Common Fabrics for Mens Dress Shirts

The most common textile used for mens dress shirts is cotton. It is a fabric that is comfortable, breathable, and for the most part Hypoallergenic. Cotton is not just cotton however. Different weaving techniques, using different cotton yarns, and the finishing creates a wide range of different cotton fabrics. Below are the four most common fabric styles used on mens dress shirts.

Cotton Twill
Cotton twill is recognizable by its diagonal ribbed texture. It is a fabric that has a nice texture and slightly thicker feel. It is perfect for those looking for added warms and comfort without sacrificing formality. If an occasion requires you to wear a solid colored shirt, such as a job interview or a first day at a new office, then the cotton twill shirt will do it with flair and style.

Broadcloth
When compared to cotton twill, broadcloth fabric is much finer. Broadcloth is made from very fine cotton yarn - meaning cotton yarn that has a very small diameter. The fabric is woven so tightly that it has great shine. For that reason shirts made from broadcloth as usually word for more formal events. It is a popular shirt choice for tuxedo shirts worn for black tie events. Another type of broadcloth worth mentioning is the so called "End-on-end Broadcloth". It is a particular broadcloth fabric that alternates yarns in two different colors. Because the fabric is woven so tightly most end-on-end fabrics look like solod color from just a few feet away, but a closer look reveals this very intricate fabric weave and color combination.

Oxford Cloth
Oxford cloth is very easy to distinguish from other fabric weaves. Traditionally oxford cloth has a coarse look and feel, and a pattern that reminds of a very fine check pattern. Because of the coarse look oxford cloth is usually associated with a more casual dress shirt style. Most common is the button down collar in combination with oxford cloth. Two other types of oxford cloth worth mentioning are "pin-point oxford cloth, and "royal oxford" cloth. The first is finer than standard oxford and the second is even finer again. Oxford cloth dress shirt, particula ones made with button down collar, set a perfect base for traditional striped tie and so-called British regimental ties.

Poplin
Poplin usually has a heavier weight and is a perfect fabric for men's dress shirts worn during the colder months of the year. Unlike oxford cloth, poplin has a much smoother and softer feel. This soft feel and thick texture is created by using a fine yearn for the warp and a thicker yarn for the weft when weaving. Poplin dress shirts are usually associated with slightly more casual dress. It is a fabric that is perfect for patterned dress shirts - be it stripes, birds-eye, or intricate check patterns.

Other Suggested Reading:
Shopping Guide for Pin Striped Suits
Matching Neckties with Plaid Suit

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