Chambray is soft, shiny, thin, lightweight cotton that looks similar to denim. Since Chambray is lighter in weight, it’s a good option for when you want to look sharp but feel cool. Pair it with an outfit that can go from the board-room to the bar.

Essentially a twill fabric, denim is a sturdy and coarse version, often dyed with indigo. Denim shirts, however, are softer and lighter than jeans and work very well for a number of occasions. Lighter shades work well in the day, while darker denim shirts can be worn for dressier events in the evening.

The Dobby weave is created using small geometric patterns that repeat throughout the fabric. Solid coloured Dobby shirts tend to have a faint stripe or dotted patterns woven in the same colour as the base cloth. This slightly weighted fabric became popular in the 1930’s, its uniquely patterned nature and hard-to-wrinkle structure proving to be an excellent choice for workwear shirts.

The Fil-à-Fil or End-on-End Giza fabric is woven with threads in two different colours for a subtly irregular, yet richer texture. It is a light, thin and comfortable fabric suitable for solid shirts. Fil-a-Fil shirts match well with a proper suit but also go with a pair of khakis, making them a good choice to pick all year long.

An ancient variation of the twill weave, Herringbone is characterized by a distinctive V shape weave – It’s zigzagging wale gives the fabric the appearance of a fish skeleton. In addition to adding style to a shirt, herringbone’s zigzag construction also adds strength and durability. Pair your Herringbone shirt with a sharp suit for an elegant event or dark denim for a dressed-down affair.

Yet another variation of Twill, the Houndstooth pattern is made from weaving two threads over and two threads under the warp. When applied to shirts, the pattern makes for an interesting style for semi-formal and casual styles.

Jacquard fabrics are made using complex weaving techniques that create patterns in the weave itself often by way of color. The fabric itself is fairly sturdy and heavy, resulting in a crease-free look throughout the day.

Linen is a type of textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen textiles are one of the oldest textiles in the world. … Fragments of straw, seeds, fibers, yarns, and various types of fabrics have also been found in Swiss lake dwellings that date from 8000 BC

Even though Oxford fabric has a slightly coarse and heavy texture, it is a soft, breathable and durable fabric to wear on a daily basis. Known for its characteristic ‘basket’ weave, the fabric is usually reserved for casual shirts paired with a button down collar. A versatile ‘must have’ for every wardrobe.

The quintessential shirting fabric, Poplin or Broadcloth bears little texture, with its tightly woven, over-under weave pattern creating a thin, soft, smooth and lightweight fabric. Poplin are breathable, making them the ideal choice to wear in the summers, or under jackets and blazers for formal occasions. The higher the thread count, the more luxurious the fabric.

Royal Oxford is a dressy fabric with a distinctive shine and texture. The diamond weave is much more noticeable, and the fabric is a lot thinner than regular Oxfords. Soft, warm and easy to iron, Royal Oxfords are ideal for the office.

A type of textile weave, Satin is somewhat more shiny than the average Poplin weave. The fabric thus created is more lustrous and gives an exclusive look to the shirt. The weave is most classically used with silk thread, though it can also be used with other materials. Satin shirts work well under a jacket or in informal night-time settings.

A popular weave, Twill is easily recognizable for its distinctive diagonal ribbed texture. Twill fabrics are soft, heavier and more durable than their counterparts, and drape easier as well. Twill won’t give you the same “crisp” look that freshly pressed poplin can, but it’s relatively easy to iron and resistant to wrinkles. Twill shirts work well for situations that call for smart informal.