Collar buttons
Leaving your collar buttons undone — with the collar flapping around and the buttons just sitting there, sad and unused — will make your outfit look undone, or as if you hurried out of the house before you could finish dressing.
The only situation in which to leave the buttons on a collar point unbuttoned
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Button-down collars have been confusing men for decades.
Collar buttons exist purely for utilitarian reasons, and the rules for buttoning couldn’t be simpler.
The first thing you must realize is that button-down collars are inherently more casual; you’ll typically find a button-down collar on an Oxford-cloth or broadcloth shirt.
But, casual or not, collar buttons are there for a reason — and more often than not they should buttoned.
To button or not to button.
Aside from keeping your collar from flapping around, the ensuing rigidity provides a perfect collar arch between the collar and the shirt. This is called the collar roll: a huge feature of button-down sport shirts made in the 20th Century.
Leaving your collar buttons undone — with the collar flapping around and the buttons just sitting there, sad and unused — will make your outfit look undone, or as if you hurried out of the house before you could finish dressing.
The only exception to the rule.
That said, some men do choose to leave collar buttons unbuttoned for an artfully casual and carefree style. That kind of aesthetic can work if you’re wearing shorts or headed to the beach, but, for the most part, you’re better off keeping the collar buttoned and the roll firmly in place.
And if you decide to wear the shirt with a tie, you should never even consider leaving the collar buttons unbuttoned.
Collar buttons
Tips on How to Wear a Classic Button Down Collar Shirt
What is a Button Down Collar?
Put simply, it is a shirt collar with buttons on the collar points to fasten it in place. There are two different types of button down collars:
1. Classic Button Down Collar, where the buttons on the collar points are visible.
2. Hidden Button Collar, where the buttons on the collar points are hidden.
See our Shirt Collar Style Guide for more information on collars.
Now, the question is, how can you wear your classic button down collar? You have more style options than you may think, ranging from ultra-casual to semi-formal. Here are the top 4 ways to wear your button down collar.
Button Down Collar Without a Tie
If looking for a more casual style, but still appropriate for the office, choose to outfit your button down collar without a tie and unbutton the top button. Most often, classic button down collars are worn without ties. Having the collar buttons still fastened will keep the collar standing up, helping the shirt still look crisp, yet casual. For a more business causal look, pair your shirt with a jacket.
Buttoning the Shirt All the Way Up
You can certainly button your shirt all the way up and forgo the tie. This look has been gaining more popularity lately and is often best suited for fall and winter as you might find it is too hot to wear your shirt fully buttoned in the summer. Finish the look by pairing your shirt with a jacket.
Unbuttoning the Collar Buttons
For the most relaxed look, unbutton the collar point buttons and unbutton the top button. This option for wearing button down collar shirts is best when you need to look your most casual, whether on weekends or after dinner. We do not recommend this look for professional settings. Be sure to wear your shirt untucked and sleeves rolled up to finish the look.
Button Down Collar With a Tie
Looking for a dressier outfit while still keeping a casual feeling? Then pair your button down collar with a tie. Keep the buttons on the collar points fastened and outfit with a jacket for a semi-formal look. Make sure your tie is also casual – cotton or knit ties are perfect. Avoid dressy silk ties.
Find Your Button Down Collar Shirt
Button down collars are versatile and can be styled in different ways for a casual weekend or a day at the office. Shop Batch’s assortment of button down collar shirts to find the perfect one for you. Shop Batch’s collection of button down collars here.