What Is a T-Shirt with a Collar Called? Polo Shirts Explained for Everyday Style
Discover what you really call a T-shirt with a collar, why polo shirts matter, their surprising history, and how to style or care for them. Everything made simple.
moreCollared Shirts: Style, Fit, and How to Wear Them Right
When you think of a collared shirt, a classic garment with a structured neckline and buttons down the front, worn for both casual and formal occasions. Also known as button-up shirts, it’s one of the few pieces that works whether you’re in an office, at a dinner, or running errands on a Sunday. It’s not just a shirt — it’s a shape-shifter. The right one can make you look sharp without trying, and the wrong one can make you look like you’re dressed for a 1990s job interview.
What makes a collared shirt work isn’t just the collar — it’s the fit. A collar that gapes open? Too loose. One that digs into your neck? Too tight. The best ones hug just right, letting you breathe but keeping the shape clean. And it’s not just about size — fabric matters too. Thin cotton? Great for summer. Stiff poplin? Better for boardrooms. Twill? That’s your all-season winner. Then there’s the cut — slim, regular, or relaxed. Slim cuts look modern but won’t work if you’re not built for them. Regular cuts are the safe bet. Relaxed? Perfect for laid-back days, but avoid them if you’re aiming for polish.
You don’t need a whole new wardrobe to make collared shirts work. Pair one with jeans and sneakers for weekend ease. Tuck it into chinos with loafers for smart-casual. Layer it under a sweater or vest when it gets chilly. Skip the tie unless you’re in a formal setting — most of the time, leaving it open or rolling the sleeves up gives you more style points. And yes, color matters. White and light blue are classics for a reason. But don’t sleep on subtle stripes, checks, or even muted greens and greys. They add depth without shouting.
There’s a reason people keep coming back to collared shirts. They’re simple, versatile, and when done right, they just work. The posts below cover exactly that — how to find the right fit, which fabrics hold up over time, how to style them without looking like a banker, and even how to fix common problems like collar curl or shirt bunching. Whether you’re buying your first one or upgrading your collection, you’ll find real, no-fluff advice here — not trends, just what actually makes a collared shirt look and feel good.