Dress Shirts vs Casual Shirts: What's the Difference?

Today, men and women come across a diverse array of shirts. Ranging from formal dress shirts to relaxed casual shirts. Comparing dress shirts vs. casual shirts is crucial for us, too. It ensures we choose a perfect shirt based on the occasion and setting.  

In this blog post, we are going to compare dress shirts and casual shirts in depth. Are you interested in knowing the differences between these two? Then, we encourage you to finish reading this post till the end. 

What is a Dress Shirt?

A dress shirt is a perfect example of formal attire, also called a formal shirt. It is a shirt that comes in a plain and simple style. That is to say, dress shirts don’t have bold patterns or excessive embellishments. In general, they feature more conservative color palettes. Mostly, white, blue, and other neutral tones. Further, dress shirts have stiffer collars and plackets. It gives these shirts a sharp and polished look.

Key Features of a Dress Shirt

Now, let’s talk about the key features of a dress shirt:

1. Collar

A dress shirt has a stiffer and more structured collar. For example, it may feature a button-down, point, or spread collar. For this reason, dress shirts help users maintain a polished look with a tie, in particular.  

2. Fabric

The common dress shirt fabrics are cotton and silk. It gives users a smooth and elegant feel wearing them. However, some dress shirts are made of linen, a breathable fabric for warmer climates.

3. Button Placement

A dress shirt features a full-length button closure for a neat and professional look. And you will find buttons of dress shirts as evenly spaced. As a result, these shirts look symmetrical in appearance.

Popular Styles of Dress Shirts

The popular styles of dress shirts include the following:

1. Oxford Shirts 

Oxford shirts, such as a Men's Short Sleeve Formal Oxford Shirt, have become a wardrobe staple. These shirts have a slightly textured appearance and are also durable. 

In fact, these shirts pair well with chinos or jeans to accomplish smart-casual or business-casual looks. We recommend women our Women's Long Sleeve Stretch Tunic Blouse for accomplishing a business-casual dress code.

Because of the versatility of Oxford shirts, you can wear them in different settings. For instance, men can wear Oxford shirts in casual get-togethers and relaxed work environments. In this regard, we recommend the Men's Long Sleeve SuperPro Oxford Stripe Shirt.

2. Twill Shirts

Twill shirts are shirts made of cotton with a twill weave. For this reason, these shirts have earned their name. As a classic style of shirt, a twill shirt lasts longer than only a season.   

Moreover, a twill shirt is opaque and durable plus lasts longer. In fact, it wrinkles and creases less obviously. Further, a twill shirt, such as a Men's Long Sleeve Two-Pocket Twill Performance Shirt hides stains, too. So, it is an excellent choice for traveling with your outfit in the storage. 

3. Tuxedo Shirts 

Tuxedo shirts are elegant styles of shirts, meant for black tie events, worn with your tuxedo. These shirts are not for casual wear or wearing with your traditional suits in office settings. And their few functional features set them apart from traditional dress shirts.  

4. Semi-Formal Shirts 

Semi-formal dress shirts, such as polos, are often made of high-quality materials, like cotton or silk. Usually, these shirts are long-sleeved and tailored. They look more polished than casual shirts but are less formal than tuxedo shirts. 

Often, you will find semi-formal shirts in white or light blue with subtle patterns or textures. Not to mention, you can wear them with dress pants, a suit, or a sports jacket based on the setting or occasion. And we recommend men our Men's Long Sleeve Broadcloth Gingham Dress Shirt for semi-formal occasions or settings. 

Here, we would like to reveal to you the most appropriate dress shirts for formal occasions. Those shirts include a tuxedo and a classic white dress shirt.  

When Should You Wear a Dress Shirt?

Dress shirts are your go-to option for formal events and professional settings. Here are various  settings and occasions where you can wear a dress shirt:

• Business Meetings

• Job Interviews

• Black Tie Affairs

Moreover, dress shirts complement well with a tailored suit, dress pants, and leather dress shoes. Wearing a tie with these shirts gives you a polished and refined look. And you may seek perfect dress shirts for a polished look as a woman. Then, we recommend our versatile Women's Long Sleeve V-Neck Wrap Blouse, blending comfort and elegance. And we recommend our Women's Short Sleeve Maternity V-Neck Shirt to an expecting mother. 

What is a Casual Shirt?

Unlike dress shirts, casual shirts are more relaxed and versatile. These shirts come in bold and brighter colors with different patterns. Therefore, they allow men and women to self-express their personalities with creativity and style. What’s more?

Casual shirts often have decorative features, such as pockets and contrasting stitching. Their collar and placket construction is softer. So, they give users a more comfortable and relaxed feel. 

Key Features of a Casual Shirt

Now, let’s discuss the key features of a casual shirt:

1. Collar 

A casual shirt features a soft and more relaxed collar. For example, it may have a button-down collar or a collar without a button. Because of the collar of casual shirts, they give users a laid-back and comfortable feel.

2. Fabric

More often than not, casual shirts are made of comfortable fabrics. Cotton, chambray, and flannel, to name them. Thanks to the fabrics of casual shirts, they breathe well and allow for ease of movement! 

3. Button Placement

The button placement of casual shirts isn’t always the same. Some casual shirts have a full-length button closure like Women's Long Sleeve Button-Front Casual Blouse. And some have a partial or no button closure. By the same token, they give users a relaxed feel with an informal appearance.    

Hopefully, you understand now what makes a shirt casual or formal based on its key features. 

Popular Styles of Casual Shirts

Here are the popular styles of casual shirts, suitable for everyday wear and highly popular among men besides women:

1. Linen Shirts

Linen shirts are the ultimate summer essential for both men and women. They are lightweight shirts that keep you cool in the sun. Made from natural flax fibers, linen shirts have a unique texture. And their natural wrinkles characterized that texture. 

However, linen shirts need more care than other types of casual shirts. You can confidently wear these shirts to the beach or a nice lunch in the heat. Because of their loose, breezy fit and quick-drying nature, they are perfect for humid days. 

2. Chambray Shirts

Chambray shirts give users the classic look of denim. However, these shirts are much lighter and softer. Made from fine cotton, chambray shirts feature a familiar blue color and denim weave. It is the weave that differentiates chambray shirts from Oxford shirts. The former has a plain weave, unlike the latter which uses a basket weave with thicker yarns. 

Moreover, chambray shirts get better with time, similar to denim shirts. How? These shirts soften over time while maintaining your good looks. So, they are ideal shirts for accomplishing rugged denim style without feeling the weight.   

3. Denim Shirts 

Denim shirts are classic casual shirts that never go out of fashion. Over time, they age well, creating unique wear patterns to tell your story. The flexibility of these shirts makes denim shirts special. How?

You can wear denim shirts on different occasions. Ranging from working in the garage to casual dinners. The more you wear denim shirts, the more comfortable they become. Hence, a denim shirt has remained a favorite shirt for generations. 

4. Henley Shirts

Henley shirts are relatively simple casual shirts. They don’t have a collar, similar to plain t-shirts and tank tops. For the same reason, these are shirts for a casual appearance. You can find these shirts both as long and short sleeves.

Moreover, you can wear a Henley shirt on its own on hotter days. And wear it under a jacket on colder days. As Henley shirts look better than ordinary shirts and are comfortable, they are perfect for day-to-day activities.   

Apart from the above-mentioned shirts, printed and patterned shirts are also gaining popularity nowadays as casual wear. 

When Should You Wear a Casual Shirt?

You can wear casual shirts on a multitude of occasions, such as:

• Weekend Outings

• Casual Friday to the Office

• And More Relaxed Occasions

Moreover, casual shirts pair well with chinos, jeans, and shorts based on the settings. Adding loafers, sneakers, and boat shoes with these shirts enhances your relaxed vibe. You can further upgrade your looks in casual shirts with a stylish watch or bracelets based on your personality. So, casual shirts let you experiment with various accessories to add a personal touch to your outfits. 

Comparing Dress Shirts vs Casual Shirts 

Now let us start comparing dress shirts vs. casual shirts in light of their key differences.

Key Differences Between Dress and Casual Shirts

The following are the key differences between dress shirts and casual shirts:

1. Collar Structure and Formality

Dress shirts, such as our Men's Long Sleeve City Stretch Dress Shirt, often have stiff collars and cuffs. It enhances the formality of dress shirts. Each of their collar types, including spread, print, and button-down have different levels of formality.

On the other hand, casual shirts come in numerous styles and patterns, making them appropriate for casual wear. Checks, stripes, and prints, to mention those patterns. Thanks to their informal looks and wide variety, casual shirts appeal to different individuals with distinct fashion tastes! 

2. Fabric Weave and Texture

Dress shirts are often made of premium-quality materials, like cotton, silk, or linen. By the same token, dress shirts have a smooth finish and are durable. It is their fabric quality that impacts their look, feel, and longevity. 

Contrarily, casual shirts are usually made of comfortable fabrics. Cotton, polyester, or blends, to mention them. Their fabric choice impacts their breathability and ease of maintenance. 

We also have a question for you here. Do you look for men’s shirts, which are easy to take care of? If yes, we recommend our comfy Men's Long Sleeve Micro Tattersall Easy Care Shirt.    

3. Fit and Tail Length

When it comes to fit, dress shirts are tailored. That is to say, they fit the body closely. Tailored fits include slim, regular, and extra fit to suit different body types and preferences. However, slim-fit dress shirts are the most common alongside regular-fit shirts. The former offers a sleeker and more tailored appearance, whereas the latter feels comfortable, not too snug. 

Conversely, casual shirts offer a loose fit. It allows users to move freely while feeling comfortable wearing them. Not to mention, casual shirts, like our Women's Sleeveless V-Neck Loose Blouse, are suitable for various occasions.

4. Additional Features

Additional features of dress shirts can include French cuffs, creases, and button-down collars. For example, a dress shirt may have French cuffs fastened with cufflinks, giving it a touch of elegance.

Contrarily, casual shirts can have extra features like chest pockets, short sleeves, and unique buttons. These features add a personalized touch to these shirts. As a lady, you may also look to give a personalized touch to your outfits. Then, consider adding our Women's Short Sleeve Tunic Top to your collection.

At this point, you should have also understood the difference between casual and formal wear. Casual wear, such as casual shirts, offers you more freedom to choose clothing appropriate to your comfort and style. Conversely, formal wear, such as dress shirts, is appropriate for formal events, requiring a sophisticated and polished appearance.  

Moreover, here we want to emphasize why dress shirts are often worn tucked, unlike casual shirts.  

Why Dress Shirts Are Longer and Tucked.

In general, dress shirts offer a tailored fit and are longer. For this reason, users wear them tucked. On the other hand, casual shirts give users a little room with a looser fit and are shorter. By the same token, you see users wearing casual shirts untucked more often than not.

Pairing Dress Shirts with Outfits

Now, let’s talk about how you can pair dress shirts with outfits for accomplishing formal and semi-formal looks:

With a Suit, Tie, and Tailored Bottom (Formal)

You can achieve a formal look in a dress shirt paired with a suit, tie, and tailored bottom. If you are sticking to a classic white dress shirt, we recommend you pair it with black dress pants. 

Also, make sure you neatly tuck in your shirt with the collar securely buttoned. Consider wearing your tie in the same color as your bottoms (pants). Wear a belt and Oxford or Derby shoes to complete your formal outfit.

With a Jacket and Jeans (Semi-formal)

Step slightly away from a formal outfit to create a semi-formal outfit with a dress shirt. In this regard, you can opt to wear jeans in black, gray, or dark blue instead of dress pants. Skip the tie and keep the top button of your shirt left open with the sleeves fully extended. Add a stylish jacket and loafers or Oxford shoes to accomplish your semi-formal outfit.   

Styling Casual Shirts for Different Occasions

Now, let’s talk about styling casual shirts for different occasions based on the season:

Summer Looks - with Shorts 

You can pair a casual shirt with shorts for the hot summer days for a friendly hang out. As an example, you can pair our Women's Short Sleeve V-Neck Camp Shirt with shorts. Add a pair of sneakers and complete your summer looks. 

The above-mentioned example is one way of creating your summer outfit with casual shirts. Of course, there are more summer outfits you can create with casual shirts. Let’s share another example focusing on styling a casual shirt for a party in the summer next.

Pair a cool graphic tee with chino pants in burgundy or olive green. Add a pair of sneakers, a cap, sunglasses, and a casual watch to accomplish your party style for a summer hangout.

Also, don’t miss out on checking our guide on What to Wear in Summer: Complete Style Guide.

Layered Winter Looks - with a Sweater or Coat 

In the winter, you can wear your casual shirt layered under a heavier coat or a sweater. Wear dark-wash jeans with white socks and long boots to complete your winter looks. This outfit idea will work well for running errands or doing outdoor activities in the winter. 

Moreover, you may often look to get your hands on the best outerwear for layering. Then, our post on Pullover vs Cardigan vs Sweater: A Detailed Comparison is worth checking out for you.

Spring and Fall Looks Looks - with a Sweater or Coat 

You can wear a casual shirt with a lightweight jacket or trench coat in the fall or spring. Pair your tops with jeans or chinos. Add loafers or sneakers to complete your spring or fall outfits for a social gathering, or a sporting event, respectively.

Do you know that there are also casual work shirts available nowadays for both men and women? If you don't, here are a few of those shirts, which we recommend to men and women:

• Men's Tall Short Sleeve Casual Work Shirt

• Women's Classic Fit Button Down Work Shirt

Buyer’s Guide for Dress and Casual Shirts

Now you know what makes dress shirts different from casual shirts and how to style them. It is time you know how to purchase your dress and casual shirts. Our brief buyers’ guide below is going to help you in this regard:

1. Consider the Occasion 

Know the occasion for which you are buying the shirts for. If you are buying a shirt for work or formal events, you will need a dress shirt, like our Men's Long Sleeve Pincheck Dress Shirt. 

On the other hand, you will need a casual shirt for casual events or everyday activities. Such as our Women's Luxe Knit Jewel Neck Long Sleeve Top.   

2. Ponder the Fabric

The best fabrics for dress shirts include cotton, linen, and silk. Consider fabrics like cotton, linen, chambray, flannel, and poly-cotton blends when buying casual shirts. We recommend chambray fabric for casual shirts for a denim-like look. And we recommend linen fabric for casual shirts for breathability and warm weather.    

Also, consider the climate when choosing a fabric for shirts you intend to buy. Choose shirts made of breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics for hotter days. And choose shirts made of warm fabrics with insulation properties for colder days. 

3. Consider the Fit

In general, a dress shirt should fit snugly to your body, unlike casual shirts with a looser fit. So, choose your shirts accordingly based on the fit.

4. Ponder the Colors

Colors are an important consideration when you are choosing your shirts, including dress and casual shirts. Opt for light and solid colors, such as white, light blue, pink, and green for dress shirts. And you can choose any color you like for casual shirts. 

Also, we recommend you explore our post on Color Selection in Apparel - How to Avoid the Common Mistakes.

Conclusion

It is important for men and women to compare dress shirts vs. casual shirts. It allows them to choose the right shirts. Dress shirts are plain and simple shirts with stiff and more structured collars. Their common fabrics include cotton and silk. In addition, they have full button closures for a neat and professional look. The popular styles of dress shirts are Oxford shirts, twill shirts, and tuxedo shirts. And dress shirts as formal shirts are appropriate for business meetings, job interviews, and black tie events.

Contrarily, casual shirts are more relaxed and versatile. They feature soft and more relaxed collars plus are made of comfy fabrics, like cotton. The popular styles of casual shirts include linen shirts, chambray shirts, denim shirts, and Henley shirts. And casual shirts are appropriate for weekend outings and casual Fridays at the office. In general, dress shirts are for formal events, and casual shirts are for casual events based on their characteristics. Lastly, you can choose the right shirts based on the occasion, fabric and climate considerations besides the colors.  

FAQs

Q1. Can You Wear Dress Shirts Casually?

A1. You can certainly wear dress shirts casually. There are tips in this regard that you can follow as a man or woman, which we have shared below:

• Unbutton the top few buttons of your dress shirt.

• Pair your shirt with denim jeans, a sports coat, and a pair of sneakers for a casual look.

• Wear your dress shirt untucked, roll its sleeves up, and you are good to go.
  

Q2. How Do You Decide If an Occasion Calls for a Dress or Casual Shirt?

A2. Consider the following things to decide if an occasion is formal or casual:

• The Event

• Time of the Day

• People You Will Be with

If an occasion is a weekend brunch with your friends, the occasion calls for a casual shirt. And if you are attending an important meeting, the occasion calls for a dress shirt. 

Q3. What’s the Best Way to Care for Dress and Casual Shirts?

A3. Here are the tips you can follow to best take care of your dress and casual shirts:

• Always read the care label first of the garments for specific washing instructions. (Cleaning)

• Air-dry your shirts on wooden hangers to help them maintain their shape and minimize wrinkles. (Drying)

• Iron your shirts while they are slightly damp, and use the appropriate heat setting based on the fabric. (Ironing)

• Hang your dry shirts on wooden hangers with their top few buttons fastened to help maintain their collar shape. (Storage)
  

Q4. Are Short-Sleeve Dress Shirts a Good Option?

A4. Unlike long-sleeve dress shirts, short-sleeved dress shirts are more casual. Still, it doesn’t mean they aren’t always a good option. Short sleeve dress shirts are a good option in the following scenarios:

• When You Need a Dress Shirt for a Warm Weather

• If You Need a Shirt for Informal Work Days

• When You Do a Job That Is Somewhat Casual or Labor-intensive

• When You Simply Need a Dress Shirt, Which You Feel Comfortable Wearing 
  

Q5. Why Are Dress Shirts More Expensive Than Casual Shirts?

A5. Dress shirts cost more than casual shirts because of their fabric quality, precise craftsmanship, and tailoring. Their sophisticated design details, including durability and elegant appearance, add to their cost further.

Moreover, the influence of branding and market demand for dress shirts also drive up their costs. So, you can comprehend why dress shirts are more expensive than casual shirts, in general.