Collection: White Shirts

Quick test before purchase: hold the folded shirt up to a light source. If you can see your hand behind the fabric, the shirt will be transparent when worn. Indicative weights: less than 100 g/m² (voile, batiste) = almost always transparent, requires a camisole. 100-130 g/m² (fine poplin) = slightly transparent depending on thread density. 130-160 g/m² (thick poplin, oxford) = generally opaque. More than 160 g/m² (oxford, chambray) = opaque. The number of threads per cm² (density) counts as much as the weight: a very tight poplin at 110 g/m² can be more opaque than a loose poplin at 130 g/m². For a white office shirt where nothing should be visible: look for a poplin of at least 120-130 g/m² or oxford.

Optical white (pure): contains fluorescent agents that absorb UV and re-emit it as visible blue light: hence the "bright" and slightly bluish white. Very visible, strong contrast with tanned or bronzed skin. If it makes optical white under UV light (nightclub, black light): it glows. Ivory: slightly yellow-cream white. Warm, flattering on the vast majority of skin tones. Less visible than optical white but more harmonious with the skin. Ecru: beige-natural white, not bleached (natural color of raw cotton). The most casual and "natural" of whites. Chalk white: cold white slightly grayish: elegant, no shine, discreet. For the office: ivory or chalk are the most professional. For an intentional graphic look: optical white.

Washing at 60°C once a month maintains the whiteness of a cotton shirt by destroying the bacteria responsible for yellowing (notably under the armpits). For regular care: 40°C with detergent for whites (nowadays without phosphate, uses optical agents). Never mix with colored clothes in the machine: color transfers are permanent on white. White deodorant stains (aluminum salts): dab with pure white vinegar before washing. Makeup stains: neutral soap and cold water immediately. Grease stains (sauce, butter): talc or flour applied to the dry stain 30 minutes before washing: absorbs the grease. Progressive overall yellowing: soak in baking soda (1 tablespoon/liter of cold water, 1h) then wash at 60°C.

Fitted white shirt (slim fit): hugs the bust, easily tucked in, clean line. Risk: button gaping on a generous bust (the fitted cut does not leave extra fabric at the bust). Straight white shirt (regular fit): looser, no gaping, can be worn tucked in or loose. The most versatile version. Oversize white shirt: worn loose or rolled up, contemporary style. Tucked into jeans or a skirt, it creates controlled volume on top. The top button open is almost mandatory on a tucked-in oversize: otherwise, the effect is dressed despite the loose cut. White shirt with lavallière or tie collar: in silk or satin: between a blouse and a shirt, more feminine.

The white shirt is the most formal piece in the wardrobe after the tuxedo: in the office, it signals "professional, neat, attentive to detail". Conditions for it to remain formal: opaque fabric (sufficient weight), perfectly ironed (creases = sign of negligence), buttoned up to at least the second button. A poorly ironed or slightly transparent white shirt produces the opposite effect of the intended signal. The wrinkled white shirt is deliberately casual (effortless style): acceptable in casual settings, inappropriate in formal contexts. Ironing: collar and cuffs first (the most visible areas), then the body.

With office pants: black pants or beige pants. With a skirt: midi skirts or long skirts. For all colored shirts in addition to white: shirts. For a blazer over a white shirt: black jackets.