A well-fitting dress shirt isn't a necessity for every man, but it is a classic item on or off the workplace. A button-up shirt can make you look more put together and confident in your day-to-day business encounters. Always remember to prioritize the fit of the shirt. The collar, shoulders, and torso should fit correctly to your body shape. 

Here are some tips for buying dress shirts on a budget.

• Meet your budget

Your first step is reviewing how much you are willing to spend on dress shirts. Be sure to balance this with your current spending habits or financial needs. You can reduce costs even more by purchasing a used dress shirt from a thrift shop or consignment store, but be sure to check the quality of all the shirts.

If you do not have much experience with dress shirts, it is advisable to stick within your price range and avoid buying a shirt that will decrease in value as soon as you wear it. Also, consider designer brands such as Nimble. The brand might be more expensive than other budget options, but better material and craftsmanship can be expected.

• Know your body type

Some men have wider chests and shoulders, while other men tend to have slimmer bodies. It is essential to know your body type to find the perfect dress shirt. If you have a wider trunk, try on different sizes of dress shirts until you find one that gives you enough room in the chest and shoulders without being too large around your waist. Be aware of how much fabric is in the tail of the dress shirt when deciding between sizes.

Best Dress Shirts for the Money

We have selected the best dress shirts for the money based on quality, comfort, and fit. Here are our top nine picks.

1. White Dress Shirt | The Crescent
   
   
   

   This slim-fit dress shirt is perfect for the modest businessman. It is made with luxurious 100% cotton broadcloth, which gives it a soft touch. The durable material helps the shirt maintain its form over multiple washes. The two-button adjustable rounded cuffs and collar stays can keep you looking refined at any event. The collar has a versatile English semi-spread which can be worn with or without a tie.

   These collars are also reinforced, which makes them ideal for everyday use. The shirt comes in several styles and colors. However, we recommend white for an all-purpose dress shirt that looks put together without standing out too much. The shirt is machine-washable and hang-dry, so you do not need to worry about taking it to the dry cleaners. Pair this shirt with any dress pants or slacks for a complete look.

    

2. Emporio Armani
   

   The Emporio Armani dress shirt is a fashionable and comfortable option for those who want to look suave at their next event. The cotton blend material enhances breathability, which allows the wearer to stay calm no matter how long they wear it. The patterned design on the collar gives this shirt an elegant touch so that you can wear it to more formal occasions. 

   The shirt is easy to care for with machine wash and dry technology that allows you to keep it looking fresh after numerous trips through the washer.

   The shirt is worth every penny since it's made of premium cotton for long-lasting comfort and durability. The fit is slim but still allows room for movement so that you can work in comfort all day long. The buttoned barrel cuffs and point collar give it a professional feel that looks stylish. 

   If you are looking for a dress shirt to wear to more formal parties or events, this is the best dress shirt for your money.

    

3. Blue Cutaway Dress Shirt | The Porcelain
   
   
   

   This blue cutaway dress shirt is a must-have for office and formal events. The 100% cotton material is soft and comfortable, making it easy to wear all day. The blue color pairs well with any dress pants or slacks, so you can get more use out of this shirt than other dress shirts on the market.

   This shirt is machine washable, hangs-dry clean-friendly, and is easy to iron and steam. As such, it is easy to care for and maintain. The slim fit will keep the shirt from looking bulky, even with multiple layers underneath. Browse the rest of Nimble Made's extra slim dress shirts.You can easily tuck your dress shirt in and look presentable at work or the next formal event or wear this shirt under a sweater.

    

4. Men Easy Care Slim-Fit Shirt
   

   This is a great dress shirt for the average guy who wants to look put together without spending too much money. The 100% cotton broadcloth material gives you the same silky smooth touch as some more expensive brands, but at a fraction of the price.

   The easy-care technology means that you can throw it in the dryer with the rest of your clothes when you wash it. It will come out looking sharper than ever, with minimal effort on your part. The fabric is wrinkle-resistant, so if you are running late to work or an appointment, you do not have to worry about spending extra time ironing your shirt when you get there.

   This dress shirt is available in a variety of colors. However, the white option looks classic and professional for those who wear tailored suits or dress pants to work every day. The blue option is also a good choice as it looks great with jeans and dress slacks. 

   If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to expensive brands that still offers comfort and style, this is a great dress shirt for your money.

    

5. Calvin Klein Men's Shirt
   

   Calvin Klein Men's Dress Shirt is a popular choice among those who want a dress shirt that looks good and fits well. The cotton material is wrinkle-resistant, so you can go to work or an event without worrying about looking sharp. It also comes in multiple colors, so you can pick the one that matches your style.

   The slim fit gives you just enough room to move without looking bulky underneath a blazer or sweater. It is a good option for those with a more petite build, so you don't have to worry about the shirt looking too baggy in the waist area. This non-iron fabric allows you to skip the dry cleaning part of your clothes care routine, saving time and money in the long run. 

   It is designed to wick away moisture to keep you feeling relaxed and dry, so it is suitable for wearing in the summertime.

    

6. Alex Vando Men's Dress
   

   Made from a blend of 97% cotton and 3% Spandex, the Alex Vando Mens Dress is made to fit comfortably around your shoulders, chest, and waist without straining or bagging out.

   The fabric has a slight stretch for an excellent fit that you can move around in all day long. The shirt is machine washable, so you don't have to spend extra money on dry cleaning or professional cleaning services. You can throw it in the wash and hang it out to dry, and your dress shirt will come out looking as good as new.

   The long sleeves make this a versatile clothing item that you can wear throughout fall and winter without feeling too bulky or restricted. The white color looks great with a blazer or sweater for a more formal look at work, but this dress shirt also looks good with jeans for a more casual look at the office or a formal event.

    

7. Dark Navy Checked Dress Shirt | The Abacus
   
   
   

   This dark navy checked dress shirt is another great dress shirt for men who want a traditional and unique look. The broadcloth fabric is machine washable and hangs dry, so you can easily care for it at home without the need to spend extra money on professional cleaners or dry cleaning services.

   The slim fit will keep your look neat and stylish even if you do not want to wear it with a suit or blazer. You can wear this shirt with dress pants for work or jeans if you attend an event requiring formal clothes. 

   With the classic blue and white checked pattern, this dress shirt will give you an upscale look no matter where your clothes take you. The gingham pattern gives it a modern edge, so you can wear this dress shirt with a blazer or sweater to look timeless and stylish.

    

8. Van Heusen Men's Dress Shirt
   

   Van Heusen Mens Dress Shirt gives you a traditional look for men who want to go with the old-school style. Coming in multiple colors, this dress shirt is perfect if you need something more suited for casual occasions or want something that can be dressed up or down.

   Made from 55% cotton and 45% polyester, this fabric blend makes for a comfortable feel. It is machine washable, so you can easily care for it at home without the need to spend extra money on professional cleaners or dry cleaning services.

   The flex collar will keep its shape no matter how long it is worn, allowing you to wear your dress shirt throughout the day with comfort. 

   This dress shirt is designed to resist wrinkles, so you can wear it all day long without worrying about dropping money on expensive ironing services. It is a regular fit shirt with a generous cut through the shoulders, waist, and chest for a comfortable and stylish fit.

    

9. The Linen Standard Fit Shirt 

   The Linen Standard Fit Shirt is 100% linen. It's a comfortable option for men who want to look stylish at work without paying a fortune. The lightweight fabric provides a soft feel that you can move around during the day without feeling hot or uncomfortable.

   The hidden front pocket gives you a convenient place to put your wallet, phone, and other small objects, so they are easy to access while you are out. The button-down collar is versatile, giving your outfit a traditional look that you can wear with just about anything.

   The light blue color gives this dress shirt a stylish modern edge, so you can also wear it with jeans if needed for casual events or to change up your everyday style. If you need something more formal, this dress shirt looks great with a blazer or sweater.
   

Conclusion 

There are many options available for dress shirts, so take your time to find the right style that you can wear with just about any outfit. If you're looking for something slightly more casual, here are our favorite button down shirts. You want something that fits well and is easy to launder, so you don't have to spend much money on professional laundering services or dry cleaning.

Choose durable styles that will take the wear and tear of daily use without ripping or tearing easily. You want something affordable that you can replace when needed without spending a fortune on new clothes every year; plus, if your dress shirt is easy to care for, it will last longer between laundering services.

By choosing one of these options, you should find a great dress shirt that gives you a look you can be proud to wear. For more ideas on how to build an essentials wardrobe, check out our article on things every man should own. 

FAQs

• Question: Are dress shirts expensive?
• Answer: On average, the prices of dress shirts depend on the brand and material used. There are cheap options available if you only need them for temporary use or want something worn casually instead of formally.

• Question: Are dress shirts always worn with ties?
• Answer: No, while most men wear them this way, they can be worn without the tie for a more relaxed look. While this may not work in some environments, such as business casual or formal settings, it is acceptable to wear these shirts like any other kind of shirt during the day if you need something casual.

• Question: How many dress shirts should I have?
• Answer: You need at least three colors to complete your work wardrobe so that you can wear them with different pants and ties. Most men choose white, blue, and black dress shirts as their primary options. You may also consider grey or striped designs for more subdued looks that are great for casual business environments.