natural ease. Its creases are part of its charm, but a linen-cotton blend can offer a finish that is easier to wear in the office.
• Poplin, fine and smooth, is particularly suited to professional and elegant outfits. Its tight weave gives it a crisp appearance, while remaining comfortable under a jacket.
• Twill, recognizable by its fine diagonal weave, offers a supple drape and good resistance to creasing. Slightly thicker, it is a perfect companion as the days start to cool.

The choice therefore depends on your pace and your habits. For a typical working week, alternate between, for example, an impeccable poplin shirt, a versatile Oxford and a linen or lightweight cotton shirt for milder days.

Choosing the right collar

The collar frames the face and immediately sets the tone of the shirt. It should be chosen according to your style, the occasion and the way you intend to wear the shirt: on its own, under a sweater, with a jacket or with a tie.

The spread collar is a timeless classic. With its moderate opening, it suits the majority of face shapes and can be worn both with and without a suit. It represents a safe choice for a versatile office shirt.

More contemporary, the hidden button-down collar tucks its points inward. Clean-lined and graphic, it is worn without a tie and adds an original touch while remaining elegant. It works particularly well with an unstructured jacket or dress trousers.

The button-down collar, whose points are held in place by small buttons, has a more relaxed feel. Inherited from sportswear, it pairs perfectly with the texture of an Oxford shirt. It can be worn on its own, under a fine-knit sweater or with a casual blazer.

If you regularly wear a tie, choose a collar whose opening leaves enough room for the knot. Without a tie, a collar that holds its shape well will help maintain a neat silhouette, even with the top button undone.

Which colors should you choose for the new season?

To build a functional wardrobe, start with easy-to-match colors, then add a few bolder shades or patterns. The back-to-work season lends itself particularly well to bright tones still carried over from summer, as well as deeper hues heralding autumn.

• White is essential. Bright and timeless, it suits every occasion, from a professional meeting to a formal ceremony. It pairs just as well with a navy suit as with beige chinos.
• Sky blue is a soft and elegant alternative. Easy to pair with grey, navy, beige or denim, it finds its natural place in a professional wardrobe.
• Navy blue adds greater depth. Sophisticated, it works particularly well in a tone-on-tone outfit or with light-colored trousers to create contrast.
• Ecru and beige ensure a harmonious transition between summer and autumn. These natural shades combine with brown, green, navy or off-white for a warm result.
• Stripes add rhythm to an outfit without overwhelming it. Fine and vertical, they remain easy to wear in the office; wider or more contrasting, they bring more character to a casual look.

If you want to keep the number of pieces to a minimum, start with a white shirt, a sky blue shirt and an Oxford style. You can then build on this base with a natural tone, a stripe or a bolder color.

Which shirt should you choose for each occasion?

The same shirt can sometimes go from the office to an evening out, but certain details naturally determine its level of formality. The weight of the fabric, the structure of the collar, the cut and the finishing details must therefore be suited to the occasion.

For the office

In the office, a white or light blue shirt remains a reliable option. Poplin gives a formal and impeccable look, while twill offers more flexibility and holds up better to creasing throughout the day. In a less formal environment, Oxford allows you to adopt a professional style without looking overdressed.

Wear it tucked into dress trousers or chinos, with a belt that matches your shoes. A light jacket can complete the outfit when the occasion calls for it, while a cardigan or fine-knit sweater will help you adapt to the first cool mornings.

For a casual look

For a casual outfit, opt for textured fabrics such as Oxford, light denim or certain heavier cottons. Button-down collars, stripes and natural tones reinforce this casual look.

Pair your shirt with raw denim, canvas trousers or chinos. You can neatly roll up the sleeves, leave the collar open or wear the shirt as an overshirt over a t-shirt. The aim is to maintain balanced proportions and cohesive colors.

For a smart occasion

For a formal event, a dinner or a ceremony, opt for a white or very pale blue shirt with an impeccable cut. Poplin is particularly well-suited for its smooth and refined appearance. A spread collar will pair easily with a tie, while a more open collar can accommodate a larger knot.

Under a suit, the shirt cuffs should extend slightly beyond the jacket sleeves. Avoid overly thick fabrics or excessively casual details, and pay particular attention to ironing: on an elegant outfit, every finishing touch counts.

A selection designed to last beyond the new season

Choosing the right shirt for the new season does not mean buying more. A few versatile, quality pieces are enough to create a wide range of outfits. By varying fabrics, colors and collars, you can easily adapt your style to working days, leisure time and smarter occasions.

The Nines shirts are designed to combine elegance, comfort and attention to detail. White poplin shirt, blue Oxford, striped style or natural tone: put together a selection suited to your everyday life and invest in pieces you will enjoy wearing long after September.

FAQ

How do you know if a men's shirt fits correctly?

The seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder, without falling onto the arm. When fastened, the collar should allow a finger to pass through, the buttons should not pull across the chest, and the sleeves should reach the wrist bone. The shirt should remain comfortable when you move or sit down.

Which shirt should you choose for returning to the office?

A white or sky blue shirt in poplin, twill or Oxford fabric makes a versatile base. Choose a cut suited to your body shape and a collar structured enough to be worn under a jacket or a fine-knit sweater.

Can you still wear a linen shirt in September?

Yes, especially on days that are still warm. Linen is light and breathable, making it very comfortable at the end of summer. For a more formal look or better resistance to creasing, you can opt for a linen-cotton blend.

Which shirt color is the easiest to match?

White is the most versatile color, followed by sky blue. Both shades pair easily with navy, grey, beige or brown trousers and are equally suited to the office and smart occasions.

Should you tuck your shirt into your trousers?

It depends on the occasion and the length of the shirt. For a professional or formal outfit, it is better to tuck it into the trousers. In a casual setting, a shirt designed to be shorter can be worn untucked, provided it does not fall too far down the silhouette.