Button Down Shirt Vs Button Up Shirt | Shirts By Paul Brown
The question we are often asked is when and where to wear a button down shirt and how it differs from our button up shirt collection.
Traditional button up shirt vs button down shirt
Firstly it is important to recognise the key difference between a button up shirt and a button down shirt. Most of our shirts are button up shirts and are often worn for more formal occasions. The most notable feature of a button down collar shirt is the two button holes on the collar that secure it to the front of the shirt. This was originally designed for Polo players to stop the collar flapping around while playing. Button down shirts are generally worn for more casual occasions without a tie as the collar and cuffs are made with a softer interfacing and therefore have less structure. Alternatively button up shirts are often finished with a heavy interfacing that offers more rigidity to both the collar and cuffs which are perfect to support a tie and cuff links.
Button Down Shirt Vs. Button Up Shirt
Traditional button up shirt vs button down shirt
Firstly it is important to recognise the key difference between a button up shirt and a button down shirt. Most of our shirts are button up shirts and are often worn for more formal occasions. The most notable feature of a button down collar shirt is the two button holes on the collar that secure it to the front of the shirt. This was originally designed for Polo players to stop the collar flapping around while playing. Button down shirts are generally worn for more casual occasions without a tie as the collar and cuffs are made with a softer interfacing and therefore have less structure. Alternatively button up shirts are often finished with a heavy interfacing that offers more rigidity to both the collar and cuffs which are perfect to support a tie and cuff links.
Key Characteristics of men's button down shirts
Along with the soft interfacing for the collar and cuffs, the button down shirt is often made from Oxford cloth rather than poplin. Oxford cloth is a basket weave and has a heavier feel to it compared other weaves such as twill and poplin. The fabric lends itself perfectly to a button down shirt which is a more casual shirt.Disclaimer: While Oxford cloths may appear more casual that does not mean the cloth is of any less quality. We source the finest Oxford cloths from coveted Mill Soktas which is made from long staple US Pima and Egyptian cottons.
In addition to the cloth we finish our men’s button down shirts with a box pleat in the back of the shirt that offers superior movement along with white buttons.
Fabric colours
Button shirts in three most popular colours; pink, blue and white
Another key part of a traditional button down shirt or Oxford shirt is the colour palette. They are usually made in plain colours including white, blue and pink along or stripes with white as one of the two colours. Blending traditional with our unique style While our men’s button down shirts have all the key ingredients we also incorporate our decade of British shirt making experience to offer something different and unique. This is achieved through carefully selected contrast fabrics inside the collar and cuff along with navy buttonhole detail on the collar stand and cuffs.
Made in England
When buying a button down shirt you are making an investment as it is a versatile shirt that is smart enough to wear with trousers for the office, but also perfect to wear at the weekend with jeans or chino shorts when on holiday. As a result the quality of cloth and manufacturing is critical. All our British made shirts are hand cut and made in England just outside London. Our British tailors and seamstresses have years of experience coupled with a deep passion for producing only the finest British shirts.Styling button down shirts
Our Button down shirts are made with a soft collar and therefore we recommend wearing them without a tie. That said our Oxford shirts are very versatile and work really well with jeans or trousers but not with a suit. Pair them with smart trainers or brogues. Equally they look great with chino shorts or swim shorts.Colour arrangement
Button down shirt with jeans
Our Men’s Button down shirts are traditional pastel block or stripe colours. As a result is important you think carefully about the bottom half. Indigo jeans are always a good shout as they offer excellent contrast regardless of which colour is top.
If you are going for a white or pink Oxford or shirt then consider darks colour or light blue for your trousers or shorts. If you are going for a striped shirt then make sure you have plain block colour for the bottom half.
For footwear make sure the colour complements the bottom half. If they are too bright they can distract from the outfit.
Washing your Oxford shirt
We recommend a 30 degree wash and iron on the inside of the shirt at medium heat. Do not every tumble dry and for best results hang immediately after taking out of your washing machine.Conclusion
At least one button down shirt should be in every men’s wardrobe in either blue or white. The shirts offers the wearer incredibly versatility and are perfect for those smart/casual occasions.View Collection
