Public Rec vs &Collar Dress Shirts: Which Is Better?

Our verdict

The &Collar Dress Shirts and Public Rec are close. We gave the &Collar Dress Shirts a slight edge at 8/10 over the Public Rec at 7.5/10 — close enough that fit matters more than the score. Great Mizzen+Main alternative—90% the quality at half the price, though fit runs loose and fabric is thin.

Side by side

Attribute&Collar Dress ShirtsPublic Rec
Our rating8/107.5/10
Best forGreat Mizzen+Main alternative—90% the quality at half the price, though fit runs loose and fabric is thin.Comfortable and versatile athleisure worth the investment if you're not seeking formal wear replacements.
Standouts
  • andCollar shirts are incredibly soft and the stretch is perfect for guys who lift. Best dress shirt for muscular builds.
  • Great alternative to Mizzen+Main at a lower price point. The performance fabric is comparable.
  • Love the fit and feel. I've bought 5 of these now and they're all I wear to work.
  • Perfect for business casual. The stretch makes them way more comfortable than traditional dress shirts.
  • Extremely comfortable and soft fabric
  • True-to-size fit without disappointing
  • Versatile for travel, work, casual wear
  • Minimal branding keeps aesthetic clean
  • Deep pockets and thoughtful design details
Watch-outs
  • The collar tends to curl after a few washes. Minor issue but annoying for a dress shirt.
  • Shipping was slow — took almost 2 weeks to arrive. Product was good though.
  • Expensive at $98–$128 per pair
  • Cannot replace jeans or formal slacks
  • Some users find waist fit snug
  • Appear too casual despite quality construction

Which one is right for you?

Choose the &Collar Dress Shirts if…

Great Mizzen+Main alternative—90% the quality at half the price, though fit runs loose and fabric is thin.

  • andCollar shirts are incredibly soft and the stretch is perfect for guys who lift. Best dress shirt for muscular builds.
  • Great alternative to Mizzen+Main at a lower price point. The performance fabric is comparable.
Check price

Choose the Public Rec if…

Comfortable and versatile athleisure worth the investment if you're not seeking formal wear replacements.

  • Extremely comfortable and soft fabric
  • True-to-size fit without disappointing
Check price

Why we rate them this way

&Collar Dress Shirts — 8/10

Great Mizzen+Main alternative—90% the quality at half the price, though fit runs loose and fabric is thin.

What we liked: andCollar shirts are incredibly soft and the stretch is perfect for guys who lift. Best dress shirt for muscular builds., Great alternative to Mizzen+Main at a lower price point. The performance fabric is comparable., Love the fit and feel. I've bought 5 of these now and they're all I wear to work., Perfect for business casual. The stretch makes them way more comfortable than traditional dress shirts..

Worth knowing: The collar tends to curl after a few washes. Minor issue but annoying for a dress shirt., Shipping was slow — took almost 2 weeks to arrive. Product was good though..

Public Rec — 7.5/10

Comfortable and versatile athleisure worth the investment if you're not seeking formal wear replacements.

What we liked: Extremely comfortable and soft fabric, True-to-size fit without disappointing, Versatile for travel, work, casual wear, Minimal branding keeps aesthetic clean, Deep pockets and thoughtful design details.

Worth knowing: Expensive at $98–$128 per pair, Cannot replace jeans or formal slacks, Some users find waist fit snug, Appear too casual despite quality construction.

Common questions

Is the &Collar Dress Shirts or the Public Rec better?

We rated the &Collar Dress Shirts 8/10 and the Public Rec 7.5/10, so we lean &Collar Dress Shirts — but it depends on what you want it for (see "which one is right for you" on the page).

What's the difference between the &Collar Dress Shirts and the Public Rec?

Short version — &Collar Dress Shirts: Great Mizzen+Main alternative—90% the quality at half the price, though fit runs loose and fabric is thin. Public Rec: Comfortable and versatile athleisure worth the investment if you're not seeking formal wear replacements.

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