Women have shoes, handbags, and who knows what, right? So, what do men have? When it comes to apparel, many men struggle to know how many business suits, slacks, and the like they should have. After all, no one wants to be busted wearing the same thing over and over.
It's hard to gauge how many you need. After all, dress shirts are NOT regular t-shirts, and there are many different types of dress shirts. We’ve decided it was time for an answer to the question: how many dress shirts should a man own? This article is an attempt to answer that very question, so let’s get started
But First… When Do You Wear Dress Shirts?
Many men have to wear business attire, including dress shirts, even jackets, and slacks daily for the job, no matter the dress code.
Other men are a bit more flexible in what they can and cannot wear to work or in the office (slowly raises my hand). Although, no matter what your career, every man should have at least a few dress shirts available in case they need it - whether it be for a date, a family function, or even church.
So… How Many is Too Many?
When it comes to quality dress shirts, I am one of those who feel that as long as you can afford it, there is no such thing as too much, with one important distinction… you must wear them. Every one of us probably has a shirt or two that is the designated shirt for occasions we would rather not attend.
For example, there is a black dress shirt in the back of my closet that only comes out for funeral outfits. This shirt must be carefully ironed and is just too much work to wear every day, or even once a month, so there it stays.
To give a more exact answer, most professional men will not need more than say twenty dress shirts at the most. Twenty shirts allow you to wear a different shirt to the office every weekday for almost a month without any repeats at work.
Guys with 20 are probably even wearing them in style with some jeans. Is this really logical when it comes to how many dress shirts? Well maybe for some men. So, for the sake of argument, we are going to go with 20 is too many (for most men).
The other side of the aisle is the type of guy who only wears a dress shirt when he is required to, either by the event or another person (cough…significant other). This type of man could really care less about dress shirts being part of their personal style, and that is more than fine.
These men are probably going to be more than fine with three dress shirts, one to wear, one to wash, and one of those only when absolutely necessary dress shirts.
More than likely the shirts are going to be light blue shirts, white, or a soft gray, and they may or may not have a suit jacket or blazer to wear with it. Mix in some business casual shirts for outfits that work for smart casual attire.
Make sure you're buying the right sizes with our guide on how to buy a dress shirt.
We Ranked Dress Shirt Brands Here
How Many Dress Shirts SHOULD I Own?
| White Dress Shirts | Blue Dress Shirt | Grey Dress Shirt |
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The simple answer is, most men are probably going to be more than fine with three dress shirts, one to wear, one to wash, and one of those only when absolutely necessary dress shirts. More than likely the shirts are going to be light blue, white, or a soft gray, and they may or may not have a suit jacket or blazer to wear with it. |
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What is the Answer?
The answer for most of us is going to fall between the two extremes. Generally, it is suggested that men own around 8-12 dress shirts if you wear them every day for work, or just 3 if you only wear them for special occasions.
That includes button-down shirts that can be worn with or without a jacket, more stylish shirts with some tailoring or style, and a few different colors. Having an oxford shirt is good for diversity as well. Check out our guide to the best men's Oxford shirts.
White Dress Shirts
You should always have at least two crisp white dress shirts. Although you may want one or two more, depending on how messy you are when you eat. There is nothing more classic than a white dress shirt newly cleaned and pressed.
White dress shirts are the go-to for the most black tie optional to formal occasions. Although many men will have several styles of white shirts, casual polo shirts can extend your wardrobe if you prefer.
You should also consider having an off-white or ivory-colored shirt to wear when things are not quite as formal, the warmer tone will soften your appearance and actually make you more approachable. This is a great option when meeting new clients or going to social events where you are expected to mingle.
You can find the best white dress shirts here.
How to Rotate Your Dress Shirts
Owning the right number of dress shirts is only part of the equation—you also need to take care of them properly. Rotating your shirts effectively ensures they last longer and always look their best.
- Adopt a Weekly Rotation: If you wear dress shirts to work daily, aim to have at least five to seven in rotation. This allows you to spread out the wear and reduce fabric strain.
- Avoid Overwashing: Washing your dress shirt after every wear isn’t always necessary unless the shirt is visibly dirty or sweaty. Instead, hang it up to air out and wear it once or twice before washing.
- Use Quality Hangers: Wooden or padded hangers help maintain the shirt’s structure, preventing wrinkles and shoulder bumps.
- Invest in a Steamer: Instead of ironing every time, a clothes steamer can help keep shirts looking crisp without excessive heat damage.
By rotating and caring for your shirts properly, you’ll extend their lifespan and keep them looking professional.
Fabrics Every Man Should Own
The type of fabric used in your dress shirts impacts not only their comfort but also their appearance and durability. Here are some must-have fabrics to consider:
- Cotton Poplin: A lightweight, smooth, and breathable fabric perfect for year-round wear.
- Oxford Cloth: A slightly heavier weave that’s great for business casual settings or layering with blazers.
- Twill: Features a subtle diagonal weave, making it more wrinkle-resistant and slightly more structured.
- Linen: Ideal for summer, linen dress shirts are highly breathable but tend to wrinkle easily, making them best for more relaxed environments.
- Performance Blends: Some non-iron dress shirts use a mix of cotton and synthetic fibers to offer stretch, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant properties.
Understanding fabric choices can help you build a more functional and stylish dress shirt collection.
Find the Right Fit
A well-fitting dress shirt enhances your appearance and boosts confidence. Here’s how to ensure a great fit based on your body type:
- Slim Build: Look for slim-fit or tailored-fit shirts that taper at the waist to create a more structured silhouette. Avoid boxy cuts that add bulk.
- Athletic Build: A tapered fit with slightly more room in the chest and shoulders will complement your physique without being too tight.
- Larger Build: A classic or relaxed fit works best, ensuring comfort without excess fabric bunching. Look for shirts with a bit of stretch for ease of movement.
- Shorter Guys: Consider brands that offer shorter dress shirt lengths to prevent excess fabric from bunching when tucked in.
Regardless of your body type, getting your dress shirts tailored can make a huge difference in achieving a polished, professional look.
Choose the Right Collar
Shirt collars do more than just frame a tie—they help balance your face shape and overall look. Here are some collar styles to consider:
- Spread Collar: A versatile option that works well for men with longer or more angular faces by adding width to the jawline.
- Point Collar: A classic choice that elongates rounder or wider faces, creating a slimming effect.
- Button-Down Collar: A casual and timeless option that works well in business casual settings.
- Cutaway Collar: A modern and stylish option, best suited for men with narrower faces or those looking for a bold fashion statement.
The right collar can enhance your features and tie together your overall outfit effortlessly.
Try Different Dress Shirt Colors
Many men have trouble embracing colored dress shirts (such as purple or pink) if they are not some light shade of blue or gray, then they won’t even consider it. Colored dress shirts offer you the chance to show a bit of your personality and lighten the mood without sacrificing style.
Some colors can make you appear younger, while others can make you seem pale or even sick. If you are venturing into the world of color for the first time, get some advice before you jump in and buy everything in sight.
You may be surprised to learn what you think looks good does nothing for you. Start with lighter muted colors and move on from there as you feel more comfortable.
Styles of Dress Shirts
The style of dress shirts you purchase and actually wear is going to depend on how you move throughout the day. You will also need to think about the climate, both outside and inside, whether you need to accommodate a tie or a jacket, and the type of pants you will be wearing.
In warmer months, you will want to wear more dress shirts that are lighter weight without being see-through, and in some cases, you will need them to breathe. Cotton is a great choice and is available in most styles of shirts. You can opt for heavier fabrics in colder climates.
A button-down dress shirt is the most common type of dress shirt. They feature the small buttons on the tips of the collar to secure them over a tie if worn. Newer collar styles are introduced all the time, but if you want to stay with the classic then a button-down is the way to go.
Polo shirts are an often debated topic, are they really dress shirts or just a dressed up t-shirt? In most business circles a polo shirt is considered business casual attire. This means that while they may not be exactly right for a board meeting or wooing a new client, they are perfectly fine for everyday wear around the office.
For the sake of this article, we are not including polo shirts in the 10 dress shirts you should have since most men have several polos if they already wear them.
These are our favorite dress shirts for short guys if you're looking for something that fits better.
Dress Shirt Priority Checklist
Building a well-rounded dress shirt collection ensures you're always prepared for any occasion, whether it's a business meeting, a formal event, or a casual day at the office.
But with so many options, where should you start? Below is a priority checklist to help you determine how many dress shirts but also tthe essential dress shirts every man should own, from the must-have basics to stylish additions that elevate your wardrobe.
Use this guide to build a versatile rotation and shop the best options for your needs.
| Priority | Shirt Type | Color | Style | Fabric | Why It’s Essential? | Link to Buy |
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| 1 | Classic White Dress Shirt | White | Spread or Point Collar | Cotton Poplin | A versatile must-have for formal events, business, and special occasions. |
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| 2 | Light Blue Dress Shirt | Light Blue | Point or Button-Down Collar | Oxford or Poplin | Adds variety while remaining professional and easy to match. |
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| 3 | Formal White Dress Shirt | White | Spread Collar, French Cuffs | Twill or Broadcloth | Ideal for black-tie events, weddings, and formal business settings. |
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| 4 | Neutral Everyday Dress Shirt | Light Gray or Light Blue | Button-Down Collar | Oxford or Twill | Works for both business casual and formal settings. |
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| 5 | Patterned Dress Shirt | Subtle Check or Stripe (Blue, Gray) | Spread or Button-Down Collar | Oxford or Twill | Adds a stylish touch while still being professional. |
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Final Thoughts
We’ll wrap things up by saying that you should probably make sure to have 4-5 everyday dress shirts, a couple of white ones, a couple lighter color blue shirts or gray, and one really high-quality white shirt that makes a statement.
When it comes to how many dress shirts, we also suggest you branch out into a bit of color; start slow and hopefully you’ll end up with more dress shirts a couple of statement colors and a few slightly patterned shirts for less formal occasions.
FAQs
How many dress shirts should a man own?
The ideal number depends on your lifestyle. If you wear dress shirts daily for work, owning 8–12 ensures a good rotation. If you only wear them occasionally, 3–5 should be enough for formal events, weddings, and business meetings.
How many shirts does the average man have in his wardrobe?
On average, men own around 20–30 shirts, including dress shirts, casual button-downs, polo shirts, and t-shirts. However, the exact number varies based on personal style and wardrobe needs.
How many formal dress shirts should I have?
A minimum of 3–5 formal dress shirts is recommended—at least two crisp white shirts and a few in light blue or gray. If you attend formal events frequently, consider adding more to avoid frequent washing.
How many plain t-shirts should a man own?
Most men should have 5–10 plain t-shirts in neutral colors like white, black, gray, and navy. These are versatile staples for layering, casual outfits, and everyday wear.
How many shirts does an average person own?
ClosetMaid recently surveyed American women and found that they own 103 things. The average woman owns between 20 and 30 t-shirts, tank tops, blouses, and dress shirts (The average woman owns about 5-7 dress shirts).
How many work outfits should a man have?
Even for a man on the verge of a professional career, it is difficult to afford such high-end apparel. We suggest that every man own a minimum of three tailored suits: one navy, one charcoal, and one black. These combinations are suitable for all occasions. Here's a full guide on how to dress like a man.
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