Learning to make a simple dress shirt isn't difficult, even if you are at a beginner-to-intermediate level in sewing. A dress shirt is all about fit, so be sure to measure twice and cut once to avoid any mishaps. As with all sewing, practice makes perfect, so as you make the garment more often you’ll work out any kinks and perfect your own method of making a dress shirt.
Measure your subject. Include the nape of the neck to the end of the waist (just above the tailbone), around the bust and waist, the length of the arms and shoulder width. You might want to keep these measurements in a notebook so you have them on hand if you create more dress shirts for the same person.
Choose your fabric. What will the person wear this shirt for? For a business casual setting, choose cotton with a bit of stretch (which doesn't wrinkle as much as it moves with the body); for something more upscale, take a look at silk and rayon blends, which look perfect for special occasions, but aren't too expensive to purchase at a fabric shop.
Find the right pattern online or at a local fabric store. Decide what kind of collar and cuff you want, as well as how the shirt will fit.
Apply your measurements to the pattern. Start at the top and move downwards when applying your measurements. Use a pencil to gently mark where you need to cut the material.
Cut out your pattern in your desired fabric. Sew the shirt with a sewing machine to ensure durable stitching that will last. Use tonal (the same color) thread to make the shirt look polished and professional.
Add buttons. Once the shirt is sewn, add your buttons down the center of the garment with a sewing machine.Your pattern will guide you on creating buttonholes, so be sure the buttons are not too big or too small for your shirt.