Cotton is one of the best fabrics you can wear in the office. It breathes in a way that synthetic fabrics simply don’t, which matters when you’re moving between meetings, commuting and sitting at a desk all day. It also has a natural structure – particularly in a poplin or oxford weave – that looks polished without feeling stiff. The result is a shirt that keeps you comfortable and looks the part from morning to evening, without needing much intervention in between.

It depends on the context. An oversized shirt can absolutely work in the office – half-tucked into tailored trousers or worn open over a fine-knit, it reads as relaxed and intentional rather than underdressed. Where it becomes trickier is in more formal environments, or when the rest of the outfit is also relaxed. In those cases, a closer fit brings the polish back. Essentially, owning both a well-cut oversized shirt and a more fitted style will give you the range to dress for whatever the day requires.

White is the obvious answer, and for good reason. It’s clean, it’s versatile, and it works with everything in your wardrobe – but it’s not the only one worth owning. A pale blue shirt is softer than white and just as professional. It works particularly well under navy or grey tailoring while subtle stripes bring a little more personality without sacrificing formality. A fine stripe in blue and white or pink and white is one of those combinations that always looks considered. So, start with white, add blue and then maybe invest in a stripe for a work shirt wardrobe that covers every occasion.

The shirt is the starting point, what you build around it is where it gets interesting. With tailored trousers, it’s the most straightforward combination there is – tuck it in, add a heel or a loafer, and you’re done. Under a blazer, it brings structure to a suit without competing with it – leave the top button undone and let the collar sit softly over the lapel. With a midi skirt, it softens what could otherwise feel overly formal so try it half-tucked with a flat shoe for an easier, more contemporary take. For cooler months, layer under a fine-knit jumper with just the collar and cuffs showing – one of the quietest and most effective tricks in the wardrobe.

Poplin is a fine, tightly woven cotton and a little care goes a long way. Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle, inside out and with similar colours. Avoid the tumble dryer where possible as poplin can shrink slightly with repeated high heat. Hang drying keeps the fabric in better condition for longer and if you prefer a crisper finish, iron while the shirt is still slightly damp – it makes the process significantly easier and gives a cleaner result. Stored well and washed with a little thought, a good poplin shirt will last for years.