Why A White Shirt Is Your Best Style Investment

Close-fitting, embodying an easy confidence and impossibly cool - the classic white shirt tends to suit the most.

Crafted to be the cornerstone of your summer wardrobe, this essential is never likely to let you down. In the 19th century, the white shirt evolved from being a utilitarian piece to a key aspect of formal attire, accented with a panoply of detachable collars. However, the turn of the 20th century saw the white shirt taking a radical departure from the ornate styles of the past. The likes of Duke of Windsor and Cary Grant paved the way for a more laid-back approach to dressing, which resulted in a softer, free-flowing white shirt. Later style savants like Alain Delon and Paul Newman lent it a streak of badass rebellion. From being stiff-collared and aristocratic earlier, it became a symbol of rakish nonchalance and bravado.

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However, in the nineties and early aughts, designers like Tom Ford reimagined it through a high fashion lens. Picture Colin Firth in the Ford-directed, A Single Man (2009). Set in the sixties, the film’s opening scene depicts Colin opening a chest of drawers to unravel an array of impeccably pressed shirts. Stark white and tailored with a front placket and pin-collar details. The white shirt to most of us denotes a sense of purpose - it could be an important meeting in the afternoon ahead or a date when one wants to keep it simple yet impactful. Last week, Ishaan Khatter was spotted in a half-sleeved Christian Dior white shirt worn over a white tee. The actor completed the look with a pair of sunnies and a classic watch. Few weeks ago, Vijay Deverakonda showed up at an event in a casual white shirt which he styled with a knitted cap. And it's not difficult to understand why. It's easy to style, comfort-inducing and the very definition of cool.

When one thinks of the classic white shirt in the Indian context, Rajesh Pratap Singh's hand stitched khadi cotton shirts come to mind instantly. Season after season, the designer has sublimated it with ingenious craft techniques - from his signature hand-done pintucks on the yolk to bias cut styles. "For us a white shirt resonates with authenticity/ purity and where we come from. It’s a pursuit of an imagery and an emotion," says Rajesh.

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The brand doesn’t work with seasons and trends so it’s an ongoing quest to get the perfect white shirt. "Since 1997 we must have done thousands of iterations. At the moment, we are excited about a new fabric which should be able to be produced commercially by the end of this year. ⁠There is a white shirt for every occasion. A separate one for work. An informal one for play. Don’t mix them. The trick is in construction," he adds.

Designers like Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna have offered embellished, beaded variations which make them ideal for evenings. This season, designer Saggar Mehra has redefined it with architectural tailoring, concealed closures, and subtle shifts in proportion. "It’s designed to feel effortless yet intentional—luxury in its most understated form. For work, I suggest styling it with impeccably cut trousers and a clean belt—precise, polished, and elevated. For off-duty time,

wear it undone, layered over relaxed silhouettes. Let it soften. Let it speak easily without ever losing its edge. This isn’t just a staple. It’s the foundation of a refined wardrobe," says Saggar.

Spring Summer 25 is all about ease. Think relaxed cuts, room to move, and fabric that actually lets your skin breathe. Brands like Kingdom of White are moving away from structure, oversized fits, camp collars, minimal plackets but still embracing classic tailoring. The label's premium 60s count European linen shirts are ultra-light and made for the heat - crisp, breathable, and refined. Devika Joshi, Brand Lead, Kingdom of White shares, "Because nothing beats white when the sun’s out and your calendar is full. A classic white shirt brings together everything summer asks for — comfort, breathability, and that clean, crisp confidence. It’s the ultimate chameleon: formal when you need it, laid-back when you want it. Also, it never argues with your wardrobe — it just works."

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She suggests styling a cotton Oxford shirt with navy or black chinos or dress pants. "Add brown leather brogues or loafers, a classic watch, and maybe a tan belt to tie it all together. Clean, sharp, and effortlessly put together. For Casual Friday, switch things up with beige chinos and tan loafers for a laid-back vibe that still looks the part," she adds. For off-duty outings, she suggests loosening things up. "Just grab one of our airy linen shirts or a soft cotton one, roll the sleeves up, leave it untucked, and throw it on with some comfy linen shorts or denim. White sneakers, espadrilles, or slip-ons will also work. Add sunglasses and leave the collar open," she quips.

Phrases like 'closet essential' and 'timeless elegance' are more often than not loosely used these days. However, when it comes to the classic white shirt, it needs no embellishing.

Here are some white shirts we recommend:

Rajesh Pratap Singh

Spiffy and impeccably tailored, this timeless shirt lends itself effortlessly to a wide array of occasions. Style it with some rings, bracelets and a watch perhaps.

Kingdom of White

Crisp, clean and clinical, this simple and utilitarian white shirt seen on Rana Daggubati embodies ease and effortlessness. Style it with a matching white trouser or a pair of white jeans for a brunch outing.

Saggar Mehra

This white shirt with a statement print and texturing on the yolk is ideal for a fun outing with friends. Team it with a pair of shorts or chinos and offset the look with a pair of trainers.

Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna

This white shirt with dual front flap pockets and striking zipper details is the perfect date night and brunch look. Style it with a pair of off-white or beige linen pants and offset with leather flip-flops.