Choosing the Right Shirts for Suits: Materials, Cuts & Fit

Written By Emirhan Koçyiğit
White Suit Shirts

Finding the perfect shirt to pair with a suit is about more than just color. From fabric quality to fit and collar style, each detail plays a vital role in ensuring your formalwear looks sharp, professional, and on-brand.

Whether you're designing a private label suit shirt collection or sourcing for retail, this guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing shirts for suits — and how to work with manufacturers to get it right.

🧵 Best Fabrics for Suit Shirts

When creating shirts meant to be worn under suits, fabric choice is critical. You need a material that’s breathable, drapes well, and holds its shape throughout the day.

Recommended Fabric Types:

  • Poplin – lightweight and smooth, great for formal settings

  • Twill – slightly heavier with a visible diagonal weave, resists wrinkles

  • Oxford – textured but still dressy when tailored properly

  • Linen (blends) – acceptable for summer suiting, especially in casual business environments

Want to stay on trend with seasonal fabrics? Don’t miss our guide on Fall 2025 Shirt Trends.

Pro tip: Always choose 2-ply or long staple cotton if you're aiming for premium quality.

📐 Slim Fit vs. Classic Fit for Suits

Fit matters just as much as fabric — especially when layering under a suit jacket.

  • Slim Fit Shirts
    Designed for a closer body contour. Best for modern suits with narrow cuts. Minimal fabric bunching under the jacket.
    Ideal for younger demographics or fashion-forward brands.

  • Classic Fit Shirts
    Offers more room through the chest and arms. Pairs well with traditional or looser suits. More comfortable for all-day wear and broader body types.

Many brands are now adopting a "tailored fit", a middle ground that offers structure without restricting movement.

If you’re producing multiple fits, make sure your sizing charts are aligned with your suit cuts and communicate that clearly to your buyers.

👔 Collar and Cuff Styles That Work Best with Suits

Collars and cuffs are where the elegance of a dress shirt really shows.

🔹 Popular Collar Types for Formalwear:

  • Spread Collar – Most versatile, works with various tie knots

  • Cutaway Collar – More modern, best with wider ties

  • Point Collar – Classic and clean, great for traditional suits

🔹 Recommended Cuffs:

  • Single-button rounded cuff – standard and versatile

  • French cuff – more formal, worn with cufflinks

Learn more about shirt construction and bulk production stages in our article on wholesale shirt production in Turkey.

🧵 Working with the Right Manufacturer

When sourcing shirts for suiting, it’s important to partner with manufacturers who understand formal shirt construction and can deliver consistency in fit, fabric, and finish.

At Sartello, we help brands around the world produce:

  • Business and formalwear shirts

  • Custom cuts tailored to suit collections

  • Flexible MOQ options and fabric consulting

Interested in how it all works? See our full shirt manufacturing process from fabric to delivery.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shirt for a suit is all about harmony — the harmony of fabric, fit, collar, and your brand’s aesthetic. With the right manufacturer, you can offer your customers comfort, elegance, and confidence in every look.

👉 Looking to start a private label formal shirt line?
Contact Sartello today to request samples or discuss your project.

Emirhan Koçyiğit
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Wholesale Shirt Production in Turkey: Step-by-Step Process