Why You Should Choose a 100% Cotton Dress Shirts

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There are so many different types of dress shirts for men that are available on the market. They will all have a long list of unique features and benefits. So what is the most important aspect? Where do you start? Well - first you have to check the fundamentals. When it comes to fabric - if you're shopping for dress shirts, it is clear that you need to opt for 100% cotton!

In this article we will take your through our reasoning and explain why 100% cotton shirts for men are the best. And why you should focus on these next time you need a new dress shirt, instead of a shirt made from synthetic materials and fibres. 

What Does 100% Cotton Actually Mean?

We are sure that we have all heard about 100% cotton shirts and other types of clothing. But what does 100% cotton actually mean? 

When something is made with 100% cotton, that means that the article of clothing is made from natural cotton fibres only. 100% cotton fabrics comes in different types depending on how the textiles were manufactured and weight for example. Some common types of cotton fabrics you may be familiar with are:

-      Cotton Lawn

-      Cotton Jersey

-      Cotton Poplin

-      Chambray

-      Brushed cotton

-      Cotton drill

Unlike synthetic fabrics, there are no other materials or synthetic fibres involved in the manufacturing process, which results in a soft cotton fabric. This can be an important factor, especially to those consumers who are looking for an all-natural product.

Cotton Fibres Are Completely Natural

Cotton is a natural fibre that comes from the cotton plant. Once the cotton is ready, it is harvested, collected, processed by gins and then spun into a yarn that then is used to weave or knit a fabric. 

Most of the worlds cotton is grown in warmer climates and in countries like the United States, Uzbekistan, China, and India. Other countries that have a big cotton production are Brazil, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Image Below: Photo by Nong V on Unsplash

A 100% Cotton Shirt is a Natural Cooling System for Your Body!

One of the main benefits of 100% cotton shirts is that they are both soft, absorbent, and breathable. The fact that a 100% cotton shirt is breathable does not only help to control moisture but also absorbs the sweat your body produces throughout the day. This particular feature makes cotton shirts for men the number one priority and a must have during the warmer months of the year.

Did you know that a cotton shirt can absorb up to 27 times its weight in water, making it excellent in providing thermal insulation and making sure there's no buildup of moisture on the body, keeping it fresh and cool.

In simple words, the natural moisture wicking properties of 100% cotton shirts will keep you cool and comfortable, making them ideal to wear in hot weather.

Image below: 100% Cotton Extreme Cutaway Shirt from Dandy & Son. 

Cotton is Gentle and Kind to Your Skin 

Whether you're in the office or at a wedding - wearing a dress shirt for a longer period of time, you will want the fabric to be soft and gentle on your skin. This is even more important if you have allergies or sensitive skin.

One of the main benefits of cotton and clothing made by cotton is that it is a good choice for people with allergies and sensitive skin. This is due to its breathability as well as the fact that it does not cling to your skin, like synthetic materials can do. This reduces friction and irritation.

Another great feature with cotton is also that allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander does not stick to it the same way it sticks to synthetic fabrics. So, if you are planning a spring walk in the park, and you are sensitive to pollen and often get hay fever, make sure you wear a 100% cotton shirt!

Cotton Fabric Does Not Trap Bad Smell.

When you are out at a restaurant, cooking dinner or maybe sitting around a campfire, different odours are bound to get soaked into your clothing. The problem with synthetic materials is these odours tend to stick, even after you have washed the garment. This won't happen to a dress shirt made with cotton. When you put your cotton shirt through your laundry machine, the material releases odorous substances more easily than other fabrics! 

Cotton Is Durable and Can Last Many Years with Proper Care.

The fibres in mens shirts made by cotton are strong and can resist wear and tear. With other kinds of fabrics, it has been seen that a few washes degrade the quality. However, the durable fabric of cotton clothes is much stronger and longer if it is being washed in the right and recommended way.

For example, our Extreme Cutaway Shirts are made from 100% cotton and are machine washable, but make sure to read the care label before. And remember, you do not have to wash your cotton shirts after ever single use. Sometimes you can freshen it up by simply steaming it or airing it outside for a while.

Image Below: Photo by Ryoji Hayasaka on Unsplash

A Great Option for Budget-Conscious Shoppers.

Cotton shirts are a great option for budget-conscious shoppers because there are many affordable options available. Cotton is a relatively inexpensive fabric, so you won't have to spend a lot of money on your shirt, and this makes cotton a great option for people who are on a tighter budget. We would however recommend spending a few extra dollars to get a higher quality dress shirt made from premium cottons as they tend to last longer, saving you money in the long term.

Due to the fact that they are much more durable than other dress shirts that are made from synthetics, they will last longer and you do not have to buy new every year!

Image Below: Blue Striped Extreme Cutaway Shirt from Dandy & Son

100% Cotton Shirts Are Available in a Variety of Types, Styles and Colours to Suit Any Outfit!

When it comes to cotton shirts for men, there are hundreds of different styles and colours out there. If you are looking for a unique style made from a comfortable 100% cotton fabric, we would highly recommend our Extreme Cutaway Collar Shirts. They are perfect whether you are dressing for a day at the office, a formal event, or a night out on the town. It can be worn as it is, with a tie or with a bow tie under a blazer. The good thing, and a benefit with most cotton shirts, is that they can be both dressed up or down, making them versatile and a must have item for any mans wardrobe.

There are also many different types of 100% cotton shirts with different features. One popular variation of 100% cotton shirts for men is the non-iron shirt. Non-iron shirts are perfect for people who don't have time, or simply do not want to spend time ironing their dress shirts. A special finish is what prevents them from wrinkling.

You can also find many different types of collars on cotton dress shirts for men. Some examples of collar that can be found on shirt for men are wide spread collar shirt, extreme cutaway shirt or contrast collar shirt for example.

Want to learn more about the different collars that you can fins on mens shirt? Why not check out this blog post were we talk about 'The 12 Must Know Mens Shirt Collars'.

Better for the Environment 

These days, we all need to do what we can to save the planet. By choosing a shirt for men made by natural fibres, like cotton, instead of polyester (a synthetic fibre, a kind of plastic and is usually made from petroleum) you are making a good decision!

Another reason to choose cotton is also the fact that since cotton is a natural fibre, it is biodegradable. In simple words, one can easily break down the cotton fibres into smaller and natural elements with the help of microorganisms. The actual dyeing process for cotton shirts is also less harmful and therefore better for the environment than the dyeing process for synthetic materials like polyester.

As a result, if you wear a cotton shirt, you are doing the right thing for the environment!

Disadvantages of Synthetic Fibres

The main reason for our blog post about 100% cotton is to let you know the reasons why we do not suggest wearing shirts made from artificial and synthetic fabrics. To summarise, here are some of the main reasons:

• Synthetic materials such as polyester is not as soft, absorbent, and breathable as cotton fabrics.
  
  
• Synthetic fabrics and fibres are not good for people with sensitive skin or who suffers from allergies and hay-fever. 
  
  
• The chemicals used in the process of such fibres can compromise durability. As a result, man-made fibres are often less durable than natural fibres. Oil-based synthetic fabrics can be flammable and may irritate the skin due to the harsh chemicals.
  
  
• Due to the fact that polyester is basically plastic, it can melt if they come into contact with high temperatures. Not ideal to wear next to a patio heater or fire!
  
  
• Polyester is made from petroleum, which means is more harmful to the planet! 
  
  
• Additionally, synthetic fibres can at times be more expensive than their natural ones because the manufacturing process can cost more.

And Finally...

In this blog article we have tried to do our best to give you an overview and cover the many reasons as possible to buy shirts for men made from cotton rather than shirts made from synthetic materials and fibres such as polyester.

Aside from all the good reasons stated above. Cotton shirts are also more comfortable, stylish, and versatile. Depending on your mood or occasion, you will be able to find a shirt that meets your needs and unique style. It is no wonder that cotton shirts are a wardrobe staple for so many people. If you are going to a more formal event for example, why not get yourself an extreme cutaway shirt and you will be the best dressed man at the event!

Would you like to read some more about mens style, formalwear and fashion? Why not check out our blog article about “10 Wardrobe Essentials For Men (2022 Edition)”.

Thank you for reading!