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. That’s why we picked out a list of casual button-up shirts that run the gamut of style, fabric, and price. So take a scroll through our best short sleeve button-up men’s shirts guide to find what’s best for you.
The Best Button-Up Shirts
Button-up or button-down?
Button-up shirts go by many names from dress shirts to button-downs, but they’re really just any shirt with a collar and buttons running down the whole length of the shirt. The term button-down refers to a collar on a button-up shirt that can be buttoned. Camp collars are another term you’ll see which means the collar is sewn directly onto the shirt, giving it a more open look usually found on beach-friendly button-ups. These labels are sometimes used interchangeably so pay attention to the collar to make an assessment.
Selecting and Styling your button-up Shirt
For this guide, we’ve stuck with short sleeve button-ups made with breathable and soft fabric like cotton, and synthetics like polyester for shirts with a more active/outdoor slant. It’s best to go for something subtle and simple for the workplace (cotton/linen is always a safe bet), and something with synthetic material if you want more utility. As for styling your button-up shirt, it’s best to pair the simple and formal shirts with slacks and other business/business casual attire. But if it’s a work shirt, an active shirt, or something more unique, then the sky is the limit.
Dickies Short Sleeve Work Shirt
Pros
- One of the oldest Dickies products
- Wicks moisture
Cons
- Runs long
- Can get a bit warm
The Best Work Shirt: Workwear is de rigueur within men’s style at the moment, and it’s easy to why when you consider this short-sleeved shirt from Dickies. Durable in construction and boxy in cut, it offers a simple, utilitarian look that can be matched with almost anything. Left up to us, we’d rock it unbuttoned, untucked, and paired with a white tee and some jeans. That being said, this is one option with which there are really no wrong moves.
Everlane The Linen Short-Sleeve Standard Fit Shirt
Pros
- Ideal for the summer
- Comfortable and professional
Cons
- Runs small
The Best Linen Shirt: If you’re after a shirt that’s budget-friendly, breathable, and stylish as can be, this option from Everlane is sure to serve you well. Crafted from a lightweight linen material, it comes with a classic fit and a texture that looks great whether it’s fresh and pressed or worn and wrinkled. We’d opt for the white or midnight colorways for the summer months; however, as things continue to get cooler, the black option is a pick that’s bound to please.
Roark Bless Up Breathable Stretch Shirt
Pros
- Wicks moisture
- Drys quickly
Cons
- Runs long
The Best Lightweight Shirt: Equal parts travel blog and indie fashion brand, Roark is an outfit that knows its way around a solid button-down. This Breathable Stretch Shirt is a case in point, built using a perforated Tactel fabric construction and woven with some added four-way stretch. Additionally, the shirt has a superb quick-dry finish and excellent moisture-wicking properties.
Lululemon Airing Easy Short Sleeve Button-Up Shirt
Pros
- Removable collar
- Stretchy and breathable
Cons
- Stomach can be baggy on some
The Best Active Shirt: 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 fabric that wicks sweat, dries quickly, and even uses four-way stretch for more give yet still looks like a classic shirt you’d be happy to wear to work
Outerknown Atlantic S/S Chambray Shirt
Pros
- Button-down collar
- Chest pocket with button
Cons
- Wash cold or it will shrink
The Best Chambray Shirt: Ever the authority when it comes to sustainable style, Outerknown proves once again just how eco-friendly fashion can be. The Atlantic S/S Chambray Shirt is the perfect example of this, made with 60% organic cotton with a soft chambray construction. The shirt has a classic worn-in look without needing to break it in to enjoy it.
Buck Mason Shell Draped Twill S/S One Pocket Shirt
Pros
- Versatile
- Relaxed drape
Cons
- Will shrink if not cared for properly
The Best Shirt Overall: When it comes to timeless, heritage-inspired menswear, Los Angeles-based Buck Mason is a brand beyond compare. And the Shell Draped Twill S/S One Pocket Shirt is one of the brand’s signature products making it a great pick all around. It has a relaxed fit with a length that works tucked or untucked and will look great in the office or by the pool.
Taylor Stitch The Conrad Shirt
Pros
- Soft and breathable
- Durable construction
Cons
- Meant to be worn untucked
The Best Beach Shirt: Though most button-downs are a bit of a compromise — either dressy or durable, stylish or performance-inspired — The Conrad Shirt from Taylor Stitch is one shirt that will last for summers to come and look good the whole time. It’s made with 100% cotton and washed for an even softer feel, and the dual pockets provide some extra utility as well.
Ralph Lauren Oxford Short-Sleeve Shirt
Pros
- Classic style
- Mother of pearl buttons
Cons
- Ironing is recommended to avoid wrinkles
The Best Office Shirt: Okay, let’s face it: you can’t have a list of button-downs without an Oxford, and there’s no better brand to represent the style than Ralph Lauren. In the case of the short-sleeved option pictured here, you’re getting a 1940s-inspired surplus design, a cotton fabric construction, and some elegant mother-of-pearl buttons. Top it off with a washed finish and you have a shirt that’s great for casual and formal occasions alike.
Saturdays NYC Canty Cotton Mesh Short Sleeve Shirt
Pros
- Great for layering
- Camp collar
Cons
- Should use sunscreen if you’re in the sun
The Best Mesh Shirt: The Saturdays NYC Canty Cotton Mesh Short Sleeve Shirt is a stylish and breathable button-up with a relaxed fit and an easy-going camp collar. Made with 90% cotton, it’s a soft and breathable shirt that looks great on its own and makes for a solid layer as well.
Todd Snyder Japanese Rayon Bowling Shirt
Pros
- Camp collar
- Japanese fabric
Cons
- Dry clean only
The Best Retro Shirt: Inspired by the bowling alleys of yore, Todd Snyder’s Japanese Rayon Bowling Shirt is a fun retro button-up made with Japanese fabric. The silhouette is inspired by the label’s original camp collar shirt and features two chest pockets. It also feels incredibly soft and pairs well with many other garments like chinos or a simple tank top.
The Best Summer Pants to Complete Your Outfit
Your new button-up shirt will pair perfectly with some breathable pants. That’s why our best summer pants guide is a good next stop.
