IF THERE’S one shirt that can level up a man’s look to the nines, it’s the button-down that’ll invoke classic style as effortlessly as it can carry off a casual look. A button-down’s versatility is, thus, its ultimate trump card. You can dress it up with a pair of tailored trousers, or down with some distressed denim. In either scenario, you’ll look like a million bucks without having to do any major styling maneuvers.
Read more: Best Work Shirts for Men
Expanding on that, while it’s true a collared dress shirt is pretty much de rigueur for business casual looks, that convention is only scratching the surface of what your button-down shirts could be. Hence, let’s buck tradition and move on from the school of thought that button-downs and Oxford shirts are only to be worn in the office. Whether it be traveling, going to the bars, or lounging at the beach, the right button-down shirts will stand by your side like your favorite watch or pair of loafers.
Read more: Best Work Shirts for Men
However, button-downs are not without flaws: They often incur more discomfort and restraint than hoodies or T-shirts. The good news is that today’s button-downs for men are made with ease of movement and durability in mind, courtesy of innovative feats like four-way stretch and moisture-wicking.
So if you’re looking to add a few very best button-down shirts for men to your closet, check out the 22 below in different styles, fabric, and silhouettes. Lastly, give our men’s button-down shirt guide ahead a read too so you can find the perfect shirt for you. Destiny awaits!
Best White Button-Down shirt
Buck Mason
Campus Knit Oxford Button Down Shirt
Best Black Button-Down shirt
Lululemon
Venture Long Sleeve Shirt
Most durable Button Down shirt
Bonobos
Tech Button Down Shirt
Best workwear Button-Down shirt
Taylor Stitch
The Jack Oxford
Best Oxford Shirt
Ralph Lauren
Slim-Fit Cotton Oxford Shirt
Most innovative button-down shirt
Bugatchi
James Solid OoohCotton® Shirt
Best flannel button-down shirt
Mack Weldon
WARMKNIT Flannel Shirt
Best plaid button-down shirt
Rhone
Hardy Flannel Shirt
Best twill button-down shirt
Suitsupply
Blue Twill Slim Fit Shirt
Best linen button-down shirt
Banana Republic
Castello Linen Shirt
Best short-sleeve button-down shirt
Good Man Brand
Flex Pro Lite Short Sleeve Stretch Shirt
best striped button-down shirt
J.McLaughlin
Collis Classic Fit Shirt in Bengal Stripe
Best performance button down shirt
Vuori
Long Sleeve Bridge Button Down
Best value button-down shirt
Line of Trade
The Arrow Shirt
Best check button-down shirt
Charles Tyrwhitt
Non-Iron Twill Grid Check Shirt
Best button-down camp shirt
Tommy Bahama
Tropic Isle Short Sleeve Silk Camp Shirt
Best Button-Down dress shirt
Brooks Brothers
Original Polo® Button-Down Oxford Shirt
Best Chambray button Shirt
Faherty
The Tried And True Chambray Shirt
Best knit button-down shirt
Billy Reid
L/S Knit Button Front Shirt
Best Corduroy button-down Shirt
Todd Snyder
Fine Corduroy Button Down Shirt
Best button-down Overshirt
Everlane
The Heavyweight Overshirt
Best denim button-down shirt
Flint and Tinder
Bone Button Western Shirt
If you’re confused about the difference between a button-down shirt and a button-up shirt, the terms have become interchangeable (and it’s not worth worrying about). The only real difference between the two shirts is that a button-down refers to additional buttons that hold down your collar flaps. So if someone says “button-down shirt” you should think more casual (hence the buttons), and if someone says “button-up” you should think more formal.
What you should consider when shopping for a great button-down shirt are the varying styles defined by fit and fabric.
Fit: While some men might feel comfortable with a relaxed-fit shirt, it’s best to opt for a tapered fit that flatters your torso, but won’t cling to your body. A quality tapered shirt will hug your arms and broad shoulders, but won’t showcase any imperfections in your midsection. Most button-down shirts hover around a tapered fit these days so even if you buy a classic fit shirt, the silhouette will still likely have spots where it’s tapered. The same is true for a slim-fit shirt, as current trends have shown guys want a flattering fit that doesn’t restrict their range of movement.
Fabric: The sky’s the limit, mate. Corduroy makes for a workwear classic. Denim will make you look rugged and easygoing. Linen is a must-have for warmer days. knit feels like sweater. Flannel is warm as hell all-day long. And Chambray is soft and airy, perfect for a relaxing loose-fit look. Of course, there are more materials in the market. But these above are the most common, and beloved.
Dress Shirt: They come with a collar and long sleeves, a button-front, and a full-length opening. Dress shirts are designed to match with a suit and tie.
Oxford: Unlike dress shirts, Oxford button-downs feel stiff, have no flopping collar, and can hold their shape well. They’re formal like dress shirts but are surprisingly flexible for casual looks.
Overshirt: Otherwise known as shirt jackets. These button-downs are made with thicker, heftier material so that they can be worn like outerwear.
Short-Sleeve shirt: It’s what the name suggests—button-down but make it short-sleeve. There’s a type of short-sleeve button-down called the camp shirt that stands out. Camp shirts are loose, and have an open one-piece notched collar. They’re great for summer days by the beach.
Linen shirt: Button-downs made in linen—a soft, breathable fabric—will help you stay crisp and cool in warmer, more humid climates.
Flannel Shirt: Lined or made with flannel, these button-downs are often the go-to for colder weather, and offer great thermal control by retaining your body heat.
For the past two years, Men’s Health Style editors, including our Gear & Commerce Editor John Thompson, tested a wide variety of button-down shirts. Editors evaluated the shirts based on their quality, style, and price point. We also considered button-down shirts with high ratings from e-commerce sites we trust.
Maverick Li
Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming.
John Thompson
Gear and Commerce Editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology.