The cheap men's shirts now available may not be tailor-made, but they'd cut the mustard in most offices.

THERE comes a time in a man's life when he has to get out of his jeans, T-shirt and trainers and into a suit, complete with shirt, tie and proper shoes. I think it's called growing up - as well as a transformation.

Whether it's a wedding, an interview or an office job, there's no need to get shirty. It needn't cost a fortune. You really can be skint and smart.

Many years ago, I worked with a senior television producer who spent a fortune on handmade shoes - important for comfort. He also spent a lot on his suits - a good cut was flattering. But he bought his shirts in Woolworths.

His reckoning was that cuffs and collars frayed however expensive a shirt was. He was also very good at spilling stuff on them, and tearing the pockets with the weight of a stopwatch. So Woolworths it was.

Sadly, Woollies don't seem to sell men's shirts any more. But there are plenty of places that do them cheap, cheerful - and surprisingly stylish.

No, of course they won't be mistaken for the best that Jermyn Street can offer. But most of them don't scream "Cheap shirt!" either.

We've bought a selection over the last few months - all of them less than a tenner - and they've been worn and washed, worn and washed many times.

And while we were out and about, we spotted some other bargains for the working man. Do you realise that if you shop carefully, you could get a shirt, a washable - yes, washable - suit and a pair of leather shoes, and still have change from £50. At those prices, they have to be worth trying.

OUR FAVOURITES

Asda

Plain white or blue poly cotton shirts at £3 each. Patterned shirts, £4. Cotton rich, £6. Pure cotton easy care, £10 each.

We bought a twin pack of easy care poly cotton shirts, one plain, one check, for £9. For £4.50 each, these shirts were very good value. Not a huge range but a reasonable choice. Bold pattern - very similar to some from M&S at five times the price. Decent cut. Reasonable fit. Cotton was very thin. They have washed and worn well and the collar still looks good.

While you're in Asda, check out their crease resistant trousers, £12, leather shoes, from £12, and their suits. Some jackets at the moment are down from £35 to £17.

Bhs

Not the very cheapest, as most of their shirts start at £10. But we tried a twin pack of easy care poly cotton white shirts for £18 - bringing them into our budget at £9 each. Decent cut and fit. Stayed white too.

PRIMARK

Not a huge choice, but bargains to be had. Plain white or blue shirts at £3 each. Patterns at £4 or £4.50. We splashed out on one at £4.50, stylish stripes, cutaway collar, proper cuffs. Looked very smart. Material a bit thin - but anyone close enough to notice that isn't going to be checking out your shirt.

MATALAN

Huge choice. By far the biggest range among the cheapies. Plenty of styles, colours and sizes. It's easy to see how Matalan have knocked a dent in M&S's sales figures.

Pure cotton shirts were £10 each or two for £15, bringing them well within our budget. Biggest range was poly cotton and cost £6 each. Some good colours, stripes and checks. The cut was fine and the finish was a bit scratchy but softened after a few washes.

While you're in Matalan, check out Teflon coated trousers, £14 and leather shoes, £12.

TESCO

Another huge range. Another dent in M&S profits. They now have a big clothing department, with not just very good basics but also some good design. Tesco's shirts start at £3 in their Value range - just blue or white. At £3, you can't complain but the cut is not good and the blue is somehow the rather nasty colour of school uniform.

Better is the Florence and Fred range, two shirts poly cotton for £9, usually one plain and one patterned. These are better cut, a bit thin but very acceptable. Definitely worth the extra £1.50 over the value range. They have worn and washed well.

While you're in Tesco, check out the machine washable suits for £32 - £25 for the jacket, £7 for the trousers. Also, leather shoes for £14. At these prices, you could stop worrying about whether they're taking over the world.

VERDICT

OK, pay £3 for a shirt and you're not going to get brilliant cut and style - they're either flapping and shapeless or, more likely, cut skimpily out of unpleasantly itchy material. But splash out an extra couple of quid and go up to £4.50 or £6 and you can get something surprisingly respectable. The material will be a bit thin and you're not going to get double cuffs. But for an average day in an average office, they're a bargain.