Eliza Huber
When it comes to basics, there's no one we trust more than the French, who've more than proven their ability to turn simple wardrobe staples from boring to enviable. Of all the essentials our favorite French women wear most, none is more key to a crisp, chic collection than a white button-down shirt. Whether they wear theirs pants-less with bloomers, layered underneath a cozy knit, or styled backward for a peekaboo-back moment, our friends from Paris always succeed at creating inspo around their poplin shirts.
Of course, not all white button-downs are created equal. If you don't pick the right one, you could easily end up with an overly wrinkled, oddly fitting, or weirdly see-through style that simply won't get the job done. The 25 options below, however, feature none of the aforementioned shortcomings. Keep scrolling to shop the basic of all basics.
The Top 8 White Button-Down Shirts
- Best Overall: J.Crew Garçon Classic Shirt ($57)
- Best Fitted: Mango Cotton Blend Shirt ($50)
- Best Linen: COS Oversized Linen Shirt ($100)
- Best Oversize: Reformation Andy Oversized Shirt ($128)
- Best Splurge: Anine Bing Mika Shirt ($250)
- Best Budget-Friendly: H&M Cotton-Blend Shirt ($20)
- Best Embroidered: Polo Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Oxford Shirt ($128)
- Best Silk: Banana Republic The Everyday Silk Shirt ($150)
How to Style a White Button-Down
Nothing is more classic than a white button-down shirt, so why not style it with the most timeless tailoring piece of all time? Crisp black tailored pants will effortlessly complete the look.
No pants? No problem if you have on a crisp button-down shirt and some sparkly knee-high Saint Laurent boots.
Paris Fashion Week is no match for a buttoned-up poplin shirt when it's paired with a khaki bomber jacket and pleated miniskirt.
This look is proof that basics don't have to be boring. Instead, they're perfect for playing around with different styling techniques.
A midi denim skirt is chic enough on its own, but when styled with a tucked-in button-down shirt, it's practically perfect.
When it's not yet cold enough for a full-blown jacket but too chilly to wear just a tank, throw on a button-down. It's the perfect transitional topper.
The possibilities are endless when you have a clean canvas like this button-down. Flip it around, tuck it into some perfect-fitting Levi's, and leave it unbuttoned for a low-key sexy look.
Layering isn't always the easiest task, but when a white poplin shirt is the base, the process is as simple as throwing on a neutral knit, some skinny pants, and a pair of riding boots.
Another classic "when in doubt" outfit idea simply has to be a tailored shorts suit with a white button-down. Especially come summer, it's a great way to cool off yet look professional.
Our Editors' Top Picks
"This Hommegirls collared shirt is so good that I own it in white, as well as two other colorways. It's crisp, designed in a classic fit, and has a small 'HG' embroidered logo detail at the front." —Kristen Nichols
"I’ve owned this button-down for almost five years, and it’s easily my favorite. It’s served as a component for many outfits over the years. It's season-less and a true classic." —ChiChi Offer
"This 100% linen shirt is one of my favorite things I own from Uniqlo. It has a relaxed fit, but I still sized up because I wanted it to be oversized. I wear it unbuttoned over a swimsuit at the beach or buttoned up at the office. It's that versatile." —Erin Fitzpatrick
"Me and this button-down are locked in. Since it's 100% cotton, the quality after so many washes doesn't diminish and it's breathable enough to wear throughout the summer in my opinion." —Kerane Marcellus
"My all-time favorite button-down shirts of all colors and patterns are from Tory Burch. I have a plaid version, a striped version, and a plain white version, and I grab for all three constantly. They're just structured enough, and the fit is not super oversized, making them perfect for tucking. I also find that they keep their shape well and don't wrinkle. Say no more." —Eliza Huber
"J.Crew's Garçon shirt has been my go-to for the entirety of this year. It's not too oversized and not too slim, so it's kind of perfect. I also highly recommend the linen version." —Allyson Payer
"A shirt I simply can’t get in enough colors is this one from Reformation. It nails that effortlessly polished vibe I’m always chasing. It's structured but drapes just enough to feel undone in the best way and I love it in the many striped iterations that they offer. I’ve been throwing it over tanks, bikinis, and even slip dresses—it's basically earned a permanent spot in my week." —Sierra Mayhew
"The Anteros does one thing—cotton shirting—and it does it very, very well. The Lief shirt, for example, features dramatic slits up the cuff that give it such an elevated and bespoke feel while still being a classic piece. It's easily my favorite white button-down I've ever tried." —Anna LaPlaca
Shop white button-down shirts:
There's a reason this shirt is constantly selling out.
Pros: Incredible price point
Cons: Wrinkles easily
Size Range: XXS–4XL
Colors: White, Light Blue/Striped
Notable Review: "I absolutely love this cotton blend shirt. The quality is beyond most cotton blends in today's retail shops. The cut is very flattering and rightly tailored. I prefer this cut over an oxford shirt. Elegant and flattering."
Our readers absolutely love this poplin shirt.
Pros: Subtle stripe details
Cons: Fitted
Size Range: XS–L
Colors: Cream Stripe
BRB, I'm copying this entire look.
Pros: Gives off a very professional vibe
Cons: Limited Sizes left
Size Range: Small
Color: Off White
Tibi low-key makes the best button-down shirts.
Pros: Runs large
Cons: Unique details on the back
Size Range: XXS–XL
Color: White
Madewell is my go-to for super-elevated basics.
Pros: As classic as it gets.
Cons: Some unhappy reviewers said the fabric was too stiff.
Size Range: XXS–XXL
Colors: White, Blue Striped, Pink
Notable Review: "By far the best, simple white button up I’ve ever owned. It fits beautifully and is so versatile."
For work and play.
Pros: I've never had a bad order from Zara when it comes to button-down shirts.
Cons: Wrinkles easily.
Size Range: XS–XXL
Colors: White, Blue
Don't sleep on Anine Bing's elevated basics.
Pros: Cinched sleeves
Cons: Runs large
Size Range: XS–XL
Color: White
Notable Review: "This is the perfect classic white button down, with a modern twist. I LOVE how the sleeves are made to stay up on your arm and bunched—brilliant! The fabric is crisp and comfortable but thick enough to not show through. Yes, this runs large, but if you size down it's the perfect fit."
So chic.
Pros: High-quality design
Cons: Pricey
Size Range: XS–L
Colors: White, Light Chambray
This shirt is regret-proof.
Pros: Super soft, great price point
Cons: A bit see-through
Size Range: XS–L
Color: White
Notable Review: "Great fit! Material is so soft. Easy to wear."
I'm buying this shirt in every available color.
Pros: On sale
Cons: Thin fabric
Size Range: 00–24
Colors: White, Blue Eoe
Notable Review: "This is a great shirt. I wore it [in] Paris visiting my daughter recently. It took me from day to night and looked great all day."
Get this while it's still available.
Pros: Unique V-neck design
Cons: Trendy cut
Size Range: S–L
Color: White
Notable Review: "Love this top, super versatile & the fabric is so soft."
I love a poplin shirt paired with kitten heels and a miniskirt more than almost anything.
Pros: The perfect work shirt
Cons: Boxy fit, stiff material
Size Range: XXS–XL
Colors: White, Blue Stripe
Notable Review: "I wear this top with everything."
I'm buying this. Done and dusted.
Pros: Chic, spring inspired range of colors
Cons: Runs large
Size Range: 2–14
Colors: White, Blue, Pink, Yellow
Notable Review: "Beautiful fit. Excellent quality. The perfect classic white shirt."
Because I like to have a style like this on hand for layering.
Pros: A best seller
Cons: Could be considered too fitted
Size Range: 0-20
Colors: White, Black
This top hits the hips at a perfect place.
Pros: Contrasting buttons
Cons: Easily wrinkles
Size Range: XS–XL
Color: Ivory Combo
Notable Review: "Such a perfect way to elevate the average white button up. I love layering this or wearing slightly unbuttoned. I've paired with lots of cute mini skirts and a pair of white carpenter style jeans and I absolutely love how it looks with everything."
If these came in bulk packs, I'd be the number one customer.
Pros: Bra-friendly
Cons: Oversize
Size Range: XS–XL
Colors: White, Corsica Stripe, Taupe Stripe, Sugar
A must-have.
Pros: Striped
Cons: Slightly see-through
Size Range: XXS–XL
Color: Hndsn Strp Wt/Trc Sg
This top has a moment every year.
Pros: A classic style
Cons: Runs small
Size Range: 00–18
Colors: White, Blue, Bath Pink
Every time I go to COS, I walk out with some sort of basic.
Pros: Doubles as a swimsuit cover-up
Cons: Heavy for a linen shirt
Size Range: 2–14
Colors: White, Bright Green, Stone, Lilac, Green, Navy, Butter Yellow
Notable Review: "I have many of these shirts. I bought them another year. They are the best. Incredible quality linen and a great fit."
What should I look for in a white button-down?
Focus on fit, fabric, and level of transparency. A slightly oversize silhouette in crisp cotton poplin or a soft, structured blend will give you the most versatility—just make sure it's not see-through and lays clean across the shoulders.
How do I keep my white button-down from wrinkling?
Choose a cotton blend or poplin with a bit of stretch, which holds its shape better than pure cotton or linen. Keep a handheld steamer in your home, and hang your shirt up immediately after washing to avoid deep creases. Taking it to the dry cleaner is the best way to keep it wrinkle-free, but you can also wash it on cold and air-dry.
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