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Dark blue dress shirts are a staple in every stylish man's wardrobe. Versatile, classic and sharp, a well-fitted dark blue dress shirt can take you from the office to a night out with ease. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about dark blue dress shirts and showcase some of the best options available at Brumano.
Why Choose a Dark Blue Dress Shirt?
A dark blue dress shirt has several advantages over other shirt colors:
- Versatility: Dark blue pairs well with many suit and tie colors, making it adaptable to different occasions.
- Flattering: The deep blue hue complements most skin tones and can make you look slimmer.
- Professional: Dark blue conveys a sense of professionalism perfect for business settings.
- Easy to Accessorize: You can dress a dark blue shirt up or down with the right accessories.
When building a wardrobe, every man should invest in at least one high-quality dark blue dress shirt. It will become one of the most-worn items in your closet.
Choosing the Right Fit
The key to looking sharp in any shirt is getting the right fit. A dress shirt should lightly hug your torso without being too tight. Here are the most important things to check for fit:
- Neck: Should allow 1-2 fingers to slip between the collar and neck when buttoned
- Shoulders: Seams should align with the edges of your shoulders
- Sleeves: Cuffs should hit where the base of your thumb meets your wrist
- Length: Long enough to stay tucked (a good rule is that it covers your rear)
When in doubt, get measured by a tailor or compare to a shirt that fits you well. Brumano offers a handy size guide to help find your ideal size.
Linen Shirts
Dress Shirt Fabric Options
One of the key factors in choosing a dress shirt is the fabric. Higher quality materials will look better, last longer, and feel more comfortable. Here are some of the most common dress shirt fabrics:
| Fabric | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 100% Cotton | Soft, breathable, and durable but wrinkles easily |
| Cotton Blend | Incorporates synthetics for stretch and wrinkle-resistance |
| Oxford Cloth | Slightly thicker basket weave, more casual |
| Twill | Diagonal parallel ribs, drapes well, resists wrinkles |
| Poplin | Simple criss-cross weave, crisp and smooth, prone to wrinkles |
We recommend opting for 100% cotton or a cotton blend for the best combination of comfort and performance.
Fit and Fabric Considerations
To find your ideal navy shirt, pay attention to fit and fabric quality. Here's what to look for:
The Right Fit
- Shoulders - The seam should align with your shoulder bone
- Chest - Buttons should close without pulling or gapping
- Sleeves - Hems should reach your wrist bone with a little room
- Length - The tail should fall around mid-crotch when untucked
Refer to size charts and note your measurements to find the best fit for your build.
Quality Fabrics
- Cotton poplin or twill for dress shirts - aim for 100% cotton and 120-180 thread count
- Oxford cloth - a thicker, textured cotton ideal for casual button-downs
- Linen or linen blend - choose for lightweight summer shirts
- Denim - select for casual, rugged overshirts
- Jersey knit - opt for soft, comfy t-shirts and polos
Must-Have Dark Blue Dress Shirts
Now let's take a look at some of the best dark blue dress shirts available from Brumano's collection:
1. Blue Textured Button Down Casual Shirt
This 100% cotton button-down shirt features a subtle texture that elevates it beyond a basic dress shirt. The spread collar allows you to dress it up or wear it more casually.
2. Sky Blue Micro Dobby Shirt With Cutaway Collar
The micro dobby weave on this shirt adds visual interest, while the cutaway collar is on-trend and pairs well with a tie. The tailored cut creates a modern silhouette.
3. White Button Down Shirt With Elbow Patch
For a stylish twist on a classic, this crisp white button-down features contrasting beige elbow patches. Roll up the sleeves to really show them off. The 100% cotton fabric will keep you cool and comfortable.
Shirts
How to Style a Dark Blue Dress Shirt
A dark blue dress shirt is extremely easy to style for a range of occasions. Here are a few foolproof outfit combinations:
Business Professional
- Dark blue dress shirt
- Charcoal or navy suit
- Silk tie in red, blue or yellow
- Black oxford dress shoes
Business Casual
- Dark blue dress shirt
- Tan chinos or grey dress pants
- Brown leather loafers
- Optional: Navy sweater or sport coat
Smart Casual
- Dark blue dress shirt
- Sleeves rolled up
- Dark wash jeans
- Brown leather belt
- White sneakers
The beauty of a dark blue dress shirt is how effortlessly it pairs with other wardrobe essentials. Experiment with what's in your closet to find your ideal look.
Caring for Dark Blue Dress Shirts
To ensure your dress shirts last, it's important to care for them properly. Always check labels for fabric-specific instructions, but here are some general tips:
- Wash shirts in cold water to prevent fading and shrinkage
- Use a gentle detergent free of bleach or harsh additives
- Hang dry or tumble dry on low heat to minimize wrinkles
- Iron on the appropriate fabric setting or steam to eliminate wrinkles
- Immediately spot clean stains using a stain removal pen
With proper care, a high-quality dark blue dress shirt can last for many years, making it a worthwhile wardrobe investment.
Complete the Look
A sharp outfit is in the details. Take your look to the next level by exploring these additional pieces from Brumano:
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Neckties - A silk tie in a light blue and dark blue check print would pair perfectly with a dark blue shirt. An understated blue tie adds a subtle punch of color to your look.
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Dress Pants - Grey trousers with a subtle pattern like birds eye or nailhead make a nice complement to a crisp blue shirt for the office. Stick with a matching suit or opt for a pair in tan or grey for a versatile combination.
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Blazers - Dress up your shirt with a tailored sport coat. Choose one in a lighter blue for a tonal look or try a contrasting color like rust or olive green. For a fashionable ensemble, wear it with grey washed slimfit jeans.
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Dress Shoes - Black or brown Oxfords or Derbies are the classic pairing with a dress shirt, but you can also opt for penny loafers or monk straps in brown for a more informal look.
FAQ
To wrap up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dark blue dress shirts:
Can I wear a dark blue dress shirt to a wedding?
Absolutely! A dark blue shirt is a great choice for wedding attire, especially if the dress code is cocktail or semi-formal. Pair it with a patterned tie and a classic navy or grey suit.
How do I fold a dress shirt for travel?
The best way to fold a dress shirt for a suitcase is to follow these steps:
- Lay the shirt face down, fully buttoned.
- Fold the shirt in half vertically, bringing sleeve over to flatten.
- Fold the sleeves inwards in thirds.
- Bring the bottom up to the middle, then fold over again.
- Flip over and you're done.
This method minimizes wrinkles so you can unpack and wear your shirt right away.
What color tie should I wear with a dark blue dress shirt?
For a classic look, you can never go wrong with a tie in burgundy, red, or pink. The contrast looks sharp and professional. If you want something more modern, try a light blue tie for a monochromatic effect or an orange tie to make your shirt color pop.
What color suit should I wear with a dark blue dress shirt?
Grey and navy are the most traditional, versatile and professional suit colors to pair with a dark blue dress shirt. You can also try a khaki suit for a sophisticated summer look. For a more casual outfit, wear the shirt with a blue or grey blazer and contrasting chinos or trousers.
How should I store dress shirts?
Always hang your dress shirts to minimize wrinkles and preserve the shape. Use sturdy wooden hangers, not wire. Space them about an inch apart in your closet so air can circulate. If storing folded, stack shirts no more than 4-5 high to prevent crushing the ones at the bottom.
New Arrivals
Elevate Your Style with Brumano
A dark blue dress shirt is the backbone of a versatile, sharp wardrobe. Brumano's collection offers options for every man, whether you prefer a classic button-down, an on-trend printed shirt, or a luxurious woven fabric.
Not sure where to start? Explore some of their most popular shirt categories:
Browse their New Arrivals for the latest looks or stock up on essentials in the Sale section.
When you build your wardrobe on foundational pieces like a well-fitted dark blue dress shirt, the styling possibilities are endless. Take your professional, special occasion and casual looks to the next level with this menswear essential.
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