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If there’s one article of clothing that’s truly essential for any man to have in his closet, it’s a classic button down shirt. There’s a reason this shirt style is so popular – button downs are incredibly versatile, perfect to wear for both casual or formal events, day or night. Pair a simple button down shirt with a pair of black dress pants, a suit jacket, and a tie to wear to the office, then ditch the jacket and tie and roll up the sleeves for happy hour drinks with coworkers after work. Or, wear the button-down underneath a sweater for a classy first-date look. The point is, every man should own a button-down shirt. We have researched the greatest button-down shirts of 2024 and have created a list of them for you. We’ve also included helpful information in our buyer’s guide so you can get your hands on the highest quality shirt.
The Leading Men's Button Down In 2024
Wrangler Authentics Shirt — Best Overall
Men who prefer a laid-back style should choose this shirt because this button-down looks as good as it feels. Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or a casual evening, throw on this shirt with any pair of pants and you’ll be good to go. Since it is made of heavyweight 100% cotton, it feels soft and cozy on the skin, yet keeps you cool throughout the day. It becomes softer with every wash but does not shrink down.
This button-down shirt has a regular fit that does not cling to your body, making it great for guys who prefer a little extra coverage from their shirts. The shirt has a spread collar design that perfectly reflects a sophisticated look. Styling it is a breeze because its rosewood plaid prints look good with whatever bottoms you pair it with.
Pros
- Enough length to wear it tucked or untucked
- 100% cotton and pre-washed fabric for extra softness
- Has a small pocket on the chest
- Comes true to size
Cons
- The pocket is too small to hold a phone
Arrow 1851 Shirt — Best Durability
If you are a guy who wants to look like a modern gentleman, this shirt should be at the top of your list. Its armholes are lower than you see in typical button-down shirts, making your chest appear broader. Don't be surprised if you get plenty of compliments while wearing this out because its clean-cut design and detailed stitching offer an excellent fit for anybody. Additionally, this shirt is made from 55% cotton and 45% polyester, which makes it a soft and durable material. Since it is wrinkle-free, you don't have to iron it before wearing it. Besides, it has beautiful plaid patterns with a button-down closure that makes it all the more impressive.
Pros
- Cotton and polyester fabric shirt remains wrinkle-free
- Requires less maintenance than a typical button-down
- The shirt is lightly brushed for smoothness
- Long sleeves and a shirttail hem make it a perfect formal or casual shirt
Cons
- Runs a bit small
Van Heusen Shirt — Best Moisture-Wicking
If you have a tattoo or a fancy watch to show off, try this short-sleeved shirt to rock in the summer. It is constructed of 66% rayon and 34% polyester. Not only is it soft on the skin, but it also wicks away moisture from your body, making it great for sweaty afternoons. You will end up loving this shirt so much you’ll want to wear it every day – so you better go ahead and order more than one. This button-down is wrinkle-free and does not need to be ironed, so you can wear it straight out of the dryer without a wrinkle in sight. You can wear it with anything from chinos to shorts and get the classiest look ever.
Pros
- Comes in all sizes: slim, standard, and tall
- Moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry
- Machine washable and wrinkle-resistant shirt
- Single pocket for storing little items
Cons
- It may not be quite long enough to tuck in
Tommy Hilfiger Shirt — Best for Style
This shirt gives you a luxurious feel while wearing it, owing to its button-down style and comfortable fitting that perfectly hugs your body. It has a button-down collar, which adds an extra layer of sophistication to your casual look. The shirt has long sleeves with button closure for added comfort, so you can wear them down or roll them up, whatever your preference. Whether you wear it to a business meeting or a date, wherever you go, it presents you as well-dressed and classy.
The plain color suits light denim or khakis well. This can be your favorite shirt to wear for errands, guys’ night, or a day at the office. The shirt is made of 98% cotton and 2% elastane. The cotton provides breathability and the elastane keeps it flexible, so it is sure to provide you with a comfortable fit.
Pros
- Button closure cuffs for wearing the sleeves down or rolled up
- Fabric blend of cotton and elastane to offer comfort and flexibility
- Quality fabric and strong seams keep it long-lasting
- Printed logo patch on the front for added style
Cons
- No pockets for storing essentials
Amazon Essentials Shirt — Also Consider
When you are looking for a good shirt but don’t want to pay a wallet-busting price, this is the piece for you. With 100% cotton fabric, it will be the comfiest shirt in your wardrobe since it lets your skin breathe under it. Hence, you can wear it the whole day and stay comfy. Despite being made of pure cotton, it is highly durable and it won't shrink or get awful wrinkles on the first use. It is very easy to maintain because it can go inside a washing machine or dryer without deteriorating in quality. It has a button-down design and is tapered to reflect a fancy and cool style.
Pros
- Pure cotton makes it light and comfortable
- High-quality cotton can withstand machine washing easily
- The button-down collar looks sophisticated
- Has a stitched pocket in the front
Cons
- The lighter colors may be a bit transparent
Buying Guide for Finding a Men's Button Down
It would be greatly disappointing to invest money in a button-down shirt, only for it to fall apart in the wash or become wrinkled very badly. You want to make sure you’re spending your money on a high-quality shirt that will last you for years to come. To help you find the right one, we’ve included this buying guide to help you consider all of the key factors of buying a good button-down.
What is the Difference Between Button Down and Button Up Shirts?
Who knew that the pattern of buttons could differentiate one shirt from the other? Well, it does. Button up shirts have all the buttons up their front. This is the same type of shirt you see most of the time. On the other hand, a button-down shirt has extra buttons on the collar, making it different from a button-up shirt. Button-down shirts look more attractive when you pair them with a good tie and blazer to get a formal look, while button-up shirts give a casual look.
How to Get Your Hands on the Best Men's Button-Down
These factors help you to determine the best button-down shirt.
Measurements
Check your measurements against the product’s size chart to determine which size will fit you best. Try to get a shirt that is true to size. If you're unsure about the size, you can go one size up. It should neither be too tight nor too loose. While buying a tapered button-down tunic, ensure it is not gripping around your waist, or else it will cause wrinkles around the buttons. You don't have to worry much while getting a regular fit shirt because it has back pleats offering more space for your body.
Fabric
When it comes to selecting the fabric of a shirt, stressing your brain here is not needed because cotton is the king of all fabrics. Go for the shirt with higher cotton content. However, if it has a blend of elastane or polyester, it becomes more wrinkle-resistant. You can also select a shirt made of rayon and polyester, but it won't be as breathable as a cotton one.
Sleeves
Some button-downs are short-sleeved, while others are full-sleeved. Short sleeves are great for warm weather, while full-sleeves work great on cold or windy days. In the case you are buying a long-sleeved shirt, check what kind of cuffs it has. It should be long enough to reach the hinge joint of your wrist. Beware that it is not too long, or you will end up looking frumpy. The cuffs should have buttons to allow you to shift the sleeves up or down as per your choice.
Pockets
Those who habitually put their hands in their pockets for their keys or phones should pick shirts with pockets. On the contrary, if you prefer a neat design with no pockets, go for a plain shirt.
Whether you want your shirt to be plain or have fine checks or plaid patterns, button-down shirts have a lot to offer you. Go for a dark-colored shirt if you are wearing it out for travel. Opt for a fine and vertical check pattern to balance out a larger body shape.
How Much Does it Cost to Purchase a Men's Button Down?
Sometimes, a branded shirt deserves no money, and a not-so-popular shirt is worth more than it is priced. It is most important to consider the quality rather than the price when shopping for shirts. Considering only the quality brands, you can assume the cost of the shirt will be between $15 and $40. However, if it is from a well-known brand like Van Heusen or Tommy Hilfiger, it may cost you as much as $60 or $70.
How to Keep a Men’s Button Down in Good Condition
By following some simple but smart tips, you can keep your shirt looking new for years to come.
- Don't wash it in a washing machine unless it really gets dirty. Rather, you can simply rub the collars and underarms with water and a gentle detergent, and it will be clean.
- Wash with cold water rather than warm water, because cold water keeps the print and color vibrant.
- Don't put it in the dryer unless you need to wear it right away. You can simply hang it on a clothesline to dry.
- If it is made of pure cotton, iron it well, keeping the heat on medium. Then, fold it and keep it in a closet or drawer.
