Best Buys for Shirts: Casual to Smart (And Everything In Between)
Shirts are one of the most versatile wardrobe staples — whether you’re dressing up for a meeting, layering over denim for brunch, or pairing with joggers for a polished-but-comfortable look.
This guide breaks down all the types of shirts, what they’re best for, and where to buy them — along with size-matching shortcuts using Tellar.co.uk.
👕 1. The Classic White Shirt
Best for: Workwear, smart-casual events, layering
Style it with: Tailored trousers, dark jeans, midi skirts
Top brands:
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Massimo Dutti – Premium cotton, tailored cuts
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COS – Minimalist, oversized and structured versions
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Uniqlo – Affordable staples in Supima cotton
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& Other Stories – Feminine twists on a classic
🧵 Tip: Choose a shirt with a slightly longer hem to wear tucked or loose depending on the outfit.
🌿 2. Linen Shirts
Best for: Summer holidays, casual workdays, effortless layering
Style it with: Linen trousers, shorts, swimsuits, jeans
Top brands:
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Arket – High-quality European linen
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H&M Conscious – Great value, eco options
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Whistles – Structured cuts with minimal effort
🧵 Fabric note: Linen wrinkles, but that’s part of the charm. Look for linen blends for a smoother finish.
👔 3. Smart Tailored Shirts
Best for: Office wear, interviews, formal occasions
Style it with: Blazers, pencil skirts, slim-fit trousers
Top brands:
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Reiss – Crisp tailoring and premium fabrics
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Hobbs – Traditional tailoring with a modern edge
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Charles Tyrwhitt – Perfect for classic workwear fits
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Zara – Stylish updates on classic shirts (but sizing varies – use Tellar!)
🧵 Choose cotton poplin or stretch cotton for structure with comfort.
🌸 4. Silk & Satin Shirts
Best for: Evening wear, smart dinners, desk-to-dinner looks
Style it with: High-waisted trousers, jeans, midi skirts, or tucked into tailoring
Top brands:
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& Other Stories – Rich colour options, flattering cuts
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Boden – Polished and grown-up, with detail work
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Sezane – Parisian flair in jewel tones and prints
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Marks & Spencer Autograph – Understated luxury at high street prices
🧵 Silk or satin drapes beautifully — just make sure it fits across the bust and shoulders.
📏 Use Tellar.co.uk to size it right
🖤 5. The Black Shirt
Best for: Minimalist looks, evening styling, smart casual
Style it with: Leather trousers, printed skirts, gold jewellery
Top brands:
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COS – Structured or draped versions
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Zara – Trend-led styles at a great price
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Massimo Dutti – Refined cuts and fabric blends
🧵 Choose soft modal or viscose for fluid movement.
👚 6. Overshirts / Shackets
Best for: Layering, transitional dressing, street style
Style it with: Turtlenecks, vests, jeans, joggers
Top brands:
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Arket – Wool and cotton utility styles
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Mango – Affordable trend-driven versions
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Urban Outfitters – Cool cuts for off-duty days
🧵 Shacket = shirt + jacket. Oversized fits are great, but still check shoulder seams and arm lengths — Tellar.co.uk can help you pick the right size in seconds.
🧶 7. Knit Shirts & Polo Styles
Best for: Smart casual, elevated loungewear
Style it with: Chinos, wide-leg trousers, midi skirts
Top brands:
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Uniqlo – Merino and cotton-blend options
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Reiss – Polished polo styles that look smart and feel soft
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John Lewis – Excellent mid-range options for all sizes
🧵 Choose fine-knit or ribbed styles for a clean silhouette.
🧼 How Many Shirts Do You Really Need?
A strong capsule wardrobe might include:
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2 White shirts (one fitted, one oversized)
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1 Linen shirt
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1 Black or navy shirt
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1 Statement silk/satin shirt
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1 Shacket or overshirt
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1 Smart tailored work shirt
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1 Knit or polo-style shirt
🔄 Shirt Fit Tips – Why Size Charts Aren’t Enough
Brand sizes vary wildly. A Medium in COS is not the same as a Medium in Zara or H&M.
That’s why Tellar.co.uk exists:
We match your exact body measurements to over 1,500 brand size charts — so you get the right size first time.
✅ Works for every gender and body type
✅ Free to use
✅ Works in CM or inches
✅ Perfect for shirts, trousers, dresses, and more
📲 Stay Updated: Follow Tellar.co.uk for Sizing Advice & Shirt Styling
🛍️ Final Word: Shirts That Fit You — Not the Other Way Around
The right shirt can elevate your whole look — but only if it fits properly.
With Tellar.co.uk, there’s no more size guesswork. You’ll always get the right fit in your favourite brand, whatever the style.
Find your fit in 1,500+ brands now — it’s free & easy.
👉 Check your shirt size today
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