A White Button-Down Is A Wardrobe Essential, So We Found The 10 Best To Buy
Aside from a flattering pair of jeans and a classic white tee, there is perhaps no closet staple more essential than a crisp white button-down. The blank canvas is an excellent addition to any outfit and looks great with everything from jeans to blazers and beyond. Not to mention, it's one of the few pieces that can fool people into thinking you didn't snooze your alarm multiple times or get ready in five minutes. The always-in wardrobe essential will save you from every fashion dilemma out there, so if you ask us, you can never have too many of them.
What To Look For In A White Button-Down Shirt
We'd compare the journey of shopping for a new white button-down to that of scoring the perfect white tee: simple item, not-so-simple task. First and foremost, it's important to consider fit. Are you looking for something tailored and ideal for layering? Or a baggier fit that pairs perfectly with tailored pants or skinny jeans? There's no wrong answer, but these factors will become important when it's time to style. Next up, consider material. If you're searching for the perfect bikini topper, we recommend something lightweight or made of linen. If sleek and elevated is more your vibe, go with silk. Lastly, you'll want to consider the features of each top. As this is a capsule piece, you'll need to think about pockets, wrinkle resistance, and whether it's worth an investment.
How We Found The Best White Button-Down Shirts Of 2022
To find the crème de la crème of white button-downs, we turned to our data-driven algorithm. This proprietary tool factors in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more to discover and rank the best products on the internet. Ahead, you'll find a guide to the Top 10 white button-downs on the market, from wrinkle-resistant fabrics perfect for traveling to silky stunners ideal for date nights. Keep scrolling to discover and shop the styles that made the cut.
Next up, shop the 10 Best Skinny Jeans. Opening image: everlane.com
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Gap 100% Organic Cotton Perfect Shirt
ORGANIC COTTON
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: If anyone can give us a great white button-down, it's Gap. This one is made with classic oxford material, has a perfect not-too-tight-but-not-too-loose fit, and rings up under $50.
USER REVIEW: "A classic basic never goes wrong. The menswear styling adds to its practicality. The fabric is soft while providing the crispness that a white button-down should deliver."
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Banana Republic Dillon Classic-Fit Shirt
FLOWY
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Banana Republic's Dillon Shirt is made with soft, silky fabric that makes it feel slightly more elevated than the rest. It'll go from workdays to post-work occasions effortlessly.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This shirt was produced in a facility that runs P.A.C.E.—Gap Inc.'s program to educate and empower women in the communities where its products are made.
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Bella Dahl Long Sleeve Button Down Top
CHEST POCKET
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Crafted from breezy (and sustainable!) Tencel lyocell, this is one of the softest white button-downs on the list. It still has that elegant look, but it's a lot more comfortable than most.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: The shirttail hem makes this one extremely tuckable, but it looks great untucked, too.
Athleta Urbanite Top 2.0
SPORTY
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: From the relaxed fit that still manages to hug in all the right places to the innovative cuffless sleeve, this top by Athleta has customers stocking up in multiple colors.
USER REVIEW: "Love, love love this shirt! I have this shirt in 3 different colors. I love how it moves with you. It's light and perfect under a sweater. I wear it to work."
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Inclusive
Quince 100% Organic Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
LINEN
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Linen this high-quality can be hard to find, let alone at this price. Like many of Quince's exceptional basics, this shirt rings up at 40% less than traditional retail.
STYLE WITH: Throw it on with the matching pants for an easy late-summer look.
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Eco Friendly
Treasure & Bond Oversize Button-Up Shirt
OVERSIZED
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: The crisp cotton and oversized cut perfectly nails the polished and effortless look that many seek out when choosing a white button-down shirt.
USER REVIEW: "This top is everything! Love that it isn’t see-through! So hard to find a white button-up shirt that isn’t see-through and this one is it! Love the oversized look and fit. You can up dress it and down dress it. Perfect for all year round. 10/10."
Everlane The Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt
RELAXED
STYLE WITH: This relaxed-fitting shirt is going to look great with any bottom of your choice, but we'd pair it with stretch trousers for an easy WFH look.
USER REVIEW: "This shirt is comfortable, breezy, and so, so soft. Not only can you spend all day in it, but I feel like it would also be comfortable to sleep in. The color is beautiful."
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Eco Friendly
ADAY Something Borrowed Shirt
STAND-UP COLLAR
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This best-seller features a universally flattering relaxed silhouette that works for a variety of body shapes and sizes.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Made from a Technical Silk, this boyfriend style button-down is stretchy, soft, and non-see-through.
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Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Long Sleeve Button Down Poplin Shirt
ON AMAZON
WHY YOU NEED IT: There's a reason this under-$30 button-down shirt has over 6,000 reviews on Amazon. It's soft, durable, and can be easily worn with whatever you already own.
LOVED FOR: Thanks to the lived-in look and feel, you're provided with a comfortable fit that allows for unrestricted movement and stress-free wear.
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AYR The Deep End
BEST OVERALL
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Approved by multiple staff members at Rank & Style, AYR's white button-down is the best in the biz. The fabric is soft but sturdy, and it has a perfectly oversized fit that makes any bottom look chic.
AS SEEN ON: Oprah is a major fan of this button-down. It's made multiple appearances on her personal Instagram account, and it was even featured on the cover of her magazine last summer.
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