Shirt: The New Dress Code for Managers

For a long time, the executive’s wardrobe seemed to follow an immutable equation: white or sky-blue shirt, fitted cut, stiff collar and dark suit. In 2026, the codes are evolving.

Without abandoning the elegance that remains essential in a meeting room, the professional shirt is becoming more comfortable, more textured and, above all, less conventional. The white shirt, sky-blue shirt, Oxford shirt and stripes remain safe choices. But their interpretation is changing.

Rather than an ultra-slim cut, a regular or slightly loose silhouette is preferred, allowing greater freedom of movement. The white shirt can therefore be worn with a gray or navy-blue suit for a formal meeting, but also with pleated trousers and loafers for a business-casual look.

The striped shirt, another great classic, is also making a comeback with more visible stripes and less conventional combinations. The 2026 trends are giving considerable importance to stripes and reinterpreted classics.

Zara, for example, offers dress shirts in regular, slim and structured cuts, as well as linen and linen-lyocell models. Massimo Dutti is also focusing on regular cuts in 100% cotton twill, particularly in white, sky blue, navy blue and chocolate.

For managers who spend their days between meetings, travel and video conferences, comfort is no longer negotiable. Stretch fabrics, blended cotton, lightweight twill and easy-care materials are therefore gaining ground.

The other essential fabric remains linen, particularly relevant in the Moroccan context. Worn on its own with dress trousers during warm periods or under a lightweight jacket, it makes it possible to maintain an elegant appearance without falling into excessive formality.

At Lacoste, there are also linen, stretch poplin and pinpoint models, with regular or slim cuts.

Finally, Giordano is also worth considering, as it is regularly positioned around Oxford shirts and cuts suited to everyday professional wear.

The white poplin shirt

Timeless, but far from outdated. The white shirt is worn in a regular or slightly loose cut, with a well-structured collar. Paired with pleated trousers or a suit, it creates a sober, clean silhouette that remains credible for professional meetings.

The sky-blue striped shirt

Fine or slightly more graphic, stripes are making a strong comeback in the men’s wardrobe. The sky-blue model adds dimension to an outfit without losing its seriousness. With a navy suit or beige trousers, it works equally well at the office or for a business lunch.

The linen shirt

It combines elegance and lightness. In white, beige, blue or ecru, the linen shirt moves beyond the purely summer wardrobe to become a smart-casual piece. Worn with dress trousers and loafers, it offers a relaxed yet polished look.