Which men's shirt should you choose for the new season?

The new season is much more than a simple return to work: it is the perfect opportunity to reassess your wardrobe and invest in pieces that carry you through the seasons. Among them, the men's shirt stands out as an essential. Versatile, it adapts just as well to days at the office as to more relaxed evenings, from the still-warm early days of September to the cooler weeks of October.

But faced with the multitude of available styles — white shirt, blue shirt, striped shirt, in cotton, linen or Oxford cloth — it is not always easy to know which one to choose. Cut, fabric, colour, style: here are all the criteria to consider to find the perfect shirt for the new season.

The white shirt: a new-season essential

If there were only one shirt to own, it would undoubtedly be the white shirt. Timeless, it has that rare ability to adapt to every situation, from professional meetings to dinners with friends, without ever seeming out of place.

At the office, the white shirt pairs easily with grey or navy tailored trousers, derbies or loafers. It exudes a polished look effortlessly. For a more casual look, simply leave the collar slightly open, roll up the sleeves and pair it with slim jeans or beige chinos — and the job is done.

In terms of cut, it all depends on your silhouette. A slim or fitted cut will flatter a slender or athletic build, while a straight or semi-fitted cut will be more comfortable and flattering for fuller figures. The key: that the shoulders sit well and the shirt does not pull at the buttons.

The blue shirt: the elegant and versatile alternative

The blue shirt may be the most underrated ally of the new season. It adds colour without going overboard, flatters most skin tones and pairs with a wide range of pieces from a man's wardrobe.

But be careful — not all shades of blue have the same effect. Sky blue is the softest and brightest shade: perfect for days that are still sunny, it pairs easily with beige or ecru trousers. Mid blue is an excellent compromise between casual and dressed-up. As for navy blue, deeper in tone, it approaches the elegance of a black shirt while remaining softer.

In terms of pairings, the blue shirt goes very well with light grey or anthracite trousers for the office, with raw denim jeans for a casual look, or with beige or khaki chino trousers for a successful casual-chic outfit.

The striped shirt: adding character to your wardrobe

Already have your white shirt and your blue shirt? Then the striped shirt is the ideal third pillar to complete your new-season wardrobe. It lets you vary your looks without straying from a classic and elegant register.

Fine stripes, often associated with the "Oxford" or "Wall Street" style, give a sharp and serious look, ideal for professional environments. Wider or more spaced stripes, on the other hand, bring a more casual character and can easily be incorporated into everyday outfits.

To avoid an overly formal look, the trick is simple: pair your striped shirt with neutral, unfussy pieces. Raw denim jeans or grey chinos are enough to balance the look. Avoid pairing it with other prints (checks, patterns), as you risk creating an overly busy outfit.

Which fabric should you choose for a new-season shirt?

The fabric of a shirt determines its comfort, drape and durability. For the new season, three fabrics stand out in particular.

Cotton

Cotton is undoubtedly the most versatile fabric for a new-season shirt. Breathable, easy to care for and comfortable to wear, it suits both the still-warm days of early September and the first chills of autumn. In poplin (a tight, slightly satin weave), cotton offers a smooth and elegant look, perfect for the office. In twill, it is slightly thicker and more structured, ideal for casual outfits.

Linen

Linen remains relevant well beyond summer. During the first weeks of the new season, when temperatures are still mild, a linen shirt brings freshness and lightness. Its naturally crinkled texture gives it a relaxed and authentic feel that works particularly well with chinos or canvas trousers. And even in October, a linen shirt worn under a light jacket or blazer makes perfect sense.

Oxford cloth

Oxford cloth, recognisable by its slightly cross-hatched texture and thicker feel, is the perfect fabric for everyday looks in the new season. More casual than cotton poplin, Oxford cloth gives shirts a relaxed yet polished look. It is often the fabric of choice for button-down collar shirts, which are among the most popular styles worn in autumn.

Which shirt cut should you choose?

Cut is perhaps the most important criterion when choosing a shirt. A beautiful shirt that fits poorly will lose all its potential, whereas a simpler shirt that is perfectly cut will make all the difference.

• Slim fit: it follows the contours of the body and structures the silhouette. Ideal for slender or athletic builds, it gives a sharp and modern look at the office.
• Straight fit (regular fit): more comfortable, it allows more room in the chest and arms. Versatile, it suits most body types and remains elegant without being restrictive.
• Looser fit (relaxed or oversized): trendy and contemporary, the loose fit is willingly worn tucked in or slightly untucked from the trousers. It works very well in casual outfits, with jeans or chinos.

Whatever cut you choose, make sure the shoulder seams fall exactly at the edge of your shoulder and that the shirt does not pull at the buttons across the chest. These are the two most reliable indicators of a good fit.

How to wear a shirt in the new season?

The shirt is a chameleon piece that adapts to every situation. Here are a few combinations depending on the context.

For the office

Choose a cotton poplin shirt (white, blue or finely striped) paired with grey, navy or beige suit trousers. Add derbies or loafers to complete the look. Tuck the shirt into the trousers and button it all the way up (with or without a tie) for the most formal settings.

For a casual look

The Oxford button-down collar shirt is the ideal everyday casual companion. Wear it with slim or straight-cut jeans, white sneakers or leather boots. You can leave it untucked from the jeans or slightly tuck in the front for a more polished effect.

For a more elegant outfit

For a dinner, an evening out or a special event, opt for a white or blue shirt, tucked into pleated trousers or dress trousers. Add a structured jacket or blazer and leather shoes (derbies, Oxfords or Chelsea boots) for an elegant and timeless outfit.

For days that still feel like summer

At the start of the new season, temperatures often remain high. A lightweight linen or fine cotton shirt, worn with chinos or linen trousers and sneakers or loafers without socks, keeps you comfortable while still looking dressed. Roll up the sleeves for an unapologetically summery effect.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shirt for the new season is above all about prioritising versatility and durability. Rather than accumulating pieces, focus on a few timeless styles (one white, one blue, one striped) in quality fabrics and cuts suited to your build. These shirts will become the cornerstones of an elegant and cohesive men's wardrobe, season after season.

At The Nines, we have selected the best new-season shirts for you: carefully crafted cuts, premium fabrics and timeless colours to easily put together your everyday looks.

FAQ

Which shirt should you choose for the return to the office?
For the office, opt for a white or blue cotton poplin shirt in a slim or straight fit. Pair it with dress trousers and leather shoes for an impeccable professional look.

What is the best fabric for a back-to-school shirt?
Cotton remains the most versatile fabric: breathable, easy to care for and suitable for all occasions. Linen is ideal for days that are still warm, and Oxford cloth is perfect for everyday casual looks.

How do you wear a shirt casually in the new season?
Opt for an Oxford button-down collar shirt, worn with jeans and white sneakers. Leave it slightly untucked and roll up the sleeves for a relaxed yet polished casual style.

Should you choose a slim or regular fit shirt?
It all depends on your build and personal preference. The slim fit structures the silhouette and suits slender figures; the regular fit is more comfortable and universally flattering. The key is that the shoulder seams fall exactly at the edge of your shoulder and that the shirt does not pull at the buttons.