Cotton-blend shirts with a little polyester crease far less and often look neat straight off the line, while pure cotton gives the crispest finish but creases more and needs ironing. Hanging shirts up the moment they're dry, rather than leaving them folded, keeps them smooth. If mornings are rushed, a blend is the low-maintenance choice.

Choose a regular fit rather than slim, and check the chest and, for button-ups, the neck measurement so the fabric isn't straining across the middle. Gaping at the buttons means it's too tight — sizing up or picking a fuller cut fixes it. Wearing the shirt untucked or over a tee also skims the stomach rather than clinging to it.

A plain golfer in a solid, neutral colour passes as smart-casual in many workplaces, especially with chinos or dark trousers and neat shoes — it sits a step above a tee but below a formal shirt. Bright colours, big logos or busy patterns pull it towards casual. If your workplace leans smart, keep to plain, darker golfers.

A crisp long-sleeve collared shirt in white or a soft colour with neat chinos or dark trousers looks appropriate at most weddings and functions without a suit, especially with the sleeves down and shoes cleaned. Add a belt that matches your shoes to pull it together. Keep it plain rather than patterned so it reads dressy.

Cotton-blend shirts with a little polyester crease far less and often look neat straight off the line, while pure cotton gives the crispest finish but creases more and needs ironing. Hanging shirts up the moment they're dry, rather than leaving them folded, keeps them smooth. If mornings are rushed, a blend is the low-maintenance choice.

Choose a regular fit rather than slim, and check the chest and, for button-ups, the neck measurement so the fabric isn't straining across the middle. Gaping at the buttons means it's too tight — sizing up or picking a fuller cut fixes it. Wearing the shirt untucked or over a tee also skims the stomach rather than clinging to it.

A plain golfer in a solid, neutral colour passes as smart-casual in many workplaces, especially with chinos or dark trousers and neat shoes — it sits a step above a tee but below a formal shirt. Bright colours, big logos or busy patterns pull it towards casual. If your workplace leans smart, keep to plain, darker golfers.

A crisp long-sleeve collared shirt in white or a soft colour with neat chinos or dark trousers looks appropriate at most weddings and functions without a suit, especially with the sleeves down and shoes cleaned. Add a belt that matches your shoes to pull it together. Keep it plain rather than patterned so it reads dressy.