The Different Elements of a Shirt

Formal shirts for men has many components to its body.The most important elements and their commonly found variations will be discussed here. The subject of style is personal and dependent on a person’s taste. A reference of how different variations influences the way shirts for men are perceived.Whether looking for ready-to-wear formal shirts for men or having a custom shirt made, guidelines apply to most cases where the essence of shirts for men is kept in mind.

Most formal shirtsfor men have a plain front without any additional elements other than chest pockets. Classic shirts for men may feature a chest pocket for functional aspects.Two chest pockets should be kept for relaxed alternatives such as a safari, the military or casual shirts for men.

If considering a shirt for an event with a certain formality like a wedding, it is normal for formal shirts for men to present a bib-like appearance in the front. This so-called tuxedo shirt is not meant for everyday wear. The contrasting fabrics on the bib look heavier and feature a pleated effect. This has given designers the idea to create bold formal shirts for men while making use of contrasting elements of colours and patterns.

One of the elements of a shirt’s front, the placket, draws attention to itself due to the closure and button location. From formal shirts for men to casual shirts formen, there are three placket types which have variations to reflect uniqueness.

The Traditional Placket,also known as the American placket, due to the strong influence of American style, is the most conventional style of all. It consists of separated pieces of fabric attached to the shirt front, either folded or stitched, and allows for stability and symmetry. This type of placket is still found on formal shirts for men.

The 3/4 Placket is a variation of the above mentioned placket. It has a shorter length, ending before the last button and usually in a pointed shape. It is seen on more relaxed shirts adding an interesting visual appeal.

The French Placket is a more polished alternative than the traditional. It is achieved by folding the fabric over itself inwards. This allows a clean shirt front without any stitching. This placket is the perfect alternative that adapts to casual shirts for men.

The Fly Front Placketfeatures an extra flap of fabric which conceals the button row and provides a sharper and cleaner looking shirt. The fly front has been embraced by many designers as a minimalistic fashion statement.