Top Five Womens Button Up Shirts
A staple for summer nights and chilly winter days alike, this white linen button-down has a naturally oversized feel (that’s not frumpy or too formal) and a crisp, non-iron fabric that resists wrinkles. TFG readers love its side slits and striped branding tape (which helps the shirt look a bit more tailored).
It also earned high marks in our article on button-downs for bigger busts.
1. Dickies Women’s Stretch Button-Up Shirt
Make an impression in this women’s navy stretch button-up shirt. Its tailored fit, bust darts, and back pleat give you a professional look that’s not too tight. The cotton poplin material and comfortable cut let you move freely without feeling constrained. This Dickies uniform shirt also has a front welt pocket and a hi-lo hem for extra back coverage, making it a great choice for work or school.
Stay cool all day long in this short sleeve flex work shirt. Its mechanical stretch fabric and cotton/polyester blend are soft and easy to move in, while moisture wicking technology and stain release keep you fresh and ready to work.
2. Ann Mashburn Icon Button-Up Shirt
Founded by former fashion editor Sid Mashburn and his wife, Ann, the Atlanta-based label offers up a curated collection of easy, boho dresses cool separates. These are the kind of clothes you want in your closet for long, with timeless silhouettes, sophisticated fabrics and seasonal colors.
The brand’s Icon shirt takes the white button down to new heights – a dead-simple, classic shape with a scaled-down point collar and slim cut in Italian poplin that’s a little dressier than your average oxford. It’s also made from Better Cotton, a sustainable farming initiative that benefits the farmers who grow the cotton. Wear it with a pencil skirt or cuffed boyfriend jeans.
3. Kule Button-Up Shirt
This breezy, 100% cotton shirt was made to take your everyday look from day to night. It has a flattering oversized fit (but not in that “oversize” way that’s often sloppy) and features the brand’s signature red-and-blue branding tape on the side slits.
Nikki Kule founded her eponymous line to search for the perfect striped shirt, so she knows a thing or two about polished basics. Try this oversized Poplin Arden top on for casual days at the office, drinks with friends or even as a cover-up at the beach. This piece will quickly become your wardrobe workhorse. The ruched detail at the chest adds a touch of feminine flair that’ll elevate any outfit.
4. Mango Button-Up Shirt
Mango is known for its directional ready-to-wear and this white cotton button-down strikes the right balance between polished and relaxed. The shirt looks classic starched but isn’t too stiff, which is ideal for parties, says Iva Pawling, founder of Richer Poorer. It also has details like can’t-miss patch pockets, dropped shoulders and a curved hem that hits at the waist for a flattering silhouette.
The cuffs are intentionally slightly oversized, which adds to the shirt’s laid-back vibe, says style coach Kim Hancher. (Still, if you want a more tailored fit, she suggests sizing down.) Hailey Rizzo, founder of Feeling Good As Hail, recommends pairing this with a pair of high-waisted jeans.
5. Everlane Boxy Button-Up Shirt
Everlane is our go-to brand for high quality essentials at fair prices, and this linen button-down is no exception. It has a slightly oversized fit (that won’t drown your frame) with dropped shoulders and oversized pockets.
De Jong-Tilley says the cotton/Tencel blend is soft and slouchy, but not too bulky. Wear it tucked or untucked, over your fave wide-leg jeans, or push up the sleeves and layer it over a bodycon athleisure bralette for a cool-girl look. And for those who prefer a more tailored silhouette, the label offers this classic striped option in long and short sleeves as well. Plus, it’s made in ethical BSCI factories.
7. J Brand Button-Up Shirt
Los Angeles denim specialist J Brand is known for perfectly fitting jeans favored by the fashion elite. But the label also does a killer job with minimal, contemporary tops. This button-down is one example. It’s made from a blend of linen and viscose that Staci Brinkman, founder of Sips By, says is airy, light, and gives off “strolling-in-the-park vibes.” (It was also recommended in our recent roundup of button-downs for bigger busts, along with Everlane’s relaxed Oxford). She likes the crinkled fabric and can’t-miss cuffs that hit closer to her palms. (She sometimes doubles them up for a more formal look.)
Find it for up to 90% off retail at thredUP.
8. The Icon Button-Up Shirt
Inspired by Scandinavian style, Djerf Avenue’s button-down is perfect for a pared-back closet. The slightly oversized silhouette can be worn buttoned all the way to the top or untucked for a relaxed look. And a special detail on the back (refined topstitching, interior chambray piping, and menswear-inspired pintucks) elevates it beyond the everyday.
Staci Brinkman, founder of Sips By, loves the shirt for its casual, strolling-in-the-park vibes and notes that it’s a great option boho dresses to dress up with a faux-leather bustier. Plus, she says it has a strategic drop in the shoulders for slouchy elegance without drowning her body in fabric.
The linen fabric is also breathable and easy to wear year-round. Style coach Kim Hancher suggests wearing it with shorts in summer or jeans in fall for an easy pulled-together look.
