The Shirting Essentials
The six types of shirting every man should have in his closet, no matter the season.
University Stripe
Trim stripes of primary colors against a white background. Often made of cotton oxford cloth (below, left).
Broadcloth
Whether a crisp white, plain light blue or a mattress stripe pattern of varying widths, these shirts mean business.
Gingham
A popular two-tone check (often a dark color paired with white) on a medium-weight woven fabric like cotton poplin.
Oxford Cloth
Named after the university, it's no wonder this sturdy, basket weave cotton cloth has become such a preppy standby.
Flannel
A soft cloth (often in a plaid, tartan pattern) made of loosely spun cotton or wool yarn favored by outdoorsy types.
Chambray
A hardy fabric consisting of warp (up/down) threads in one color, often indigo, and a white weft (left/right) thread.
