Best men’s shirt brands for a smart wardrobe refresh, chosen by menswear experts

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From Gant and Percival to AMI and Ralph Lauren, bookmark these reliable labels The Standard Nicky Rampley-Clarke | Peter Bevan 2 minutes ago Whether it’s for work or a wedding, nothing makes a man feel smarter than pulling on a crisp shirt, especially when it’s box-fresh and freshly ironed .

But there are so many styles to choose from, from short- and long-sleeved to smart and casual (smart-casual, anyone?!), not to mention the variety in prices and labels. Plus, it’s hard to keep up with so many different iterations being sent down the runway – what’s hot this month often is not the next.

Who couldn’t use a guiding hand to point us in the right direction? An expert to help navigate shelves and websites bursting with different fabrics and cuts, and separating those long-term investment pieces from the fast-fashion fads.

Callum McCall, co-founder of menswear brand Flax London, says: “Increasingly, the consumer mindset is about buying better things, less often. As a shirtmaker, that’s exciting because it allows us to focus on impact, provenance and quality across every stage of making a shirt. We can invest time and energy into sourcing the very best fabrics, made in an environmentally and ethically conscious way, that will only get better with time. There’s never been the same breadth of fabrics and depth of quality as we see in today’s market.”

Good news indeed for us gents. Here, we round up the best shirt brands for men, from independent labels to fashion powerhouses and high-street heroes. It’s time to get shirty.

With commitment to quality fabrics, timeless designs and meticulous craftsmanship, Sunspel is a firm favourite for men’s wardrobe staples. The brand’s understated style, impeccable fit and attention to detail make every shirt feel polished and effortless.

Arket's shirts will work harder than any others in your wardrobe. Whether you wear them to work or on the weekends, there's a great selection of smart-casual heroes which can be easily dressed up or down. The best part? Everything by the Scandi label is designed to last, so these are button-ups you'll wear for years to come.

For elevated shirting on the high street, Cos is your best bet. The Stockholm-inspired, London-based label is known for premium fabrics and boxy silhouettes, and it all looks and feels expensive. There are evening-ready silk shirts, laid-back Oxfords, utility-inspired options and heavy-duty overshirts. All bases covered.

Though Gap has always been known for its quality basics, since Zac Posen took the helm in early 2024, the menswear offering has gone up a notch – shirting, included. From a simple white button-up that’s cut to the perfect relaxed fit to an autumnal checked flannel, these are shirts you’ll reach for every morning. Now all you need is the denim to match.

A familiar name on the high-street, and a favourite among young professionals, you can always count on Charles Tyrwhitt to have you covered.