The Romanian blouse has long had its place in the wardrobes of Romanian women abroad. The men’s Romanian shirt is catching up: more and more men wear one for 1 December, weddings, christenings or just a night out. And the good news is that it’s much easier to wear than it looks.
What is a men’s Romanian shirt?
It’s the counterpart of the Romanian blouse (ie): a loose-cut white shirt with traditional embroidery on the chest, collar and cuffs. Unlike the women’s blouse, which focuses on the shoulders and sleeves, the men’s shirt carries its embroidery mostly at the front – in vertical bands or on an embroidered bib.
How to choose one
1. The collar
- Classic button collar – almost a regular shirt, just embroidered. The easiest to wear, even to the office or a dinner.
- Band (stand-up) collar with a cord – closer to the traditional cut, with a neck opening tied with a tasselled cord. More festive.
2. The embroidery
Black and grey is understated and elegant and goes anywhere. Black and ochre is warmer and more traditional – ideal for celebrations. If you’re wearing it next to your partner in a Romanian blouse, pick colours that complement each other rather than match exactly.
3. The size
A Romanian shirt is worn loose. Measure your chest and pick the size whose chest width is a few centimetres bigger. Our shirts run from S (110 cm chest) to 3XL (140 cm). You’ll find the full chart in our size guide.
How to wear it
For 1 December
Romanian shirt, dark jeans and boots or brown shoes. On top, a simple dark coat or jacket so the embroidery stays the focus.
For a wedding or christening
Pressed black trousers, black shoes and the shirt tucked in. For a step up, add a plain black waistcoat. The band-collar style with a cord looks the most festive.
Every day
Worn untucked over jeans with the sleeves rolled once. In summer, with linen trousers or beige chinos.
What to avoid
- Too many traditional pieces at once. The shirt looks modern when the rest of the outfit is simple.
- A size too small. The loose cut is part of its charm.
- Prints next to it. Let the embroidery be the only pattern in the outfit.
Care
Check the label. Generally: gentle wash at a low temperature, inside out, no bleach, and iron inside out so the embroidery doesn’t flatten. Our shirts are cotton, machine cross-stitched.
FAQ
Can I wear it to the office?
Yes, especially the classic-collar style with black and grey embroidery. With chinos and simple shoes it looks smart, not costume-like.
Tucked in or untucked?
Both work. Tucked in is dressier for events; untucked over jeans is more relaxed.
Is it a good gift?
Yes – especially for 1 December, Christmas or someone who’s been away from Romania for a long time. If you don’t know the exact size, go one size up: returns are possible within 14 days.