50 Shades of Blue (Shirts).
I think the moment I first became aware of my fixation was when someone looked at me, puzzled, and said, “But they’re both blue?”
They were responding to my question about which shirt to wear. I was surprised they didn’t see it: yes, both shirts are technically light blue, but they are such different blues. And yes, both are Oxford broadcloth shirts, but again, so different in so many ways.
Each has its own signature details. One has a pocket on the left breast; the other features a third button at the back of the collar. One has a softer, more formal finish; the other is more collegiate, more casual.
You don’t have to be a connoisseur of fabric to notice these basic differences. At least, that’s what I thought.
Perhaps I should take a few steps back, to the beginning of my affection for blue shirts. I adore all shades of blue: navy, denim, sky, medium, you name it. In my mind, the blue shirt is the most versatile piece you can have in your wardrobe. It pairs well with every colour, even black, and especially with more blue. It’s a staple, essential to any well-rounded collection.
You can wear a blue shirt for nearly any occasion. I might opt for white at a funeral or wedding, but if the blue is light enough, it could still be appropriate. For just about everything else, though, blue is the clear sartorial choice.
But it’s not just about colour, there’s texture and pattern, too. Stripes, gingham, checks, herringbone. I tend to be a traditionalist, preferring plain blue or striped shirts, ideally, a light blue Oxford with a fine Bengal stripe.
As I get older, and ties become less a part of my daily uniform, the Oxford shirt has become my go-to. Its structure keeps the collar neatly in place. There are plenty of shirt makers who can craft a formal button-down collar that still looks sharp without additional accessories.
So, you may ask, “Another blue shirt—but why?”
Well, because blue never lets you down. It’s crisp when you need it to be, casual when it wants to be, and always quietly confident. It’s the colour of calm, of trust, of “I’ve got this” energy. It pairs with everything—from selvedge denim to those sun-faded chinos you’ll never part with.
Every shirt tells a story. The many shades of blue offer a base for countless combinations. It’s subtle, it complements rather than competes. It doesn’t steal the spotlight—because, of course, you are the spotlight.
It’s not floral, fluorescent, or so bold that people do a double take. Sure, you can wear colour—strong, expressive colour—but it’s just not my palette.
I believe I’ve found my style—my niche. My passion for blue is not strange, but like anything you care about and invest in, it can become your signature. Blue still gives me range for self-expression, but it also gives me something better: comfort, confidence, and clarity.
Some people collect watches. Others collect stamps.
I collect blue shirts. Stay kind, stay humble, stay LOVE.
