Choosing the right men's dress shirt for a suit can completely change the appearance of your outfit. A suit provides the foundation, but the shirt adds color, pattern, personality, and character. Today's well-dressed men have far more choices than the basic white button-down shirt. French cuff shirts, classic white shirts, bold striped designs, plaid shirts, and contrasting collar and cuff styles can all create a sharp look.

The best shirt depends on where you plan to wear your suit. A white French cuff shirt is ideal for a wedding or formal event, while a colorful striped or plaid shirt can add more fashion to a church or party outfit. Mature men who enjoy dressing with style can also use colorful fashion shirts to give their favorite suits a completely different appearance.

Brands such as Daniel Ellissa, Avanti Uomo, and Fratello have become popular choices for men who want something more fashionable than an ordinary business shirt. Many of their styles feature French cuffs, bold stripes, plaid fabrics, contrasting collars, and contrasting cuffs.

Here are five of the most popular shirts for suits and some helpful tips for choosing the right one.

Key Takeaways

• French cuff shirts provide a dressier look with suits.

• White dress shirts remain one of the most versatile choices.

• Bold striped shirts add personality to solid-color suits.

• Plaid dress shirts work well with modern and fashion suits.

• Contrasting collar and cuff shirts create a distinctive dressy appearance.

• Daniel Ellissa, Avanti Uomo, and Fratello offer popular fashion styles for men who enjoy colorful dress shirts.

• The right shirt can make an older suit feel fresh again.

Why the Right Shirt Matters with a Suit

Your shirt sits directly next to your jacket, tie, vest, and pocket square. That means its color and pattern can affect the appearance of the entire outfit.

The right men's suit shirt should:

• Fit comfortably around the neck

• Sit smoothly beneath the jacket

• Coordinate with the suit

• Match the formality of the occasion

• Complement your tie and accessories

• Allow the proper amount of cuff to show beneath your jacket sleeves

For example, a business suit usually looks best with a simple solid or subtly striped shirt.

A fashion suit worn to church, a wedding, or a party gives you more freedom to experiment with patterns, French cuffs, contrasting colors, and other stylish details.

1. French Cuff Dress Shirts

French cuff shirts are one of the most popular choices for men who want their suits to look more sophisticated.

Unlike an ordinary button cuff, the French cuff folds back and closes with cufflinks. This small detail can make a major difference in the overall appearance of your outfit. I have always been a huge fan of the look.

French cuff shirts look especially good with:

• Three-piece suits

• Double breasted suits

• Pinstripe suits

• Fashion suits

• Tuxedos

White remains the classic choice.

However, today's fashion French cuff shirts also come in burgundy, blue, black, purple, pink, and many other colors.

Some feature bold stripes, plaid patterns, contrasting collars, or contrasting cuffs.

French cuffs also give you the opportunity to wear cufflinks. Silver-tone and gold-tone designs are easy to coordinate, while decorative cufflinks can add more personality for church, weddings, parties, and special occasions.

A French cuff shirt is an excellent choice when you want your suit to look a little more special than it does with an ordinary button-cuff shirt.

2. Classic White Dress Shirts

Every man who owns suits should have several white dress shirts.

There is a reason white has remained popular for generations. White is a color that always pops, so it is no surprise why they remain popular.

It matches almost everything.

A crisp white shirt works with:

• Black suits

• Navy suits

• Gray suits

• Burgundy suits

• Brown suits

• Green suits

• Plaid suits

• Pinstripe suits

• Double breasted suits

• Three-piece suits

It also gives you plenty of freedom when choosing a tie.

You can wear a solid tie, striped tie, paisley tie, or another pattern because the white shirt provides a clean background.

For a wedding, pair a white shirt with a three-piece suit and silk tie.

For business, wear one with a navy or charcoal suit.

For church, add a colorful tie, pocket square, and dress hat.

If you are unsure which shirt to wear with a suit, white is almost always a dependable choice.

A white French cuff shirt is even more versatile because you can wear it with both traditional suits and formal tuxedos.

3. Bold Striped Dress Shirts

Men who enjoy fashion should consider bold striped dress shirts.

Stripes add color and visual interest without requiring you to wear a brightly colored suit.

Popular designs include:

• Wide stripes

• Fine stripes

• Multicolor stripes

• Two-color stripes

• Vertical fashion stripes

• Stripes with contrasting collars

• Stripes with contrasting cuffs

A striped shirt looks especially good beneath a solid-color suit.

For example, wear a burgundy and white striped shirt with a black suit.

A blue striped shirt can add character to a navy or gray suit.

Black and white stripes can also create a sharp appearance beneath a solid black or charcoal suit.

Some of the most fashionable versions feature French cuffs and contrasting collars. These details give the shirt even more personality.

Bold striped shirts are especially popular for:

• Church

• Parties

• Dinner events

• Weddings

• Social gatherings

• Holiday celebrations

If your shirt has bold stripes, keep your tie relatively simple. A solid-color tie usually creates better balance.

4. Plaid Dress Shirts

Plaid dress shirts for men are another popular choice for suits.

Plaid provides more personality than a plain shirt and works particularly well with solid-color jackets.

Popular plaid combinations include:

• Blue and white

• Burgundy and white

• Black and gray

• Navy and red

• Brown and cream

• Purple and white

A plaid shirt can make a basic black, navy, or gray suit feel much more fashionable.

These shirts are especially popular with men who enjoy dressing with style for church, weddings, parties, and other social occasions.

For example, try a burgundy plaid dress shirt with a black three-piece suit and black leather shoes.

A blue plaid shirt can also look sharp with a solid navy or charcoal suit.

The key is keeping the rest of your outfit balanced.

If your shirt features a noticeable plaid pattern, wear a solid-color tie or skip the tie when the occasion allows it.

Some fashion plaid shirts also feature French cuffs, which add another dressy detail to the outfit.

5. Contrasting Collar and Cuff Dress Shirts

Contrasting collar and cuff shirts are popular with men who want their dress shirts to stand apart from traditional styles.

These shirts use one color or pattern for the main body and another color for the collar, cuffs, or both.

For example, you might find:

• Blue shirt with white collar and cuffs

• Burgundy shirt with white collar and cuffs

• Striped shirt with solid contrasting cuffs

• Plaid shirt with solid-color collar

• Black shirt with white collar and cuffs

• Multicolor shirt with coordinating solid cuffs

This type of shirt has a strong fashion appearance.

Many versions also feature French cuffs, allowing you to add a stylish pair of cufflinks.

Contrasting shirts work especially well with solid suits because the suit provides a simple background for the shirt.

Wear them with:

• Black suits

• Navy suits

• Gray suits

• Three-piece suits

• Double breasted suits

They are excellent choices for church, weddings, dinner parties, and other occasions where fashionable men's clothing is appropriate.

French Cuffs Make Fashion Dress Shirts Stand Out

One feature found on many popular men's fashion dress shirts is the French cuff.

French cuffs immediately make a shirt look dressier.

Instead of closing the cuff with a regular button, you use cufflinks. This gives you another opportunity to coordinate your accessories.

Popular cufflink choices include:

• Gold-tone

• Silver-tone

• Black

• Crystal

• Decorative designs

French cuff shirts look especially sharp when a small part of the cuff extends beyond the sleeve of your suit jacket.

The combination works particularly well with three-piece and double breasted suits.

Popular Fashion Dress Shirt Brands

Men who prefer something more fashionable than an ordinary business shirt have several brands to consider.

Daniel Ellissa, Avanti Uomo, and Fratello are popular with men who enjoy colorful dress shirts and distinctive patterns.

These types of fashion shirt brands often offer designs featuring:

• French cuffs

• Plaid patterns

• Bold stripes

• Contrasting collars

• Contrasting cuffs

• Fashion colors

• Decorative details

They can be especially useful for mature men who enjoy coordinating their shirts with fashion suits, dress shoes, and hats.

Instead of wearing the same white or blue shirt every week, you can build a collection of different colors and patterns.

Best Shirts to Wear with a Black Suit

A black suit gives you plenty of shirt choices.

For a traditional appearance, choose white.

For more color, try:

• Burgundy

• Red

• Purple

• Gray

• Pink

• Blue

A black suit also provides an excellent background for bold stripes and plaid patterns.

Because black is neutral, the shirt can become the main source of color in your outfit.

A French cuff shirt with a black suit can make the outfit look especially dressy for church, weddings, or evening events.

Best Shirts to Wear with a Navy Suit

Navy suits are also easy to coordinate.

Popular shirt colors include:

• White

• Light blue

• Pink

• Lavender

• Burgundy stripe

• Blue plaid

For business, white or light blue is usually the easiest choice.

For church or a wedding, try a French cuff shirt or a more colorful pattern.

Brown, burgundy, or black leather dress shoes can complete the outfit.

Best Shirts to Wear with Gray Suits

Gray suits give you plenty of freedom.

Try:

• White

• Black

• Burgundy

• Blue

• Purple

• Pink

• Striped patterns

• Plaid patterns

A charcoal suit with a burgundy French cuff shirt can create an excellent evening outfit.

For business, keep things simpler with white or light blue.

Shirts for Three-Piece Suits

A three-piece suit already has a dressier appearance because of the matching vest.

That makes a French cuff shirt an excellent choice.

Popular combinations include:

• Navy three-piece suit with white French cuff shirt

• Black three-piece suit with burgundy shirt

• Gray three-piece suit with blue striped shirt

• Brown three-piece suit with cream dress shirt

Remember that much of the shirt will be covered by the vest.

Therefore, the collar and cuffs become especially important parts of the outfit.

Shirts for Double Breasted Suits

Double breasted suits have plenty of personality.

A classic white French cuff shirt is one of the easiest choices because it allows the suit to remain the center of attention.

However, men who enjoy fashion may prefer:

• Bold striped shirts

• Contrasting collar shirts

• Solid burgundy shirts

• Plaid French cuff shirts

A pinstripe double breasted suit can look especially sharp with a white French cuff shirt and solid tie.

Finish the outfit with polished Italian style dress shoes.

Shirts for Church Suits

Church gives men an excellent opportunity to wear fashion dress shirts.

You can experiment with:

• French cuffs

• Plaid

• Bold stripes

• Fashion colors

• Contrasting collars

• Contrasting cuffs

Pair the shirt with a fashion suit, three-piece suit, or double breasted suit.

You can also add a Fedora or Homburg hat to complete your Sunday outfit.

This is one place where mature men can enjoy traditional dress clothing while adding plenty of personal style.

Shirts for Wedding Suits

For weddings, the best shirt depends on your role and the formality of the event.

A groom may want a clean white French cuff shirt because it creates a traditional formal appearance.

A wedding guest has more freedom.

Popular choices include:

• White French cuff shirt

• Light blue dress shirt

• Burgundy dress shirt

• Subtle striped shirt

• Fashion plaid shirt

Coordinate your shirt with your suit and accessories without trying to match every color exactly.

How to Match a Tie with a Fashion Dress Shirt

If your shirt is solid, you have more freedom with the tie.

You can choose:

• Paisley

• Stripes

• Geometric patterns

• Solid colors

If your shirt already has bold stripes or plaid, simplify the tie.

A solid-color tie usually works best.

You want the shirt and tie to complement each other rather than compete for attention.

Wear the Right Dress Shoes

Your shirt may provide the color, but your shoes help complete the outfit.

Good choices include:

• Italian style dress shoes

• Oxford shoes

• Monk straps

• Leather loafers

• Wingtip shoes

• Hybrid dress shoes

For a traditional business suit, choose classic leather dress shoes.

For church, weddings, or parties, you can have more fun with Italian-inspired footwear, loafers, and fashion dress shoes.

How to Get the Best Price on Men's Dress Shirts

You do not need dozens of shirts to create a versatile suit wardrobe.

Start with the basics.

Buy:

• Two or three white shirts

• One light blue shirt

• One French cuff shirt

• One striped shirt

• One plaid or fashion shirt

These choices will give you enough variety to create many different outfits.

After that, add fashion colors and contrasting designs.

Shopping seasonal sales, clearance sections, and multi-shirt promotions can also help lower the price.

Specialty menswear retailers are often good places to find fashion dress shirts because they may carry more French cuff, plaid, striped, and contrasting collar designs than traditional department stores.

How You Will Look Your Best and Feel Your Best Wearing the Right Shirt

The right men's dress shirt for a suit can make even a basic suit look completely different.

A crisp white shirt creates a clean and traditional appearance. French cuffs make your outfit dressier. Bold stripes and plaid add personality, while contrasting collars and cuffs create a stronger fashion statement.

Choose your shirt based on the occasion and the suit you are wearing.

Then add a coordinating tie, polished dress shoes, and simple accessories.

You do not always need a new suit to create a new look.

Sometimes changing the shirt is enough to make an old favorite suit feel fresh again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular shirt to wear with a suit?

A white dress shirt remains one of the most popular choices because it works with almost every suit color and is appropriate for business, weddings, church, and formal events.

Are French cuff shirts good with suits?

Yes. French cuff shirts look especially good with three-piece suits, double breasted suits, business suits, fashion suits, and tuxedos.

Can you wear a plaid shirt with a suit?

Yes. Plaid dress shirts look best with solid-colored suits because the simple suit allows the shirt pattern to stand out.

Are striped dress shirts still popular?

Yes. Striped shirts remain popular for both business and fashion clothing. Bold stripes are especially useful for men who want to add more color to a solid suit.

What are some popular fashion dress shirt brands?

Daniel Ellissa, Avanti Uomo, and Fratello are popular choices for men who enjoy fashion dress shirts with French cuffs, bold patterns, contrasting colors, and distinctive styling.

Final Thoughts

The five most popular shirts for suits give men plenty of ways to change the appearance of their dress wardrobe. French cuff shirts add a sophisticated touch, while classic white dress shirts provide timeless versatility. Bold striped shirts bring color and personality, plaid dress shirts create a fashionable look, and contrasting collar and cuff shirts help an outfit stand apart from ordinary business clothing.

At ContempoSuits.com, you can find men's fashion dress shirts from brands such as Daniel Ellissa, Avanti Uomo, and Fratello, including styles with French cuffs, plaid fabrics, bold stripes, contrasting collars, and contrasting cuffs. Pair the right shirt with your favorite three-piece, double breasted, or fashion suit and finish the outfit with stylish dress shoes for a polished look from head to toe.