A well-chosen shirt can transform an outfit, whether you are dressing for an important meeting, a formal event, a dinner reservation or a relaxed weekend. The right combination of fabric, fit, collar style and colour makes it easier to create a polished appearance without filling your wardrobe with pieces you rarely wear. Hawes & Curtis is a British shirtmaker known for its classic tailoring influences, refined details and collections designed for both formal and smart-casual dressing.
From crisp white dress shirts and versatile blue cotton styles to easy-care non-iron designs and distinctive patterned shirts, the brand offers options for different occasions and personal preferences. Building a smart wardrobe starts with understanding which styles offer the most versatility and how to combine them with the clothes you already own.
Why Choose Hawes & Curtis Shirts:
Hawes & Curtis combines traditional British shirting aesthetics with contemporary fits and a range of fabric choices. Its collections include formal shirts, business-casual designs, Oxford shirts, non-iron options and more expressive styles featuring checks, stripes and decorative patterns. Details such as structured collars, carefully finished cuffs and different cotton weaves help distinguish one style from another.
The brand also offers several fits, including extra slim, fitted slim, slim and classic, depending on the collection. This variety makes it easier to choose a silhouette that complements your proportions and preferred style. For a professional wardrobe, understated colours and traditional collars are dependable choices, while textured fabrics and patterned designs can bring more personality to everyday outfits.
Best Hawes & Curtis Shirts to Add to Your Wardrobe:
Classic White Formal Shirt:
A white formal shirt is one of the most useful pieces in a smart wardrobe. It works with navy, charcoal and black suits, pairs neatly with tailored trousers, and can be worn under a blazer for business dinners or special occasions. Hawes & Curtis offers white formal shirts in different fits, cotton weaves and collar styles, making it possible to choose between a traditional appearance and a more contemporary silhouette.
A white twill shirt is a particularly versatile option because its subtle texture adds depth without making the outfit look busy. For important meetings, choose a structured collar and a clean finish. For everyday office wear, a single-cuff version offers a straightforward, adaptable look.
Blue and White Stripe Shirt:
Blue and white stripes provide an easy way to add visual interest while keeping an outfit professional. The pattern works especially well with navy trousers, grey suits and neutral chinos. Fine stripes tend to look understated and formal, whereas wider stripes create a more noticeable statement.
Hawes & Curtis offers striped shirts in different fits and fabric finishes, including non-iron styles. A fitted-slim or slim silhouette can create a streamlined appearance under a suit jacket, provided it allows comfortable movement across the shoulders and chest. For a coordinated outfit, keep accessories simple and choose a tie that complements rather than competes with the stripes.
Non-Iron Formal Shirt:
For professionals with busy schedules, a non-iron shirt can be a practical wardrobe staple. Hawes & Curtis offers non-iron options designed to resist creasing and maintain a neat appearance with less ironing. These styles are especially useful for workdays, business travel and occasions when you need to look presentable with minimal preparation.
A white or pale-blue non-iron shirt is a sensible starting point because either colour can be combined with several suits and trousers. Follow the garment’s care instructions to preserve its finish, and remember that non-iron fabrics may still benefit from careful washing, drying and hanging.
Oxford Shirt for Smart-Casual Outfits:
An Oxford shirt offers a slightly more relaxed alternative to a traditional dress shirt. Its characteristic woven texture makes it suitable for everyday office outfits, informal dinners and weekend occasions where a polished appearance is desirable without a full suit.
A white or light-blue Oxford shirt pairs naturally with chinos, dark denim and loafers. Choose a button-down collar for a relaxed look, or opt for a cleaner collar style if you plan to wear the shirt beneath an unstructured blazer. This is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a versatile shirt that works beyond formal settings.
Classic Fit Shirt for Everyday Comfort:
A good shirt should look smart without feeling restrictive. Hawes & Curtis classic-fit shirts offer a more generous cut through the body than closer-fitting alternatives, making them worth considering if comfort and ease of movement are priorities.
Classic-fit styles work well for long office days, business-casual outfits and traditional tailoring. A white, pale-blue or subtle striped design will provide the greatest flexibility. Wear it tucked into tailored trousers for a professional look, or combine it with chinos for a less formal outfit.
Slim Fit Shirt for a Modern Silhouette:
Slim-fit shirts are designed to create a closer shape through the torso, giving outfits a more streamlined appearance. Hawes & Curtis offers slim-fit designs in plain colours, fine stripes and textured fabrics, making them suitable for contemporary business and evening wardrobes.
A slim-fit white or light-blue shirt works particularly well beneath a fitted suit jacket. However, the fit should not pull across the buttons, restrict your arms or create excessive tension around the shoulders. A shirt that follows your shape comfortably will always look more refined than one that is simply smaller.
Herringbone and Textured Cotton Shirt:
If plain poplin feels too simple, a herringbone or other textured cotton shirt can add subtle sophistication. Herringbone weaves introduce a distinctive surface pattern that becomes noticeable on closer inspection without overpowering the rest of an outfit.
These shirts are suitable for business meetings, dinners and occasions where you want something more interesting than a basic white shirt. Choose neutral colours such as white, blue or pale grey, and pair them with solid-colour trousers or a classic suit to keep the overall look balanced.
Patterned Curtis Shirt for a Distinctive Look:
For those who prefer a more expressive wardrobe, the Curtis shirt collection includes designs featuring floral motifs, paisley patterns, geometric details and other decorative prints. These styles can bring colour and individuality to evening outfits, social events and relaxed smart-casual occasions.
A patterned shirt is easiest to style when the rest of the outfit remains relatively simple. For example, a navy patterned shirt can be paired with charcoal trousers, while a lighter design can work with neutral chinos. If the pattern is bold, avoid adding too many competing prints or accessories.
Choosing the Right Hawes & Curtis Shirt Fit:
The fit of a shirt affects both comfort and appearance. A well-fitting design should sit neatly at the shoulders, provide enough room across the chest and allow you to move naturally. Before choosing a particular fit, consider how you intend to wear the shirt and whether you prefer a close or relaxed silhouette.
| Shirt fit | Best suited for | Styling suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Extra slim fit | A very close, contemporary silhouette | Wear with a streamlined suit |
| Fitted slim | A narrow shape with gentle waist definition | Pair with tailored trousers |
| Slim fit | A modern, closer-fitting look | Combine with a fitted blazer |
| Classic fit | A more relaxed and traditional shape | Wear with classic-cut trousers |
Fit names and availability may vary between collections, so check the individual product description and size guide before ordering. Pay particular attention to collar size and sleeve length, especially if you plan to wear the shirt with a suit or tie.
The Best Shirt Colours for a Versatile Wardrobe:
Colour selection can make a significant difference to how many outfits you can create from a small collection of shirts. Neutral and classic shades are usually the best starting point because they coordinate easily with existing tailoring, trousers and accessories.
White: The most adaptable choice for formal occasions, interviews, weddings and business meetings. A crisp white shirt also works with dark jeans and a blazer when styled more casually.
Light blue: An excellent everyday alternative to white. It pairs well with navy, charcoal, beige and brown, making it useful for both office wear and smart-casual dressing.
Navy: A useful option for evening outfits and relaxed occasions. Navy shirts work particularly well with grey trousers, although the overall outfit should include enough contrast to avoid looking too dark.
Pink: A pale-pink shirt introduces colour while retaining a refined appearance. It works well with grey suits, navy tailoring and neutral trousers.
Striped and checked designs: These patterns add variety without requiring a completely different wardrobe. Choose subtle designs for work and more expressive patterns for social occasions.
How to Style Hawes & Curtis Shirts for Different Occasions:
Office and Business Meetings:
For a traditional professional outfit, combine a white or pale-blue formal shirt with a navy or charcoal suit. A semi-cutaway or Windsor-style collar can complement a tie, while classic cuff details help maintain a polished finish. If your workplace has a business-casual dress code, a striped shirt with tailored trousers and a blazer can provide a less formal alternative.
Weddings and Formal Events:
A crisp white dress shirt is a dependable choice for weddings and formal celebrations. Pair it with a well-fitted suit, polished shoes and a tie that complements the occasion. For black-tie events, check the dress code carefully and select an appropriate evening or dress shirt rather than assuming that every formal shirt will be suitable.
Smart-Casual Weekends:
An Oxford shirt or a subtle patterned design works well with chinos, dark denim and loafers. Rolling the sleeves neatly can make the outfit feel more relaxed, while keeping the shirt tucked in creates a more structured appearance. Choose breathable cotton and a comfortable fit if you expect to wear the shirt throughout the day.
Business Travel:
Non-iron shirts are practical for travel because they can reduce the time needed to prepare your outfit after unpacking. White, blue and fine-striped styles are especially useful because they coordinate with several trousers and jackets. Pack shirts carefully, and check the care instructions to help them retain their shape and finish.
Fabric and Collar Details Worth Considering:
Hawes & Curtis offers shirts in a range of weaves, including poplin, twill, Oxford and herringbone. Each creates a slightly different appearance and texture. Poplin generally has a smooth, crisp surface that suits formal dressing, while twill introduces a subtle diagonal texture. Oxford fabric has a more pronounced woven appearance, making it a natural choice for smart-casual outfits.
Collar shape also affects how a shirt looks when worn with or without a tie. A semi-cutaway collar is versatile for business attire, while a Windsor or full-cutaway collar can work well with broader tie knots. Button-down collars tend to look more relaxed, especially when paired with chinos or an Oxford shirt.
Cuff style is another consideration. Single cuffs are practical for everyday wear, while double cuffs, often worn with cufflinks, create a more formal appearance. Select these details according to your wardrobe needs rather than choosing a shirt solely because it has more elaborate finishing.
Helpful Tips for Building a Smart Shirt Collection:
Smart Tips for Choosing the Best Shirts:
Start with two or three versatile shirts in white and light blue before adding more distinctive colours or patterns. These core pieces will work with most formal trousers and suits, giving you a reliable foundation for office wear and special occasions.
Next, add a non-iron shirt if you frequently travel or have limited time for garment care. An Oxford shirt can extend your wardrobe into smart-casual settings, while a striped or patterned design introduces variety. Buying shirts with different purposes in mind is generally more useful than purchasing several that all serve the same role.
Always check the sizing information, fabric composition and washing instructions before buying. Consider whether you will wear the shirt tucked in, under a jacket or on its own, as each use may influence the fit and collar you prefer. Proper storage, careful laundering and prompt attention to stains can also help your shirts remain presentable for longer.
Are Hawes & Curtis Shirts a Worthwhile Wardrobe Investment?
Hawes & Curtis shirts are worth considering if you appreciate classic British-inspired styling, a range of fits and options that span formal, business-casual and more expressive looks. A white formal shirt, a light-blue everyday design, a non-iron option and an Oxford shirt can form a strong foundation for a versatile collection.
The best choice ultimately depends on your preferred fit, the occasions you dress for and the fabrics you find comfortable. Focus on pieces that coordinate easily with your existing wardrobe, fit well at the shoulders and collar, and suit your regular routine. With a thoughtful selection of classic colours, reliable fabrics and a few distinctive designs, you can create a smart wardrobe that feels polished without becoming complicated.
