Men's shirts have been around for a long time, however, until the eighteenth century men's shirts were only worn under outer garments. The fact that they were seen as items of underclothing explains why it is seen as a faux pas for a man to remove his suit jacket uninvited. In 1871 Brown, Davis and Co. introduced the world to the first man's shirt with buttons all the way down the front. Today, these have evolved to become the formal and casual men's shirts and ladies shirts we know today.

Men's and ladies: fabric weaves and washes

The finest men's shirts are 100% cotton which ensures they are soft, breathable and durable. Here are some of the cotton fabric weaves, washes and styles you'll find in formal and casual shirts that are available today.

Poplin Crisp, cool manga and comfortable, poplin is the classic cotton shirt fabric that is ideal all year round, for many occasions.

Oxford

A shirt with an Oxford weave is generally a little heavier and warmer than a cotton poplin weave so it is ideal in the cooler autumn and winter months. Oxford cloth usually contains a combination of dyed and undyed threads to give a more relaxed casual shirt.

Pinpoint

The pinpoint weave is a combination of both cotton poplin and Oxford. It is woven using long staple cotton (for extra softness) and, as with the Oxford shirt weave, only the warp yarn is dyed.

Herringbone and twill

These are textured men's weaves that produce a diagonal structure and gives the shirts interesting accents. Both weaves are warmer than classic poplin so are favoured in the colder seasons.

Peach finish

A shirt with a peach finish has usually undergone a process in which the fabric has been very lightly distressed - this gives it an extra soft feel. Men's and ladies shirts with a peach or carbon finish are usually casual shirts.

Vintage wash

Vintage wash men's and women's garments are very similar to those with peach finishes. They are exceptionally soft to the touch and have a 'worn-in' look which is very comfortable, cosy and relaxed.

Men's and ladies shirts: how to fold a shirt correctly

Ideally, men's and ladies shirts should be kept on hangers in the wardrobe, but there are occasions when shirts need to be folded. There is a knack to folding both smart and casual shirts that will ensure they will stay smooth and wrinkle-free. Lay the shirt face down with the buttons fastened, then fold one side over until about halfway along the shoulder. Fold the rest of the sleeve over itself so it lies flat in a straight line parallel to the side of the shirt. Repeat for the other side so the shirt forms a rectangle. Then fold the shirt in half so the bottom hem touches the collar.