Best white dress shirts for men 2022 Reiss to Paul Smith

The best white dress shirts to form the foundation of any formal look

A staple for the suited man, a good white dress shirt will make or break your tailoring. Here are 16 that get the GQ seal of approval

Much like the white T-shirt before it, a crisp white dress shirt is one of the staples of which you could always use another. From your first day on a job to your last day on a job, your graduation to your wedding day, white dress shirts are pretty much the uniform to every conceivable event in the game of life. Like a well-fitting suit and freshly shined shoes, a good one, two or ten to a man's wardrobe will separate the red-carpet heroes from the workaday city commuters.

When it comes down to it, there are just a couple of rules by which the perfect white dress shirt needs to abide. First is the structure: unlike an Oxford shirt, the collar should be stiff and tall to stand out above the lapels of your suit jacket. Then there's fit: unlike the summer-friendly trend for billowing, oversized men's shirts, good white dress shirts will be slim-fitting enough to tuck without ballooning, but not so tight that they're uncomfortable for nine-to-five wear.

Nail those and the rest is more about personal preference. Bib or no bib? One hundred per cent cotton or something with a little stretch incorporated into the fabric? Thankfully, our selection leaves no white dress shirt unironed. Shop GQ's pick of the best below…

  • Reiss

    Reiss

    When it comes to getting the classic Saville Row feel without breaking the bank, Reiss is just about the best option at your disposal. This Frontier shirt has been cut from supple cotton and is finished to mimic the most luxurious of satins. But it doesn't just look the part — with a healthy helping of stretch, this slim shirt won't restrict your movement, meaning it can tackle commutes and wedding dance floors alike in immaculate, comfortable style. £78. At reiss.com

  • Drake's

    A lightweight linen option, this dress shirt from Drake's is a perfect pick for those battling a sweat-inducing commute or warm-weather wedding. Handcrafted in Somerset and finished with shiny mother-of-pearl buttons, this lightly rumpled shirt manages to be louche and luxurious at the same time. £195. At mrporter.com

  • Hawes & Curtis

    With over 100 years of experience under its impeccably-crafted leather belt, Hawes & Curtis produces thoughtful designs with an emphasis on quality and authenticity. In a relaxed slim fit, this sharp dress shirt stays current without straying from tradition with its smart, slick aesthetic and suit-friendly cut. £55. hawesandcurtis.co.uk

  • Thom Browne

    Thom Browne's collections reimagine tailoring through a utilitarian lens, creating a new, modern uniform. Putting its signature Tri-Stripe twist on the everyday dress shirt, this poplin piece is defined by its motif-clad armbands and stepped round hem. £340. At matchesfashion.com

  • Charles Tyrwhitt

    In a twill construction, this shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt boasts a streamlined construction designed specifically to endure the most demanding of days while remaining totally immaculate. The best part? It doesn't even need to be ironed – just unbutton, hang up and relax. £59.95. At charlestyrwhitt.com

  • Brioni

    Classic Italian quality, made for the everyday. Cut from crisp cotton poplin for a comfortable wear, this shirt is primed for styling with weekday suiting. Thankfully (and unlike your Italian three-piece) it's also machine washable. Now that's what we call a win-win. £520. At mrporter.com

  • Cos

    For those with more fluid office dress codes, reaching for a collarless shirt can imbue weekday ensembles with a little more laidback energy, without being too casual. Cut from panels of pure cotton, this grandad-collar shirt from Cos keeps things simple and elegant, sealing in its multidimensional appeal via a row of iridescent seashell buttons. £59. cos.com

  • Erdem

    Intelligent romanticism underpins all of Erdem's pieces — and this dress shirt is no exception. Embroidered with tonal polka dots, this textured shirt brings a softer touch to your formalwear, whilst its sharp cut and clean seams finish with a note of contemporary chic. £495. At matchesfashion.com

  • Paul Smith

    A playful twist on a menswear classic, this refined Paul Smith dress shirt is set apart by its colourful Artist Stripe cuff lining, bringing the label's love of pattern to even the most everyday piece. Whether you roll the sleeve to release the colour or keep it folded down as an emboldened sartorial secret just for you, a Paul Smith stripe will never go unnoticed. £160. paulsmith.com

  • Brunello Cucinelli

    Founded in 1978, Brunello Cucinelli has become synonymous with smart-casual separates and time-honoured craft, both of which are clearly on display in this crisp dress shirt. Made in Italy from high-quality cotton poplin, this shirt is tailored for a chic, slim fit that naturally contours to the torso of its wearer. £1,180. At mrporter.com

  • Hugo Boss

    Combining a sharp cut with just a touch of logomaniac appeal, this Hugo Boss dress shirt is defined by its subtle logo patch at the chest. Crafted from a stretch-cotton blend, you can rely on this shirt to keep you smart and comfortable at any formal event. £145. At ssense.com

  • Kingsman x Turnbull & Asser

    You wouldn't be the first to wonder about the origins of the next-level, rather exquisite tailoring seen in the Kingsman films. In fact, all the shirts you see on-screen are the handiwork of the experts at esteemed Royal Warrant holder, Turnball & Asser (who else?). This piece from the duo's collaboration takes on a traditional Oxford cut, defined by its bright white hue and luxe pure cotton construction. £215. At mrporter.com

  • Alexander McQueen

    Nothing is immune to Alexander McQueen's infamous touches of gothic glamour, not even your officewear. Subverting your expectations of what a dress shirt should look like, the label's take on the wardrobe staple is contrasted with harness-style straps at the shoulder, each printed with the graffiti logo motif for good measure. £520. At matchesfashion.com

  • Etro

    Proprietor of all things paisley, Etro's creations are rarely hard to spot. Taking a more subtle approach to its tell-tale pattern, this dress shirt from Etro is jacquard-woven with a tonal textured paisley, meaning that only those with the most discerning eye will clock its all-important origins. £250. At mrporter.com

  • Everlane

    "Exceptional quality with radical transparency", that's the rallying cry of ethical label Everlane, designing to revolutionize the shopping world with seasonless designs made to last. In a slim-fit and bright white hue, this dress shirt has been constructed for ultimate versatility, meaning it fits just as well with a lazy evening pint-in-hand as it does, weary-eyed, at your desk the following morning. £77. Everlane.com

  • Ralph Lauren Purple Label

    For those that find themselves dreading the oft-sweaty summer spent in formalwear, Ralph Lauren Purple Label's take on the dress shirt is here to provide a much-needed breath of fresh air. Cut from a lightweight and airy linen-voile, this dress shirt is ideal for warm weather formal looks, rendering all manner of summer weddings and hot office days an absolute breeze. £320. At matchesfashion.com

  • Uniqlo

    For tailoring lovers with a lazy streak, look no further than Uniqlo's "No-Iron" dress shirt collection. Without the need for late-night ironing, steaming, or prepping, this slim-fit cotton number needs nothing but a sturdy hanger and a spot in your wardrobe to remain crisp and clean, wear after wear. £34.90. Uniqlo.com

  • Theory

    Distinctly Scandi in aesthetic, minimalist brand Theory plays host to a delectable array of casually cool and expertly tailored pieces made from premium materials. Case in point, this structured Sylvain dress shirt makes for a timeless wardrobe staple that ensures longevity of style and durability. £145. theory.com

  • Charvet

    As a world-renowned artisanal shirtmaker, Charvet is home to a rather impressive clientele, including royalty, nobility, and more than one American president. Ideal for a black-tie dress code, this white poplin tuxedo dress shirt from Charvet boasts a traditional piqué bib grounded in a poised, smart foundation. £500. At matchesfashion.com

  • Arket

    Arket is all about creating sustainably with a minimalistic, Scandi-inspired look, and its range of formalwear is no exception. Crisp and classic, this organic cotton poplin dress shirt from Arket is here to keep you stylish and comfortable throughout the demands of your day, commute and all. £69. Arket.com .

  • Tom Ford

    Streamlined and sophisticated, this dress shirt from Tom Ford epitomises the label's signature suave look. Defined by its gold collar pin, there's something almost romantically gothic about this option. With Addams Family-esque funereal tailoring hitting its style stride, this dress shirt belongs with a pinstripe suit, shining loafers and a blood-red rose tucked into a buttonhole. £330. At mrporter.com .

  • Jack & Jones

    This two-piece set from Jack & Jones brings you two sharp dress shirts for a particularly affordable £65 price tag. In a slimming cut sharpened by a small cutaway collar with exaggerated points, the silhouette of these shirts ensures poised looks all week long. And if you're prone to spillages? Good news: you've got a spare. £65. At asos.com

  • Burberry

    Whilst British heritage brand Burberry might be best known for its checked shirts, its more formal take on the dress shirts does not disappoint. Coming in a slim-fit with an especially crisp, bright-white hue, it's set apart by its Vintage Check-lined cuffs and inner collar. £300. At burberry.com

  • Thom Sweeney

    Made with tuxedos in mind, this Marcella dress shirt from Thom Sweeney captures the label's penchant for classically suave dressing. Crafted from a superfine cotton poplin and buttoned with the option of insert dress studs, this impeccably tailored shirt is finished with fine single-needle stitching to seal the style into every seam. £260. At thomsweeney.com

  • Turnbull & Asser