Just as you would meticulously select the best fly for your fishing adventures or the ideal tent for your camping trips, choosing the right attire, particularly the right work shirt, is critical for ensuring your outdoor activities are enjoyable and hassle-free.
Work shirts are functional pieces of clothing designed to give you maximum comfort and to withstand harsh conditions. Whether you’re out fishing, trekking, or tackling some DIY carpentry work, a sturdy, reliable work shirt does come top on the list of essentials.
In this guide, I’ll cover what these work shirts are, how they are different from other shirts, what constitutes a good men’s work shirt, and ultimately guide you on choosing the best one suited to your needs and preferences.
What is a Work Shirt?
Before we dive into types and styles, let’s first break down what makes a work shirt unique.
Work shirts are clothing that are designed to make your jobs easier, safer, and more comfortable. They’re a barrier that protects you from exposure to your environment, whether that’s grease in a mechanic’s garage, sparks in a welder’s shop, or even sun and insects when you’re out in the river fly-fishing.
At the same time, work shirts are designed for comfort and mobility. When you’re working out in the sun, being able to move freely while still staying comfortable, are the keys to enabling you to finish the job.
Work shirts come in a variety of styles and designs, often specific to different industries. For instance, a mechanic might opt for a durable, stain-resistant shirt with easy-access pockets for small tools. Meanwhile, a security guard may choose a shirt that presents a professional image yet affords ease of movement. And when you’re packing for a fishing tour to Montana’s rivers, you may reach for a shirt that protects you from the sun and keeps you cool.
Comparison of Work Shirts and Dress Shirts
When it comes to comparing work shirts and dress shirts, a few key differences become evident as we delve deeper into their design and purpose.
First, let’s establish what a dress shirt is. A dress shirt is typically a button-up shirt with a collar, long sleeves, and a full-length opening at the front from collar to hem. These types of shirts are commonly made from woven fabric and are primarily designed to be worn with formal attire for events, business settings, or elegant social gatherings.
Now, let’s go over a few areas where dress shirts differ from work shirts, even if outwardly they look similar.
Materials
Dress shirts are usually crafted from lightweight materials such as poplin and twill, providing a slick appearance for formal occasions. In contrast, work shirts are often made from more rugged and durable materials like denim, canvas, or flannel, evident in the Men’s Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt. In essence, these materials are designed to withstand the rigors of manual labor.
Form and Fit
Dress shirts often have a slimmer fit, tailored to match the formal attire that accompany them. Work shirts, however, have a more relaxed and comfortable fit to enable freedom of movement, which is critical during work.
Aesthetic Differences
The aesthetic differences are clear – dress shirts tend to look more uppish and sophisticated, embodying a particular level of elegance suitable for formal or business environments. On the contrary, work shirts are more rugged and are designed for functionality over fashion, typically featuring large pockets for storing tools or other small items necessary for labor-intensive jobs.
Different Types of Work Shirts and Appropriate Settings
Remember, men’s work shirts come in various designs, each serving a different purpose and suited to specific work environments and conditions. Let’s go over a few different styles and what they might be used for.
Button-Down Work Shirt
These are arguably the most versatile type of work shirts and come in a wide array of materials. They’re tough, reliable, and ideal for jobs like construction or factory work, where durability is a must.
An example of a button-down work shirt would be the Men’s Howler Brothers Stockman Stretch Snapshirt.
Polo Work Shirts
These offer a smart-casual look and are usually made of breathable materials like pique cotton, making them perfect for indoor settings or outdoor work in warmer climates.
Flannel Work Shirt
Flannel work shirts provide excellent insulation for those working outdoors in cooler temperatures. They can be great for jobs such as woodworking or fishing. A solid example of a flannel work shirt is the Men’s Patagonia Long-Sleeved Lightweight Fjord Flannel Shirt.
High-Visibility Work Shirt
This is a must-have for workers in hazardous environments that need to be easily visible, such as road workers or airport ground crews.
Qualities of a Good Men’s Work Shirt
A well-crafted work shirt goes beyond being just a sturdy piece of clothing thrown on during the laborious hours of the day. There are a few qualities that really make these shirts appropriate for different types of jobs.
Here’s a quick overview of a few of those qualities.
Material Quality and Durability
A good work shirt should withstand the rough-and-tumble of any work environment, be it the sweltering heat at a construction site or the rigorous activities of a mechanic’s garage. This means picking a work shirt made of sturdy materials that resist tears and rips and holds up well despite constant laundering.
For instance, shirts made of denim or duck cotton are well-regarded for their robust fabric that stands against intense wear and tear.
Effective Fit
The fit is a subjective aspect of finding the right shirt – the ‘perfect’ fit varies from person to person, largely dependent on your body type and personal comfort. You may tend to favor work shirts that offer a generous cut in the chest and shoulders area, thus providing unhindered mobility as you’re moving and stretching during work.
Or, you may prefer to go for tighter shirts made with fabrics which allow for a wider range of movement. The choice is yours.
Utility Catering to Specific Needs of the Job
Different shirts come with different utilities that can help you on the job. For example, you may prefer work shirts with ample pocket space for easy access to small tools or other items. These features further round out the shirt’s design, marking it as a garment meant for work.
What Are the Best Materials for Work Shirts?
Picking the right material for your work shirt is fundamental for your comfort and job performance, and there are a lot of options out there to choose from.
When selecting the material for your work shirt, it’s crucial to consider your work environment, weather, and personal comfort.
Here are a couple of top materials that are used in work shirts.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber that’s breathable, soft, and generally comfortable to wear. A cotton work shirt can keep you cool during summer months or heated indoor work environments. On the flip side, cotton can be prone to shrinking and wrinkles, and it’s not the most durable option for heavy-duty type of work.
Still, if you favor this material, a solid cotton men’s work shirt to check out is the Men’s Barbour Ronan Tailored Check Shirt.
Poly-Cotton Blend
For more strenuous working conditions, you might want to consider a poly-cotton blend. This material combines the comfort of cotton with the durability of polyester. One poly-cotton blend shirt to look into is the Men’s Howler Brothers Crosscut Deluxe Snapshirt.
Twill
Twill is a type of textile weave that’s characterized by diagonal lines on the surface. They are robust and resistant to staining, which can be beneficial in certain work environments. An example of a twill garment could be the Men’s Madison Creek Outfitters Sportsman Lightweight Twill Shirt Jacket.
Flannel
If you’re working in colder or outdoor environments, a flannel work shirt might be the way to go. Flannel is a warm material but still breathable. A flannel shirt that could work for you is the Men’s L.L.Bean BeanFlex® All-Season Flannel Long-Sleeve Shirt.
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Lastly, if your work involves lots of sweating or working in hot conditions, moisture-wicking fabrics are likely going to be your best allies. These materials help draw sweat away from your body, helping to keep you dry and comfortable.
Choosing the Best Men’s Work Shirt – Factors to Consider
Alright, so you know what makes up a men’s work shirt. But, how do you actually choose one?
To find the perfect shirt, you’ll need to pay attention to a couple of different factors:
- Type of work
- Climate
- Comfort and fit
- Cost
- Durability
- Maintenance
Here’s a closer look at each of these considerations.
Type of Work
The type of work plays a significant role in the selection process. For instance, as an electrician, you would need a work shirt with durability and preferably flame-resistant features.
Climate
The weather conditions under which you’ll be working greatly influence the selection of a work shirt. In hot and humid conditions, a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric like bamboo or light cotton would be a great fit.
On the contrary, if you’re working in cold climates, go for thermal-lined, heavy-duty shirts, preferably of wool or flannel.
Comfort and Fit
The fit of a shirt goes a long way toward maintaining comfort throughout a workday. Make sure that whichever fit you choose doesn’t restrict your movement. It should also fit snugly, but without being too loose so that it could catch on things, or so tight that it’s tough to move around in.
Cost
Value for money is another key to keep in mind here. You need a shirt that’s not only within your budget but will also stand the test of time. Look for shirts that fit your price point, whether that’s a $30 shirt or a $200 shirt.
Durability
Work shirts need to be able to stand up to harsh conditions. Look for fabrics that are less likely to tear or that are reinforced to help avoid damage.
Maintenance
Your work environment might be tough, but that doesn’t mean you want a high-maintenance work shirt. Wrinkle-resistance or easy-care materials can save time.
Change the Way You Do Your Job With Men’s Work Shirts
Men’s work shirts are essential tools crafted precisely to provide comfort, durability, and functionality in various work environments.
As you choose a shirt for yourself, remember that no two jobs are alike, and therefore, no “universal” best work shirt exists. Instead, it’s crucial to take into consideration the nature of work, the specific conditions of the job, and the personal preferences of the wearer when choosing a work shirt. A hearty flannel shirt might be a woodworker’s best bet in the chilly outdoors, while a polo work shirt might make the cut for someone working in a slightly more formal yet active setting.
If you’re in need of a new work shirt, Jesse Brown’s Outdoors has you covered. Head over to our shop and check out our offerings, ranging from casual polos to flannels and more. Plus, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so that you don’t miss out on sales and discounts!