I believe French Oxford is the same as Royal Oxford.

Anyway, I really like Royal Ox, with a slight spread or "tennis collar" for wearing with suits. Those are my go to shirts (in white) for interviews and such. They might be a notch below a high count broadcloth shirt in formality but they are perfectly appropriate for wearing with suits. I like the micro open weave and softness of the cloth. They are easy to press with a steam iron and a spray bottle. Plus they are less expensive than a high count broadcloth. I get mine from J.Press, but you can get them lots of places or have them done MTM, of course.

 

I do like royal Oxford, especially because of the ease of ironing and subtle texture. I find regular Oxfords go a bit too far into the relaxed/textured look for my needs.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

French Oxford may also be like a sea island cotton oxford cloth. Higher thread count makes for a softer hand. French oxford and Royal oxford are the same. Personally, a Broadcloth is a better choice for suits. Oxford cloth is better with a sport coat.

 

This is how I would rate them:

Poplin/Broadcloth
End-on-End
Twill
Pinpoint
Royal/French Oxford
Regular Oxford

Twill and pinpoint are about the same in formality, but it depends if the shirts are solid (more formal) or different coloured threads (same concept as end-on-end). Poplin and End-on-end are fine year-round, but everything else is better for cooler days. I couldn't imagine wearing anything heavier in today's weather in New York.

 

Not all Royals are heavy. The shirts I have from Press are probably cooler in the summer than pinpoint (at least to me) because of the breathability and open weave. I also think it's a little dressier than pinpoint, but that's just me. I see how others could have a difference of opinion on that.

 

What exactly is the difference between Royal/French oxfords and pinpoints?

 

Royal is much softer than pinpoint and a more open weave. You have to feel it, then you'll know what I'm talking about.