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You will struggle to find an article of clothing that is more formal than a good blazer. With that being said, what you wear underneath the blazer can also massively affect your overall look. For example, if you decide to pair it with a muscle shirt, you are more than likely to get a few perplexed stares.
However, there are a few shirts that can really elevate your appearance when it comes to the blazer. Below, we will be discussing five of these options, including the flannel shirt, the polo, and the formal dress shirt to see what each of these can add to your overall look and aesthetic.
It is important to remember that your look should be based on the type of event you will be attending. For example, if you have a business meeting, the best choice will be the most formal option. On the other hand, if you are going for a more casual look, you can even pair your blazer with a plain or striped t-shirt.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at what to wear under a blazer to get you started on your stylish blazer journey.
What to Wear Under a Blazer for Men?
5 Shirts to Wear Under a Men’s Blazer
A Cotton Dress Shirt
The cotton dress shirt is the most formal option on our list. As we have already mentioned, this article of clothing is perfect for those occasions that require a smart and elegant look, such as a business meeting or office party.
Many men assume that all dress shirts are exactly the same. However, this is simply not the truth. If you would like to stand out, you could even go for a colorful or patterned cotton dress shirt. With this being said, it is important that you do not go overboard – you are attending a formal event, after all.
A well-made cotton dress shirt is one that feels lightweight and breathable. If you find yourself a decent dress shirt, you will be able to incorporate style and comfort into your appearance.
A Polo Shirt
Many men see the polo shirt as a wardrobe staple. While it may not be the most traditional article of clothing to pair with a blazer, it can leave you looking smart and fashionable if done right.
A polo shirt is a much more comfortable option than a cotton dress shirt. When tucked in and paired with a belt, this option can be a stand-out fashion choice. More so, these shirts do not crease as easily as dress shirts. If you are going to be pairing your blazer with a polo, make sure that the collar is in good shape first.
A Flannel Shirt
The flannel shirt is often confused with the stereotypical lumberjack plaid that was popular hundreds of years ago. However, you will be able to find flannel shirts that come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and shapes. In fact, there are even solid options that do not resemble the stereotypical flannels at all.
Thinner flannels are an excellent choice for warmer summer months, while thicker options can be used to keep you warm in winter. One of the biggest advantages of these shirts is the fact that they are exceptionally comfortable.
If you decide to pair your blazer with a flannel shirt, it is a good idea to tuck it into your pants and secure it with a belt. Otherwise, you could end up looking too casual.
A Corduroy Shirt
Men’s corduroy shirts can look exceptionally smart and fashionable when worn underneath a blazer. These shirts have distinguishable stitching details that make them stand out when compared to other formal attire.
Many men think that corduroy shirts are way too stiff, thick, and uncomfortable to be worn casually. However, if you invest in a well-made corduroy, you will be pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they can be. The best corduroy shirts are made from a thinner material that will ensure that you do not overheat when wearing a blazer.
You can also pair your corduroy with a nice tie, handkerchief, and cufflinks – this will take your look to the next level and leave you looking extremely formal. If you want to show some of your personality, you could even invest in a colorful or patterned corduroy. However, as we have already mentioned, it is vital that you do not go overboard.
A Plain T-Shirt
Pairing your blazer with a plain t-shirt may not be the best option if you have a business meeting or formal function to attend. With that being said, a decent t-shirt can offer both comfort and style if worn correctly.
The type of t-shirt that you select is very important. For example, it is not recommended that you pair your formal blazer with a shirt that has holes or stains adorning it. Instead, find a t-shirt that has a smart element to it in order to avoid any clashing.
You will also want to match the type of material of your shirt to the blazer. If you have a bulky winter blazer, a thin and lightweight t-shirt will draw unwanted attention. It is also essential that you pay close attention to the details – sometimes, the way in which you wear something is more important than what you wear.
If you want to elevate your look even more, you can pair your plain t-shirt with a vest and with a few smart accessories. For example, a watch or belt can turn a casual look into something much more formal.
Final Thoughts
There are various options that you can choose from when it comes to a blazer under-shirt. It is important that you keep the occasion in mind – in other words, you should dress according to the formality of the event you will be attending.
A cotton dress shirt, polo shirt, flannel shirt, corduroy shirt, and a t-shirt can all look great when paired correctly with a blazer. There are various accessories that you can use, such as a watch or belt, to elevate your look even more.
Samoel Ovanessian is the founder and creator of StylishAlpha.com – a website dedicated to men’s fashion. As a proud owner of more than 200 ties, he loves digging through new clothing combinations for everyday use, formal events and even just for fun. You can read more about Samoel here.