White Shirts by van Laack – The Timeless Foundation of Every Men's Wardrobe
The white shirt is the undisputed classic among men's shirts: maximum contrast to the suit, a neutral stage for tie and pocket square, a reliable companion in the office as well as at receptions. At van Laack, tradition and craftsmanship have met a modern understanding of quality since 1881 – with genuine three-hole mother-of-pearl buttons, the signature hand-rolled cap seam and neatly finished bone gussets at the hem. You rarely see these details, but you feel them every time you wear the shirt.
Materials and Weaves – Poplin, Twill, Natté, Dobby and Oxford
In this selection you will find white shirts made from several high-quality weaves, each bringing its own character. Poplin is smooth, dense and cool against the skin – the classic weave for an elegant business shirt; a wider selection can be found in our poplin shirts. Twill is woven diagonally, drapes smoothly and shimmers subtly; many models are additionally finished as non-iron and therefore retain their shape over time – more models are available in our twill shirts. Natté and dobby are denser structured weaves that lend a plain white shirt a subtle, almost invisible depth without compromising its formal character. Oxford fabrics have a slightly more textured feel and feature in sportier models such as the traditional shirts with stand-up collar.
Fits for Every Build
We offer white shirts in all three fits, so you can choose the model that suits your figure and your sense of style. Slim Fit sits close to the body and emphasises a slender silhouette. Tailor Fit is shaped along the contours and flatters an upright posture without restricting movement – ideal for classic suit looks. Comfort Fit offers a more generous cut and greater freedom of movement without losing its clean appearance.
Collar Shapes and Occasions
The selection ranges from the classic Kent collar to the shark collar with its wider spread, through to stand-up collar models for modern, reduced looks. For strictly business occasions, suitable models can be found in our business shirts. For particularly formal appearances, the selection also includes tuxedo shirts with wing collars or pleated front panels, which pair classically with a tuxedo – additional ideas can be found in the category formal shirts. If you value low maintenance, you will also find many non-iron models in our non-iron shirts.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Shirts
What should you look for when buying a white shirt?
Three points are decisive: the quality of the fabric, careful workmanship and a fit that matches your figure. A high-quality fabric in a dense weave yellows more slowly, a properly executed hand-rolled cap seam lasts longer, and the right cut determines whether the shirt still sits well after hours under a suit jacket.
Which fabric is best for a white business shirt?
For classic business occasions, poplin is recommended for its smooth, elegant drape. If you prefer a softer hand and a subtle sheen, twill is a good choice – ideally in the non-iron variant. For discreet structure without a visible pattern, natté and dobby weaves are particularly well suited.
Which collar shape suits which occasion?
The Kent collar is the universal choice for almost any suited appointment. The shark collar appears somewhat more pronounced and harmonises particularly well with Windsor-knotted ties. The stand-up collar suits modern smart casual looks without a tie, while wing collars or pleated-front models are reserved for the most formal occasions such as galas or weddings.
Discover our current selection and experience how high-quality weaves, careful craftsmanship and a considered fit turn the simple white shirt into the most versatile piece in your wardrobe.