The art of the Regent shirt

The art of the Regent shirt

At Regent, we believe a good shirt should do more than simply look the part. It should feel right from the moment you put it on, wear comfortably throughout the day, and continue to do so for years to come. Our collection of shirts is designed with that in mind. Pieces that move easily between occasions, from formal settings to more relaxed moments, all built with the same level of care and consistency. 

Here’s what makes our shirts so distinctively Regent, and why they remain one of our favourite pieces throughout the years…

A fit that stands the test of time

At the centre of every Regent shirt is our signature fit, often referred to as the “block”, the underlying shape from which every shirt is cut. We’ve refined it over the past twenty years and come to a cut and fit that offers a comfortable sense of reliability every time you put one on.

It’s a fit that feels familiar. Clean through the body, with enough room to move comfortably, but without excess. Whether worn on its own or layered under tailoring, it sits as it should.

For those who have worn a Regent shirt before, that consistency is part of the appeal. Once you know your size, you can return to it with confidence. The only variation comes with certain fabrics. Oxford shirts, for example, go through a washing process that softens the cloth and may create a very slight difference in feel, though this is minimal and part of their character.

While our shirt’s cut hasn’t changed, styling preferences have evolved. Some may choose to go up half a size for a slightly more relaxed fit. We’re always happy to advise on sizing, but ultimately it comes down to how you like your shirt to sit. There are no hard and fast rules in tailoring, or very few!…

The details that make the difference

A Regent shirt is defined by the parts you don’t always notice at first glance but would miss if they weren’t there. These are the details that quietly shape how a shirt looks, feels and lasts.

A split yoke, the panel across the upper back, is carefully pattern matched to ensure balance across the shoulders. Alongside this, double pleats create a little extra room for movement, allowing the shirt to sit comfortably without losing its shape.

Construction is equally considered. Single needle side seams, stitched with one continuous line rather than multiple passes, create a cleaner finish and improve durability. A small gusset at the base of the seam reinforces an area that naturally takes more strain over time.

Fine stitching runs consistently throughout, while a single stitch shoulder construction keeps the structure strong without adding unnecessary bulk.

Further details complete the shirt:

  • Sleeves set into an enclosed (or bound) armhole, meaning the seam is neatly finished inside for comfort and longevity
  • A sleeve vent with button fastening, allowing ease when adjusting the cuff
  • Button shank wrapping, where the thread beneath each button is slightly raised to reduce strain on the fabric
  • A double placket, the reinforced strip where the buttons sit, helping the shirt hold its shape over time

It is these thoughtful, purposeful details that make the Regent shirt what it is.

Smart shirts: for work, occasion and everything in between

Our smart shirts are designed to sit comfortably in both formal and everyday wardrobes. These are pieces that work just as well for an event as they do for a day at work.

They offer structure where it’s needed but never feel restrictive. The result is a shirt that brings a sense of quiet confidence to how you dress, rather than demanding attention.

Within the collection, different fabrics bring their own character and purpose. Crisp poplin shirts offer a smooth, lightweight finish that works particularly well beneath tailoring, making them a reliable choice for business wear, formal occasions and warmer months. Twill shirts, meanwhile, provide slightly more texture and softness while maintaining a refined appearance.

For black tie dressing, pieces such as the Regent Heritage Dinner Shirt draw on traditional eveningwear details including a Marcella bib front, double cuffs and a structured formal silhouette. It is a style rooted in classic British tailoring, designed to sit cleanly beneath dinner jackets and evening tailoring without excess.

Explore the collection.

Casual shirts: the same standard, slightly relaxed

Our casual shirts follow the same principles of construction and quality, but with a more relaxed approach to fit.

Cut slightly fuller through the body, with a wider underarm and a shorter length, they are designed to be worn more easily on their own. The shape is a little more forgiving, but the craftsmanship remains exactly the same.

The intention is simple. Comfort, without compromise.

Fabric plays an equally important role within the casual collection. Brushed cotton flannel shirts bring softness, warmth and texture during the colder months, while lighter cottons retain an easy versatility throughout the year. Pieces such as the Regent Beetle striped flannel shirt reflect this more relaxed side of the collection, balancing casual styling with the same attention to construction found throughout every Regent shirt.

Explore the full collection.

Consistency you can rely on

One of the things that sets a Regent shirt apart is its consistency. The block has remained unchanged for two decades, something that is increasingly rare.

It means that once you find your fit, it becomes something you can return to. A small but valuable certainty in a wardrobe that often changes too quickly.

Finding the right shirt

If you’re new to Regent shirts, finding the right fit is straightforward. And if you’re unsure, guidance is always available.

Jason, who has worked closely with the collection for years, is on hand via the “Ask Jason” WhatsApp service on our website. It’s a simple, direct way to get advice that’s grounded in real experience.

For us, a well-made shirt should feel effortless. It should sit comfortably, hold its shape, and work quietly in the background of your day. And at Regent, that’s exactly what we aim to create. Shirts that are built properly, worn often, and returned to time and again.

For those looking for something even more individual, Regent also offers a made-to-measure service. With the ability to refine proportions, cloth and finishing details, it allows for a shirt tailored more precisely to you, while retaining the same craftsmanship and understated character found throughout the collection.

Explore the full collections in-store and online today. You might just find your new favourite shirt…

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