Relatively new to the market are a variety of 100-percent cottons:

    * '140 broadcloth' is the best, with high thread count and close weave for superior performance.
    * '100 two-ply broadcloth' is also almost as good.
    * '80 pinpoint Oxford' is  links of london a durable two-ply with a more pronounced weave than broadcloth.
    * '50 broadcloth' is single-ply and lightweight but still durable.
    * 'No-Iron' or 'Easy-Care' shirts are available in oxford or broadcloth and are wearable right out of the dryer.

Price

You can spend $500 on a quality men's dress shirt, but you'd be wasting a lot of money. Any national department store chain will have excellent shirts for $100 or less. If you buy from the clearance or close-out rack Balenciaga Handbags, or wait for end-of-season sales or hit the discount outlets, you will save even more. (and you'll be the only one who knows!)

Questions and Answers

When must I wear a white dress shirt?

The short answer is, when everyone else wears them. It's a must with tuxedo or dinner jacket. A few companies still have strict dress codes; following them is a key to corporate acceptance and advancement. Some men -- lawyers, bankers, politicians and senior executives, for example -- are silently expected to wear a pure white dress shirt or one with a minimal pattern. You'll also see many of these gentlemen favoring French-cuffs, if you look closely. That said, many companies and organizations have adopted very casual attire. Colored, striped evening Dresses, checked or other patterns on dress shirts are vastly more popular (read: 'socially acceptable') than they were just a generation ago.

What does business casual mean?

It doesn't mean wear your gym shorts to work (unless you work in a gym, of course). It means jacket and tie optional; casual shirts, jeans or even denim shirts may be acceptable. This makes the dress shirt a key to your style and look, if you choose to wear it to work. A dress shirt that fits well, looks good and stands out from the crowd a little can be valuable. After all, regardless of how good you are, if you are more noticeable, you are more promote-able.

What about pockets and monograms?

Dress shirts generally have one pocket, over the left breast; a few sport two or none, a few pockets have button-down flaps. Pockets are not there to use as a trunk or filing cabinet. Glasses, a pen or two, a few business cards or a name tag are all they can handle without detracting from the great look you are working so hard to achieve. Monograms are embroidered initials; some fashionistas say they must be just above the cuff of the right sleeve, others say they should be seen only atop the breast pocket. Most people think monograms are a waste of money.

The best?

It is a good idea to buy one dress shirt -- white, poplin, French cuffs, the whole nine yards. This shirt is to be worn only for weddings, funerals, court appearances, IRS audits and other serious occasions. Laundered professionally and pressed after every use, it is kept in a protective bag after each wearing.

The rest?

Now that you have new dress shirts, you may need a new suit to go with. Every man needs on good wool-flannel or wool-gabardine suit in black or gray (for the above named occasions) which you treat with the same care as that best shirt. You'll also need black dress shoes, black leather belt and a silk tie/pocket hanky set with a conservative pattern or stripe. This is the one where you buy the finest you can afford and don't look back -- when you wear this ensemble, you really do look spectacular.