If you want to dress stylishly, you’ll need several button-up shirts in your closet. These versatile items are appropriate for many occasions. Since you can find options made from various fabrics, there are excellent choices in clothing for men that you can wear year-round. This guide will help you choose button-up shirts that will be an ideal addition to your wardrobe.
Button-Ups vs. Button-Downs
While many people use the term button-up and button-down interchangeably, there are differences. The main difference between button-up and button-down shirts is that button-down shirts have collar buttons. The collar buttons help keep the collar lying flat. The buttons also give button-down shirts a more formal appearance.
When to Wear a Button-Up
If your company has a business casual dress code, wearing these shirts is a fantastic idea to help you stay comfortable while looking sharp throughout the day. They are a practical choice for many semi-formal events away from work.
Button-up shirts are also appropriate for wearing on a date or a night out with friends because they provide a put-together appearance without looking too formal.
Finding the Right Size
There are at least four key areas where you want a button-up shirt to fit correctly. First, when you fasten the top button, you should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and your neck. This ensures the collar sits neatly without causing discomfort or leaving too much of a gap.
The second place a button-down shirt should fit properly is the shoulders. Ideally, the shoulder seam will be right where the sleeve meets the torso portion. If the seam falls farther down your arm, the shirt is too big. Alternatively, if the seam is too near your neck, you need a larger size.
The shirt should also fit comfortably across the chest. Shirts with a slim cut are optimal for men with athletic builds as they hug the body closely. Most men will look great in regular-fit shirts as they have more room through the chest. Others who prefer even more room will feel better wearing relaxed-fit button-up shirts.
You also need the shirt’s sleeves to fit properly. Long-sleeve options should end at your wrist bone. A short-sleeve shirt, like a short-sleeve stretch button-up, should stop about halfway between your shoulder and elbow.
In most cases, you will want the shirt to end about mid-hip, so check the length. This will allow you to comfortably tuck the shirt in at times and wear it untucked at other times.
In-Store vs. Online Shopping
You can find stylish options in button-up shirts online and in stores. Buying online will often give you more choices. Many people find it more convenient to shop from home. Most companies also publish customer reviews, so you can read what others are saying about the shirt. It is often easier to find sales and discounts online. When shopping online, just remember that different brands use different sizing, so be sure to consult each company’s sizing chart.
There are also valid reasons to shop for button-up shirts in brick-and-mortar stores. A sales associate can often help by suggesting shirts you would not otherwise have considered that end up looking great on you. You can try the shirt on in the store, so you do not have the hassle of returns. Also, you have instant access to the shirt, so you don’t have to wait for it to arrive.
Completing the Outfit
There are an incredible number of ways that you can wear button-up shirts. For instance, you can pair the shirt with dress trousers and your favorite oxfords for a night out on the town.
A button-up dress shirt also looks fantastic when worn with jeans. Tuck the shirt in, and wear your favorite belt.
Another terrific choice is to wear a button-up shirt under a cardigan. Then, wear your wool trousers on a cold winter day. Your leather dress boots will help to keep your feet warm. If you need another layer, consider a peacoat.
A button-up shirt is a suitable choice for most job interviews. You can wear it with your favorite suit, a tie, and dress shoes. You may also want to wear one of your classiest men’s crew neck tees under the shirt.
Fabric Choices
Once you discover how easy it is to create outfits with button-up shirts, you will want to own several. When choosing options, consider the type of fabric manufacturers chose for them.
Cotton shirts come in a variety of weaves. The prominent weave of an Oxford button-up shirt can help add visual interest to your outfit. Twill and poplin have a finer weave, giving them a more refined look, which is ideal when you need to add a little formality to your outfit. The different weaves are especially noticeable on a white short-sleeve stretch button-up.
Another choice you will want to consider is linen. It is very breathable, making it a great warm-weather choice.
Chambray is like denim, so it is a great choice when you want to give your outfit a more casual vibe. It is also extremely durable, so you can love wearing it for a long time.
Consider Your Closet
Button-up shirts are a great addition to many closets. Yet, before you start, take inventory of what you already own in your closet. Make a list of possible outfits that you can create with the addition of these fabulous shirts. Then, add some to your wardrobe.
