Bamboo shirts for men at the office and at leisure
Short answer: A shirt made of bamboo viscose can be worn to meetings and at the weekend, if you choose cut and colour with care. The fabric is soft and often drapes nicely, but it needs a little care to keep its shape. Here is how to wear it for work and time off.
One shirt, two uses
A shirt that has to work both at the office and at leisure needs a calm cut and a colour that suits trousers and jeans alike. White, light blue and grey are the most versatile. It often matters less how many shirts you own than that they fit the rest of your wardrobe.
How to wear it at the office
At the office the shirt works best with a button-down collar, plain fabric and a fit that does not pull at the stomach or shoulders. Tuck it into good trousers, or leave it loose if the workplace is relaxed. Look through the range of bamboo shirt for men to compare cuts and colours.
How to wear it at the weekend
At leisure the shirt can be worn open over a T-shirt, with the sleeves rolled up or buttoned all the way to the neck. Combine it with chinos or jeans in a muted colour so it does not look too formal. A shirt with a soft feel moves easily from the daily routine to dinner with friends.
Choosing colour and pattern
Plain shirts are the easiest to combine, while fine stripes or small checks add life without being loud. If you own few shirts, start with a light one and a dark one and add a pattern afterwards. Dark shades hide sweat and stains better than white, though white is easy to combine.
Layers through the day
A thin shirt can be worn under a sweater or jacket and taken off when the room gets warm. Choose a T-shirt underneath if you want to open the shirt without feeling undressed. Look at bamboo T-shirts for men to pick the right one for the layers.
What to check on the fit
The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder, and the sleeve should end at the wrist. If you can lift your arms without the shirt being pulled out of your trousers, it fits. A shirt that is too tight across the chest strains the buttons and wears faster.
Washing and care in a busy week
Wash the shirt according to the label, preferably at a low temperature and with little detergent. Take it out of the machine while it is still damp, shake it out and hang it on a hanger. That leaves fewer creases and saves time at the ironing board. Iron on low heat only.
Travel and long days in the shirt
On a long day or when travelling, a shirt that does not feel heavy is an advantage. Roll it rather than fold it and you get fewer sharp creases in the suitcase. Hang it up as soon as you arrive and let the steam from a shower smooth the worst creases.
What matters underneath and around it
The shirt sits best when what lies closest to the skin is smooth and does not drag. A simple undershirt or T-shirt makes the shirt last longer and stops it from sticking. Think of socks as part of the whole and see all bamboo socks for men for the day.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bamboo shirt be worn under a suit?
Yes, a plain shirt with a firm collar goes under a suit if the cut is classic and the fabric is not too thin. Try it with the jacket on so the sleeves do not stick out.
Does it need ironing?
It depends on the fabric and how sharp you want to look. Hung up damp after a low-temperature wash it can often manage on its own, but for important meetings a light pass on low heat is safer.
Which colour is the most versatile?
Light blue and white are the most common, because they suit both dark and light trousers. Grey is a calm alternative that works well at the office and at leisure.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
