This classic button-up has been a staple in fashion for decades due to its versatility, clean-cut appearance, and diversity.

As your trusted uniform partner, Stock is here to guide you through the ins and outs of wearing and styling this versatile garment. Whether you're dressing your servers for a formal dining experience or creating a casual, laid-back vibe for your cafe staff, an Oxford shirt is always a good choice.

What is an Oxford Shirt?

What makes an Oxford shirt so special and why is it the go-to classic look? 

It all starts with the fabric - a basket-weave cotton material called oxford cloth. This texture gives the shirt a unique, slightly rough feel that's both durable and comfortable. You'll also notice some key features like a button-down collar, a chest pocket, and a box pleat in the back for easy movement.

At Stock, we have Oxford shirts in all the classic colors to suit your branding. Our White Service Oxford Shirt is a top seller as it’s the perfect foundation for any uniform look.

Formal vs. Casual

When it comes to staff uniforms, versatility is very important. The Oxford shirt is a true champion in this regard, easily transitioning from formal dining experiences to casual, laid-back atmospheres.

Formal

Crisp white or light blue Oxford shirts paired with ties, dress pants, and blazers make for a professional and polished look. Add a pocket square and some sleek dress shoes to elevate the look. Fine dining establishments, upscale hotels, and high-end cocktail bars are perfect venues for this formal look.

• Consider adding an unstructured blazer or a black apron to add sophistication to the look.
• Encourage your team to pay attention to the details, such as keeping their shirts neatly pressed and their shoes polished.

Stock worked with Lure Fishbar to design a navy double-breasted vest with a charcoal satin back and an adjustable cinch, perfectly aligned with the restaurant's aesthetic. Underneath the vests, servers wear a thin vertical blue and white striped dress shirt, complemented by a broad-striped tie. For a pop of contrast against the blues, we opted for a maroon bib and waist aprons, each embellished with the Lure logo embroidered near the pocket. The dress shirt can be replaced with a classic Oxford with custom measurements for the wearer.

Casual

For a more relaxed look, have your staff untuck their Oxford shirts and pair them with chinos, jeans, or shorts. Encourage them to roll up their sleeves and complete the look with comfortable sneakers, loafers, or boots. This laid-back style is perfect for a less formal restaurant.

• Casual dining restaurants, gastropubs, and laid-back brunch spots are ideal for this relaxed Oxford shirt style.
• To add a touch of personality, consider allowing your staff to wear patterned or colored Oxford shirts that complement your brand.
• Denim or chambray Oxford shirts can also be a great choice for a more rustic or industrial-chic aesthetic.

We collaborated with The Hu Hotel to outfit their receptionists, who needed to look sharp and professional while maintaining a relaxed and approachable vibe. To achieve this balance, we paired our Japanese-workwear inspired unstructured navy blazer with our banded collar white Oxford shirt.

Finding the Perfect Fit

A well-fitting Oxford shirt can make your staff look polished and put-together, while a baggy or ill-fitting shirt can detract from their professional appearance.

Here's what to consider when fitting your team for Oxford shirts:

• Shoulder seams should align with the edge of the shoulders
• The chest should be comfortable, without pulling or gaping at the buttons
• Sleeves should reach the wrist bone, with a bit of room for movement
• The body of the shirt should skim the torso without being too tight or too loose

At Stock, we understand the importance of a perfect fit. That's why we offer custom Oxford shirts tailored to your staff's exact measurements. Whether you prefer a classic, relaxed fit or a modern, slim cut for your team, our expert team will create shirts that look and feel fantastic, enhancing your venue's overall image and your staff's confidence.

Styling Tips & Tricks

• Don't be afraid to mix and match different colors and patterns. A striped or checkered oxford can add visual interest to your staff's look. This is especially effective for casual dining establishments or cafes looking to create a lively, energetic atmosphere. By incorporating various colors and patterns, you can showcase your venue's unique personality and style.
  
  
• Experiment with layering. Throw on a sweater, vest, or jacket over the Oxford for added depth and dimension. Restaurants with outdoor seating can benefit from this. It's also useful for staff members who may need to adjust their attire based on temperature changes throughout their shift. Layering allows for a more versatile uniform that can be easily adapted to different occasions or service types.
  
  
• Accessorize wisely. A well-chosen tie, pocket square, or belt can take the oxford from basic to stylish in seconds. For formal dining experiences, consider adding a tie in a complementary color or pattern to elevate the overall look. Pocket squares can add a touch of sophistication, while a sleek belt can help define the waistline and create a more polished appearance.
  
  
• Pay attention to the details. Ensure the shirt is crisp, clean, and wrinkle-free for a polished appearance. Encourage your staff to take pride in their uniforms by providing clear guidelines on maintaining and caring for their shirts. Consider investing in professional laundering services to ensure that your team always looks their best.
  
  
• Have fun with it! The Oxford shirt is a blank canvas - don't be afraid to get creative and show off your venue's style. Collaborate with your staff to brainstorm unique ways to incorporate your brand's colors, patterns, or logos into their Oxford shirts. By involving your team in the creative process, you'll not only create a more cohesive and authentic look but also foster a sense of pride and ownership among your staff.

Business Casual: Try a light blue Oxford with slim-fit chinos, a knit tie, and brown loafers for a put-together, professional look.

• Opt for a tie in a complementary color or pattern to add visual interest
• Ensure the chinos are well-tailored and hemmed to the appropriate length
• Choose loafers in polished leather or suede for a sophisticated touch.

Smart Casual: Go for a pink oxford, dark wash jeans, a navy blazer, and white dress sneakers for a stylish, yet relaxed vibe.

• Experiment with different shades of pink, from soft pastel to bold fuchsia, to find the perfect hue for your venue
• Invest in high-quality, dark wash jeans that will maintain their shape and color over time
• Select clean, minimalist white sneakers for a modern, fresh look

Smart: Layer a grey sweater over a crisp white oxford, and pair with khaki chinos and suede loafers for a classic, preppy look.

• Choose a sweater with a flattering fit, neither too tight nor too loose
• Opt for chinos in a classic khaki shade that complements the grey sweater
• Look for suede loafers in a rich, neutral color like brown or navy

Monochromatic: Keep it sleek and simple with a light blue oxford, blue chinos, and navy sneakers.

• Vary the shades of blue slightly to create depth and visual interest
• Ensure the chinos are slim-fitting and comfortable for easy movement
• Choose sneakers in a darker shade of navy for a cohesive, polished look

Layered: When the weather cools down, layer the Oxford under a cozy overshirt, and pair with slim chinos and leather boots for a rugged, outdoorsy feel.

• Look for an overshirt in a durable, comfortable fabric like flannel or denim
• Choose chinos in a neutral color that complements the overshirt
• Invest in high-quality, waterproof leather boots for ultimate comfort and durability

With an Oxford shirt, you can be adventurous with your uniform. With multiple color, pattern, and texture options to choose from, you can find the perfect Oxford shirt to suit your branding with the addition of accessories to complete the look.

TL;DR

• The classic Oxford shirt is a must-have staple, known for its basket-weave fabric and button-down collar
• Dress it up for a formal look, or dress it down for a casual, laid-back vibe
• Fit is everything - make sure your Oxford fits well through the shoulders, chest, and arms
• Have fun styling your oxford with chinos, jeans, blazers, sweaters, and all kinds of shoes

Ready to upgrade your staff's look with a high-quality Oxford shirt? At Stock, we've got the expertise and attention to detail to create restaurant uniforms that look great and last