Dress shirts remain a useful part of any men’s wardrobe, even for those who usually favor casual clothing. Weddings, job interviews and other formal occasions may require one, but the right shirt can also work in relaxed outfits with jeans, a graphic T-shirt or shorts.
GQ’s 2026 selection focuses on shirts that combine appropriate formal details with enough versatility for less traditional settings. The guide considers materials, construction, collar design, cuffs and fit, while noting that Oxford cloth is generally more adaptable than more formal fabrics such as poplin.
The overall pick is J.Crew’s Slim Portuguese Cotton Dress Shirt. Made from 100% Oxford cotton woven for the brand by Portuguese mill Solemos, it features a slim but not overly tight silhouette and a larger spread collar designed to sit neatly beneath a jacket lapel. It has single-button cuffs and is available in neck sizes 14 to 17.5, with sleeve lengths from 32 to 36 inches.
For shoppers on a budget, GQ recommends Uniqlo’s Dress Non-Iron Shirt. The slim-fit shirt uses 100% long-staple cotton with an 80-count double-ply thread and a wrinkle-resistant treatment. Its spread collar and single-button cuffs are paired with sizing from XS through 3XL.
Todd Snyder’s Slim Twill Long Collar Dress Shirt is presented as an upgrade option. The brand uses 100% cotton fabrics sourced from Thomas Mason, while the shirt includes side pleats, a split yoke, single-needle construction and an extended long-point collar. It is available in neck sizes 14.5 to 18.
For a last-minute purchase, the guide names Calvin Klein’s Slim Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt as its Amazon pick. Made from 96% cotton and 4% spandex, it adds wrinkle resistance and moisture-wicking properties while retaining a slim shape. The shirt has a point collar, single-button barrel cuffs and comes in neck sizes from 14 to 18.5, with sleeve lengths from 32 to 37 inches.
At the luxury end, Charvet’s Double-Cuff Shirt is made from 100% cotton and cut with a looser fit, a spread collar and French cuffs designed for cufflinks. The shirts are made by hand in the brand’s Paris townhouse and are available in European sizes 38 to 44. The guide also notes that vintage Charvet shirts can provide a less expensive alternative to buying new.
Beyond the highlighted selections, GQ emphasizes three main criteria when evaluating a dress shirt: fabric, construction and fit. Natural cotton fabrics are favored for their durability and versatility, while quality indicators can include French or felled seams, mother-of-pearl buttons, reinforced gussets, split yokes and precise stitching.
The collar deserves particular attention because it frames the face and interacts with a jacket’s lapels. A good collar should sit naturally around the neck, remain structured and complement the way the shirt is worn. Fit should also be assessed by checking whether the collar sits correctly, the shirt stays tucked in and the cuffs rest properly against the wrists.
The guide distinguishes among several common shirt details. Point collars have a narrower spread, while spread collars extend outward toward a suit’s lapels. Button-down collars are secured at the corners with buttons. Barrel cuffs overlap at the wrist and close with buttons, whereas French cuffs fold back and are fastened with cufflinks.
Plackets also affect a shirt’s appearance and formality. Front plackets are the standard folded style, French plackets create a flatter and cleaner front, and hidden plackets conceal the buttons for a more understated, formal look.
GQ says its recommendations draw on editorial experience with brands, materials, construction and customer feedback. The publication’s approach is to compare garments across price points while focusing on the qualities that make a shirt practical, well made and suitable for more than one occasion.
Sources: GQ.