Sitting at the core of both your wardrobe and your look (literally), any man who knows style understands the importance of having a diverse array of shirts at his disposal. But when the winds pick up, the chill starts to bite and day-long sunlight becomes a distant memory, your average cotton or linen versions simply won’t cut it. Instead, it’s time to arm yourself with a more robust set of fabrics; here’s our guide to the four cold-weather shirts every man should own.
1. The Twill Shirt
While twill shirts bear more than a passing resemblance to regular dress shirts, they’re much warmer. This is because twill is weaved in a subtle diagonal or herringbone pattern and its threads are more densely packed, resulting in a style that’s work place-appropriate but also delivers ample insulation. Perfect for an office in which the heating may or may not be on the fritz for the duration of winter. A twill shirt might at first glance look like a regular broadcloth, but on closer inspection you’ll see it’s heavier and less transparent. The fabric also makes for shirts that are less stiff and drape a little better – always a plus for flattering body shapes from Johnny Bravo to beanpole. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that a twill shirt can look a little shinier than your average broadcloth, so be sure to offset the rest of your workwear with matte fabrics to steer clear of the disco ball effect. Technically, denim and corduroy are types of twill fabrics, but that doesn’t mean we’re suggesting you rock up to work in your rugged lumberjack best – instead, a garden variety twill shirt in a neutral colour is what you should be on the lookout for. Try a classic white style with French or one-button cuffs and high armholes, or a tab collar design for a slightly more contemporary take on this smart-casual wardrobe staple.
Key Pieces
- J. Crew Brushed Twill Shirt
- J. Crew Brushed Twill Shirt In Herringbone
- Reiss 1971 Benny Fine Corduroy Shirt Black
- Topman Charcoal Dobby Cord Long Sleeve Casual Shirt
- River Island Grey Cord Long Sleeve Shirt
- Folk Mens Basic Long Sleeve Shirt Military Green
Final Word
When it comes to winter shirts, twill is king. Whether it’s simple twill at the office or more specific, twill-woven fabrics like denim or corduroy in a casual situation, make this heavy-duty fabric your go-to. But don’t forget; flannel will always be a winner when it comes to keeping warm. Which shirts take centre stage in your cold-weather wardrobe? And how do you style them? Drop your thoughts below.
