There is really no reason for dress shirts to cost over $80 (some might even say $50). For the most part cotton is cotton and the variations in milling, weaving, cut etc rarely justifies the large market up often placed on men’s dress shirts. So why do men’s dress shirts cost so much? Well, they cost so much because you’re willing to pay that price. Shirtmakers know that you’re lazy and will just go for whatever is near- whether it cost $50 or $500. So, so them that you’re smart by checking out our options for great dress shirts, all for under $80.
1. Washed Poplin Shirt, $19.99-$21.99 at Target.com
This machine washable shirt is a great option for the more casual office enviroment. The spread of the collar is bit more traditional than normal budget oriented shirts, giving off the impression that it is a higher end shirt.
2. Men’s Custom Fit Solid Tailored Dress Shirts, $49.50 -$59.50 at Landsend.com
The Landsend custom fit program is one of the best budget friendly custom fit options (the other, JCPenney’s program, is noted below). Style choices include collar, color, cuff, pocket, and placket and it features a four-piece bias-cut mitered back yoke provides ease of movement. We do have one gripe and that is the fabric colors and choices are a bit slim (white and off white really isn’t a choice). But it’s still a great option for basic white shirts.
3. Stafford Custom Fit Shirts, $55-$65 at JcPenney.com
JC Penney’s offers semi- custom fit shirts online for men (from standard to Big/Tall sizes). Now you might be thinking, hmmm, yeah custom fit shirts from JC Penney’s, must be pretty crappy quality. Well, actually no. We’ve ordered some and they actually turned out pretty good- not Italian tailor level, but good enough. Plus, if they don’t work you can return it to the nearest JC Penneys store. They also offer custom fit jeans, dress pants, and khakis.
4. Joseph & Feiss French Blue Dogbone Fitted Dress Shirt, $59.99-$64.99 at Men’s Warehouse.
We think every man should have at least one French Blue (aka deeper blue) dress shirt in their closet because the color is one of the only colors, outside the pastels, that is acceptable in pretty much every business situation. This version, available at Men’s Warehouse, is non iron and features breakfree buttons. Sign up for the Shirt Club.
5. Slim fit non-iron gingham check shirt, 79.50 at BananaRepublic.com
There’s so much to love about this shirt: The gingham check that adds style without being too stylish, the slim, body enhancing fit. However, what we really love is that this shirt can be washed in the machine and doesn’t need an iron, saving you dough on your dry cleaning bill.
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Don’t forget about the 1MX shirts at Express.
Heck no. I will never buy anything from Express: the fit is awful and as for quality… say goodbye to that shirt after three washes.