Button Up vs Button Down Shirt: What’s the Difference?

The basic answer is a button up shirt is any shirt that has buttons running up the front; a button down shirt is the same but has additional buttons on the collar. 

Button-downs are generally considered slightly more casual than button-up shirts.

What Is A Button Down Shirt?

Button down shirts have buttons up the shirt, but also feature two buttons on the collar to fasten it down to the shirt. The phrase ‘button down’ refers to this particular collar style.

What Is A Button Up Shirt?

Button up shirts are effectively all shirts that have buttons up the front, including a top button. This is the most common type of shirt, and it’s likely to be a staple in your wardrobe. The term can also cover short-sleeved varieties and overshirts.

How to Wear a Button Down Shirt

Button down shirts are very versatile and wouldn’t look out of place at most occasions.

• Wear one with chinos and smart shoes for a more formal or professional look
• For a casual outfit, try a short-sleeved shirt with jeans and trainers
• Layer over a T-shirt for another casual look that’s perfect with shorts

Can You Wear a Tie With a Button Down Collar?

Historically, it was more conventional to wear a tie with a button up dress shirt. These days, not as much. If you’re attending a formal event, consider an Oxford shirt. The collar style is up to you. 

Button downs are typically not considered to be suitable for black tie events. For ‘business casual’, shirts can usually be worn with or without a tie.

What are the Tiny Collar Buttons Even For?

The small buttons on the collar of a button down shirt are called collar stays or collar tabs. They help keep the collar in place and prevent it from curling up. The modern style is believed to have originated from polo players’ need to secure their collar points.

You can unbutton them when you wash the shirt, but make sure you do them back up before you wear it.

Should You Tuck In a Button Down Shirt?

Traditionally, button down shirts are meant to be tucked in, especially for more formal occasions. If you’re going for a more casual look, or you’re wearing shorts, you can leave it untucked. Make sure the shirt is well-fitted and not too long.

Looking After a Button Down Collar Shirt

To keep button down shirts looking crisp, there are a few things you can do. First, always wash them according to the instructions on the label. Use cool water and a gentle cycle to prevent shrinking or fading.

Try using a steamer instead of an iron for a gentler approach to removing creases. If you do use an iron, make sure you use the right heat setting for the fabric. And always iron from the inside out to prevent shiny marks on the fabric.

Which Shirt Should I Choose?

There are so many shirts out there, you’re a bit spoilt for choice. Pick your favourite designer brand and see what catches your eye. The quality speaks for itself. 

When it comes to the fit, it depends on the look you’re going for. Choose slim-fit for a smart outfit or a looser cut for something more casual. 

With hundreds of shirts in stock, you’ll find the right one at Mainline. Whichever collar style you decide on, take advantage of free UK delivery when you spend £40 or more.