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Forbes
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Dress Pants For Men Are Sharp Yet Comfortable
Whether you're suiting up for a formal event or dressing down for a business-casual office day, every guy should own at least one pair of high-quality dress pants. I researched dozens of options and consulted with a menswear expert before landing on the seven best dress pants for men. My top pick is the Bonobos Weekday Warrior, a crisp, slightly stretchy pair that comes in six fits, ranging from tailored to relaxed. In terms of comfort, the Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser wins; they're breathable, smooth and flexible for all-day wear. Based on an expert stylist's advice, I rounded up the best dress pants for men that run the gamut ... More from business-casual to formal. When making my selections, I considered several factors including materials, size range and color options—and I made sure to include dress pants for both formal occasions as well as more relaxed settings. My final picks were then reviewed and approved by Forbes Vetted special projects and features director Kim Peiffer. Here are the best men's dress pants, as well as helpful shopping tips from men's style director Ben Twaits, men's style director at Wardrobe Therapy in Columbus, Ohio. (If you're looking to complete your ensemble, check out our guides to the best dress shirts for men and the most comfortable dress shoes for men.) Bonobos Waist sizes: 28 to 54 | Inseam lengths: 28 to 36 | Fit: 6 total, including Slim and Tailored | Colors: 20 total, including Monday Blue and Friday Steel | Materials: 97% cotton, 3% elastane Bonobos consistently impresses us with its menswear essentials, and its Weekday Warrior Dress Pants earn the top spot on this list. Made of a crisp cotton fabric blended with a hint of elastane for stretch, these sophisticated-but-not-stuffy pants are easy to style and even easier to maintain (they're machine washable). They're available in six different fits, so there's something for every taste and body type. The color selection deserves a nod as well—there are 20 shades to pick from. Amazon Waist sizes: 28 to 60 | Inseam lengths: 28 to 34 | Fit: Classic | Colors: 6 total, including Khaki Brown and Black | Materials: 100% polyester Those who appreciate simplicity (and a reasonable price tag) should look to the Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Pleated Dress Pant. With a pleated front, relaxed thigh and straight leg, these pants offer just enough room to ensure comfort. They're made of polyester, which means they're easy to launder—but it also means you won't get that same crisp, distinguished look that cotton and wool provides. But, if you're in the market for a well-made pair under $40, these fit the bill. Lululemon Waist sizes: 28 to 46 | Inseam lengths: 28 to 37 | Fit: Classic | Colors: 12 total, including Obsidian and Asphalt Grey | Materials: 53% elastomultiester, 47% recycled polyester Lululemon's signature Warpstreme fabric is beloved for being smooth, stretchy and easily washable. That's why it's such a smart choice for this pair of trousers: It offers a streamlined, put-together look without any stiffness. An ergonomic gusset is built into the crotch of the pants, creating extra room to maximize comfort. While these pants come in a wide array of colors, I recommend sticking with the darker shades to keep them from reading too casual. Todd Snyder Waist sizes: 30 to 40 | Inseam lengths: Unhemmed | Fit: Tailored | Colors: 2 total, including Navy and Mid Grey | Materials: 100% wool If you're looking for a pair of no-nonsense, traditional dress pants, I recommend this 100% wool pair from Ted Baker. Featuring a tailored fit, these pants are formal enough for weddings, work presentations and any other occasion where you want to look your best. Keep in mind that these pants only come in one inseam length—unhemmed—so you'll have to take them in to a tailor to achieve your perfect fit. They're also the single pair on this list that requires dry cleaning, in order to preserve the wool fabric. Duer Waist sizes: 28 to 40 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 32 | Fit: Relaxed taper | Colors: 5 total, including Navy and Charcoal | Materials: 60% cotton, 35% nylon, 5% spandex While Duer is more widely known for its casual offerings, some of its pieces can be styled up for a business-casual look. Its Relaxed Taper Trouser—made from a breathable, stretchy blend of cotton, nylon and spandex—is perfect for settings where you want to look sharp, but not too polished. The cut is roomy throughout the leg, tapering subtly down to the ankle. These pants are the definition of low maintenance: You can dress them down with a t-shirt when you're off the clock, then toss them into the wash when they're ready to clean them. Charles Tyrwhitt Waist sizes: 30 to 44 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 38 (unhemmed) | Fit: Classic and Slim | Colors: 5 total, including Olive and Limestone | Materials: 96% cotton, 4% elastane Charles Tyrwhitt excels in classic menswear staples, and this pair of dress pants is my top overall pick for the office. Landing right between a suit pant and a chino pant, this unique style is made from a cotton-elastane blend that offers just enough structure without feeling constricting. Available in classic and slim fits, this machine washable pair ideal for lengthy commutes and prolonged periods sitting at a desk. Its color offerings—which include lesser-seen shades like Limestone and Olive—allow you to infuse your work wardrobe with a bit of personality. Quince Waist sizes: 30 to 36 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 34 | Fit: Classic and Slim | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Navy | Materials: 65% recycled polyester, 30% rayon, 5% spandex When it comes to travel clothes, it's important to prioritize comfort—who wants to sit through a long-haul flight in tight, restrictive pants? But if you have a business meeting as soon as you step off the plane, you also need a pair that looks sharp without effort. The Quince Performance Stretch Dress Pant is made from recycled polyester, rayon and spandex, offering four-way stretch and wrinkle resistance—both of which are important while traveling. They're also machine washable, so you can easily refresh them on longer trips. At Forbes Vetted, we're dedicated to making informed recommendations for a wide range of fashion topics, with dozens of stories dedicated specifically to menswear. To determine the best dress pants for men, I first spent several hours researching menswear brands, looking for ones that have stellar reputations and excellent customer ratings. When shopping for men's dress pants, you should consider the overall fit, the fabric they're made of, and the colors they come in. Below, Twaits breaks down everything to look for in a high-quality pair. When it comes to the fit of your dress pants, first consider your body type. 'For the apple-shaped man, I'd recommend a straight to slim-straight leg opening,' says Twaits. This style helps create balance and can help you appear taller. Meanwhile, rectangular body types should opt for a slim-straight to slim leg pant; Twaits recommends adding a belt to give your silhouette more shape. Athletic body types, too, should aim for a slim-straight leg, while those with a small seat should opt for a slim leg. 'A good tailor can also help take in the seat for those men that need it,' says Twaits. For formal scenarios—think weddings or important business meetings—Twaits recommends pants made of 100% wool, like the Ted Baker Jefferson Dress Pants. If you're going for more of a business-casual look, you have a few more options. 'Wool blends, cotton dress pants, chinos and even cotton-twill five-pocket pants are all acceptable in a business-casual environment,' says Twaits. However, he warns that certain synthetic materials can make a dress pant read too casual for the workplace. 'Dress pants that have too much synthetic material such as polyester and spandex start to look too much like a golf pant. Comfortable, yes—but not recommended for the office.' Twaits prefers darker colors for dressier occasions, including black, charcoal, and navy. 'I also think that brighter navy and blues, lighter grays, and even some taupe colored pants are also acceptable in dressy situations,' he says. Lighter shades like khaki and olive green, on the other hand, are more suitable for casual scenarios.
CNN
06-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
12 best men's dress shirts, per stylists
Whether for business or pleasure, there are plenty of occasions that call for wearing a dress shirt. Go all-out formal for black-tie weddings, pair it with dress pants to tackle your next job interview or take a more casual approach with jeans and loafers. Dress shirts have been a staple of many men for decades now, meaning there are plenty of colors, collar types and fits to choose from. Here, we consulted three men's fashion experts and wardrobe stylists on the best men's dress shirts to add to your wardrobe. Best men's dress shirts Editor Favorite Uniqlo Super Non-Iron Slim Shirt Uniqlo "Uniqlo is my favorite spot for essentials like tees and dress shirts, so I have this button-down in a few different collar styles," said associate testing writer Joe Bloss. "I often struggle finding shirts that have proper sleeve length without alterations, but this fits great. Plus, the material steams easily to release any wrinkles." $40 at Uniqlo Bonobos Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt Bonobos "I'm not a fan of the stuffy, solid-color dress shirts that immediately come to mind when one thinks 'businessman,' so when I need to dress to impress, I typically seek out dress shirts with a little bit of flair, be it a subtle pattern or color that's not black, white or navy," CNN Underscored copy chief Daniel Toy said. "I'm a huge fan of Bonobos' Riviera line for this reason, as it offers office-appropriate attire that works just as well for post-work activities or date nights. Because I typically find myself rolling up long sleeves, I prefer short-sleeve shirts, but Bonobos has a fantastic line of more formal dress shirts as well if that's your preference or your workplace has a stricter dress code." From $59 at Bonobos Paul Smith Cotton-Poplin Shirt Mr Porter 'Paul Smith is a go-to for when I'm styling a casual suit,' Rosenberg said, adding that the Italian-made shirts 'are undeniably crisp, clean and provide a luxurious yet approachable feel.' $250 at Mr Porter Editor Favorite Ministry of Supply Apollo Dress Shirt Ministry of Supply "I wish it were a little cheaper, though I have to admit I feel great in this performance dress shirt every time I wear it," Bloss said. "It's my favorite casual dress shirt." Made from a recycled polyester blend, the material boasts temperature regulating qualities and has even gone through performance tests to prove its breathability, wrinkle resistance and stretch. "Heads up, I wouldn't recommend it with a tie because of the spacing between the top button and the next one down," Bloss added. $130 at Ministry of Supply Cos Slim Tailored Poplin Shirt Cos Whether you're headed to a business meeting, preparing for an interview or dining with friends, this tailored light blue option can be your go-to dress shirt. While this shirt can easily be dressed up with formal pieces, Rosenberg suggests wearing it untucked with black dress pants and casual loafers. $99 at Cos Favourbrook Gatsby Cotton-Poplin Shirt Mr Porter 'This shirt has a modern look due to the front plackets,' Rosenberg said. 'Occasionally, I enjoy not seeing the buttons on the front of dress shirts so the tie can appear extremely clean and flat. The overall style of this shirt is perfect for work and important meetings.' $165 at Mr Porter What to look for in a men's dress shirt Since you'll most likely pair your dress shirt with things like dress pants and blazers, experts recommend focusing on the fit of your shirt first. Now, how you want your dress shirt to look and feel boils down to personal preference. For dressy events, a tuxedo shirt should be your first option. These solid shirts feature a French cuff — a stiff cuff that's fastened with cufflinks — and pair nicely with formal attire. Relaxed fit and slim fit styles make great work shirts as they can be easily dressed up or down depending on the formality of your career. If you need to wear a tie to work, look for dress shirts with wide collars — these collar styles are large enough to accommodate a thick tie. This differs from the more casual Oxford shirts, which are differentiated by their button-down collar and thicker cloth fabric. Linen shirts are also popular casual options, especially during the warmer months. FAQs The following FAQs have been answered by style experts Michael Andrew Rosenberg and Amanda Sanders. How can you tell if a dress shirt is high quality? There are several ways to identify if a dress shirt is high quality, but stylists suggest looking at the shirt's finishes first. 'I look out for the fabric weight and fit, as these are key indicators of luxury and longevity,' Rosenberg said. Other details include buttons (mother-of-pearl are the most luxurious), collar structure and the overall feel. Stay away from shirts with loose threads, especially at the buttonholes, and only buy patterned shirts where the prints match up along the seams. 'An indicator of quality is how well the stitching and cuffs are sewn,' Rosenberg said. 'I also look out for neatly stitched buttonholes. Italian dress shirts are my go-to as they are tailored to perfection.' What is the best fabric for a men's dress shirt? Cotton is the most popular fabric in men's dress shirts. The fiber is known for its breathability, durability and comfort — just make sure that your cotton dress shirts aren't mixed with a high percentage of synthetic fibers (like rayon or polyester) which are less durable and breathable, unless they were engineered as a performance fabric. Poplin and twill are common weaves for cotton dress shirts, according to experts. Consider flannel, cashmere or plaid dress shirts for colder climates and linen during the warmer months. And while cotton is definitely the most classic material, performance and athletic fit dress shirts that use materials like spandex are also very popular among men. Should you size up or size down a dress shirt? 'If you are unsure about your size it's best to size up versus down,' Sanders said. 'Larger shirts can be tailored and darted to make them smaller.' Meet our experts For this article, we consulted the following style experts to gain their professional insights on the best men's dress shirts. Michala Ebert , a Nordstrom digital fashion stylist based in Chicago, Illinois , a Nordstrom digital fashion stylist based in Chicago, Illinois Michael Andrew Rosenberg , a New York City-based art director and stylist at the luxury men's retailer, Mr. Porter , a New York City-based art director and stylist at the luxury men's retailer, Mr. Porter Amanda Sanders, fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant with over 15 years of experience working with celebrity clientele including Chris Rock, Jeff Goldblum and Jamie Fox Why trust CNN Underscored CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, contributing writer Matthew Velasco consulted professional stylists about the best men's dress shirts to shop. Velasco has also covered other men's fashion like the best polo shirts, belts and dress shoes for guys.
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Dress Shirts For Men, According To Stylists And Our Editors
Every guy needs a few good dress shirts to round out his foundational wardrobe. They work in a variety of scenarios to add personal style and elevate your entire look. We rounded up the best dress shirts for men—they're made of high-quality, breathable fabrics and they offer a tailored, comfortable fit. Our top pick overall is the Bonobos Everyday Oxford, which is made of 100% cotton with built-in stretch that works for any build. Another great option is the Mizzen+Main Leeward Dress Shirt, a lightweight, stretchy style with odor-fighting features. The best men's dress shirts come in high quality fabrics, they're impeccably tailored and they're ... More available in a variety of fits. Finding the best men's dress shirt comes down to proper fit, fabric and quality. I spoke with two professional stylists—Natalie Tincher, founder and principal stylist at BU Style and Ben Twaits, lead male stylist at Wardrobe Therapy—to ask for their top picks for a variety of body types and work-life situations. I also consulted our in-house style expert, deputy editor Kari Molvar, for additional insights. Below, find the 12 best dress shirts for men that we highly recommend. Bonobos Sizes: XS to XXL | Fits: Tailored, slim, standard, athletic | Fabric: 100% cotton | Colors: 16 total, including Navy and Darkest Charcoal Bonobos really understands what guys want for modern workwear, and this comfy stretch-fabric shirt is great with or without a blazer. It comes in four fits as well as a wide range of hues, textures and subtle patterns. 'The brand carries shirts for slim, tailored, athletic and standard builds and are more size-inclusive than many brands," says Tincher. "It's a great place to go for a different builds,' says Tincher. Also great: The Everyday Oxford is available in three lengths, so you can ensure the hem of your shirt hits the right place on your body, whether you're tucking it in your waistband or wearing it untucked. Charles Tyrwhitt Neck sizes: 14.5 to 20 inches | Fits: Classic, slim | Sleeve sizes: 32 inches to 38 inches | Fabric: 100% cotton | Colors: 9 total, including White and Aqua UK-based menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt offers contemporary styles that are easy to wear right off the rack. Its Clifton weave cotton shirt features a distinct finish that allows you to skip the iron before heading out the door. The shirt is available in classic, slim and extra-slim fits, and for an extra fee, you can customize the sleeve length or add a left pocket. One shopper says this shirt is 'great quality and the fit is perfect,' while another writes, 'the weave of material is unmatched by any US retail store I have experienced.' However, a few note that the classic fit version of the shirts can run a bit large. Tie Bar Neck sizes: 14.5 to 18.5 | Sleeve lengths: 32 to 37 | Fits: Standard, trim | Fabric: 100% cotton | Colors: 4 total, including White and Light Blue If you don't have time for ironing or steaming, Tie Bar's Pinpoint dress shirt is specially treated with a non-iron finish to remain almost wrinkle-free, even after washing and putting it in the dryer. The point collar is sharp and stylish, making this a good pick for dressing up for a wedding or the weekend. If you buy three, you pay just $50 each. Reviewers praise this shirt's overall fit and material. One customer writes, 'This shirt is an incredible value for the price,' while another adds, 'I wore it on a date and it stayed crisp and stylish all day.' Some shoppers note the sizing can be tricky, though. Banana Republic Sizes: XS to XXL| Fits: Regular, tall | Fabric: 100% cotton | Colors: 2 total, including Country Blue and White Banana Republic's well-made button downs are available at a wallet-friendly price, which is all the more reason to stock up on multiple shades. 'Banana Republic provides a great shirt for under $100,' says Twaits. 'The brand does sizing by letter instead of neck and sleeve length, and it also offers tall sizes.' The poplin fabric is smooth and opaque, giving you the go-ahead to wear it on its own as well as underneath a jacket. Just keep in mind that this shirt's fabric can be prone to wrinkling, so it'll take a little extra effort to keep it looking polished. Rhone Sizes: XS to XXL | Fits: Slim, classic | Fabric: Polyamide and elastane | Colors: 24 total, including Bright White and Business Blue Designed to be ultra-breathable and stretchy without losing its shape, Rhone's top-rated Commuter Shirt is easy to wear all day. It comes in both slim and classic fits, and the fabric's give makes this a good choice for athletic builds. It has a button front with a hidden button collar for a streamlined look, and it's finished with a wrinkle-release fabrication to keep things low-maintenance. One reviewer writes, 'the fabric is soft yet sturdy, breathable yet polished—it's like wearing a finely tailored cloud,' while another says, 'it's the ultimate multitasker, perfect for commuting to work, jumping into a meeting, or grabbing a drink afterward.' However, some customers say the collar lacks structure, so it's not ideal for wearing with a tie or underneath a blazer. Amazon Sizes: S to XXL | Fits: Trim, classic | Fabric: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Colors: 25 total, including Light Blue and Black Mizzen+Main's dress shirt is almost like a low-maintenance workout shirt. This pick doesn't need to be dry cleaned and it's also moisture-wicking. 'It looks and feels like a regular dress shirt [at first glance], but once you put it on, it stretches and moves with you like a knit,' says Tincher. 'It's great for packing or if you have to go right from a plane to a meeting.' It comes in a variety of classic solids and casual patterns, as well as tall sizes. Another bonus: The shirt's stretchy performance fabric is odor-resistant, so you'll feel fresh all day. Since this shirt is thinner than a traditional cotton style, it's particularly well-suited for layering underneath a blazer. Lululemon Sizes: XS to 3XL | Fits: Standard | Fabric: 52% elastomultiester, 34% recycled polyester, 14% nylon | Colors: 8 total, including True Navy and Black Athleisure brand Lululemon has perfected the art of stretchy, comfortable clothing that still manages to look sophisticated. This extends to dress shirts, including the Venture style, which is designed to move with your body. You'll also find that this shirt holds up in hot weather; the sweat-wicking fabric is treated with zinc, which prohibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Reviewers particularly note the fabric is soft and comfortable. 'This line of shirts has become my go to for business casual events,' says one Lululemon shopper. However, some comment that the sleeves are too short on them. Faherty Brand Sizes: XS to XXL | Fits: Standard, long | Fabric: 55% Supima cotton, 16% lyocell, 25% recycled nylon, 4% spandex | Colors: 26 total, including Cloud White and Atlantic Sky Founded by twin brothers Alex and Mike Faherty in 2013, Faherty is a self-described family brand focused on 'great quality, legendary comfort and good vibes.' In under a decade, the brand has become a button-down favorite, and this shirt scores major points for being comfortable and wrinkle-resistant. Tincher is a fan of Faherty for laidback settings. 'For weekend shirts or for creative types in more casual work environments, Faherty has great options that you can wear untucked with the sleeves rolled up,' she says. Simply add a pair of chinos and you have an easygoing look that's perfect for weekend outings and summer Fridays. Everlane Sizes: XS to XXL | Fits: Standard, tall | Fabric: 100% organic cotton | Colors: 8 total, including Sage Green and Slate Grey Everlane's bestseller is a casual spin on your traditional Oxford due to its more relaxed fit. Cut from 100% organic cotton, it has a roomy design so it can be worn untucked or tucked in. It comes with a 365-day guarantee, meaning if this shirt gets a hole or the color fades within a year, Everlane will replace it for free. Many reviewers are pleased with this shirt's fabric and say it's an upgrade from the brand's previous versions. 'This shirt is silky soft and fits perfectly,' writes one Everlane customer. Shoppers also describe it as 'versatile' and say it 'wears well in a variety of situations.' Some note, however, that sizing is inconsistent between colors. Todd Snyder Sizes: 14.5 to 18 | Fits: Standard | Fabric: 100% cotton | Colors: 5 total, including White and Lavender Cut from Italian cotton, Todd Snyder's collaboration with Thomas Mason has all the hallmarks of a classic design: It has a spread collar (named for the angle and distance of the collar's 'points'), pearly white buttons and end-on-end alternation of light and dark warp and weft threads. The crisp white color stays true after multiple launderings and looks great with almost anything you pair it with. A majority of customers say they love this shirt and that the 'fit and fabric feel great.' However, one reviewer felt that the material was a bit transparent. Suit Supply Sizes: 14.5 to 17.5 | Fits: Regular | Fabric: 100% cotton | Colors: White Suit Supply specializes in custom-made suiting. Like all its dress shirts, the Oxford style can be personalized online—choose your collar type and height and interlining. You can do alterations in-store if necessary, and all items ship for free to your doorstep. With its heat-sealed buttons and detailed stitching, this shirt is the next best thing to made-to-measure. 'I appreciate the ability to customize this shirt to your liking," says Molvar. 'You can pick the overall silhouette (formal, casual, button down), collar width, button and cuff type, monogramming details and whether you want a placket at the back or not.' Just keep in mind that the shirts do take two to three weeks to arrive, given that they're semi-made to order. Eton Sizes: 14.5 to 17.5 | Fits: Super slim, slim, contemporary, classic | Fabric: 100% cotton | Colors: 7 total, including Blue and White This polished style offers high-impact solids in luxe fabrics with flawless lines. It comes in four different cuts—super slim, slim, contemporary and classic. Tincher recommends Eton's shirts for slender builds and for those with a slim and inverted triangle shape. The Eton brand is also a favorite for Twaits, who praises the shirts' fit and fabric. Multiple customers note that this shirt's quality is apparent right out of the box. 'The decidedly shiny signature twill makes this shirt look better than any white shirt I've ever worn,' says one Eton customer. At Forbes Vetted, we take menswear shopping seriously; you can find a vast array of fashion stories for men across our website, from the best polo shirts to the most comfortable dress shoes. To assemble this roundup, we took several elements into account. Here's our criteria for the best dress shirts for men: When it comes to shopping for men's dress shirts, there are a few key factors you'll want to consider to streamline your search, including: 'First and foremost, consider body shape and fit when shopping for dress shirts,' says Ben Twaits, lead male stylist at Wardrobe Therapy. 'If you have a rectangle or V-shaped silhouette, look for brands with slim or trim fit shirts. If you are more oval-shaped, look for brands that have a classic fit.' One particular feature to look for, according to Twaits, is darting on the back of a shirt. 'This will make the waist of the shirt slimmer and sometimes allow for a broader shoulder,' he says. Another factor to pay attention to is neck size. 'If you're buttoning the top button, you need to be able to fit about two fingers between the collar and your neck,' says Natalie Tincher, founder and principal stylist at BU Style. If there's a lot more room, then it's too big and it will throw off the look. If it's less, you'll likely feel suffocated. Also, when accounting for fit, remember that the size of the shirt may change with time. 'Keep in mind that even if it says a shirt is preshrunk, shirts tend to shrink a bit more after about 10 washes or trips to the dry cleaner,' Tincher says. Overall, know that even if you find a great shirt for your body type, you may still need to consider alterations to get the best fit. 'It should be easy to tailor the torso to be made slimmer and to shorten sleeves,' Tincher says. While it really comes down to personal preference, the best men's dress shirts are 100% cotton rather than a cotton/poly blend, which makes them more breathable and comfortable. You will most often see men's dress shirts in broadcloth (which is very similar to poplin), Oxford, pinpoint and twill fabrics; here's a breakdown on each: Some men's dress shirts may have stretch, like those from Bonobos or Mizzen+Main, which makes them popular with guys looking for additional comfort. Other men's dress shirts may have non-iron finishes, like our pick from Tie Bar. A non-iron finish makes shirts easier to care for and they tend to look nicer after a long day or night. Just be aware that the smoothness factor may be fleeting. 'A lot of people like no-iron fabrics, but that's just a finishing on the fabric,' says Tincher. 'Over time, the non-iron finish on the shirt will wear off.' While every brand we've featured on this list earned high marks for quality and style, one stood above the rest, and that's Bonobos. Its Everyday Oxford is versatile, comfortable and available in multiple fits and lengths. With a less than $100 price tag, it also won't break the bank. However, the best dress shirt for you ultimately comes down to your individual needs. In general, once you find a shirt that works well for you, experts recommend purchasing multiple colors or patterns. When it comes to dress shirts, signs of quality include 100% cotton fabric, fine stitching and a stiff collar. While some brands may give you sticker shock, the fabric and construction is likely superior, which means you'll wear the shirt more often and it will last longer. It can be tempting to go cheap on dress shirts if you're not wearing them all the time, but don't skimp too much. 'Ask yourself, are the seams and stitching around the cuffs or buttons already pulling or wearing?' says Natalie Tincher, founder and principal stylist at BU Style. 'That's a bad sign.' Similarly, if a shirt's material feels thin or see-through, you may want to pass. While many dress shirts are designed to be worn with two-piece suits, there are a few details in particular that lend themselves to a more formal look. Specifically, tailored dress shirts made of a finer weave fabric, like Oxford or pinpoint cotton, are good choices since they fit close to the body. We also recommend choosing a shirt with a pointed or spread collar, rather than a button-down collar. The Eton Signature Twill Shirt is ideal for wearing under a blazer, thanks to its sharp pointed collar and luxe fabric that remains wrinkle-free over the course of the day.
New York Times
24-04-2025
- Science
- New York Times
These Apes Are Matriarchal, but It Doesn't Mean They're Peaceful
Male domination is the natural order of things, some people say. But bonobos, primates with whom we share nearly 99 percent of our DNA, beg to differ. Bonobos are great apes that live in female-dominated societies, a relative rarity among mammals, especially in species where males are the larger sex. While females are smaller than their male counterparts, they reign supreme in bonobo societies. Scientists have long wondered how female bonobos maintain their matriarchies. In a study, published Thursday in the journal Communications Biology, researchers who tracked six bonobo communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo over nearly 30 years provided the first evidence-based explanation for how female bonobos gain and sustain dominance over the males within their communities. Females, they found, form coalitions against males to tip the balance of power in their favor. When a male bonobo steps out of line, nearby females will band together to attack or intimidate him. Males who cower in the face of such conflicts lose social rank, while their female adversaries gain it, affording them better access to food, and mates for their sons. Bonobos and chimpanzees are our closest living relatives. They were once thought to be a slightly smaller and darker-skinned subspecies of chimpanzee, but scientists determined nearly a century ago that they are separate species. These endangered apes, found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo, are difficult to study in the wild. To conduct this study, Martin Surbeck, a behavioral ecologist at Harvard University, and other scientists spent thousands of hours trudging through dense jungles. 'You get up around three o'clock in the morning, then walk for an hour or two to find the site where they built their nests the previous night,' Dr. Surbeck said. 'And then you follow the group for the whole day till they make their nests again.' It's known among primatologists that bonobos make a lot of love in addition to war. They carry out rather heavy petting, make sex toys and engage in homosexual intercourse. With their sexual activity and lower levels of violence compared with chimpanzees, the idea that bonobos are the hippies of the ape world is pervasive. However, observations by Dr. Surbeck and his team, and those of other researchers, challenge the harmonious stereotyping of these primates. 'Bonobos are not as peaceful as people might think,' said Maud Mouginot, an anthropologist at Boston University who was not involved in the current study. That includes conflict between the sexes. From 1993 to 2021, the researchers observed 1,786 instances of a male starting beef with a female. Examples included acting aggressively toward a female or her infant, or monopolizing food. In roughly 61 percent of these fights, the female teamed up with other females and emerged victorious. Such conflicts 'can be very severe,' Dr. Surbeck said. 'On a few occasions, we suspect that the male died as a result of the attack.' Males have been known to lose fingers and toes in such conflicts. In one unfortunate incident, a male bonobo in the Stuttgart Zoo in Germany had his penis bit in half during a battle with two females. A surgeon was able to sew it back together. Drawing on all the data they gathered, Dr. Surbeck and his team tested several hypotheses for how females maintain power in bonobo society. After crunching the numbers, the only one the team found evidence to support was one researchers call the 'female coalition hypothesis,' which suggests that females work together to overpower males during conflicts, resulting in higher social ranks for the winning females. The average female bonobo, the researchers found, outranks approximately 70 percent of the males in her community. Dr. Mouginot said what Dr. Surbeck and his colleagues found affirms what scientists like her have suspected for decades about the source of female power in bonobo society. 'For people who've been in the field with bonobos, it's not that surprising — but it's really nice to have actual quantitative data from different bonobos communities,' she said. Scientists are just beginning to scratch the surface when it comes to what lessons may be drawn from bonobos, Dr. Surbeck said, so protecting them is important. 'Bonobos are an endangered species,' he said. 'As our closest living relative, they help us look into our past. If we lose them, we lose a mirror for humanity. ' But for him, the study also supports the idea that male dominance is not a biological inevitability. 'While some people might think that patriarchy and male dominance are somehow an evolutionary trait in our species, that's really not the case,' Dr. Surbeck said.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Bonobo calls reveal language-like traits
Bonobos' vocal calls share an unexpected feature of human communication, suggesting that the building blocks of language developed earlier in our evolutionary history than previously thought. Bonobos, our species' joint-closest relative alongside chimpanzees, make noises that stand for concepts, like 'run' or 'predator.' Now, researchers have found that the apes appear to use one sound to modify the meaning of another, New Scientist reported: For example, combining the sounds for 'pay attention' and 'I am excited' seemed equivalent to 'pay attention to me because I am in distress.' This ability is key to human language, but had never been observed among animals before. The finding suggests the roots of language existed at least seven million years ago, when bonobos and humans diverged.
