Men's Shirts

Styling a men’s shirt really comes down to what sort of shirt you’re opting for. Here at Percival, we’ve got *large inhale of breath*: Long sleeve, short sleeve, polo shirts, knitted shirts, boxy shirts, crochet, Cuban collar, linen, Johnny’s in the basement mixing up the medicine, overshirts, work shirts, seersucker, proper cotton.

That’s all great but you’ve got to know how to style them. Knitted Shirts & Polos will look great buttoned-up with a pair of trousers or jeans, but will work equally well layered over a T-shirt or vest. You can throw a Crochet Shirt into that category too, actually. A Cuban Collar is another that works as a stand alone, buttoned-up shirt, or with a linen suit, or layered over a T-shirt or vest—Cubans are versatile kings. Linen and Seersucker shirts can be paired with a linen suit, or worn with pretty much any kind of trouser or shorts for a holiday look.

Layering is all about timing. In the colder months, your shirt plays the supporting role under knitwear, overcoat or a trench. Step indoors and it becomes the main act. When the sun appears, the shirts take charge. Lightweight cottons and linens with handmade embroidery or stitched patterns are made to be seen, not buried. Men’s shirts always find their moment, whether they are hidden beneath the layers or stealing the show.

The right fit is everything. A good shirt should skim the body, not cling to it. The shoulders sit where they should, the sleeves hit the wrist, and the collar frames the neck without feeling tight. Percival shirts are built for real life, not mannequins. Tailored enough to look sharp, relaxed enough to move in. Tuck it in for something smarter or leave it loose for off-duty.

Fabric matters too. Lightweight cotton and linen shirts keep things airy, while heavier corduroy and seersucker shirts add structure when the temperature drops. If you can move, breathe and raise a pint without restriction, you have nailed the fit.

Short sleeve or long sleeve? The eternal debate. The answer is both.

Short sleeves win when the sun’s out and you’re acting like you’ve got annual leave. Show off the tan, fake or otherwise. Long sleeves are for when you need to look like you’ve got your life together. Roll them up for work or the pub. Aim for Bond at the bar, not Del Boy flogging dodgy gear at the market.

Transitional weather is that awkward bit between seasons when you leave the house freezing and come home sweating. The answer? A good shirt. Linen and seersucker are your warm-day mates, while cotton twill and brushed flannel take over when the chill sets in. Keep a Cuban collar or lightweight overshirt on standby for easy layering. They bridge the gap between coat and T-shirt season, which in Britain, let’s be honest, is most of the year.