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:
Still, finding the perfect button-down can feel surprisingly difficult. With a saturated market of cuts, collars, and cotton weights, the search requires a curious 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.
And while your shirting collection will likely start with the classics—your whites and blues, and striped iterations that combine the two—don’t be shy to embrace color. Across the spring runways, designers leaned into bold hues as a canvas for expression. Think a flash of crimson red underneath a black winter coat, or a subtle pastel yellow peeking out from a grey cashmere. To really go for gold, layering two button downs will make a directional statement.
Below, discover the shirting brands that have perfected the silhouette—and deserve a permanent place in your wardrobe rotation.
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 saturated 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 on repeat, whether styled with worn-in denim or layered beneath tailoring. (Besides cotton, the shirts come in silk, too.)
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.
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—at sweet spot pricing.
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 mission has since grown into fully fleshed-out essentials destination for men and women’s wear. The shirting remains the heart of the brand—clean, unfussy, and endlessly wearable.
TWP
Founded by Trish Wescoat Pound, TWP does ease and sophistication with subtle modern twists (and cheeky names to match). A tie detail here, a banded cuff there—these thoughtful updates refresh the classic button down without straying too far from its roots.
Toteme
Grounded in Swedish sensibilities, Toteme approaches shirting with architectural precision and a focus on materiality to create pieces that feel directional and timeless—ideal for everyday dressing that’s minimal yet impactful.
Tibi
Through a blend of functionality and creativity, Tibi proves that basics are never boring. Part of its Fundamentals assortments—a.k.a. without fails (WOFs)—tailoring defines its shirting, offering chic foundations that quietly elevate any look.
Maria McManus
With sustainability as a core principle, Maria McManus designs everything with intention. Her button-downs refine the silhouette in contemporary colors, resulting in polished staples that are also responsibly-made.
Flore Flore
Flore Flore injects a youthful spirit into classic shirting. Cotton is sourced from Bergamo in Italy, then handmade at a traditional shirting factory in Portugal. The Zoë shirt is an oversized fit, while the Casta is more relaxed, with two pleats at the back—both crafted from a medium-weight cotton. The Giulia is the most slim-fit of all, with two pleats in the front and back and made from a heavier-weight cotton.
6397
Born from the New York showroom NEWS, 6397 approaches design through a lens of real life. Its shirting offers subtle twists—an unexpected pleat, an oversized cut, an unlikely shade—that give the wardrobe staple a fresh perspective.
Soldout.NYC
Soldout.NYC champions simplicity done right. The aptly named the “Everything Shirt” (which is also available in a cropped silhouette) lives up to its reputation. Whether styled with a black trouser or a statement skirt, it seamlessly transitions for any occasion.
Polo Ralph Lauren
The American heritage brand remains synonymous with modern prep. Polo Ralph Lauren’s cotton button-downs, available in an array of colors, are enduring classics with limitless styling potential—don’t be surprised when you spot one on Vogue’s fashion editor Mai Morsch’s wish list.
Rubirosa Paris
A trip to Rubirosa’s Paris boutique—especially during fashion week—is well worth it. Shelves lined with a rainbow of hues invite you to step outside your neutral comfort zone, while custom made options ensure a personal touch.
Chava Studio
Based in Mexico City and founded in 2020, Chava Studio brings a contemporary edge to traditional shirting. Contrasting cuffs, unexpected color combinations, and open back slits reimagine the classic silhouette for the modern woman.