BEIGE SHIRTS

I'll admit it. For years I wouldn't touch beige. In my head it was the colour of an old government office, or of the safari suit my uncle wore in every holiday photo from the eighties. Then a friend turned up to a Sunday lunch in a plain beige shirt, sleeves rolled, dark jeans, nothing else going on, and he looked better than anyone else at the table. That was annoying. It was also the moment I bought my first one.

Three summers later, it's the shirt I reach for when I can't decide. Here's why, and how to wear one without looking like that safari suit.

Why a Beige Shirt Deserves a Place in Your Wardrobe

Beige goes with almost everything. Navy, olive, brown, black, denim, white- it's happy next to all of them.

It's also easier to live with than white. A white shirt shows every curry splash and every bit of grime from a long commute. Beige is a lot more forgiving, and it still looks fresh in the heat.

And there's something about it that just looks deliberate. Black says "I didn't want to think about it". Beige says you did, a little.

Find the Right Shade of Beige for You

Here's where most people go wrong, because beige isn't one colour. It's a whole family.

At the pale end there's ecru, almost off-white, which feels very summery and works a bit like a softer white shirt. In the middle you've got sand and stone, which are the most useful of the lot and go with nearly anything. At the darker end there's oatmeal, which has a slightly warmer, richer feel and looks great once the weather cools. The Selected beige shirts range covers that whole spread.

One thing I learnt by trial and error. If a beige is very close to your own skin tone, the shirt can sort of disappear on you. Easy fix: add contrast with darker trousers or a jacket, or go a shade lighter or darker.

The Best Beige Fabrics for Summer and Winter

Beige shows off texture really well, so the fabric changes the whole feel of the shirt.

In summer, it's linen or a linen blend for me every time. Beige linen is about as close as menswear gets to a perfect hot-weather shirt. It breathes and looks relaxed even creased.

For the office, a beige oxford is hard to beat. The slightly nubbly weave gives it a bit of depth so it never looks flat under fluorescent lights.

Then winter. This is where beige surprised me most. In corduroy or brushed cotton it suddenly looks warm and rich, especially under a navy or bottle-green knit. There are also beige overshirts in herringbone, twill and even a wool blend check, which work like a light jacket on a cool Bengaluru evening. Have a look at the overshirts if you want one of those.

What to Wear With a Beige Shirt

If you only remember one combination, make it beige and navy. Beige up top, navy below. It's smart, it's easy, and it works in almost any office.

Dark jeans come a close second. Beige over dark indigo denim with white sneakers is my default Saturday outfit.

Olive or brown chinos give you a more earthy, tonal look that really suits autumn and winter. Brown shoes, matching belt.

Black is the one people don't expect. Beige with black trousers in the evening looks sharp and a little modern.

The only thing I'd skip is beige top to bottom in the exact same shade. Unless the fabrics are very different, you end up looking like a slightly confused biscuit.

Beige Shirt Outfits for Work, Weekends and Functions

At work, I tuck a beige oxford or a smoother cotton shirt into navy or grey tailored trousers, add brown shoes, and keep a navy blazer on the back of the chair for meetings.

Weekends are lazier. Linen shirt, untucked, dark jeans or shorts, sleeves rolled twice, a couple of buttons open.

For festive gatherings and daytime functions, I'd go for something with a bit of texture or detail, like a jacquard weave or an embroidered Cuban collar shirt, which the range has in beige. With tailored trousers it looks polished without being loud, and it sits comfortably alongside the traditional wear around you.

Evenings, I go darker. An oatmeal shirt with charcoal trousers and suede shoes. Warm and grown-up.

Getting the Fit Right

Light colours show fit more than dark ones do, because every fold and pull catches the light. Be fussy in the trial room.

The shoulder seam should sit right on the edge of your shoulder. Cuffs should reach the wrist bone when your arms hang loose. Then lift both arms over your head. If the shirt jumps out of your trousers, it won't stay tucked. Most of the beige range is regular fit, which I like for the heat, and there are slim fits too for a cleaner line under a jacket.

How to Keep Beige Looking Clean

Beige is kinder than white about stains, but it's not invincible. Treat marks fast, especially around the collar. Wash beige with other light colours, never with darks, in cool water so it doesn't go grey. Dry it in the shade, because strong sun can yellow light fabric over time. And check the care label on linen and wool blends, since they're a bit fussier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beige Shirts

Does a beige shirt go with black trousers?

Yes. It's a sharp, slightly unexpected combination that works especially well for evenings and dinners out. Keep the shoes black or dark brown and the rest of the outfit simple, so the contrast between the two colours does the work.

Is a beige shirt good for summer?

It's one of the best summer choices, especially in linen or a linen blend. The light colour looks cool, it hides marks better than white, and linen lets air move freely. Wear it untucked with dark jeans, chinos or shorts.

What shoes go with a beige shirt?

Brown leather shoes or loafers are the easiest match for work and smart-casual plans. White sneakers suit weekends and summer. Suede in tan or dark brown looks great in winter, and black shoes work when you pair beige with black or charcoal trousers.

How do I stop a beige shirt from looking washed out?

Add contrast. If the beige is close to your skin tone, pair it with darker trousers such as navy or charcoal, layer a jacket or knit over it, or choose a shade that's noticeably lighter or darker. Textured fabrics like oxford or corduroy also help.

Start With One Beige Shirt

You don't need a wardrobe full of it. One in a fabric that suits your weather will already make the rest of your clothes easier to wear. Explore beige shirts at Selected and find the shade that works for you.