Top Formal Shirt Brands That Elevate Your Wardrobe Game

When it comes to dressing for success, selecting the perfect formal shirt is crucial for making a lasting impression. With a multitude of brands offering various styles, fits, and quality, finding the right shirt can be a daunting task. From luxurious fabric choices to modern, tailored cuts, several brands have positioned themselves as leaders in the world of formal attire. Whether you're looking for timeless elegance or contemporary sophistication, the brands listed below have something for every discerning taste.

Illustration of formal shirts

Best brands of formal shirts in 2025

Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers, founded in 1818, is the oldest apparel brand in continuous operation in the United States, renowned for its high-end luxury clothing, particularly its formal shirts. The brand has innovated significantly, introducing the button-down collar in 1896 and pioneering wash-and-wear shirts in 1953. With a global presence in over 20 countries, Brooks Brothers generates around $1 billion in revenue annually, although US sales have declined from $880 million in 2013 to $660 million today. The brand's formal shirts, including its iconic non-iron button-down oxfords, remain popular, with the company deriving about 27% of its sales from these items. Despite challenges, Brooks Brothers maintains a strong market presence, including a modest but growing presence on platforms like Poshmark.

Charles Tyrwhitt

Charles Tyrwhitt, founded in 1986 by Nicholas Wheeler, is renowned as the UK's largest fine shirt retailer, celebrated for its high-quality, British-charm infused menswear at reasonable price points. The company saw a significant 45% increase in turnover to 269.2 million pounds in the year to July 29, 2023, with 49% contributed by the UK market and 51% from the rest of the world. Known for its extensive range of dress shirts, including classic, slim, extra slim, and super slim fits, Charles Tyrwhitt also offers suits, ties, and other accessories. The brand operates over 40 physical stores globally and has a strong online presence in countries such as the UK, US, Germany, and Australia. Charles Tyrwhitt's commitment to quality, fit, and range has driven its growth and expansion. For more insights on their offerings, visit this Gentleman's Gazette article about Charles Tyrwhitt's products.

Thomas Pink

Thomas Pink is a renowned British shirt-maker, established in London in 1984 by three Irish brothers, James, Peter, and John Mullen. The brand is celebrated for its bold colors and exceptional construction, setting new standards for men's dress shirts since its inception. From 1999 to 2021, it was owned by LVMH, which acquired 70% of the company for approximately EUR48 million and later the remaining 30% in 2003. Thomas Pink shirts are characterized by signature features such as split yokes, off-set seams, and mother of pearl buttons, available in four fits. Despite facing financial challenges, including a PS23.5 million operating loss in 2018, the brand resumed trading in November 2021 after being acquired by Nick Preston. For more details on their exquisite dress shirts, visit their men's dress shirts collection.

Eton

Eton Shirts, founded in 1928 by David and Annie Petterson, is a renowned Swedish manufacturer of high-quality men's shirts, with a global presence in over 50 countries and more than 1,500 stores. The brand is celebrated for its commitment to quality, heritage of craftsmanship, and spirit of innovation, as evident in its introduction of the world's first non-iron shirt in 100% cotton in 1992. Eton's product portfolio includes a wide range of dress shirts, casual shirts, and accessories, with recent innovations such as the use of organic cotton and Superfine Merino materials. The company has seen significant growth, including a record high turnover in 2018 with double-digit growth, and continues to expand its global footprint with new store concepts and advanced technologies like the "Endless Aisle" and custom-made services. Eton's adaptability and focus on customer satisfaction have made it a leader in the formal wear category, which is forecasted to grow faster between 2022 and 2026 than in the previous decade.

Paul Smith

Paul Smith is renowned as one of the best producers of formal shirts, known for its innovative and unique approach to fashion. The brand has seen significant growth, with its wholesale business in North America increasing by 27 percent for the spring/summer 2024 season. Ready-to-wear remains the brand's core focus, with a strong emphasis on core essentials and iconic products. In fiscal 2023, shoe sales in North America rose by 17 percent, and online footwear sales in the region grew by 28 percent in the fall 2023 season. The brand's revenue has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, reaching PS152.6 million in the year ended June 30, 2023. For more details about their product offerings and innovations, visit their official website.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is renowned as one of the premier producers of formal shirts, embodying the quintessential American lifestyle with its high-quality and timeless designs. The brand, which manages 17 fashion brands and 4 lifestyle brands, has maintained a strong market presence, with a market share of 4.59% in the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories industry as of Q3 2024. Ralph Lauren's annual revenue has consistently been in the billions, reaching $6.4 billion in FY 2023. The brand's iconic Polo Ralph Lauren line, launched in 1968, remains a top choice in men's luxury casual and sportswear markets. With over 493 directly operated stores in 30 countries, Ralph Lauren continues to capture the American spirit through its exquisite craftsmanship and classic designs. For more information on Ralph Lauren's offerings, visit their official website.

Hugo Boss

Hugo Boss is renowned as one of the leading producers of high-quality formal shirts, exemplified by its record sales of EUR 4.2 billion in 2023, a 15% increase from the previous year. The brand's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality is evident in its two strong brands, BOSS and HUGO, which cater to distinct target groups. BOSS, in particular, is known for its traditional and formal apparel, while HUGO offers a more sporty and stylish range. In 2023, the company saw significant growth in all regions, with Asia/Pacific experiencing a 32% revenue growth and the Americas seeing a 23% increase. Hugo Boss's digital business also continued to grow, with a 23.1% increase in e-commerce sales.

Canali

Canali is a renowned Italian luxury brand specializing in tailor-made men's elegance, particularly excelling in the production of high-quality formal shirts. Founded 90 years ago, Canali offers handcrafted suits, jackets, trousers, and shirts that emphasize wearability, comfort, and style. The brand has successfully adapted to local markets, such as India, where it has introduced localized collections like the nawab jacket, blending Italian craftsmanship with Indian traditions. Canali's commitment to its DNA while embracing localization has made it a significant player in the global luxury apparel market. The brand's presence in India is particularly notable, with the country being one of its top ten markets. For more insights into Canali's market presence, visit their company profile.

T.M. Lewin

T.M. Lewin, established in 1898, is a renowned producer of high-quality formal shirts, having sold over 70 million shirts in its 120-year history. The brand is known for its broad and diverse range of collars and cuts, offering excellent value for money, such as four formal shirts for £150. Following its online relaunch in May 2022, T.M. Lewin has seen strong sales, with shirt promotions accounting for around 50% of overall sales. The brand sources the finest fabrics globally, including from prestigious mills in Italy, to ensure each garment delivers on comfort and quality. T.M. Lewin continues to grow by leveraging its unique British heritage and tailoring craftsmanship.

J.Crew

J.Crew is renowned as one of the best producers of formal shirts, offering high-quality fabrics, precise tailoring, and a wide range of styles. Since its founding in 1947, J.Crew has maintained a commitment to excellence, with over 70% of its customers returning for repeat purchases. The brand is known for its Ludlow shirt line, which has been a bestseller since its introduction in 2008. J.Crew's attention to detail and use of premium materials, such as 100% cotton and Italian wool, set it apart in the market. With a strong online presence and over 150 physical stores, J.Crew continues to be a go-to destination for formal attire.