Pronunciation: [dɹˈɛs ʃˈɜːt] (IPA) 
The phrase "dress shirt" is spelled with a double "s" in "dress" and a single "s" in "shirt". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "dress" is pronounced as /drɛs/, with the "s" sound coming at the end. Meanwhile, the word "shirt" is pronounced as /ʃərt/, with the "s" sound coming at the beginning. So, when these two words are combined, the spelling becomes "dress shirt" to accurately represent the sounds in each word.
A dress shirt is a type of garment typically worn by men, characterized by its formal and tailored style. It is designed to be worn with a suit or dress pants as part of a formal or semi-formal attire. The dress shirt is usually made of a finer, high-quality fabric such as cotton or linen, with a smooth and crisp texture.
A dress shirt usually features a pointed or spread collar, which is commonly worn with a tie that is knotted around the collar. It also has long sleeves with cuffs that are often buttoned. The shirt is generally tailored to fit the body closely, with darts or pleats at the back to create a more flattering and streamlined appearance.
Dress shirts typically have a row of buttons down the front, and some styles may include a button-down collar where the collar points can be fastened to the shirt with buttons. Additionally, a dress shirt usually has a placket, which is a panel of fabric that covers the buttons and gives a neater appearance.
Dress shirts come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, providing versatility in creating different looks. They are commonly worn for formal occasions, business meetings, interviews, or any event that requires a more polished and sophisticated appearance.
The word "dress shirt" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
The term "dress" in "dress shirt" refers to clothing worn for special occasions or more formal events. It originates from the Old French word "dresse", meaning "direct, straighten, or set right". Over time, it came to be associated with one's appearance and the act of getting dressed in formal attire.
The term "shirt" is derived from the Old English word "scyrte", meaning "a short garment for the upper body". It has Germanic origins and is related to words in other Germanic languages like German "Hemd" and Dutch "shirt".
Therefore, "dress shirt" essentially means a formal or special occasion shirt, distinct from more casual or utilitarian styles.
