Being asked to wear a button up shirt as opposed to a button down shirt can create confusion if you aren’t familiar with these terms. They may sound very similar, and some people might even use these terms to mean the same thing.
However, if you know your shirts, there is a clear difference between the two. Read our guide to compare button up shirt vs button down shirts and the next time you are looking for a specific shirt, you’ll be able to tell right away.
Button Down vs Button Up Shirts
Button Up |
Button Down |
|
| Collar | No buttons are present on collar so collar points stand upright | Buttons are present on collar points and fastened down |
| Fabric | Tightly woven material for a more professional look | Wide range of materials that include casual fabrics like flannel |
| Colors | Professional button up are found in lighter colors like white and light blue | Can be found in a wide range of colors |
| Formality | Worn for formal dress codes like business professional or semi-formal attire | Worn for more casual dress codes like business casual or casual attire |
What are Button Up Shirts?
Button up shirts are probably what you’re picturing right now. They’re the most common types of shirts that you most likely purchase for work and find in your closet.
A button up shirt is exactly what it sound like: these shirts have buttons placed all the way up to the front, right up to your neck. Button up shirts are also known as dress shirts, so next time you’re shopping, you can just refer to them as dress shirts or collared shirts to avoid any confusion.
A button up shirt is a dress shirt that you can wear at semi-formal or formal events with a tie, or loosely if you’re aiming for a smart casual style. They’re commonly worn because you can wear them for any type of event, and dress it up or down as you like.
Button up shirts and dress shirts are an indispensable and versatile addition to any man's wardrobe. Their adaptability allows them to seamlessly transition from casual to formal occasions, making them a valuable investment.
With their timeless appeal, button up shirts can be effortlessly paired with various bottoms, such as jeans, chinos, or dress pants, offering endless styling options. Whether worn untucked for a relaxed look or tucked in for a more polished appearance, button-up shirts effortlessly elevate any outfit. Here's also a separate guide on how to wear dress shirt with jeans for those going more casual.
Furthermore, button ups can be layered under sweaters, vests and waistcoats, or the best blazers to add depth and sophistication to ensembles. We also have a list for the best untucked shirts for men.
From boardroom meetings to weekend gatherings, button up shirts epitomize versatility, making them an essential component of a well-rounded and practical wardrobe for men.
Top 3 Button Up Dress Shirts for Men
| # | Brand | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
[Overall Favorite] White Button Up Dress Shirt | The Crescent |
★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 |
|
| 2 |
Light Blue Button Up Dress Shirt | The Waterbend
|
★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 |
|
| 3 |
Black Non-Iron Button Up Dress Shirt | the Yin
|
★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5 |
|
What are Button Down Shirts?
A button down collar shirt is a shirt with buttons on the collar points when you attach them - or a button down collar. They’re called button down because you can, and you should, button the collar down onto your shirt.
Like the button up shirt, you can style button down shirts as you want and make it work for casual or more formal events. Buttons on the collar for button down shirts are almost like an adornment to the garment.
However, one thing is clear, if you’re wearing a button down collar shirt, the point is to pin your collar down. The collar buttons aren’t only for decoration, but they also keep the collar from looking flimsy.
If you’re going for a smart casual look, then the button down shirt is a good option to keep in mind if you want to steer away more traditional shirts. These are our favorite button downs for men, along with our top 3 below:
Top 3 Button Down Shirts for Men
| # | Brand | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
[Overall Favorite] White Button Down Print Collared Shirt | The Melati |
★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 |
|
| 2 |
Men's Red and Blue Button Down Flannel Shirt | The Showa
|
★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 |
|
| 3 |
Blue and White Button Down Flannel Shirt | Indigo
|
★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5 |
|
History of Button Down Shirts
Button down shirts were originally made for polo players and a polo match in 19th century England to keep their collars from obstructing their view by fasting them onto their polo collar shirts, thus preventing the collars from impeding their play while maintaining the sport’s classy appearance.
It was made official by John E. Brooks in 1896 who introduced the button down shirt in his grandfather’s retail company located in the United States called Brooks Brothers. While the pinning of the collar onto the shirt was a quick do-it-yourself solution for polo players in England, he borrowed the idea and made it popular in the American market.
The shirts became a hit with athletes and were then worn for style, and not only for the polo sport. These were adopted by a specific demographic and were sometimes worn to fit the preppy look.
In fact, button down shirts became very popular among Ivy league students and 1950s American president John F. Kennedy, but eventually became a fashion item worldwide.
When to Wear Button-Up Shirts
Button-up shirts are versatile wardrobe essentials suitable for a variety of occasions. Ideal for both casual and formal settings, these shirts can be dressed up or down depending on the context.
For a polished look in a business professional or formal setting, opt for a button-up shirt with a traditional collar and pair it with a suit or blazer. In more relaxed environments, like casual outings or weekend activities, button-up shirts can be worn untucked or layered with sweaters or jackets for a laid-back style. The key is choosing the right fabric and fit to match the formality of the occasion.
When to Wear Button-Down Shirts
Button-down shirts are perfect for smart casual and business casual occasions. The distinctive button-down collar—where the collar points are fastened down—adds a touch of casual elegance, making these shirts ideal for informal business meetings, weekend gatherings, or casual Fridays at the office.
They pair well with chinos, business casual jeans, or even casual blazers. For a smart-casual ensemble, consider layering a button-down shirt under a lightweight sweater or pairing it with casual trousers. This style offers a blend of comfort and sophistication, perfect for a range of less formal events.
Best Materials for Button-Up Shirts and Button-Down Shirts
Choosing the right material for button-up and button-down shirts can make a significant difference in both comfort and style.
For button-up shirts, which range from formal to casual, classic options include crisp cotton for a clean, breathable feel; luxurious poplin for a smooth, polished look; and fine linen for a lightweight, airy fabric ideal for warm weather. This is our favorite light blue linen short sleeve shirt for the summer.
Button-down shirts, known for their relaxed style, benefit from materials like soft Oxford cloth, which offers a casual yet durable texture, or brushed flannel for added warmth and a laid-back vibe.
Selecting the appropriate material based on occasion and personal preference ensures that each shirt type delivers both functionality and fashion.
How to Decide between Button Down vs Button Up?
Here is a list of frequently asked questions that will help you decide which type of shirt to go for:
Essentially, the difference is that one has buttons for the collar and the other doesn’t?
That’s right! Just remember that a button up shirt has buttons all the way up front, and a button down short is meant to pin down the collar.
If I’m going to a formal event, which one should I wear?
You can wear either. However, if it is a conservative environment, it’s always safe to go with your classic dress shirt (button up shirts) and pair it with a tie and suit.
Remember that the button down shirt originates from sports, so not everyone might view it as the appropriate choice for a formal event. Opt in for one of these best men's oxford shirts if you're going the button down route.
Should I wear a tie with a button down shirt?
That’s up to you! You can wear your shirt with or without a tie, it depends on what type of event you’re heading to and your personal style and preferred collar style.
Is it necessary to button down the collar on a button down shirt?
You should always button down the collar on a button down shirt.
The star item is your collar, so just make sure to fasten it onto your shirt to complete your outfit, and have your collar looking clean.
Should I always button all the way up if I’m wearing a button up shirt?
Not at all. Again, use your judgement as it depends on what type of event you’re preparing for.
You can leave the top buttons undone for a more casual look, or button them all the way up even if you’re not wearing a tie.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s always a good idea to keep both types of shirts in your closet in case you want to change it up every now and then.
The button up shirt is definitely a timeless classic clothing item to have, but a button down shirt shows that you’re able to style anything.
Frequently asked questions about button up vs button down
What is the difference between button-up and button-down?
The terms "button-up" and "button-down" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. A "button-up" shirt is a general term for any shirt with buttons running down the front, including both dress shirts and casual styles.
A "button-down" shirt specifically refers to a style where the collar points are fastened down with buttons. So, while all button-down shirts are button-ups, not all button-up shirts are button-downs.
Is a button-down collar more formal?
Generally, a button-down collar is considered less formal compared to a traditional spread or point collar. Button-down collars are often associated with casual or preppy styles and are commonly seen in more relaxed settings.
For formal occasions or business settings, a non-button-down collar is typically preferred, as it has a sharper, more structured appearance.
What is a button-up shirt called?
A button-up shirt is a broad term that refers to any shirt with a front placket of buttons. These shirts can vary in style, including dress shirts, casual button-down shirts, and more.
If the shirt features a button-down collar, it might be specifically called a "button-down shirt," but otherwise, "button-up shirt" is the general term used.
Are button-up shirts in style?
Yes, button-up shirts are timeless and remain stylish in various fashion contexts. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Modern trends often include a mix of classic and contemporary styles, so button-up shirts continue to be a staple in both casual and formal wardrobes.
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