There are shirts, and then there are shirts. You know them when you see them. Immaculately cut, stitched with surgical precision, soft to the touch and with the perfect drape. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, high-street, three-for-£20, sale-rail jobs. No. These are something else, something elevated. These are luxury shirts.
Luxury shirts are what men who live for quality and attention to detail choose to wear under their jackets. They’re expensive, sure. But the higher price point gets you fine materials, handmade construction and, in most cases, a certain pedigree that lesser garments from lesser brands can’t match.
So, who are the brands making these luxury shirts, and what should you look for when buying? Scroll on for the need-to-know info.
What makes a shirt ‘luxury’?
OK, but what exactly constitutes ‘luxury’ when it comes to shirts anyway? For us, three factors really seal the deal. Here’s what we look at when deciding whether or not a brand makes the cut.
Materials
Turnbull & Asser
First and foremost, what is the shirt made from? If it’s cheap polyester that smells faintly of burning tyres when you iron it, it’s probably not a luxury shirt. Egyptian cotton, cashmere blends and pure linen, on the other hand – you might just be looking at a quality item.
Most premium shirt brands and specialist shirtmakers take great pride in their materials and where they’re sourced from. So, if it really is a luxury shirt, you probably won’t have to look very hard to find the relevant information.
Brand Heritage
Another biggie is whose name is stitched into the collar. Whether you buy into labels or not, there’s no denying that some names carry a certain amount of weight in terms of reputation and prestige.
Some historic shirtmakers have been in business for hundreds of years. Some of them even have Royal Warrants, all of which contributes to the idea of luxury.
Craftsmanship
Gitman Vintage
Last up is the all-important build quality. How was the shirt made? Who by? And where? These are key factors in determining whether or not a garment can be granted luxury status.
More often than not, luxury shirts are handmade somewhere with a strong heritage of high-end clothing manufacture—places like Italy, England and France.
Check the label and research brands and their backgrounds before you buy. Speaking of which…
The Best Luxury Shirt Brands For Men
Eton
Don’t be fooled by the name; this historic shirtmaker is actually from Sweden. Founded in 1928, Eton has become one of the biggest names in the game when it comes to high-quality dress shirts.
Known for its next-level craftsmanship, Eton’s shirts are made using fine Egyptian cotton and celebrated for their low-maintenance, wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Whether it’s a crisp white dress shirt or something with a subtle pattern to draw the eye, Eton’s knack for a great shirt has made it a staple for those who appreciate understated luxury.
Shop now at Eton
Turnbull & Asser
If it’s good enough for Bond, numerous prime ministers and literal royalty, then it’s good enough for us. London’s Turnbull & Asser has been around since 1885 and has been perfecting its craft ever since.
Turnbull & Asser’s shirts are all about traditional British shirtmaking techniques and fine fabrics. If you’ve got the money, you can even have your shirt made to measure to ensure the perfect fit.
Shop now at MR PORTER
Gitman Vintage
Gitman Vintage taps into the rich history of American shirtmaking, drawing inspiration from archival designs while adding quirky modern touches.
Launched in 2008 as a spin-off from Gitman Bros., the brand is known for its playful approach to shirting. Think bold patterns and vibrant colours coupled with classic shapes and styles.
Shop now at END.
Drake’s
Drake’s began as a London-based tie maker and haberdasher in the seventies but quickly expanded into shirts and other menswear essentials. Known for its preppy tailoring and upscale casualwear, the brand offers soft, unstructured shirts that strike a balance between formal and relaxed.
The label’s Oxford cloth button-downs and linen shirts are well-loved for their versatile, easygoing style. They’re high-end but approachable, perfect for anyone who wants to look polished without feeling too buttoned-up and stuffy.
Shop now at MR PORTER
Filson
For a rugged, outdoorsy take on premium shirting, look no further than Filson. This American brand, founded in 1897, is known for crafting durable, high-quality gear built for life in the wilderness, and the shirts are no exception.
Initially catering to gold prospectors and outdoorsmen, Filson’s shirts are built to withstand the elements and are made from hard-wearing fabrics like flannel and twill. This is a label that bridges utility with style – perfect for those who appreciate a well-made, functional shirt that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics.
Whether you’re chopping wood or heading to the pub (or both!), Filson has you covered.
Shop now at Filson
Emma Willis
Emma Willis, based in London’s shirtmaking capital, Jermyn Street, is a modern name in a world of heritage brands. Even so, she’s quickly established herself as a leading bespoke shirtmaker, which is a testament to the quality of her work. Launched in 1989, the brand focuses on hand-cut and hand-sewn shirts made in small batches from the finest Swiss and Italian cotton.
Emma Willis is known for her attention to detail, from soft collars to precision-cut cuffs. Her shirts are designed for those who want something personalised and unique, and the highly personal made-to-measure service ensures a perfect fit every time.
Shop now at Emma Willis
Emmett London
Founded by Robert Emmett in 1992, Emmett London is known for its limited-edition runs of beautifully crafted shirts. Every piece is made in small batches, often with eye-catching details or unusual fabrics you’re highly unlikely to find anywhere else.
From bold, quirky prints to more classic styles, Emmett is all about individuality and craftsmanship. Based on King’s Road, it’s a distinctly London label that offers a great mix of classic designs with a twist, breaking away from the more predictable options in luxury shirting.
Shop now at Emmett London
Budd
Established in 1910, Budd is one of the few remaining shirtmakers to hand-cut its shirts in-house, above its shop in London’s Piccadilly Arcade. Known for its attention to detail, Budd specialises in bespoke and made-to-measure shirts crafted from the finest fabrics and tailored to each customer’s precise measurements.
Whether it’s for formal wear or a more casual affair, a Budd shirt embodies traditional British craftsmanship, making it a favourite of those in the know.
Shop now at Budd
Charvet
Charvet is the gold standard in luxury shirting, with a rich history that dates back to 1838 Paris. Known for its impeccable bespoke service, the brand has dressed everyone from royalty to famous authors.
The shirts themselves are crafted from the finest fabrics and offer endless customisation options, down to the smallest detail. And with no two garments alike, this is perhaps the ultimate label for anyone looking to invest in the best of the best.
Shop now at MR PORTER
