What Makes a Quality Men’s Shirt?
More Than Just Fabric
A quality men’s shirt is defined by much more than its colour or pattern. Fabric, construction, fit, collar structure, cuffs, buttons and finishing details all affect how the shirt looks, feels and lasts.
At Harvie & Hudson, shirtmaking sits at the heart of our heritage. Every detail is considered to create shirts that feel comfortable, sit cleanly beneath tailoring and remain refined over time.
1. Premium Cotton Fabric
The foundation of a quality shirt is the cloth. Premium cotton offers natural breathability, softness and durability. Different weaves create different finishes, from crisp poplin to soft twill and textured Oxford.
Poplin
Smooth, crisp and formal, ideal for business and dress shirts.
Twill
Soft, durable and naturally easier to iron, making it excellent for daily wear.
Oxford
Textured and versatile, suited to smart casual and relaxed business dressing.
Marcella
Traditional textured fabric used for formal evening shirts and black tie.
2. A Well-Built Collar
The collar frames the face and determines how polished a shirt appears. A quality collar should hold its shape, sit cleanly with tailoring and work comfortably with or without a tie.
Most Harvie & Hudson shirts feature a versatile Kent collar, designed for business, formal and smart casual dressing.
3. Fit and Proportion
A good shirt should not simply be tight. It should allow movement, sit neatly under a jacket and maintain a clean silhouette throughout the day.
Harvie & Hudson shirts are designed with traditional British proportions, offering comfort and refinement across both classic fit and slim fit styles.
4. Cuffs, Buttons and Finishing
Finishing details separate a quality shirt from an ordinary one. Double cuffs allow for cufflinks and a more formal appearance, while button cuffs offer everyday versatility.
Mother-of-pearl buttons, removable collar stiffeners and longer tails all support durability, structure and refinement.
Double Cuff Shirts 
Button Cuff Shirts 
Cufflinks 
Silk Ties FAQs
What is the best fabric for a quality shirt?
Premium cotton fabrics such as poplin, twill, Oxford and end on end are excellent choices depending on the occasion and desired finish.
Are mother-of-pearl buttons better?
Mother-of-pearl buttons are durable, elegant and traditionally associated with premium shirtmaking.
How should a quality shirt fit?
It should sit cleanly through the collar, shoulders, chest and waist while allowing comfortable movement.
Further Reading
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