How To Wear A Checked Shirt

Some days you just want to step outside of your boss-man suit and wear something a bit more relaxed and comfortable. A lot of men turn to the checked shirt—and that’s great! Some think the checked shirt is for hillbillies and “country” men, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Wearing a checked shirt can look great, but it does need to be worn the right way. So today we’re going to share with you the best ways to wear a checked shirt and avoid that “country bumpkin” look that you may fear.

Shirt Thickness

Although this isn’t something you think about initially, the thickness of a shirt is important and for more than just warmth. The thickness usually indicates the quality, and one that’s a little bit thicker will be more versatile and will probably last you longer.

Choose Checked Pattern, Style and Colors

The options when it comes to checked shirts are pretty infinite. You have different check sizes, styles, ones with two colors, ones with five—the first thing you need to do is decide what it is you’re going for. Shirts with smaller checks tend to work better to dress up for more formal wear, whereas those with bigger checks and more colors are much better for lounging around or not doing much at all.

A good rule of thumb though is to stick to two colors. Although sometimes more can work, usually it just looks too busy and you don’t want someone to look at you and have to avert their eyes.

Choose an Appropriate Color

Color is really important for a few reasons. First of all, everyone looks better in different colors, so choosing one that goes well with your skin tone, hair, eyes, etc. is going to be much better than one that makes you look really awkward.

Secondly, different colors work better for the use you need. Greys and blues, as well as colors like red, work well for a more casual setting to be paired with jeans or chinos or something of the like. Dark colors look much better if you want to dress the outfit up. Think dark grey and dark blues, like navy.

Sleeve Length

This is relevant to any shirt you’re buying, not just checked ones, however, choosing the right sleeve length will make a world of difference to the way it comes across. Buy one that fits well and then decide whether you want long sleeves or short sleeves. If it’s summer, pairing a rolled up long-sleeved checked shirt with shorts is going to look quite silly. So plan accordingly.

Checked shirts can work really well, but you need to make the right choices for the occasion you’re wearing it for. Buy well and you’ll be rocking checked shirts like a champ in no time.