A great-fitting, freshly pressed shirt makes getting dressed feel effortless, but where to find the best? …

Image; Nicole Kidman wears Chanel X Charvet shirt. Charvet is also director Sofia Coppola and actress Catherine Deneuve’s preferred shirting label.

For SS26, Chanel’s creative director Matthieu Blazy sent menswear-inspired white, pinstripe and salmon pink cotton shirts, made in collaboration with historic French shirtmaker Charvet, down the runway. Coco Chanel was herself a customer of Charvet; she often borrowed shirts from her polo-playing lover and muse, Boy Capel. (Charvet also had a famous Irish customer in Charles Haughey.) Blazy drew on the codes of traditional masculine shirting, reworking the silhouette with a subtle Chanel twist – a chain sewn into the hem to ensure the perfect drape.

Chanel

If you struggle to find the perfect fit for your shape, having a bespoke shirt made is a tempting proposition. Enter Hunter Treacy Tailors where shirts are made to order using precise body measurements. From the weight of the cotton to the style of the collar, sleeve, stitching, mother-ofpearl buttons and monogram embroidery, everything is bespoke or customisable, fully handmade or hand-finished, depending on budget. Prices range from €220 for single-ply cotton to €700 for Sea Island cotton (the rarest and most luxurious cotton in the world).

Louise Trotter let the cuffs do the talking by adding XL cufflinks at Bottega Veneta.

Generally, look out for a centre-back box pleat if you are inbetween sizes on the back or bust. A curved hemline looks neat untucked. Long-sleeve shirts with the sleeves rolled up will always look more polished than short sleeves. Off the peg, our favourites are H&M (take one size down from your usual size) and Massimo Dutti (size up, and check out the menswear department as well). Wear loose over this season’s straight or cigarette-leg jeans, or tucked into a great skirt or tailored trousers. Add jewellery for a polished edge or cufflinks to sharpen up the look.