The white dress shirt

[whiskeylaureate]

I want to purchase a plain white dress shirt, because I feel like it's a pretty useful thing to have in the arsenal. But, I can't decide between single or french cuff.

I don't have an occasion that I'm buying it for, and I don't wear suits often. What's the consensus on which is more versatile to own in general. Normally, I'd just pull the trigger, but since you guys are here...

 

[TheFoo]

French, definitely. The times you will feel inclined to wear a white shirt are probably going to be the times you also need to dress more formally.

 

[Vintage Gent]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

French, definitely. The times you will feel inclined to wear a white shirt are probably going to be the times you also need to dress more formally.

I'm inclined to draw the opposite conclusion. The occasions that truly call for a white shirt (job interviews and funerals) are those where you'd want to be as inconspicuous as possible, and French cuffs would not be preferred in such instances.

In the interest of full disclosure, I only own two white dress shirts (not counting my pleated front dinner shirt), and both have French cuffs because I just don't give a damn.

 

[Median]

Pick whatever you feel is suitable for the occasion. The only contexts french-cuffs would be unsuitable are: a night out on the razz, or a non-executive-level interview.

 

[The Louche]

I find white dress shirts to be the most versatile of dress shirts. I own several.

I can see merit in both arguments above; MaFoo makes a good point, but Vintage's comments strike a chord as well. Why not strike a formality balance and find one (or have one made) with a double button barrel cuff if you are so conflicted or unwilling to buy two white shirts....

 

[phillyesq]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

I'm inclined to draw the opposite conclusion. The occasions that truly call for a white shirt (job interviews and funerals) are those where you'd want to be as inconspicuous as possible, and French cuffs would not be preferred in such instances.

In the interest of full disclosure, I only own two white dress shirts (not counting my pleated front dinner shirt), and both have French cuffs because I just don't give a damn.


I agree with Vintage Gent. French Cuffs aren't as versatile. If the OP doesn't yet own a white dress shirt, I'd assuming that he is younger, and more likely to need a white shirt for something like interviews.

I wear both plain cuff and french cuff white dress shirts, depending on the occasion. There is never an occasion for which the plain cuffs are inappropriate, whereas there are certain occasions for which the french cuffs are inappropriate.

 

[Brian278]

Barrell cuff first, french second. You can wear barrell cuffs anywhere, but there are times when french cuffs would be too conspicuous.

Both are wardrobe staples, though, and you should really have both.

 

[Infrasonic]

Get a single/barrel convertible, then you can wear links when the fancy takes.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

I'm inclined to draw the opposite conclusion. The occasions that truly call for a white shirt (job interviews and funerals) are those where you'd want to be as inconspicuous as possible, and French cuffs would not be preferred in such instances.

In the interest of full disclosure, I only own two white dress shirts (not counting my pleated front dinner shirt), and both have French cuffs because I just don't give a damn.

exact same answer, both top and bottom

 

[CharlestonBows]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

I'm inclined to draw the opposite conclusion. The occasions that truly call for a white shirt (job interviews and funerals) are those where you'd want to be as inconspicuous as possible, and French cuffs would not be preferred in such instances.

I disagree with being inconspicuous at job interviews. A subtle detail like a well fitting white double cuff shirt can make you seem more serious than the other candidates. Shows you mean bitness.

I agree with Mafoo -- if you're like the OP and don't have a common use for a white shirt, chances are when you do wear it, it'll be a more formal setting. So do it right - double cuff. IMO, of course.

... both have French cuffs because I just don't give a damn.

 

[whiskeylaureate]

I'm looking at the CT Web site, which only offers single or french. $55 is a pretty decent price; I figure it's time to ante up for one, even though I won't NEED it anytime soon.

As for personal information, I'm 26 and work as a freelance copywriter from home. I'm most likely to wear it to meetings or dinner parties under a sweater. Weddings are a rare occasion with my group of friends.

 

[Mannix]

There shoudn't be a choice here, definitely french cuffs.

 

[kulata]

Buy both cuff types. White shirts are staples in any mans wordrobe

 

[penguin vic]

Originally Posted by whiskeylaureate

I'm looking at the CT Web site, which only offers single or french. $55 is a pretty decent price; I figure it's time to ante up for one, even though I won't NEED it anytime soon.

As for personal information, I'm 26 and work as a freelance copywriter from home. I'm most likely to wear it to meetings or dinner parties under a sweater. Weddings are a rare occasion with my group of friends.

I think french cuffs would look odd under a sweater.

 

[PolePosition]

Originally Posted by Brian278

Barrell cuff first, french second. You can wear barrell cuffs anywhere, but there are times when french cuffs would be too conspicuous.

Both are wardrobe staples, though, and you should really have both.

+1. I bought one of each for that exact reason.