Is it essential for guys to own collared shirts? (Please read the entire question before answering)?

Question

No, I'm not necessarily talking about polos or anything, and nothing for work/formal-related reasons. I mean is it truly essential that a guy own at least one or two button-down collared shirts for casual wear? I don't personally own any, but others have been telling me it's 'essential'. Normally I'm the guy who enjoys life wearing graphic tees, jeans, hoodies, and sometimes a layered tee with a sweatshirt underneath. So tell me, should I get some? And if so, what's the best way to wear it? I'm 18 and enjoy life as being cool, casual, and comfortable. Thanks!

Well, to tell you the truth, I'm not really into the "club" scene. At least not yet anyway. I meant just wearing one in public or something.

All great answers so far, by the way. Thanks for those who continue to answer as it helps give me a better understanding.

Answer 1

Get a couple and you'll be ready for anything.

Answer 2

I personally don't think its essential if you don't want it to be. You're comfortable in tees and jeans so thats what you should wear.

I think only magazines like GQ and Details say its essential for every man's wardrobe.

Now on the occasion that you are going out clubbing or something, you may want to wear a collared shirt, but honestly who cares? If you don't feel like it then dont. I've seen plenty of guys in collared shirts at bars and clubs and to tell the truth, they all look the same. It is possible to dress nice without having to wear a collared shirt.

Bottom line, its not essential because unless you are told to dress up a little then the way you dress is fine.

Hoodies rock by the way.

Oh and I'm 24. I wear button down shirts and polos mostly for work.

Answer 3

I truly appreciate your sense of style. I think it is really cool that you would rather wear clothes that are comfortable, however I will advice you to buy at least 2 White, and 3 other solid colored Button down collared shirts. I say this because you are entering into adulthood and you will soon be put in the situation where you will be meeting people that will have something to do with shaping your future, be it a company manager or girlfriend's father or just someone who you will need to somewhat impress. It's really cool that you would rather wear the more comfortable, but unfortunately, there are people in this world who will not show you the respect you deserve as a human being due to what you're wearing.

I really hope you take this into consideration and that you use common sense when it comes to what to wear and where to wear it.

Take care.

Answer 4

As others may have mentioned, it's not essential that you own one, but it would be highly recommended that you do. When it comes to casual gatherings, sometimes it's cool and perfectly acceptable to wear what you have mentioned, but it's not always the best answer. Try to be different and expand your style a bit more. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try. :) Make it a goal of yours to get at least one collared shirt that you like and make it your own. You can wear it with jeans and graphic tees, trust me. Wear it open or closed, whichever you prefer. I never really knew why, but girls seem to love guys in collared shirts. It's a mystery. xD

Anyway, bottom line is while it's great to try something new, always be comfortable with what you wear. Be YOU.

Answer 5

The word essential might be a tad strong. Advantageous is probably more accurate. I'm all about the casual, yet sexy and confident man...and I don't think there's anything sexier than jeans, casual shoes a t shirt and a button down over the top...buttoned up with the sleeves rolled sloppily to the elbow. You can do this with shorts, too and your graphic tees. Just make sure you button the shirt up...leaving like the top 2 buttons open. You can do this with stripped shirts, plaid, solid...it's a way to say "I'm confident and sexy...but laid back". Try it, I bet the ladies will love it!

Answer 6

Put it this way: If you're invited to a get-together where the dress is "up-casual" then you don't want to wear jeans or graphic tees or a hoodie. For something like that you'd want to wear a Polo shirt or a nice short or long-sleeved button-down shirt (go long-sleeved -- only techno-geeks wear short-sleeved button down shirts) and khakis or cotton slacks like Dockers and casual shoes (but not athletic shoes). Your current wardrobe is just fine for most informal gatherings, but if you're trying to be a little more "professional" or if you want to make an impression, you may want to dress up a little more. It's unfair but it's true -- people judge you by your appearance. If you decide to get button-down shirts, get something that suits your personality in terms of color and design. You want to be comfortable wearing the shirt and you want the shirt to say something about your personality. Kohl's has a lot of good-quality colorful button-down shirts at good prices.

Answer 7

It's not written in stone or anything, but it is a good idea to have such shirts handy. I had about the same style when I was 18 (the girl version of course, lol!). Heck, I STILL wear that style when I go to school! But then, I'm also not trying to impress anyone there. Now, I try to dress a little more between "grown up" and "teenager". There's a nice little medium you can find somewhere in there that makes it so you don't look like you just rolled out of bed, but it doesn't look like you spent hours getting ready.

Answer 8

every guy needs a button down! You can wear it casual with jeans. Wear a graphic tee underneath or on top. You can wear sweater vest over them...which by the way looks great:) And if you need to dress up then you can slap on some dress slacks and cool shoes and belt and your styling

Answer 9

if you are wearing graphic tees out on dates then i would assume the dates aren't going very far.

there is a whole middle range of dress casual -- you have the basic concept of layering and layering is a dress skill most people lack. just throwing on a collared shirt over a tshirt and not even buttoning it is better than a tshirt itself. collars were created to highlight your face -- which is most peoples' best attribute -- if your abs are your best attribute then its not really socially acceptable to show them off anywhere but the beach.

in short anytime you need to look better you should go with a collar. ts and flip flops are great for hanging out at home -- in public they have a bad way of looking like you just fell out of a trailer park. in a perfect world people don't judge books by the cover. i think you know this isn't a perfect world.

Answer 10

Sure you like your t-shirts, but let's be honest- the longer you wear those, the younger you look. You definitely need some collared shirts, button-down and polo type. You can still retain a casual style, by leaving them untucked, unbuttoned, etc., but you will look more sophisticated. Hoodies and whatnot are just childish. You have to ease out of that syle and into something more adult.

Answer 11

Take it from me, no wardrobe is complete without a couple of shirts with collars. You can wear them open, which is the best sort of casual. Hoodies are so past it now, and the rest of what you describe is pretty standard attire. Don't wear what everyone else wears, be an individual - that is REAL style.