The white button-down is the hardest-working top in your closet. The timeless piece has unlimited possibilities when it comes to styling. Pair it with black trousers for a work-appropriate look, or transition to an off-duty vibe with jeans or shorts when the weather warms up. Just take inspiration from style icons like Carolina Herrera who closes almost every runway show in a white button-down tucked into a skirt. “When I don't know what to wear, it's what I choose,” Herrera once said of the staple. “I find it fascinating; it makes me feel secure.”

Among celebrities, this simple silhouette has also found a long list of fans. “Whether worn in a classic way with Levis leaving an airport or as a dress with heels,” says stylist Emily Evans. “From Audrey Hepburn to Gwyneth Paltrow, and currently Hailey Bieber.” Because you can expect this shirt to be in constant rotation, it’s worth splurging on high-quality materials and a fit that you’ll be able to style in a myriad of ways. And while preferences will be different for everyone, there is a design meant to address any issues from potential stains for the spill-prone to gaping buttons for those with a fuller chest.

Best Overall

AYR The Deep End Shirt

What We Love: The shirt is made from a non-stretch oxford cotton, so you can trust that it won’t lose its shape.

What We Don't Love: The sizing runs slightly large, according to reviews.

AYR's The Deep End Shirt easily ranked as our favorite on this list simply for its construction. You'll never have to worry about it losing its shape (even with it being made from 100 percent cotton), regardless of how many times you wash it because it was designed to be non-stretch. Thanks to its slightly loose, yet still structured fit, the shirt lends itself to several ways to style, from tucked into black work pants to thrown casually on with a pair of jeans. Even down to the buttons down the front and at the cuffs, the shirt caters to having a crisp look throughout, never looking ill-fitting on the user. Reviews say the quality is worth the high price tag, but it does run slightly large, so consider sizing down if you prefer a more fitted appearance.

Size: XS–XL | Material: Oxford cotton | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low

Best Silk

Numi The Simone Button-Up Blouse

What We Love: Despite being made from silk, this shirt resists stains and is machine washable.

What We Don't Love: The style runs small, according to the brand.

If you're anything like us, wearing white gives you anxiety — every meal or lipstick application feels risky and has you triple-checking your shirt for stains. Even without a clumsy spill, white tops can show those pesky pit stains over time. That's why Numi's silk shirt is a game changer. Made from a blend of sustainable silk and acetate, the Simone is bluesign-certified stain-repellent and no match for stains of any kind.

InStyle Senior Commerce Writer Eva Thomas tried the shirt after seeing Kelly Ripa constantly wear it on TV. Wearing it over a four-course dinner and two glasses of wine, she didn't end up with a single stain. Thomas also noticed that the shirt didn't cause her excessive sweating as some other silk tops can do. Add in the fact that the shirt is machine washable, and it's safe to say this top will save you time, money, and stress.

Size: XS–XL | Material: Acetate, silk | Care: Machine wash

Best for Work

M.M. LaFleur The Lagarde Shirt

What We Love: Machine washable, wrinkle, and odor resistant, this shirt will easily take you from meetings to happy hour.

What We Don't Love: It's made from polyester.

The Lagarde Shirt stood out for its innovative design details made to withstand the plights of an eight-hour workday — wrinkles, odors, and buttons that pop open. That’s because it’s treated with Polygiene, an anti-odor finish, and the polyester fabric is more wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, and impervious to shrinking than cotton. Plus, reviewers say it feels luxuriously soft and boasts a good weight (basically, it's not see-through). The extra button at the chest prevents gaping, while the hidden button on the wrist makes cuffing the sleeve easier on hot days when you want to roll them up. It offers a streamlined look thanks to its tailored fit and no-pocket design. Sure, it's a little pricey, but considering how easy it is to care for and how long it will last, it's worth the investment in our opinion.

Size: 00–18 | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash, hang dry

Best Value

Uniqlo Rayon Long-Sleeve Blouse

What We Love: Wrinkle-resistant and durable, this blouse gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

What We Don't Love: The collar flops over instead of having a crisp shape.

As this roundup’s co-author Emily Cieslak prepared for her first job just after graduating college, she stocked up on a few of these blouses from Uniqlo after trying the short-sleeved version during a previous internship. She wanted a versatile, professional-looking shirt she could easily care for without breaking the bank. This blouse fits the bill to a T. It has a Goldilocks fit: not too tight or too oversized. The slim fit worked best for my petite frame because she could tuck it into bottoms without fabric bunching up around my waist.

Even after being tucked in for eight hours at the office, the shirt never wrinkled. The lightweight fabric feels comfortable during sweltering summer days. Best of all, it's durable — the shirt looks just as good three years later as it did the day she bought it.

Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Rayon, polyester | Care: Machine wash

Best Poplin

Madewell Poplin Tuxedo Shirt

What We Love: The bib adds an eye-catching detail.

What We Don't Love: The poplin may be slightly sheer.

When the occasion calls for dressing up, break away from your usual button-down and go for a tuxedo-style shirt with unique pleating details. Madewell’s take has a relaxed fit but a formal touch, striking the perfect balance for fancy occasions or adding a little elegance to a pair of jeans. Lightweight cotton poplin is breathable and soft, but it’s also slightly sheer, so layer accordingly. You can let your bra peek through or add a tank underneath. Expect a slightly oversized fit, but it still won’t appear baggy.

Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash

Best Structured

Beninos Women's Formal Work Wear Shirt

What We Love: It sits comfortably under a fitted blazer.

What We Don't Love: The tight fit may cause some gaping for larger chests.

In formal office settings, a button-down worn under a fitted blazer may be the usual uniform. If that’s true for you, you need a fitted shirt that won’t bag or gape under tailored outerwear. We love the crisp look of this fitted button-down, complete with sharp collars and fitted arms. Reviewers note that the shirt is great for formal occasions and work uniforms alike. Despite its formal look, it's also worth noting that this shirt is machine washable, the durable fabric can also hold up to ironing to ensure a crisp fit.

Size: XS–XL | Material: Cotton, polyester | Care: Machine wash

Best Oversized

Banana Republic Oversized Poplin Shirt

What We Love: This oversized shirt masters the effortless look without overwhelming your frame.

What We Don't Love: Reviewers say the fabric can be a bit see-through.

For your next oversized button-down, choose cotton. “The best fabric would be cotton because it's breathable, lightweight, versatile, and easy to layer with,” says Joanna Angeles, a stylist in Los Angeles. “It doesn't wrinkle as easily as linen and doesn't retain heat like polyester fabrics.” When searching for oversized shirts, this one from Banana Republic caught our eye because of the material and strategic design. The dropped shoulders offer that perfectly slouchy look without drowning your body in fabric. High slits on the sides make it easier to tuck the shirt into high-waisted bottoms, which can be extra challenging when dealing with a baggy fit, especially when in the petite size. But to ensure the shirt fits well on everyone, the top comes in both petite and tall sizes to help you find your perfect fit.

Size: XXS–XXL, tall and petite available | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash

Best Customizable

Misha Nonoo Husband Shirt

What We Love: You can customize this shirt for a piece that feels one-of-a-kind.

What We Don't Love: You have to remove the studs before washing.

As a wardrobe stylist in New York City, Beverly Osemwenkhae recommends the Husband Shirt from Misha Nonoo to her clients and owns a few herself. “I just love the cut,” says Osemwenkhae. “Most husband shirts can be a little too oversized, but this cut just has a great balance of looking relaxed but also structured.” Part of that juxtaposition comes from the elongated sleeves that add a touch of flair (but they can be cuffed if that's more your style). Instead of buttons, you’ll find tuxedo-style studs in the metal of your choosing. You can further customize the shirt by choosing the fabric (cotton poplin, voile, or linen) and adding a personalized monogram for an extra $25.

Size: XXS–4XL | Material: Cotton poplin, viole, or linen | Care: Hand or machine wash cold with like colors; hang or lay flat to dry

Best Fitted

Rochelle Behrens The Icon Shirt

What We Love: This shirt gives you that crisp look of a fitted cotton shirt without any buttons popping open.

What We Don't Love: You have to air dry it or else the shirt will shrink, according to the brand.

Cieslak first learned about this piece about a decade ago when The Shirt founder Rochelle Behrens launched it as a then-novel idea: a button-down that doesn't accidentally show your cleavage, especially on a fitted shirt. “I have a small chest, but even I had a button pop open. Now that I have a big girl job, I'm considering taking the plunge and buying it,” she says.

While M.M. LaFleur's Lagarde Shirt has an extra button to prevent gaping, this style features a second, internal placket of buttons to stop gaping and puckering all along the chest. It's also made from cotton, which you may prefer over polyester for the fabric's breathability and crisp look. Still, you get some stretch thanks to a touch of nylon and spandex. And if you don't want your bra peeping through, customers say the fabric isn't see-through. It looks less silky and doesn't have the same odor-resistant technology, but at less than half the cost of the Lagarde Shirt, we think this design is a worthy contender.

Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Cotton, nylon, spandex | Care: Machine wash

Best Cropped

Everlane The Way-Short Shirt

What We Love: You can switch things up with this cropped take on the button-down that still looks office-appropriate.

What We Don't Love: The cropped fit can be too short for those with long torsos.

Whether you are petite like me and like to wear cropped shirts to create the illusion of longer legs or simply just appreciate Hailey Bieber's style, the Way Short Shirt from Everlane might work for you. You still get the essential details of a button-down, like the pointed collar and patch pocket, yet in a shorter, modern fit. With its boxy fit, the shirt makes for a great layering piece, too, as a shacket over a tank top or a dress. If you’re looking for something beyond plain white, the style comes in two white stripe iterations as well.

Size: XXS–XL | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash

Best Plus-Size

Universal Standard Elbe Stretch Poplin Shirt

What We Love: This shirt goes up to size 40 and features a no-gapping design.

What We Don't Love: Some reviewers say the fabric is more transparent than expected.

Buying a white button-down that fits properly when you are plus-sized can be extremely challenging, according to plus-size model and actress Kelsie Nick. “Finding one that fits both the bust and waist without looking like a box is like finding the holy grail,” says Nick. For anyone struggling with the same problem, she recommends this shirt from Universal Standard. The fit skims your body, while the curved hem draws your eyes upwards and elongates your body. “I love this shirt for the extra snaps ensuring there's no gaping,” says Nick. “[Universal Standard’s] sizing guide is unlike any others. They've taken the true bell curve of women's fashion making their size medium a size 18.”

Extending from sizes 00 to 40, the size range is impressively inclusive and the site clearly explains how to find your correct size in case you're unsure. Compared to the other shirts on this list that prevent buttons from gaping by adding more buttons or a second placket, this design uses hidden snaps between the buttons. It's also the only style that offers a half-placket version: If you don't want to button your shirt all the way down or like the tunic look from a half-placket, check it out.

Size: 00–40 | Material: Cotton, elastane | Care: Machine wash

Best Tuxedo

J.Crew Thomas Mason Tuxedo Shirt

What We Love: Ruffles make this shirt a little more whimsical.

What We Don't Love: The fabric doesn't have any stretch and might shrink in the wash.

Want to make a button-down more fun? Add ruffles like Katie Holmes. Though stemming from the traditional tuxedo shirt, when added t0 womenswear, ruffles give a feminine flair. This shirt also has impressive details like refined topstitching, interior chambray piping, and menswear-inspired pintucks. The cotton comes from Thomas Mason, one of Europe's oldest mills. With a slim fit, this shirt can be tucked into any bottom or worn out like Holmes.

Size: 00-10 | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash

Best Stretchy

Reformation Will Oversize Shirt

What We Love: Made from cotton and spandex, this slightly oversized shirt looks good even as you wear it on repeat.

What We Don't Love: Because of the fit, you’ll need to size down if you want a more fitted look.

Whether you are commuting to the office on sweltering hot days or prefer a button-down as your go-to beach cover-up, the lightweight fabric will keep you cool thanks to how breathable and airy it is. The shirt is made from cotton and spandex, with a relaxed and stretchy fit. It will easily be a staple year-round because of its versatility. Wear it open with your favorite tank or closed to wear on its own — you can even toss it over the shoulders or underneath a sweater vest to fit the preppy dress code. Basically, the possibilities are endless with this one.

Size: XS–XL | Material: Cotton, spandex | Care: Wash cold, dry flat

Best On Amazon

Amazon Essentials Women's Long-Sleeve Button-Down Poplin Shirt

What We Love: Despite being made from 100 percent cotton, the shirt does not shrink and retains its shape after washing.

What We Don't Love: The fabric is sheer, and the sleeves are a tad long.

Leave it to Amazon for all your everyday essentials, including this 100 percent cotton button-up. Described as a “close but comfortable fit,” the shirt appears tailored, giving you that work-appropriate look, but it won't inhibit your movement. Because of the cotton fabric, the shirt has a lived-in texture, and only gets more soft and durable over time (reviews say that it doesn't shrink, might we add). We also love that it has nearly invisible buttons, both along the middle and at the cuff, for a crisp look. Some do complain, though, that the fabric is not as thick as they would have liked, and the sleeves hang a little long. (Luckily, we love the appearance of rolled-up sleeves, especially in casual circumstances, which might solve the problem in the interim.)

Size: XS–XXL | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash

Best for Large Busts

Djerf Avenue Breezy Shirt

What We Love: The blouse has a naturally oversized fit that isn't too frumpy and fits comfortably around the bust.

What We Don't Love: It wrinkles easily.

Inspired by Scandinavian fashion, Djerf Avenue emulates the less-is-more approach. Think chic minimalism: all the basics, including neutrals, oversized styles, and tailored garments, you need for a capsule wardrobe. When it comes to building a Scandinavian-inspired closet, a solid button-up is a must. Djerf Avenue's version is light and easy just as it says in its name, and has a slightly oversized fit. Because of this, the blouse has enough flounce that those with larger busts won't have to worry about unwanted gaps at the buttons. One of our writers, Madison San Miguel, has a 36D chest and confirms the shirt fits comfortably around this area. “I tend to avoid button-up tops because they often reveal my bra at certain angles,” she says. “This top is the only button-up that hasn't caused that issue for me.” San Miguel also suggests sticking with your original size or sizing up for a more oversized fit.

Size: XXS–3XL | Material: 100% organic cotton | Care: Machine wash; do not tumble dry

Best Short-Sleeved

Sunnow Short Sleeve Button-Down

What We Love: The tailored fit hugs the body.

What We Don't Love: Reviewers note that the fit can run a little big.

If you're not into long sleeves, consider a white button-up with short sleeves. Effortless and simple, this shirt has a fitted silhouette that is meant to hug the body. You can button it to the top or halfway for a V-neck shape. We also recommend wearing it with a pair of blue jeans or black trousers. But it is important to note that according to reviewers the shirt can run a bit large and the material can appear sheer, so you might want to consider wearing a white or nude garment underneath because your bra will be visible.

Size: XXS–3XL | Material: Cotton, polyester | Care: Hand wash or dry clean

Best Splurge

Chava Studio Relaxed Button Down

What We Love: These shirts are made in small batches using high-quality fabrics.

What We Don't Love: Since the website doesn’t specify how best to care for this shirt, it’s probably best to hand wash it.

Hailing from Mexico City, Chava Studio is a brand that utilizes high-quality fabrics and small-batch production to create high-quality shirts that you’ll hold onto for years to come. We love that in addition to traditional sizing, you can also choose to have a shirt custom-made to your measurements. If there’s one way to ensure the perfect fit, that’s it. This relaxed button-down has a small collar and luxe mother-of-pearl buttons. It has a slightly long hem in the back for easy tucking and styling.

Size: S–L | Material: Cotton | Care: Hand wash

Best Embellished

Zara Poplin Shirt

What We Love: Metallic detailing makes this style unique.

What We Don't Love: According to the website, this style runs large.

A recommendation of Evans, Zara’s cotton poplin shirts are a go-to for casual and dressy occasions alike. The lightweight cotton poplin fabric gets a celebratory upgrade with painterly metallic detailing throughout the entire shirt. It’s breathable, meaning you don't have to worry about sweat stains when you layer it under a sweater. Leave the asymmetric hem untucked over a mini skirt for a playful party look, or try styling with a black tie and jacket for a sleek androgynous outfit. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this shirt offers the perfect minimalist yet festive piece. Plus, at under $50, it’s one of the more affordable options featured on this list.

Size: XS–XXL | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash cold

Best Linen

Aritzia Boyfriend Linen Shirt

What We Love: The relaxed fit is comfortable and easygoing.

What We Don't Love: Since it’s a linen blend, it may not be as breathable as linen alone.

A long-sleeve shirt doesn’t just have to be for the office. When you’re on vacation somewhere warm, a white long-sleeve shirt is great for giving your skin a little extra coverage. This linen blend shirt is lightweight, breathable, and great for wearing open with a bikini underneath. Raglan sleeves give the overall silhouette a slouchier and more relaxed look while the boxy body sits loosely against the skin. This shirt is our easy choice for tucking away in your suitcase for a visit to a warm destination, though it would still hold up for everyday wear too.

Size: 2XS–2XL | Material: Linen, viscose | Care: Machine wash 

What to Keep in Mind

Material

For a white button down, fabric is everything. For work or fancy occasions, you’ll want to choose crisp cotton like Ayr’s Deep End oxford shirt, our favorite contender. Though it’s less structured, silk can be another great choice for work, and we love Numi's Simone top specifically because it’s also stain resistant (ideal for when you’re eating a sandwich at your desk. For Evans, choosing the right material means thinking about how the shirt will photograph on a celebrity client. “It's always about how it looks in a picture. It's key to the choice of shirt.” Lightweight linen is great for summer styling, while polyester can offer a bit more stretch.

Size

The size and style you choose to wear will be guided by your taste and what is comfortable. “If you're on the slimmer end with a rectangle body shape, you want to wear a more relaxed cut or boyfriend cut button-down, which adds more volume to the body and will give you more of a shape,” says Osemwenkhae. In this case, Everlane’s cropped top is a favorite contender. “For an hourglass, a more tailored fitted button-down will be ideal, accentuating the smallest part of your body, and that's your waist.” Benino’s fitted top will comfortably skim your body.

Transparency

The worst case scenario would be showing up to a job interview or first date, unaware that your shirt of choice is actually see-through. Look for shirts with heavier fabrics like the button-down from Djerf Avenue to ensure you’re covered. On the other hand, showing off a bra in a contrasting color, like black can be a fun styling choice. So, if you want to show off a little skin, try a light poplin or linen like that used in Aritzia’s boyfriend shirt.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I style a white button down?

Think of a white button-down as the anchor to an endless number of outfits. It’s neutral, it can be worn open or closed, cropped or oversized. “I love wearing a white button-down with a crop sweater and trousers or layered with a bustier and boyfriend jeans and pumps,” says Osemwenkhae. You can dress up sweats like Sarah Jessica Parker, or you can use it to anchor a red-carpet-worthy outfit like Charlize Theron. It runs the gamut from everyday to occasion.

How do I clean a white button down?

When your white button-down is in heavy rotation, odds are a sleeve will dip into your plate at some point. Stain-resistant styles like M.M. LaFleur’s are ideal for this exact reason, but there are fixes if you choose a riskier material too. 

For smaller spots, try soaking or scrubbing out a spot with a mixture of vinegar and castile soap or a stain remover like Shout. Always soak or wash with cold water and allow the garment to air dry. If the stain is difficult, soak the shirt overnight in a solution containing 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and baking soda. Lastly, if you must, you can resort to using bleach to banish especially tough stains.

How far do I button up?

The nice thing about a button-down is its versatility, there is no right or wrong way to wear it. You can try leaving just a button or two un-done like Taylor Swift, a slightly more undone look to show off your necklaces à la Jennifer Lopez, or like Zoe Kravitz go for showing off your entire bra. While that look may not be right for the office, why not try it for a night out on the town.

Why Shop With Us

Aemilia Madden is a writer covering fashion for InStyle. For this article, she researched white button-downs and consulted stylist Emily Evans. Emily Cieslak also contributed to this article with additional research and interviews. She spoke with stylists Joanna Angeles and Beverly Osemwenkhae, as well as plus-size model and actress Kelsie Nick.