Best Business Casual Shirts for Men (and how to style them)
When it comes to business casual shirts, sometimes it feels like you have endless options—and other times, it seems like your only choice is a white dress shirt or a light blue Oxford. I’ve been there many times (which is exactly why I’m writing this article).
What’s considered acceptable will depend on your office’s dress code (if there is one), but there are a few options that are pretty much accepted everywhere.
Most Formal: Poplin (Broadcloth) or Twill Dress Shirts
The only issue you might run into with these is that they can lean a bit too formal for everyday business casual. They’re the go-to fabrics for classic dress shirts. When the occasion calls for something more polished, either one is a great choice. It’s always smart to have at least one in your wardrobe—even if you’re on a hybrid schedule or working from home. You never know when a formal or semi-formal event might pop up.
If you live in a warmer climate like I do, opt for poplin since it’s a lighter fabric. If you’re in a colder region, twill is a better pick for its warmth and texture.
A small problem with poplin: While writing this post, I spent nearly an hour trying to find poplin (broadcloth) shirts that don’t have reviews mentioning the fabric being slightly see-through—and I couldn’t. Personally, what I’ve decided to do from now on is just wear an undershirt. You can do the same if you’re running into the same issue.
Business Casual Outfit
You can wear your white poplin dress shirt with beige pants, a cardigan, and sneakers for a business casual outfit. Since the shirt is as formal as it gets, the sneakers and cardigan help tone it down so you can wear it outside of a graduation ceremony.
The Poplin Shirts That Made My List
Twill Alternatives for Cold Weather
Oxford Shirt or OCBD
If the dress code is business casual, this is likely where most of your shirts should fall. Oxford shirts are incredibly versatile—you can wear one to a client meeting or to a casual brunch. It all depends on how you style it. They’re a notch below cotton poplin dress shirts in formality, but still perfectly acceptable in most office settings.
One thing I love about Oxfords is how breathable they are. I live in a city where temperatures often hit 100+ degrees, and my OCBDs are a lifesaver.
The most well-known colors for OCBDs are white and light blue, and those are great starting points if you’re just building your wardrobe.
OCBD = Oxford Cloth Button Down
Below, you’ll see three ways I styled the same light blue Oxford shirt to show just how versatile it can be.
Business Outfit
Smart Casual
Sunday Brunch
Jeans Outfit(Actually four ways and I have more)
Oxford Shirts Worth Buying
Polo Shirts
This can be either a long-sleeve or short-sleeve polo shirt depending on the weather. With polos, you need to be careful—they can easily land in the “too casual” category. They’re usually not appropriate for stricter dress codes like law firms or banking, but I think they’ll work for most of you.
Here are my personal rules for wearing polo shirts as a business casual option:
- Avoid pairing them with jeans—stick to chinos or dress pants.
- Wear proper dress shoes, not sneakers.
- Stick to neutral colors like white, beige, navy, and maybe olive green.
- Avoid jersey polos at all costs. Go for pique or even textured polo shirts instead.
Simple Outfit
A white polo shirt, black dress pants, and black loafers—three menswear staples that have been around for decades. When you combine them, you’ll probably fit in with most office dress codes (at least during the summer).
Light Blue Polo Summer Outfit
If you love your baby blue Oxford shirt but it’s simply too hot for long sleeves, this combo is the perfect alternative.
Beige polo and Loafers Outfit
This is a business casual option that can take you from the office to sushi night. If you’re wearing a polo to work, it’s probably hot outside—hopefully, no-show socks are an option for you.
My Go-To Business Casual Polos
Patterned Shirt
Adding a pattern is a great way to bring some variety to your business casual outfits. Personally, I stick to minimal patterns—like the pencil stripes on the shirt I’m wearing below.
Depending on how relaxed your office dress code is, you could even add a pop of color. I always think of this video from Sergio Ines, a popular men’s fashion influencer, where he styles a red and white pencil-striped dress shirt in a way I’d definitely call business casual.
You can check out the YouTube short if you’re curious.
I couldn’t find the exact shirt in my affiliate network, but after digging around online, it turns out it’s from Indochino. You can also see the full outfit on Sergio’s LTK.
If you want a safer option, go for something similar to the one I’m wearing. It’s a solid choice that won’t raise any eyebrows.
Striped Shirt + Beige Pants + Tan Loafers
This is a business casual outfit that can easily transition into a Sunday brunch look. The stripes are minimal—perfect for even the most conservative office settings. If your workplace leans more traditional, consider adding a pair of socks.
Layering: Green Overshirt + Striped Shirt + Gray Pants + White Sneakers
This leans more toward a smart casual outfit. The green overshirt is more of a style move than a practical layer for fall or winter—especially since I live in a very hot city.
Work-Approved Patterned Shirts
Performance Fabrics Dress Shirts
I love natural fabrics just as much as I love the Miami Dolphins—but there have definitely been times when I’m in a rush and have zero time to iron a shirt.
That’s why I’m planning to buy more clothing made with performance fabrics this year. I’ve been caught in last-minute situations way too often (like running to the airport yesterday). First on my list is a light blue dress shirt from Perry Ellis. I already own a black one from their performance line, and it’s truly wrinkle-free—no ironing needed.
Funny enough, it was actually my mom who bought me that black shirt. It was for a wedding with an all-black dress code.
This isn’t a business casual outfit—I’m just showing you the shirt. I don’t have many outfits with this one because I’m usually throwing it on in a rush, but this photo was taken at a friend’s house while we were waiting for the Uber. I don’t drink, but it was the wedding of one of my best friends (who actually reads the blog sometimes).
Use this link if you want to shop the shirt from the photo. It’s available in blue, navy, black lavender, and white.
How did I choose which products to recommend?
It’s a mix of products with hundreds of reviews, pieces I’ve personally tried, and brands known for outstanding quality.
I was hesitant about recommending the J.Crew Oxford shirt, for example—but with 4.7 stars and over 350 reviews, it won me over. Performance fabric shirts are something I wouldn’t have suggested in the past, even with great reviews. But after my mom got me one and I actually wore it, I’m now convinced you should have at least one in your wardrobe.
Finally, some brands have earned my trust for specific products. Take Brooks Brothers—they literally introduced and popularized the Oxford shirt in the U.S. over a hundred years ago.
Enjoyed this post? Check out these next:
The Best Business Casual Shoes I Found After 300 Reviews
A Look Inside My Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe (With Real Photos)
