The term ‘essential’ is thrown around more than dice on the Las Vegas strip. You only have to look at the fact that there’s an album called Bon Jovi – The Essentials Evidence of this. The best Oxford shirts men’s shirts is one item to which this term has been used correctly for over 120 years.
Sitting alongside a well-fitting navy suit, a selection of white T-shirts and selvedge denim in the menswear hall of fame, the OCBD (that’s ‘Oxford cloth button-down’ to the uninitiated) is one of the few key sartorial building blocks guaranteed never to fall from favor.
Oxford shirts come in a variety of classic colours, including sky blue and pink. These colors can add a casual touch to a formal outfit, or dress up a pair of chinos with sneakers.
“It’s truly one of the most versatile and timeless pieces a man can have in his wardrobe,” says Chris Gove, creative director of British menswear brand Percival. “An Oxford shirt can slot easily under a summer suit, or over a plain T-shirt; be fitted or slightly oversized; worn with the sleeves down to the wrists or rolled up, and in every case, it never looks out of place.”
The OCBD has a huge impact on menswear. Representing the best men’s oxford shirts, it’s as close as one can get to the ultimate wardrobe cornerstone. If you’re still on the fence about its value, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of this essential garment.
If you’re on the hunt for the best ocbd that embodies impeccable craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, the Luca Faloni Oxford Cotton Shirt should be at the top of your list. Crafted following age-old Italian artisanal traditions, Luca Faloni employs pure Egyptian cotton in the creation of their sartorial masterpieces – and by that, we mean their shirts.
This cotton is highly regarded for its breathable and hypoallergenic qualities. It’s perfect for daily use. Adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons and featuring a classic “paramontura” collar (which sits perfectly under a blazer), this Oxford shirt offers a contemporary spin on a perennial classic.
Investing in this shirt is a decision you won’t regret, and considering all four colors might even be a wise choice. You could add the midnight blue to your wardrobe if you wanted to. Regardless of the color you choose, incorporating a Luca Faloni button-down into your collection will have admirers commenting about your impeccable style.
Oxfords that are high-quality without making a hole in your pocket? ISTO Cotton Oxford might be what you are looking for. ISTO, in collaboration with Portugal’s best tailor and garment supplier, has developed a unique and distinctive version of the classic Oxford. The attention to details makes these special. Slim-fit and soft cotton provide all-day comfortable wear.
The stripped designs in pink, blue and green are what we love most. It is not only stylish and sophisticated, but also adds a touch of whimsy. You can also dress it down and wear it for a casual day, drinks with friends, or a date.
Sometimes you need a shirt that is quick to arrive, looks good, and does the job. Luckily, Amazon’s Essentials does that and more. The shirt is made of 100% cotton, which provides comfort and durability. It also features a classic button-down neckline, button-up cuffs and a back yoke, giving it that timeless sophistication every man on a budget requires. Amazon’s beauty? You can choose from a variety of colors, and the prices are not too high.
Don’t snooze on this Amazon basic to help solidify and maximize your wardrobe without putting yourself into debt.
The OG of the OCBD, Oxford shirt inventors Brooks Brothers was founded in Manhattan over two centuries ago, making it the oldest continually trading men’s outfitter in the US.
The firm released its iconic Polo Button-Down Oxford shirt in 1896, and in the process created a key building block in many a stylish man’s wardrobe.
Uniqlo’s reputation for making quality clothing basics at affordable prices is legendary. Oxford shirts are among its best-selling items.
All this and more for less than half the price of most traditional brands. If that’s not worth braving the high street for, we’re not sure what is.
The OG of the OCBD, Oxford shirt inventors Brooks Brothers was founded in Manhattan over two centuries ago, making it the oldest continually trading men’s outfitter in the US.
The firm released its iconic Polo Button-Down Oxford shirt in 1896, and in the process created a key building block in many a stylish man’s wardrobe.
Looking for the perfect white Oxford that can be worn from the boardroom all the way to an elegant evening event? Look no further than the All Day Oxford from L’Estrange. This shirt is a staple of any sophisticated wardrobe and is made in Italy from the finest Italian premium oxford fabric. The design of this shirt, which features a buttoned-down collar and functional chest pockets with a tailored fit, will ensure that you radiate poise and elegance. This white Oxford shirt is the epitome in style and versatility. It can be worn with jeans, trousers or a suit.
Although its classic white color is timeless, it also comes in other colors to suit those who want to add some variety. Add shades such as navy or baby-blue to your collection to ensure you have the perfect shirt for your outfit without compromising comfort.
Looking to be the “Everyday Man” who really embodies “Everyday formal”? Are you unsure of what we’re talking about? That’s ok! See what we mean by looking at this 100% Cotton Oxford shirt. At Appearance the message is: Everyday formal that will never go out of fashion, is made sustainably, consists of wardrobe essentials you can return to time and again. This brand, designed in Denmark but produced in Portugal exudes European flair and style.
The Oxford shirt perfectly captures this. This slim-fit shirt, made with Pima cotton, features the classic buttoned-down collar and chest pockets for that timeless and iconic look. It is ideal for wearing to the office or to formal events. You can be daring with a light pink or mysterious in dark navy. You will radiate sophistication in any colour.
As the high street’s go-to spot for simple American classics, it stands to reason that Gap has an extensive collection of Oxford shirts.
Cotton is soft and casual, but it’s not too thin. It comes in both short- and longer-sleeved styles, with stripes and checks, as well as a variety of colours.
It’s impossible to think of an Oxford shirt without preppy, Ivy-League style springing to mind. And you can’t think preppy, Ivy-League style without ending up at Ralph Lauren.
New York has been making oxfords since 1967. Their fitted, flattering shirts are some of best options available.
Ben Sherman, the leader of the mod movement in the 1960s, was a major contributor to the Oxford shirt becoming a mainstream item.
Shirts from the British label are iconic and have become so over the years. If you like your clothes to come with a story, it doesn’t get much better than this.
The Best Oxford Shirts & OCBD Shirts
Gant, with its headquarters in Stockholm and roots in preppy Americana is often credited as the brand who brought button-down shirt to the mass market. It’s also credited for inventing the hanger loop – another key casual shirt detail that was quickly adopted elsewhere.
While timeless, the clever detailing and modern twists on Gant’s products keep things moving forward. Look no further for a quality Oxford shirt by one of the originals.
It should come as no great surprise that the old reliable of British department stores is well-stocked on the old reliability of men’s smart-casual dress codes.
The retailer will have an Oxford shirt to fit your wardrobe. It offers a wide range of brands and styles, including its own label.
One of America’s finest examples of classic, preppy style done well, J.Crew has become synonymous with easy-to-wear, modern wardrobe staples.
The brand’s approach has earned it legions of followers worldwide and its neatly fitted Oxfords are just one of the things that keep style-savvy shoppers coming back.
With a shopfront on Jermyn Street – the capital of British shirtmaking – Emma Willis creates some of the finest bespoke and ready-to-wear Oxfords on the face of the earth.
You’ll not see any fleeting trends among the shelves here – the focus is solely on traditional, all-English styles. Willis is the perfect woman for you if you are looking for timeless, high-quality materials and quality craftsmanship.
Copenhagen-based label NN07 bills its products as the classics of tomorrow, and having kept a beady eye on its collections since 2007, we’d be inclined to agree.
Focus is placed on wardrobe essentials. This approach can be seen in the Oxford shirts. They are made from durable, wrinkle-resistant, cotton and feature a slim-fit, neat profile.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Oxford Shirt for Men
The real thing is always better than a pale imitation when it comes to men’s wardrobe staples. When looking for the perfect shirt, remember these tips to ensure that your Oxford is made from the best material.
Fabric
While it might be impossible to visually distinguish between an Oxford shirt crafted from cotton and one blended with manmade fibers such as polyester, you’ll only get comfortable, breathable and long-lasting wear from the former. Pure cotton Oxford shirts are also more comfortable to wear and keep you cooler in hotter temperatures.
Color
You’ll get different answers from menswear experts depending on whom you ask. All men agree that the three colors every man must own are sky blue, pink and white. The same applies whether the Oxfords you wear are uniformly colored or striped.
Cut
Oxford shirts are a classic because they can be worn by anyone, regardless of their formality or fit. Look for designs that follow your shape without straining your frame. Box pleats (a rectangular fold in the fabric running down the middle of your back) are a great way to increase your range of motion.
Collar
Purists in menswear will insist that an Oxford shirt must have a roll-collar (where there is no interlining, so the collar rests curved), but straight collars, which rest flat, offer a cleaner finish. Oxford shirts with collars that are not buttoned down, but made from the right fabric, are reserved for formal wear.
Details
The devil lies in the details, just as it is with every other aspect of a man’s wardrobe. Play to the Oxford shirt’s casual heritage by avoiding tricky French cuffs in favour of standard button cuffs. Mother-of-pearl is the best choice for fastenings because it has a richer colour and is less likely to crack.
FAQ
What is an Oxford Shirt?
Softer in its construction than a stiff dress shirt, and a tad more formal than your weekend flannel, the Oxford shirt is a solid, fail-safe option when you’re attempting to bridge the treacherous gap dividing smart and casual.
It may not be surprising that the OCBD has little in common with the English city which shares its name. In fact, the moniker is taken from the fact that it’s made exclusively from a thick, woven fabric known as Oxford cloth.
“Oxford cotton is created by weaving the cotton yarn in a certain way giving a textured rather than smooth finish,” explains Jermyn Street shirtmaker Emma Willis. “There are different types, starting with the classic Oxford, then the finer Prince Oxford, which has a slight sheen and more conspicuous weave.”
Not all Oxford cloth button downs have a collar attached to the shirt. Those that do are inherently more casual, but smarter styles (most of which use collar stays to maintain their shape) still qualify as Oxford shirts if they’re cut from the right cloth.
Why Would you want an Oxford Shirt?
In one word, versatility. Oxford shirts are able to fit into almost any environment and can be worn with any type of dress code. Wearing one at a formal function or down the pub is equally as easy. There aren’t many items of clothing you can say that about.
“It works well with a button-down collar and button cuff, but also looks great worn open, with a traditional collar and button cuff,” says Willis. “The Oxford has become [even more] popular as men do not have to dress so formally all the time and it converts so well from suit to jeans.”