Work Shirts for Men: Top Picks & Buying Tips


When it comes to work shirts for men, there’s no shortage of options. With a variety of styles, fabrics, and features available, it can be challenging to find the perfect work shirt that not only suits your job but also offers comfort and durability. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best work shirts for men and provide practical tips for maintaining your work shirts to ensure they remain in great condition.

Top Work Shirts for Men: Reviews & Recommendations

When it comes to selecting work shirts for men, there are several important factors to consider. These criteria have been carefully curated to ensure that the chosen work shirts meet the necessary standards for functionality, durability, and professionalism. Here are the criteria along with their respective importance scale:

  1. Material Quality (High Importance): The material of the work shirt plays a significant role in comfort and durability. Look for fabrics like cotton blends or performance materials that offer breathability, ease of movement, and resilience to wear and tear.
  2. Fit and Comfort (High Importance): The fit of the shirt should provide comfort throughout a workday. Ensure it allows freedom of movement without being too loose or too restrictive. Factors like collar style, sleeve length, and overall fit contribute to comfort.
  3. Professional Appearance (High Importance): Work shirts should maintain a professional look suitable for the business environment. Consider factors like color, patterns, and style that align with the brand image or dress code requirements of the business.
  4. Durability and Longevity (High Importance): The longevity of the shirts is crucial to avoid frequent replacements and additional costs. Evaluate the shirt’s construction, stitching, and reviews on durability for long-term use.
  5. Maintenance and Care (Medium Importance): Check if the shirts are easy to maintain and clean. Opt for shirts that are machine washable and require minimal special care, saving time and effort in upkeep.
  6. Price Point (Medium Importance): Balancing quality with cost is essential. While opting for affordable options is important, prioritize quality and durability over the cheapest option to ensure value for money.
  7. Brand Reputation and Reviews (Medium Importance): Consider brands with positive reviews and a reputation for delivering reliable workwear. Feedback from other small business owners or entrepreneurs can offer valuable insights.
  8. Customization Options (Low Importance): Some businesses may require customization options like adding logos or specific alterations. Assess if the manufacturer offers customization services to suit individual business needs.
  9. Environmental Impact (Low Importance): For businesses focusing on sustainability, consider shirts made from eco-friendly materials or brands that emphasize environmentally conscious practices.
  10. Return and Exchange Policies (Low Importance): Look for flexible return policies or exchanges in case the selected shirts don’t meet expectations or sizing requirements.

This set of criteria has been crafted to ensure that the work shirts chosen meet various essential needs. Check out our picks below:

 

Dickies Men’s Short-Sleeve Work Shirt

Dickies Men's Short-Sleeve Work Shirt

Dickies is the world’s leading performance workwear brand, and it shows in their long-lasting and well made garments like the relaxed fit shirt. Designed with functionality and style in mind, this shirt features a stain-resistant fabric and will give you plenty of room for movement and a professional appearance.

Product Features:

  • Material: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton for a sturdy and easy-care fabric
  • Machine wash for easy maintenance
  • Relaxed fit with a generous cut through the shoulders and chest
  • Twin button-flap chest pockets for storage and matching melamine buttons
  • Available in both short sleeve and long sleeve styles
  • Moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable throughout the day
  • Square tail design looks good tucked in or hanging out
  • Available in 18 colors and various sizes

Dickies Men’s Short-Sleeve Work Shirt

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Red Kap Men’s Industrial Short Sleeve Work Shirt

Red Kap Men's Industrial Work Shirt, Regular Fit, Short Sleeve

Red Kap work shirts are a professional and comfortable option that combines quality materials and a classic design. Their industrial short sleeve work shirt has a regular fit, short sleeves, and is perfect for everyday workwear. This professional-looking shirt offers a lightweight and comfortable experience for all-day wear. The polyester and cotton blend ensures a durable and easy-to-maintain garment that keeps you looking sharp.

Product Features:

  • Material: Comfortable and durable 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
  • Machine washable for easy maintenance
  • Lightweight and regular fit for all-day comfort
  • 7-button front design with button at the neck for a timeless and functional appearance
  • Can be used in a wide variety of professions
  • Available in 22 colors and various sizes

Red Kap Men’s Industrial Short Sleeve Work Shirt

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Jerzees SpotShield Stain Resistant Polo

Jerzees Men's Short Sleeve Polo Shirts, SpotShield Stain Resistant

You can always count on Jerzees for a good affordable work shirt. Their versatile short sleeved polo shirt is designed with SpotShield stain resistance technology – perfect for daily wear and for jobs prone to messes. Featuring a two-button placket, pearlized buttons, and knit sleeve bands, this work shirt will keep you looking professional all day long.

Product Features:

  • Material: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester blend
  • Machine washable
  • Pull-on closure for easy wear
  • SpotShield stain-resistant treatment to repel water and oil-based liquids
  • Enhanced durability:
  • Comfortable design: Welt-knit collar, back neck tape, and tagless label
  • Stylish details: 1×1 rib knit sleeve bands and pearlized buttons with durable cross-stitching
  • Colorfast and shrink-resistant: 50/50 blend maintains color and shape over time
  • Wide range of colors and sizes to suit various preferences and needs

Jerzees SpotShield Stain Resistant Polo

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Van Heusen Men’s Dress Shirt Regular Fit

Van Heusen Men's Dress Shirt Regular Fit Poplin Solid

Introducing the Van Heusen Men’s Regular Fit Poplin Solid Dress Shirt, designed to provide a comfortable and classic fit. This dress shirt is perfect for daily wear or special occasions, offering both style and functionality.

Product Features:

  • Material: Poplin fabric for a comfortable and durable experience
  • Fit: Regular fit with a generous cut through the shoulders, chest, and waist, similar to a full-cut fit
  • Collar: Point collar designed to lengthen the face and accommodate various tie knots; can be worn with or without neckwear
  • Wrinkle-Free: Developed for less wrinkles and easy care
  • Cuffs: Adjustable two-button positions allow for a more customized, improved fit
  • Pocket: Classic chest pocket design to hold all your essentials
  • Available in 23 colors and various sizes

Van Heusen Men’s Dress Shirt Regular Fit

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Cutter & Buck Men’s Polo

Cutter & Buck Men's Polo

If you’re looking for a soft, comfortable polo shirt, check out this one by Cutter & Buck. The high quality, ultra-fine pique material is smooth against the skin. It combines DryTec polyester and spandex to achieve incredible comfort, moisture wicking for a cooling effect, and amazing stretch to keep looking sharp for years.

Product Features:

  • Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
  • Style: Jaquard texture, 3 button placket, square tail design
  • Care: Machine Washable
  • Protection: UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection, moisture wicking
  • Available in 18 colors and sizes S – 3XL.

Cutter & Buck Men’s Polo

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Kenneth Cole Men’s Dress Shirt Slim Fit

Kenneth Cole Men's Dress Shirt Slim Fit Solid

The Kenneth Cole Men’s Slim Fit Solid Dress Shirt is a sleek and modern wardrobe essential designed for a polished look. This versatile, button-up dress shirt is perfect for various occasions.

Product Features:

  • Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester
  • Button closure for a secure fit
  • Fit: Slim fit with tapered sleeves, higher armholes, and a slimmer cut at the chest and waist
  • Collar: Worry-free spread collar with sewn-in collar stays for a crisp appearance even without a tie
  • Easy care: Machine washable, lightweight, and breathable fabric for all-day comfort
  • Adjustable cuffs: 2-button adjustable cuffs for a customizable fit
  • Available in 19 colors and various sizes

Kenneth Cole Men’s Dress Shirt Slim Fit

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Port Authority Men’s Long Sleeve Easy Care Shirt

Port Authority Men's Long Sleeve Easy Care Shirt

Introducing the Port Authority Men’s Long Sleeve Easy Care Shirt, an indispensable workday staple designed for comfort and a professional appearance. Wrinkle-resistant and available in various colors and sizes, this shirt is ideal for you and your team.

Product Features:

  • Material: 55% Cotton, 45% Polyester blend
  • Button closure for a secure fit
  • Design: 4.5-ounce fabric weight, button-down collar, dyed-to-match buttons, patch pocket, and box back pleat
  • Wrinkle resistance for a polished look throughout the day
  • Adjustable cuffs for customizable comfort
  • Wide range of colors and sizes: 38 color options and sizes from XS to 6XL
  • Easy care: Machine washable and versatile

Port Authority Men’s Long Sleeve Easy Care Shirt

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Joe’s USA Short Sleeve Wrinkle Resistant Easy Care Shirt

Joe's USA Men's Short Sleeve Wrinkle Resistant Easy Care Shirts in 32 Colors

Joe’s USA men’s short sleeve shirt is available in 32 colors and sizes ranging from XS to 6XL. This wrinkle-resistant shirt offers comfort and convenience, making it an essential choice for everyday workwear.

Product Features:

  • Material: 55% Cotton, 45% Polyester blend for comfort and durability
  • Button closure for a secure fit
  • Easy care: Machine washable and wrinkle resistant
  • Design: Button-down collar, dyed-to-match buttons, patch pocket, and box back pleat
  • Available in a wide range of sizes

Joe’s USA Short Sleeve Wrinkle Resistant Easy Care Shirt

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Red Kap Men’s Hi-Visibility Long Sleeve Ripstop Shirt

Red Kap Men's Hi-Visibility Long Sleeve Color Block Ripstop Work Shirt- Type O

If your job requires high visibility clothes, this Red Kap shirt is a good start. This Type O, Class 1 pipstop work shirt is designed for maximum visibility, durability, and protection.

Product Features:

  • Material: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton blend for comfort and durability
  • Machine washable
  • Button closure for a secure fit
  • 360-degree visibility: Yellow/silver/yellow reflective striping ensures maximum visibility
  • Strategic color blocking: Conceals soil and stains for a professional appearance
  • Pre-cure durable press with soil release and wickable finish for easy care
  • UV protection: UPF 40 rating shields against harmful UVA and UVB rays
  • Exclusive Ripstop fabric: Lightweight, breathable, and 75% stronger than common workwear materials

Red Kap Men’s Hi-Visibility Long Sleeve Ripstop Shirt

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TACVASEN Men’s Outdoor Long Sleeve Work Shirt

TACVASEN Men's Quick Dry Long Sleeve Shirts Breathable Lightweight Sun Protection Hiking Fishing Shirts

TACVASEN’s quick dry long sleeve shirt is for outdoor workers who value breathability, lightweight sun protection, and quick-drying properties. Ideal for various types of outdoor jobs, this shirt mixes functionality with style and comfort.

Product Features:

  • Material: Durable and breathable Nylon mesh
  • Easy care: Machine washable
  • Abrasion and scratch resistance for rugged outdoor use
  • UV protection to shield against harmful sun rays
  • Fast drying and stain-resistant properties
  • Enhanced ventilation: Mesh back design for optimal airflow in warm climates
  • Dress shirt style placket for a polished look
  • Storage: Dual pen pockets and chest pockets with a bundle patch

TACVASEN Men’s Outdoor Long Sleeve Work Shirt

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Red Kap Men’s Wrinkle Resistant Cotton Work Shirt

Red Kap Men's Wrinkle Resistant Cotton Work Shirt

Red Kap Men’s Wrinkle Resistant Cotton Work Shirt for a comfortable, functional, and low-maintenance addition to your work wardrobe. With its wrinkle-resistant fabric and durable design, this shirt is sure to keep you looking polished and professional throughout your workday.

Product Features:

  • Material: 100% Cotton for a comfortable and breathable fabric
  • Available in high visibility
  • Machine washable for easy maintenance
  • Pre-cure durable press to keep your shirt looking neat and polished
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Seven-button front design
  • Two-piece, lined collar with sewn-in stays
  • Two hex-style pockets with angled bartacks, and a bartacked pencil stall on the left pocket for convenient storage
  • Available in multiple colors and various sizes

Red Kap Men’s Wrinkle Resistant Cotton Work Shirt

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Dickies Men’s Short-Sleeve Flex Twill Work Shirt

Dickies Men's Short-Sleeve Flex Twill Work Shirt

Modeled on their traditional style work shirt, Dickies Flex shirt features a lighter 4.6 ounce mechanical stretch twill for comfort and ease of movement in a relaxed fit that’s roomy for all kinds of work activity, or just for a casual look.

Product Features:

  • Material: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
  • Lightweight and stretchy for comfort
  • 2 chest pockets and square tail design
  • Moisture wicking

Dickies Men’s Short-Sleeve Flex Twill Work Shirt

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Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Work Shirts

A well-maintained work shirt can last for years, providing excellent value for your money. Proper washing, ironing, and repair can keep your shirts looking and feeling great.

Washing and Drying

Washing and drying your work shirts correctly is essential for maintaining color and fabric integrity. Always follow the garment’s care instructions, which can typically be found on the label. In general, it’s a good idea to wash work shirts in cold water with a gentle detergent and either air-dry or tumble dry on low heat. Be sure to remove your shirts from the dryer promptly to minimize wrinkles.

For stain removal, treat the affected area as soon as possible with a stain remover specifically designed for the fabric type. This will help prevent the stain from setting and becoming permanent.

Ironing and Steaming

Keeping your work shirts wrinkle-free can significantly improve your professional appearance. Ironing is the most common method for removing wrinkles, but steaming can also be effective and sometimes gentler on fabrics. When ironing, always follow the garment’s care instructions and use the appropriate heat setting for the fabric type. For those short on time, a garment steamer can quickly and easily remove wrinkles without the need for an ironing board.

Repair and Mending

Minor damage to your work shirts, like loose buttons or small tears, can be easily repaired to extend the life of your garment. Sewing on a loose button or mending a small tear can save you the cost of replacing your work shirt altogether. If you’re unsure how to perform these repairs, consider seeking help from a professional tailor or seamstress.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about men’s work shirts:

How do I choose the right size and fit for my work shirt?

To choose the right size and fit, consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer and measure your body according to their guidelines. Fit options typically include slim fit, regular fit, and relaxed fit. Consider your personal preference and workplace dress code when selecting a fit.

Are there specific materials that are better suited for certain work environments?

Yes, some materials are better suited for specific work environments. For example, moisture wicking fabrics like polyester are ideal for hot conditions, while durable materials like twill are better suited for manual labor jobs.

Can I wear short sleeve work shirts for professional or formal settings?

While short sleeve work shirts can be appropriate for some professional settings, long sleeve dress shirts are generally considered more formal. Consider your workplace dress code and norms when deciding whether to wear a short sleeve work shirt.

How often should I replace my work shirts for optimal appearance?

The frequency at which you should replace your work shirts depends on several factors, including the quality of the shirt, how often you wear it, and how well you care for it. As a general rule, when you notice significant wear or fading, it may be time to invest in a new work shirt.

 

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Small Business Editor Liane Lonergan is a staff writer for Small Business Trends and a member of the team for 2 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications and is a former English teacher. She has written news articles and essays throughout her collegiate and professional careers.