In the same way that a watch instantly elevates one’s outfit, so does a nice pair of cufflinks. And you can’t exactly fasten cuff links without a French cuff shirt. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication, the best French cuff shirts help you appear pulled together, whether you’re heading to an interview or down the aisle.
Originally worn by 17th-century French nobility, French cuff shirts posed a chance to display ornate cuff links on elaborate shirts. Today, the tradition lives on, but the overall aesthetic is much sleeker and cleaner—and the cufflinks remain. But first, what even is a French cuff shirt? And how does one wear it?
What is a French cuff shirt?
Men’s French cuff shirts are dress shirts with long, stiff cuffs that have buttonholes on each side. The stiffness of this fabric allows it to be folded over itself to align the buttonholes. It is through these lined up holes that you secure the cufflinks.
The overall effect of a French cuff shirt is clean and crisp with the perfect chance to display a pop of your personality.
How do I wear a French cuff shirt?
French cuff shirts are typically designated for formal occasions, but they can be worn more casually with the right styling. They are a must for a tuxedo, so you’ll definitely need one for a black-tie event. But they can also be worn with a regular suit jacket if you want to add a touch of class to the whole thing.
French cuff shirts can definitely be paired with well-tailored slacks or even denim if you forgo the tie and possibly add another clean accessory like a belt.
Now, let’s have a look at the top 7 best men’s French cuff shirts at your disposal.
Key Takeaways
For this journey, I began by poring over hundreds of options, including customer reviews, blogs, and even my own husband’s closet, until I whittled it down to the 10 finalists you see on this list.
The overall top pick among the best French cuff shirts is the Charles Tyrwhitt Non-Iron Twill Shirt because it’s crisp and elegant, well-made, and comes in a variety of fits and colors. For a more relaxed fit, look no further than the Brooks Brothers Stretch Madison Relaxed Fit Dress Shirt.
Why it’s great: Known for quality and fit at an approachable price point, Charles Tyrwhitt makes a stunning French cuff shirt. It is beautifully crafted for both looks and feel, with streamlined back darts and a split yoke at the back for optimal comfort.
Beyond crisp white, you can choose from 12 different colors and three different fits. A classic collar and included brass collar stays keep it looking sharp.
Who is it for? Because they’re so comfortable, affordably priced, and come in so many colors, this shirt is perfect for filling out your wardrobe.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The quality and construction are present, but at this price point, you’re not going to get any luxe fabrics.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 14.5–20” Collar, 32–38” Sleeve | Colors: 12 | Care: Machine wash | Collar: Point
Why it’s great: Every guy needs a French cuff shirt in his closet, and this brand makes it easy to fulfill that need. I like the dressy look of the beautiful herringbone grain that adds a touch of dimension on an otherwise basic shirt.
The cotton/poly blend feels comfortable and breathable, and the regular fit allows for plenty of movement through the shoulders, waist, and arm holes.
Who is it for? This is a great pick if you need a quick French cuff shirt for a wedding or formal event. And because of the extended collar size and sleeve lengths, it’s an ideal choice for big and tall guys.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some reviewers say that the buttons are fragile. Even though this is a budget pick, it’s something to consider.
Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester | Sizes: 14–22” Collar, 32–38” Sleeve | Colors: 22 | Care: Machine wash | Collar: Point
Why it’s great: Sleek and sitting close to the body, this Calvin Klein offering is a flattering slim fit French cuff shirt for a decent price. Tapered sleeves, higher arm holes, and a slim cut chest and waist help you to appear sleek and pulled together. But it’s still comfortable.
This humble-looking shirt possesses moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant properties, so it stays crisp all day.
Who is it for? The slim fit is perfect for a lean dude or if you want to appear more polished. And because it’s moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant, it’s ideal if you need a comfortable shirt you can travel in or a shirt you can sweat in.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The material apparently has herringbone grain, but reviewers say it’s pretty hard to see.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 14.5–18.5” Collar, 32–37” sleeve | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash | Collar: Spread
Why it’s great: You’ve invested in a beautiful tuxedo, now you need the perfect white French cuff shirt. This one appears elegant and luxe, but it’s also pretty versatile, thanks to a spread collar, which means you can wear it with or without a tie. It’s made from crisp cotton that’s machine washable, so it’s easy to care for, too. This is an easy, timeless choice.
Who is it for? A great investment staple with durability, this French cuff shirt is a good one to have in your closet if you attend many galas, weddings, or other formal occasions. But don’t forget you can pair it down, thanks to a spread collar.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: At that price, you can’t exactly be spilling drinks all over it. The quality is worth the price but might be expensive for some.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 15.–17.5 | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine wash | Collar: Spread
Why it’s great: If you find yourself in a suit on a daily basis, you might as well be comfortable. This French cuff shirt is made from textured long-staple cotton, making it breathable with just enough stretch for ease of movement throughout the day.
It’s got a trim fit, so it will sit closer to the body, which is great for appearing pulled together despite any comforts. And it possesses a substantial feel, especially when compared to its thinner, cheaper counterparts.
Who is it for? If business casual is a work requirement, then this is a moderately priced option with an expensive feel. It’s also a good option for a wedding.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Hard to find anything wrong with this entry in our list of the best French cuff shirts, although I do wish they came in more color options.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 15–18.5” Collar, 32–37” Sleeve | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine wash | Collar: Spread
Why it’s great: There’s no reason that gym gains should stand in the way of the best French cuff shirts. This option from State and Liberty is specifically designed with more room in the shoulders, chest, and arms, with a tapered waist for fit. Darts in the back help to pull in extra fabric.
Now, if you happen to be a sweater, this is a shirt you can actually wear: its performance stretch, moisture-wicking lightweight fabric is wrinkle-free. A semi-spread collar provides a nice wearable middle ground.
Who is it for? A perfect choice for guys with broad shoulders or if you’ll be busting a move on the dance floor.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some reviewers found the fit to be tight, but I will say it’s meant to fit snugly. Size up if you’re concerned.
Material: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS–3XL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine wash | Collar: Semi-spread
Why it’s great: The classic brand offers an elegant French cuff shirt with a relaxed, roomier fit.
If you do desire a slim or regular fit, however, those options are available. Blending style with wearability, the high-quality Supima cotton fabrication and elegant Ainsley point collar look expensive but come with a touch of stretch for ease of movement. And it doesn’t even have to be ironed.
Who is it for? If you’re looking for the finer details that come with good construction, like pucker-free seams and a crisp collar, then this is a great option. It’s a durable, yet classy French cuff shirt.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: One reviewer noted that the white is not bright white, which could affect some outfit choices.
Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex | Sizes: 14.5–20” Collar, 32–38” Sleeve | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine wash | Collar: Ainsley (semi-spread)
Buying Considerations for The Best French Cuff Shirts
Material
The fabric used to make the best French cuff shirts will promote its wearability and durability. Typically, you’re going to find cotton as the name or sole fabric used. Some include spandex or some other kind of performance stretch material. This will make it easier to move the shirt and make it more comfortable throughout the day.
Some fabrics are treated with wrinkle-resistant technology, so you don’t have to iron them, unlike plain cotton French cuff shirts.
Fit
These days, the trendy fit is slim. This will hug closer to the body and have higher arm holes. This look is naturally more refined, too. Classic fit is another great way to go because it’s comfortable but won’t sacrifice too much of that crispy, tailored look.
Roomy/relaxed fits are good for travel, movement, and overall comfort if you hate the feeling of a tight shirt. I’m also happy to include the V-cut fit from State and Liberty, specifically designed for guys with broad shoulders and chests.
Collar
There are a few different types of collars with various names according to the source, but typically they are referred to as a point/traditional, spread, and semi-spread collars. It’s important to understand your needs and face shape when searching for the best French cuff shirts.
Spread collars have a greater distance between each collar point to have a visually widening effect on the wearer’s face. They can be worn with or without a tie and can handle a wider tie knot. Mid-spread collars fall somewhere between point/traditional collars. Point collars are narrower, slimming the face.
How We Chose
In my quest to present the best men’s French cuff shirts, I meticulously sifted through a myriad of options to ensure that I brought you nothing but the top picks.
My selection process is grounded in extensive research and a clear understanding of what defines quality in the realm of fashion, especially when it comes to the distinguished appeal of the French cuff shirt.
Here’s how I narrowed my choices:
Company reputation: How well a company delivers consistently good product matters nearly as much as the product itself. I was sure to consider companies that possess outstanding reputations in terms of customer service, quality of their product, and their dedication to overall customer satisfaction.
Customer reviews: What are people saying about the best French cuff shirts? Have they been ordering the same shirts over and over again? I was careful to look for shirts that customers said were attractive, of high quality, and lasted a long time.
Price: There is a wide variation in price when it comes to the best French cuff shirts, but I made sure to examine them all according to their value. Even if a shirt is expensive, if it’s extremely well-made and lasts forever, I’m going to consider it.
Why Trust Us?
Rachel, a seasoned grooming and fashion expert at Fashionbeans, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her articles, making her insights on the best French cuff shirts invaluable. With a keen eye for style and a deep understanding of menswear trends, she has extensively covered various aspects of men’s fashion, ensuring that her recommendations are both stylish and practical.
For example, in her comprehensive guide on the best cufflinks, Rachel showcases her ability to discern the finest apparel choices for discerning readers. Her article about the best jeans for men with big thighs further exemplifies her expertise, highlighting how she blends fashion-forward thinking with specific customer needs.
By meticulously selecting and evaluating products, Rachel ensures that every piece of advice she offers is backed by thorough research and personal experience in the fashion field, establishing her as a trustworthy authority for readers seeking to elevate their wardrobe with French cuff shirts.
Final Verdict
The best French cuff shirts should be clean and elegant yet fit comfortably on the body. My top pick is the Charles Tyrwhitt Non-Iron Twill Shirt because it’s moderately priced, easy to wear and care for, and comes in a variety of fits and colors.
FAQ
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Fortunately, French cuff shirts are always in style. For centuries, the style of the shirt has communicated formality and cultivation.
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If you’re wearing a tuxedo or want to appear more pulled together in a suit or in general, it’s a good idea to wear a French cuff shirt.
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Take if from Tom Ford himself, the epitome of sexy sophistication known for wearing jeans and French cuffs shirts—you can. Just be sure your denim is well-tailored, and skip the tie.
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