The button-down shirt is fashion’s quiet overachiever: crisp yet effortless, structured yet adaptable, it moves seamlessly between seasons and settings. In winter, it peeks out from beneath cozy knits and sharp tailoring; come summer, it’s thrown casually over a bikini or tucked into denim. Few pieces deliver such instant polish with so little effort—so there’s really no such thing as owning too many.

Vogue’s Favorite Button-Down Shirts:

The Classic White: Polo Ralph Lauren relaxed fit Oxford shirt ($168 at NORDSTROM)
The Pop of Red: Comme Si La Shirt Classica ($275 at REVOLVE)
The Striped Style: Maria McManus striped shirt ($490 at NET-A-PORTER)

Still, finding the perfect button-down can feel surprisingly difficult. With a saturated market of cuts, collars, and fabric weights, the search requires a careful eye. The best styles strike a balance between timelessness and statement—not too long nor too cropped, perhaps with an exaggerated cuff or delicate mother-of-pearl buttons. Thankfully, a handful of brands have mastered the art of shirting, offering everything from heritage-inspired classics to modern interpretations. Whether you’re investing or on the hunt for a well-made find that feels like a steal, the right shirt can transform your wardrobe.

While your collection will likely start with the classics—your whites, blues, and striped versions that combine the two—don’t be shy to embrace color. On the spring runways, designers leaned into bold hues as a canvas for expression. Think a flash of crimson red under a black winter coat, or a subtle pastel yellow peeking out from grey cashmere. To really make a statement, try layering two button-downs together.

Below, discover the shirting brands that have perfected the silhouette and deserve a permanent place in your wardrobe.

Comme Si
If you’re looking for an under-$300 steal, look no further than Comme Si’s La Classica shirt. Offered in a range of stripes and rich solids, the relaxed cut delivers borrowed-from-the-boys ease with an A-line silhouette that’s only slightly oversized. It’s the kind of piece you’ll reach for again and again, whether styled with worn-in denim or layered beneath tailoring. (Besides cotton, the shirts come in silk, too.)

* La Shirt Classica, $275 at NET-A-PORTER
* La Shirt Classica, $275 at REVOLVE
* La Shirt Classica, $275 at COMME SI

Charvet
The gold standard of shirting, Charvet has set the bar since 1838. Widely regarded as the world’s first shirtmaker, the Parisian heritage brand still operates from its original address on Place Vendôme. While its ready-to-wear offerings are impeccable, nothing compares to the experience of commissioning your own piece.

* Basic point-collar dress shirt, $645 at BERGDORF GOODMAN
* Slim-fit dress shirt, $715 at BERGDORF GOODMAN
* Striped shirt, $765 at MR PORTER
* Checked shirt, $765 at MR PORTER

With Nothing Underneath
Rooted in British heritage, With Nothing Underneath brings a keen eye to detail. Think exaggerated cuffs, precise fits, and silhouettes that walk the line between relaxed and refined. Each shirt feels timeless yet considered, offered at a sweet-spot price point.

* The Boyfriend shirt, $155 at WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
* The Boyfriend shirt, $150 at WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
* The Classic shirt, $205 at WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
* The Classic shirt, $205 at WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH

Alex Mill
In 2012, Alex Drexler set out to create the perfect shirt, launching the brand with a small boutique on Elizabeth Street in SoHo, New York. What began as a focused…The brand’s mission has evolved into a complete destination for men’s and women’s essentials. Shirts remain at its core—clean, simple, and endlessly wearable.

Alex Mill
Jo shirt – $145
Jo shirt – $145
Jo shirt – $165
Jo shirt – $165

TWP
Founded by Trish Wescoat Pound, TWP blends ease and sophistication with subtle modern updates and playful names. Thoughtful details like a tie or banded cuff refresh the classic button-down while staying true to its roots.
The Quiet Type shirt – $695 (NET-A-PORTER)
Next Ex shirt – $410 (SHOPBOP)
J.D. cropped shirt – $425 (NET-A-PORTER)
Next Ex shirt – $365 (NORDSTROM)

Toteme
Rooted in Swedish style, Toteme designs shirts with architectural precision and a focus on materials, creating pieces that feel both timeless and modern—perfect for minimal yet impactful everyday wear.
Classic tumbled shirt – $460 (BLOOMINGDALE’S)
Oversized shirt – $880 (NET-A-PORTER)
Shirt – $480 (NET-A-PORTER)
Oversized shirt – $880 (BLOOMINGDALE’S)

Tibi
Mixing functionality with creativity, Tibi shows that basics don’t have to be boring. Part of its Fundamentals collection (also called WOFs), its tailored shirts offer chic foundations that quietly elevate any outfit.
Gabe oversized shirt – $295 (SHOPBOP)
Ruffled pinstriped shirt – $495 (NET-A-PORTER)
Charlie slim shirt – $295 (TIBI)
Charlie slim shirt – $295 (TIBI)

Maria McManus
With sustainability as a core principle, Maria McManus designs everything intentionally. Her button-downs feature contemporary colors and refined silhouettes, resulting in polished, responsibly-made staples.
Striped shirt – $490 (NET-A-PORTER)
Oversized tunic shirt – $450 (MARIA MCMANUS)
Shirt – $490 (NET-A-PORTER)
Snap shirt – $400 (MARIA MCMANUS)

Flore Flore
Flore Flore brings a youthful touch to classic shirting. Cotton is sourced from Bergamo, Italy, and each shirt is handmade in Portugal. The Zoë shirt is oversized, the Casta is relaxed with two back pleats, and the Giulia is the slimmest fit, with pleats at the front and back.
Zoë shirt – $420 (FLORE FLORE)
Zoë shirt – $430 (FLORE FLORE)
Giulia shirt – $410 (FLORE FLORE)
Casta shirt – $410 (FLORE FLORE)

6397
Born from the New York showroom NEWS, 6397 designs for real life. Its shirts feature subtle updates—an unexpected pleat, an oversized cut, or a unique color—giving this wardrobe staple a fresh feel.
Micro-pleated long-sleeve shirt – $495 (BERGDORF GOODMAN)
Clean uniform shirt – $395 (6367)
Frank shirt – $325 (6367)
Frank shirt – $450 (6367)

Soldout.NYC
Soldout.NYC is all about simplicity done well. Its “Everything Shirt” (also available cropped) lives up to its name, easily pairing with everything from black trousers to a statement skirt for any occasion.
Micro-pleated long-sleeve shirt – $495 (BERGDORF GOODMAN)RF GOODMAN
Save to wishlist
Sold Out NYC
The Cropped Everything Shirt
$185 SHOPBOP

Polo Ralph Lauren
This iconic American heritage brand continues to define modern prep style. Polo Ralph Lauren’s cotton button-downs come in a variety of colors and are timeless classics with endless styling possibilities—it’s no surprise to find one on the wish list of Vogue fashion editor Mai Morsch.

Save to wishlist
Polo Ralph Lauren
Relaxed Fit Shirt
$168 NORDSTROM

Save to wishlist
Polo Ralph Lauren
Relaxed Fit Oxford Shirt
$168 NORDSTROM

Save to wishlist
Polo Ralph Lauren
End-On-End Slim Fit Shirt
$148 RALPH LAUREN

Save to wishlist
Polo Ralph Lauren
Oxford Shirt
$150 NET-A-PORTER

Rubirosa Paris
A visit to Rubirosa’s Paris boutique—especially during fashion week—is a must. Shelves filled with a rainbow of colors encourage you to move beyond neutrals, while custom-made options add a personal touch.

Chava Studio
Based in Mexico City and founded in 2020, Chava Studio adds a contemporary twist to traditional shirting. With contrasting cuffs, unexpected color combinations, and open-back slits, they reinvent the classic silhouette for today’s woman.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Top ButtonDown Shirt Brands

Beginner General Questions

Q What exactly is a buttondown shirt
A Its a dress shirt with a collar that buttons down to the shirt body This style originated in polo to keep the collar from flapping Today buttondown often refers broadly to any casual or dress shirt with a full button placket

Q Why should I invest in a good buttondown shirt
A A highquality buttondown is a wardrobe cornerstone Its versatile looks polished and when made well will be more comfortable fit better and last for years compared to a cheap one

Q Whats the difference between buttondown and buttonup
A Technically buttondown refers specifically to the collar buttons Buttonup is a more general term for any shirt with a full button front In everyday conversation theyre often used interchangeably

Q What are the most timeless classic brands I should know
A For heritage and consistent quality look to Brooks Brothers JCrew Lacoste and Ralph Lauren

Advanced Practical Questions

Q What are some common fit problems with buttondowns and how do I avoid them
A Common issues are
Billowing at the waist Look for darted or slimfit shirts that taper at the torso
Collar gap The collar doesnt sit flush on your neck This is a sizing issue you may need a different neck size or collar style
Sleeves too longshort Know your sleeve length Many modern brands offer multiple sleeve lengths

Q Beyond the classics who are the leading modern maker brands
A These brands focus on contemporary fits unique fabrics and ethical production Check out
Buck Mason
Taylor Stitch
Everlane