Buttoned up or dressed down, shirts have you covered
Shirts’ universal appeal, adaptability across styles and genders, and constant reinvention through new cuts, details, and co-ord sets make them both a consumer favourite and a creative challenge for brands
If there is one article of clothing you cannot help but notice nowadays, it is shirts. We do not mean crisp office uniforms, because shirts have now taken over closets in different forms — button-downs, V-necks, silky evening numbers, striped classics, oversized weekend staples, even coordinated sets with skirts.
They have become the go-to choice, suitable for campuses, boardrooms and even birthdays.
Digital creator Tasrifa Hossain agrees. "They're just so easy to play around with. The relaxed fit and timeless colour, you can mix and match them in so many ways. They're one of those pieces that make you look polished without really putting too much effort," she shared.
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Matching shirt-and-bottom co-ords have become a major fashion movement, giving a classy and put-together look that is effortless to wear. With the right accessories and prints, they can be transformed into glamorous evening outfits too: bold earrings or a textured bag can instantly take a co-ord from casual brunchwear to a dinner-ready look.
"I would always suggest having a few timeless colours in your shirt collection, such as white, striped blue, black, beige, olive, and sky blue. These shades are versatile, easy to style, and having these staples means you'll never run out of ways to put together an outfit," Tasrifa suggests.
This versatility is also exactly what makes shirts such an interesting product category for brands.
Zain Ahmed, CEO of DEFCLO, points out that shirts are one of the few pieces that truly appeal to a universal audience.
"Shirts are incredibly versatile. They can be styled casually or dressed up for more formal occasions, which makes them a staple in almost every wardrobe," he said. "They also appeal to a wider audience since they're not limited by gender, and their adaptability means they can be paired with everything from jeans to skirts, formal pants, and co-ords."
However, Zain also noted that this very popularity also comes with its challenges for brands. "Shirts are no longer just 'shirts.' The market has evolved, and customers now expect variety in cuts, fits, and styles — boxy, cropped, oversized, fitted. This creates both creative opportunities and challenges, as brands need to cater to a broad range of preferences to stay relevant."
This constant demand for innovation means that brands must invest more in design, forecasting, and production to keep pace with ever-changing trends.
Their accessibility has also contributed to their rise in popularity. With Thailand being a major hub for trendy fashion pieces, more Bangladesh-based importers are bringing in affordable yet stylish shirts that closely follow global trends. This means that consumers can now experiment with a wider variety of designs and fits without having to splurge, making shirts even more appealing to the mass market.
Another trend gaining momentum is pairing shirts with skirts, especially in the warmer months. Matching silk shirts tucked into satin skirts create an easy day-to-night outfit, or a mid-length shirt with midi skirts makes a cute, quirky fit.
Beyond styling, shirts are being reinvented with fresh details like knotted fronts, asymmetrical hems, and the now-popular bow accents that tap into the coquette aesthetic seen all over social media. These touches add a playful twist and keep shirts from looking too predictable.
Another reason why shirts are such an easy choice is that they're comfortable enough to wear every day. Light cotton shirts are perfect for warm weather, while slightly heavier fabrics like linen work for air-conditioned offices or cooler evenings. Their relaxed fit means you can move around comfortably without feeling restricted.
For travel, shirts are a dream since they pack flat, can be layered over tank tops, or used as a light jacket for airports or trains, or buttoned up for a more put-together look after a long journey. They are also easy to freshen up: a quick steam or even hanging them up overnight often makes them ready to wear again. This practicality makes them a smart buy for people who want one piece to serve multiple purposes.
Their inclusivity is another reason they remain relevant. Cropped shirts cater to those who want a more youthful, edgy look, while oversized shirts provide a modest yet stylish option.
Tasrifa herself leans toward oversized fits, "I usually prefer shirts with an oversized fit because they strike the right balance between comfort and sophistication. I also like keeping my outfits modest, and the relaxed cut gives me that coverage and still looks put together."
Shirts today are more than just functional pieces. They can be the understated base that lets accessories shine or the statement item that carries the whole outfit. Their adaptability is exactly why they're dominating Dhaka's fashion scene. Whether you are building a capsule wardrobe of whites and stripes or experimenting with bold prints and colours, shirts offer endless ways to express personal style.
And that's why shirts having a fashion moment just makes complete sense. They let people look put together with minimal effort, stay relevant to trends without overhauling their whole closet, and adapt to whatever the day brings. In a place where comfort and versatility matter more than ever, we can definitely expect shirts to stay in trend and evolve.
