A white men's shirt is chosen by the collar, not the size: the number shown - from 38 to 46 - is the neck circumference in centimetres. That's why a shirt in «your size» may feel tight or hang loose.
Poplin or technical fabric
Cotton poplin is the classic shirt: dense weave, smooth surface, holds its shape and isn't transparent. Lacoste uses it in a stretch version, with the same feel but extra freedom of movement across the shoulders.
Ingram's stretch technical fabric solves a different problem: it needs little or no ironing. If you travel or wear the shirt five days a week, that's why it exists - and you can feel that it isn't pure cotton.
A ceremony shirt is a different shirt
The ceremony slim fit has a higher, stiffer collar, designed to support the tie and stay in place beneath the jacket lapel. It is the model with the widest size range in our selection - from 38 to 45 - precisely because it is bought for a specific occasion, where the right fit really matters.
For the rest of the outfit: ceremony suits and ties.
How to keep it white
Yellowing is not caused by dirt but by deodorant: residue reacts with sweat and stains the underarms. Prevent it by letting it dry before getting dressed. Bleach works once and then weakens the cotton; soaking in percarbonate is better.
With stretch technical fabric, one additional rule applies: use a low iron setting. The synthetic component that makes it easy to iron is the same one that high heat permanently damages.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose the size of a men's shirt?
By the collar. The number shown - 38, 40, 42 and so on - is the neck circumference in centimetres. Measure with a soft tape at the base of the neck, leaving room for one finger. If you are between two sizes, the larger one is preferable for a ceremony shirt, because a collar fastened with a tie leaves no room for error.
Is poplin or stretch fabric better?
Poplin is more refined and more formal: dense weave, better drape, and no transparency. Stretch technical fabric is more practical: it needs little or no ironing and offers greater freedom of movement. If the shirt is for special occasions, choose poplin; if it is for five days a week, choose stretch.
Is a white men's shirt transparent?
Good-quality, substantial poplin is not. Very lightweight shirts can be, especially across the shoulders and back. If in doubt, a white undershirt solves the problem - white, not black, which would be more visible.
Looking for something else? the women's selection and all white shirts.