A white button-down might be the only piece of clothing that you can wear both on a beach and in a boardroom. It's the ultimate basic among the best workwear clothes for women — a piece that has transcended time and gender. And yet, it can be tricky to find the one.
Whether you're looking to pair the button-down with a great pair of jeans or searching for a versatile swimsuit coverup, we've curated a guide with the best white button-down for you.
Our top overall choice is the Eileen Fisher Washed Organic Cotton Poplin Collar Shirt for its Goldilocks fit — not too tight, not too boxy. But if convenience is your priority and you hate the look of a rumpled blouse, we recommend L.L. Bean's Wrinkle-Free Pinpoint Oxford Shirt. Below, you'll find more of our favorites for every occasion, plus tips on how to style them like a pro.
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
-
Staff Pick
Best overallThis is the classic white button down at its roots. It has just the right amount of structure, with a close fit at the shoulders and a relaxed hem. -
Best oversizedThis shirt has a perfectly oversized fit, can be washed tons of times without getting misshapen, and is made from high-quality linen that's cool to the touch.
-
Best oxfordWe reviewed Everlane’s workwear collection and love them for high quality basics like this cotton Oxford that comes in six colors.
-
Staff Pick
Best petiteThis pick is a perfectly oversized favorite from Petite Studio, our go-to place to shop for workwear and more if you're under five-foot-three.
-
Best linenThis budget-friendly linen shirt is the perfect summer companion for using as a coverup or pairing with flowy pants for evening dinners.
-
Best boyfriendThis shirt comes in the perfect boyfriend cut — not clingy, but also not so oversized that it swallows you. It is tailored so that the shirt is slightly narrower at the waist, which is incredibly flattering.
-
Staff Pick
Best cottonI always on rely on Buck Mason for the the best textiles around and this shirt also happens to be perfectly cut for the office or the beach.
-
Best silkEverlane’s unicorn silk shirt has almost a thousand rave reviews, with lots of comments about how beautifully it drapes.
-
Best for the officeWe cannot say enough good things about the quality and versatility of M.M. LaFleur's workwear and this shirt is no exception.
-
Best croppedThis cropped button down hits right at the waist no matter what your height is, since it comes in petite, regular, and tall.
-
Best poplinWe love Alex Mill's quality fabrics, which is why the brand always makes our list of the best basics. This shirt is made of lightweight cotton poplin, which makes it the perfect choice for summer.
-
Best bigger bustsThis style has a hidden button closure, so you won’t have to use the tape trick to prevent gaping between the seams.
-
Best plus sizedL.L.Bean’s classic cotton Oxford shirt is miraculously wrinkle-resistant, even if it’s just out of the wash. It comes in sizes XS to 3XL.
-
Best designerParisian brand Sezane’s stylish button down comes in a multitude of colors — some featuring luxe accents like mother of pearl buttons.
-
Best short sleeveWhen we reviewed Quince, we loved the cool and comfy feel of the linen – in a short sleeve button down, it’s perfect for warm days.
-
Best fittedIf you want a fitted white button down that won't gape, then look no further than this perfectly tailored option.
-
Best boxyEverlane is a master at button downs and this cut that turns a basic look into a statement piece is no exception.
-
Best monogrammedThere are tons of monogramming options for this pick — in fact, you can choose from over 20 thread colors and eight adorably preppy fonts.
-
Best lightweightThis lightweight, gauzy material has an oversized fit and breezy sleeves for keeping comfortably dry. You can also pair it with its matching pants.
-
Best budget silkWe love Quince's commitment to making luxury fabrics budget-friendly, and this pick is both high-quality and low-cost.
What to look for in a white button-down?
If you're looking to wear your button-down with a blazer or as part of a suit, you should opt for a slightly more tailored fit so that you don't have excess material that could make it look schleppy. A good choice is the Banana Republic Tailor-Fit Easy-Care Shirt.
If you're looking for the perfect summer button-down, opt for materials like linen or poplin that stay cool to the touch and are lightweight like the Everlane Linen Relaxed Shirt.
If you travel a lot, look for fabrics that are treated to resist wrinkles like the LL Bean Wrinkle-Free Pinpoint Oxford Shirt that has rave reviews for delivering on the promise of always-smooth fabric.
If you want to be able to tie your button down, make sure you get an oversized fit like the Quince 100% European Linen Long Sleeve Oversize Shirt so that you have enough material, or opt for a button-down with side slits like the Epoque Evolution White Shirt II.
How to style a white button-down
The most classic way to wear a white button-down is tucked in under a suit. Though you can always opt for a traditional look, it would look particularly great under a suit in a statement color, like Suit Shop's Women's Burt Orange Suit.
Read our full review of the best suits for women for our top picks.
In the winter, you can tuck the shirt into a pair of classic black pants and pair it with a chic winter coat and leather ankle boots. A button down also makes a great base to layer under a cashmere sweater for a polished look.
In the summer, you can pair a white button-down with denim shorts or lightweight, airy pants. It would also look great tied at your waist and paired with a simple skirt like the Quince Washable Silk Skirt. If you wear it unbuttoned, you can use it as a beach coverup over a swimsuit or even keep it in your bag to use as a lightweight jacket when evening cools down.
What to wear under a white button-down
Since white tends to be the most see-through color and many of these button-downs are made from lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen, it's best to wear a nude bra so it doesn't show. See our review of the best bras here. If you want extra coverage, you can also wear a nude camisole underneath.
