In a world where t-shirts are the new casual, it can be nice to switch things up a bit and throw on a comfortable button up shirt for a change. Whether you are the kind of guy who wears a full suit to work and wants to dress down a bit for weekends, or an avowed enemy of formal wear who needs something a little more classed-up for work, there are a whole lot of shirts out there for you.
In fact, at times it can seem like there are too many options; flat collars, no collars, denim, chambray, cotton, snap buttons, or corozo. We picked out a list of casual button up shirts that run the gamut of style, fabric, and price. While the majority of these are button-ups, the laid-back brother of the button-down that eschews fasteners on the corner of the collar, we also included a few button-downs in here for good measure. Take a scroll through and see for yourself what it’s all about.
Uniqlo Chambray
For those who don’t mind ironing regularly, chambray shirts like this one from Uniqlo are a great way to go. Made from linen-finished gingham cloth, it has an uneven color throughout that makes for a unique look. This shirt in particular comes with selvedge piping along the inside of the collar and the cuffs.
United by Blue Wenlock Chambray
This chambray pick features an attractive but simple dotted pattern along the short sleeved shirt. Featuring a button-down collar, a left breast pocket, and a 100 percent cotton build, it’s ideal for wearing on those warmer office commutes whether you are jamming through traffic on a bike or just catching a cab.
Everlane Slim Fit Poplin
From the proudly price-transparent brand Everlane comes a classic Poplin shirt. This slim fitting long sleeved button-down shirt is made from 100% cotton poplin, a type of fabric that utilizes an ‘over under’ weave that makes them difficult to wrinkle and easy to iron when you eventually get around to it. Available in 6 different colors and featuring heat-resistant buttons, they’re a great pick for a guy looking for a solid go-to shirt.
Grayers Dover Double Cloth
One of the best parts about a double cloth shirt is the chance to break it in and make it your own. This offering from the NewYork based brand is made from lightweight heather yarns that are woven together for a sturdy but not stifling feel. To top it all off, the grey stripes across the shirt allow it to pair easily with any outfit.
Banana Republic Camden-Fit
If you like your shirts crisp and smooth, this one may be for you. Treated with BR’s new Custom 078 Wash, this fabric is given an hour long delicate wash cycle after which they’re put through an enzyme wash that produces a worn-in and soft feel, especially around the seams, armholes, and the button-down collar. Who said looking good couldn’t be comfortable?
Roark Revival First Nation
Inspired by the tribes that lived on Vancouver Island’s coast long before western settlers established themselves in the area, this cotton short-sleeved button up features a fun and loud allover print. It’s a shirt that manages to straddle the line of being something you’d reserve for nights out and days-in at the office; reserved but not self serious.
J.Crew Slub Cotton
In the past 10 years or so, a lot of people seem to be paying homage to the early 20th century style whether it be with large brimmed hats, old-school leather boots, or slub cotton shirts like this one from J.Crew. Slub cotton is a type of fabric woven on small looms by hand that feature small but telling variations in texture. Besides looking great, this process also results in a light and comfortable fit that is perfect for summer.
Smith X Howler San Gabriel
A collaboration between Smith Optics and the Howler Brothers, this shirt is made from a polyester blend and features an allover print of a sun setting over the pacific. It strikes us as a great shirt to wear after getting out of the cool ocean on a hot day. It features metal buttons, a microfiber hem for cleaning your sunglasses, and a regular fit for total comfort.
Western Rise Bodie Button Down
You can’t assemble a list of summer shirts and not include at least one solid shirt built for fishing. Made with technical water resistant fabric with a UPF 30+ rating, it’s ideal for wading out into the river. To top it all off, the shirt comes with pearl snaps for easy removal and a breast pocket meant to effortlessly store any and all bait and tackle.
Gant Short Sleeved
There has been a rehabilitation of the floral shirt this summer. Brands have decided to tweak the loud and large print just a bit, but overall they’re just owning the gaudy quality to the shirts and it’s working. This one from Gant features a plain button-up front, a slim fit, and a cotton construction. Tiki-bar ready.
J.Lindeberg Dani Season Print
While some allover prints go for bigger patterns, others try and give shirts a kind of texture. This offering from the Scandinavian fashion brand is among the latter. By channeling a bit of George Seuraut, they get an emphatically dotted shirt that looks as good as it fits. With a button-up front, a slim fit, and a poplin construction it’s ideal for work, play, or even just spending a Sunday Afternoon On The Island of La Grande Jatte.
Bonobos Riviera
100% cotton and 100% fun, this watermelon-print Riviera short sleeve shirt from the New York City based online retailer features a classic fit and a fun look for your next bbq or beach bonfire.
Apolis Japanese Short Sleeve
Made with fabric sourced from a nearly century-old Honduran tailoring cooperative, this short sleeved shirt is summer interpretation on a classic work shirt. The sides on the cotton-linen blend are reinforced, the white collar given buttons for fastening, and the pocket is just the right size to let your pen peak out. An ideal blend of casual and professional.
Buck Mason Chambray
One of the things this L.A. based brand takes real pride in is the fact that they have all of their items made right here in the U.S. It isn’t just a business decision, but a stylistic one as well. Each piece of theirs screams ‘Americana’, and this Chambray short sleeved shirt with its double breasted pockets, fisheye buttons, and indigo dye finish is no exception.
Lululemon Commission
Technical fabrics are usually relegated to gyms, outdoor gear, and athletic fields, but brands like Lululemon are showing how seamlessly these types of fabrics can be used in everyday attire. This shirt from them, for instance, features a Qwick Oxford fabric that wicks sweat, dries quickly, and even uses LYCRA for more give yet still looks like a classic shirt you’d be happy to wear to work.
New England Shirt Company Rosecliff
Pink was once a color primarily reserved for women. As times and gender norms changed, however, that particular social norm changed with it. By the looks of it, the color is making its way back to a more neutral arena. Case in point, the Rosecliff shirt. Made in Fall River, Massachusetts, this short sleeved shirt gives off a preppy but fun vibe that’s perfect for wearing out for drinks or on the weekend.
Iron and Resin Del Prado
Designed to be worn in any situation, whether drinking beer on the beach or clocking on on Monday morning, this American-made garment from the Southern California based clothing brand is a great all-around go-to thanks to its stand-out horizontal stripes and metal buttons.
Taylor Stitch California Indigo
Simply put, Taylor Stitch knows California. This shirt named after their home-state pays homage to traditional prints that Japanese immigrants brought over to the state in the early 20th century. It also features an allover triangle print and beautifully dyed Indigo slub cotton fabric. Californians should wear it with pride.
Aloha Sunday Flora Rayon
If a Hawaiian shirt took a drop of acid and watched Spring Breakers, this is what it’d look like. This printed Rayon shirt combines classic patterns with a supernatural set of colors to make something that looks otherworldly and cool as hell. Keep an eye on Aloha Sunday. This shirt is great, but they have a whole lot more in their quiver to offer.
Frescobol Carioca
Made with an extremely lightweight and breathable linen fabric sourced from Lake Como, Italy, this shirt is ideal for kicking back and enjoying the rays. With a spread collar, pearl buttons, and a gorgeous blue dye it’s just as fit for more formal wear as it is for lazy Sundays.
