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.
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.
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!
A white button-down is one of the easiest ways to invoke timeless style. The Campus Knit has a slight texture to it, which adds some dimension to your look instead of covering your body in a shiny white backdrop. The cotton is also incredibly durable, so it's bound to last you for years to come.
Like a blue Oxford shirt, a black button-down is also a must-own. Lululemon's shirt is made with its signature performance blend that promises breathable and ample stretch. Wear this bad boy out whenever you want to dress more formal, like to a nice dinner or show.
The best thing about this top-notch option from Bonobos is that you can score your new favorite shirt in over 14 different colorways. Stock your wardrobe with these moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant button downs to look dapper for all occasions at a moment’s notice.
Lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly, Taylor Stitch’s Chestnut button-down will be an MVP in your wardrobe year-round, not only because it can be dressed both up or down, but also because when you dress down with it in some boots and work pants, it'll really shine.
A blue Oxford button-down is a staple in every man's wardrobe. The color's versatility in styling is unmatched, and when it comes to a specific brand you can't ignore the power of the pony.
When the occasion calls for staying comfortable in an elevated style, Bugatchi will lend a hand. It's built with an eight-way stretch so you can remain unfazed for hours in it, no matter what you do. Other specs like quick-drying, thermoregulation, and wrinkle resistance make it truly a must-have.
Not merely reserved for Brooklyn hippies or studs in Oregon and Washington, flannel shirts are a crowd-pleaser because they help you stay warm and looking at your best. Mack Weldon's option is even engineered with Thermolite® tech to release and wick moisture so you can stay dry as well. No more being hot and bothered.
Fact: Every man needs a red-and-black plaid shirt in his wardrobe. That's like the holy grail of all menswear staples. Rhone's is better than most because as a flannel, it'll keep you warm, and it feels hefty like a sweatshirt.
Twill weave is a pattern in diagonal parallel ribs that adds a little texture to an otherwise smooth dress shirt's surface. Suitsupply's twill shirt, in an easy-on-the-eye shade of blue, is one we recommend. For a look, wear it over a white turtleneck and a pair of grey dress pants.
Linen shirts are an all-season classic that'll breeze you through all shirt-required occasions. On warmer days, you can wear Banana Republic's Castello on its own confidently without losing your cool; on chillier times, layer it with just about any piece of outerwear you can think up, and it'll still steal the spotlight.
Button-downs are not just for colder days or dressy occasions. Short-sleeve button-downs are just as much of a wardrobe staple. Good Man Brand's is the best because it meets the holy trinity of versatile style, stretchy comfort, and a sleek, smooth feel.
best striped button-down shirt
J.McLaughlin Collis Classic Fit Shirt in Bengal Stripe
best striped button-down shirt
J.McLaughlin Collis Classic Fit Shirt in Bengal Stripe
Vertical stripes provide an illusion of a longer, leaner torso to flatter any man’s physique. J.McLaughlin's is the best in our opinion—it strikes a balance in that trompe l'oeil without looking too tacky. Which means it's rather versatile, and you can dress it up behind a blazer, or down with a pair of jeans.
With performance in mind, this is a shirt that'll really last through all the chinos or slim-fit jeans in your closet. It's incredibly stretchy and light, built with an anti-odor mechanism, and provides 30+ UPF coverage. Really, it's not just a piece of garment, it's practically your bodyguard.
A whole lot of good stuff is sewn into this shirt: Chambray fabric for a relaxing fit, Herringbone pattern for looking sophisticated, flannel for staying warm, back yoke for ease of movement, and a nice pocket. All for only $65? All for only $65.
A dense grid of checks or squares is another sartorial trope for formal button-downs. Charles Tyrwhitt's take on the check pattern strikes the right chord: It'll make any guy stand out in a crowd without looking wildly over the top. And you'll love that it comes with back pleats for better mobility, too.
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Best button-down camp shirt
Tommy Bahama Tropic Isle Short Sleeve Silk Camp Shirt
Best button-down camp shirt
Tommy Bahama Tropic Isle Short Sleeve Silk Camp Shirt
This one is better left untucked, and better left chilling under the sun by the beach, or in the shadow of a palm tree. That's what a camp shirt is for—relaxing and feeling free. It's the vacation button-down shirt, with the collar laid flat and open at the neck, and a very loose fit. Tommy Bahama's camp shirt comes in all the right, beachy colors.
You might own a Brooks Brothers’ dress shirt, but did you know they make a non-iron button-down style? This shirt will save you extra time getting ready in the morning and keep your look crisp and ready for any last-minute after-work activities.
The durable and rugged shirt style looks equally terrific layered over a tee as much as it does wearing it standalone. It’s lightweight, breathable, and great for all seasons—a total no-brainer.
Wonderfully breathable, delightfully lightweight, and dependably cozy thanks to the knit, Billy Reid's button-down is perfect for cold weather. Outfit-wise, wearing it solo sans layering is a no-brainer. But jackets are always welcome.
Take your rugged style to the next level this season with a rich, textured corduroy shirt. Layered over a white t-shirt, this corduroy shirt levels up your casual-cool look with a seriously soft feel.
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.