Pro Tips for Buying, Caring for and Wearing Black Shirts

From Johnny Cash to Batman, Ninjas to The Ramones, wearing black is a mark of manliness. Suave as it is mysterious, mastering the dark arts of donning black will take your look to the next level. While a suit or an overcoat is standard in black, roll the dice on a dark shirt for a gamble that will reap sartorial rewards.

Step into the night in timeless style when you learn the art of buying, caring for and wearing your black shirt.

Buying

Slim Down for the Right Fit

Black is slimming, but in a shirt that is too big, the dark fabric will lack any definition and leave you looking larger. Opt for shirts in a slim fit to define and enhance your masculine frame.

Black Down to the Detail

For a black shirt that will look sharp with anything from jeans to a suit jacket, choose one with black buttons in lieu of the harsh contrast of white ones.

Caring

Dry Clean Only

Most men’s shirts don’t require dry-cleaning, but to keep your black shirts from fading into gray there is no other way. While the money up front may be hard to swallow it will not only save you cash, but your style in the long run.

Ironing out the Details

Ironing is a skill any dapper man needs to master, but even those versed in the art should pay close attention when it comes to blacks. Turning up the iron too high on a black shirt can leave your shirt with unsightly shiny spots.

Wearing

Tie it Down

A black shirt is sophisticated enough to go sans tie even for formal occasions, but if you do decide to don a tie, pick one in black. A satin tie will look particularly elegant and the contrast in texture will set it apart from your shirt.

Suit it Up

Channel the man who wore black best and go all-black like Johnny Cash. Fit for a formal affair, a three-piece suit will look elegant and masculine. Give your dark look definition when you let a satin lapel and shiny shoes stand out from the rest of your outfit.

Contrast is Key

Not all occasions call for the formality of a full suit, but with a black shirt you can quickly go from sharply dressed to server-esque. Wearing a black shirt and coordinating pants without a jacket can come off looking like a uniform. Instead, pair your shirt with contrasting pants in gray or tan.

For smoldering style that will never fade, button into a black shirt that can go from your 9-5 to the night-club.

Master the dark arts of donning a black shirt.

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