When it comes to basics, there's no one we trust more than the French, who've more than proven their ability to turn simple wardrobe staples from boring to enviable. Of all the essentials our favorite French women wear most, none is more key to a crisp, chic collection than a white button-down shirt. Whether they wear theirs pants-less with bloomers, layered underneath a cozy knit, or styled backward for a peekaboo-back moment, our friends from Paris always succeed at creating inspo around their poplin shirts.
Of course, not all white button-downs are created equal. If you don't pick the right one, you could easily end up with an overly wrinkled, oddly fitting, or weirdly see-through style that simply won't get the job done. The 23 options below, however, feature none of the aforementioned shortcomings. Keep scrolling to shop the basic of all basics.
The Top 8 White Button-Down Shirts
- Best Overall: J.Crew Garçon Classic Shirt ($57)
- Best Fitted: Mango Cotton Blend Shirt ($50)
- Best Linen: COS Oversized Linen Shirt ($100)
- Best Oversize: Reformation Andy Oversized Shirt ($128)
- Best Splurge: Anine Bing Mika Shirt ($250)
- Best Budget-Friendly: H&M Cotton-Blend Shirt ($20)
- Best Embroidered: Polo Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Oxford Shirt ($128)
- Best Silk: Banana Republic Bliss Silk Resort Shirt ($40)
How to Style a White Button-Down
No pants? No problem if you have on a crisp button-down shirt and some sparkly knee-high Saint Laurent boots.
Nothing is more classic than a white button-down shirt, so why not style it with the most timeless tailoring piece of all time? Crisp black tailored pants will effortlessly complete the look.
Another classic "when in doubt" outfit idea simply has to be a tailored shorts suit with a white button-down. Especially come summer, it's a great way to cool off yet look professional.
Shop white button-down shirts:
There's a reason this shirt is constantly selling out.
Pros: Incredible price point
Cons: Wrinkles easily
Size Range: XXS 4XL
Colors: White, Light Blue/Striped
Notable Review: "I absolutely love this cotton blend shirt. The quality is beyond most cotton blends in today's retail shops. The cut is very flattering and rightly tailored. I prefer this cut over an oxford shirt. Elegant and flattering."
Our readers absolutely love this poplin shirt.
Pros: Interesting details on the back
Cons: Runs large
Size Range: XS XL
Colors: Summer White, Oxford Blue
BRB, I'm copying this entire look.
Pros: Gives off a very professional vibe
Cons: No reviews yet
Size Range: 0 18
Color: Off White
A midi denim skirt is chic enough on its own, but when styled with a tucked-in button-down shirt, it's practically perfect.
Shop white button-down shirts:
Tibi low-key makes the best button-down shirts.
Pros: Runs large
Cons: Unique details on the back
Size Range: XXS XL
Color: White
Madewell is my go-to for super-elevated basics.
Pros: The pleated sleeves are everything.
Cons: Only a shorter sleeve length is offered.
Size Range: XXS XXL
Colors: White, Summit Green, Bright Flame
Notable Review: "Love this blouse, especially the length of the sleeves! I roll the sleeves on every long sleeve button down and this hits at the perfect spot on my arm!"
For work and play.
Pros: I've never had a bad order from Zara when it comes to button-down shirts.
Cons: Wrinkles easily.
Size Range: S L
Colors: White, Blue
Paris Fashion Week is no match for a buttoned-up poplin shirt when it's paired with a khaki bomber jacket and pleated miniskirt.
Shop white button-down shirts:
Don't sleep on Anine Bing's elevated basics.
Pros: Cinched sleeves
Cons: Runs large
Size Range: XS XL
Color: White
Notable Review: "This is the perfect classic white button down, with a modern twist. I LOVE how the sleeves are made to stay up on your arm and bunched—brilliant! The fabric is crisp and comfortable but thick enough to not show through. Yes, this runs large, but if you size down it's the perfect fit."
So chic.
Pros: High-quality design
Cons: Pricey
Size Range: XS L
Colors: White, Light Chambray
This shirt is regret-proof.
Pros: Super soft, great price point
Cons: A bit see-through
Size Range: XS L
Color: White
Notable Review: "Great fit! Material is so soft. Easy to wear."
The possibilities are endless when you have a clean canvas like this button-down. Flip it around, tuck it into some perfect-fitting Levi's, and leave it unbuttoned for a low-key sexy look.
Shop white button-down shirts:
I'm buying this shirt in every available color.
Pros: On sale
Cons: Thin fabric
Size Range: 00 24
Colors: White, Blue Eoe
Notable Review: "This is a great shirt. I wore it [in] Paris visiting my daughter recently. It took me from day to night and looked great all day."
Get this while it's still available.
Pros: Unique V-neck design
Cons: Trendy cut
Size Range: S L
Color: White
Notable Review: "Love this top, super versatile the fabric is so soft."
I love a poplin shirt paired with kitten heels and a miniskirt more than almost anything.
Pros: The perfect work shirt
Cons: Boxy fit, stiff material
Size Range: XXS XL
Colors: White, Blue Stripe
Notable Review: "I wear this top with everything."
Layering isn't always the easiest task, but when a white poplin shirt is the base, the process is as simple as throwing on a neutral knit, some skinny pants, and a pair of riding boots.
Shop white button-down shirts:
I'm buying this. Done and dusted.
Pros: Chic, spring inspired range of colors
Cons: Runs large
Size Range: 2 14
Colors: White, Blue, Pink, Yellow
Notable Review: "Beautiful fit. Excellent quality. The perfect classic white shirt."
Because I like to have a cropped style on hand for styling.
Pros: On sale
Cons: Cropped
Size Range: XS XXL
Colors: White, Black, Ecru, Rinse Dark Wash
This top hits the hips at a perfect place.
Pros: Contrasting buttons
Cons: Easily wrinkles
Size Range: XS XL
Color: Ivory Combo
Notable Review: "Such a perfect way to elevate the average white button up. I love layering this or wearing slightly unbuttoned. I've paired with lots of cute mini skirts and a pair of white carpenter style jeans and I absolutely love how it looks with everything."
When it's not yet cold enough for a full-blown jacket but too chilly to wear just a tank, throw on a button-down. It's the perfect transitional topper.
Shop white button-down shirts:
If these came in bulk packs, I'd be the number one customer.
Pros: Bra-friendly
Cons: Oversize
Size Range: XS XL
Colors: White, Corsica Stripe, Taupe Stripe, Sugar
A must-have.
Pros: Striped
Cons: Slightly see-through
Size Range: XXS XL
Color: Hndsn Strp Wt/Trc Sg
The hidden-button design lends a sleek fit.
Pros: Unique details
Cons: Limited color options
Size Range: XXS XL
Colors: White, Champagne, Blue Charcoal, Wine
This top has a moment every year.
Pros: A classic style
Cons: Runs small
Size Range: 00 18
Colors: White, Blue, Bath Pink
This look is proof that basics don't have to be boring. Instead, they're perfect for playing around with different styling techniques.
Shop white button-down shirts:
Every time I go to COS, I walk out with some sort of basic.
Pros: Doubles as a swimsuit cover-up
Cons: Heavy for a linen shirt
Size Range: 2 14
Colors: White, Bright Green, Stone, Lilac, Green, Navy, Butter Yellow
Notable Review: "I have many of these shirts. I bought them another year. They are the best. Incredible quality linen and a great fit."
The pocket is so unique.
Pros: Useful pocket
Cons: Extremely lightweight
Size Range: XS XL
Color: Optic White
That's it—I'm wearing my poplin shirt with leather pants tomorrow.
Pros: Contrasting buttons, on sale
Cons: Trendy
Size Range: XXS XL
Color: White
A great sale find.
Pros: Quality silk
Cons: Heavier design
Size Range: XXS XXL
Color: White
What should I look for in a white button-down?
Focus on fit, fabric, and level of transparency. A slightly oversize silhouette in crisp cotton poplin or a soft, structured blend will give you the most versatility—just make sure it's not see-through and lays clean across the shoulders.
How do I keep my white button-down from wrinkling?
Choose a cotton blend or poplin with a bit of stretch, which holds its shape better than pure cotton or linen. Keep a handheld steamer in your home, and hang your shirt up immediately after washing to avoid deep creases. Taking it to the dry cleaner is the best way to keep it wrinkle-free, but you can also wash it on cold and air-dry.
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