For years, I've loved the versatility of a classic button-down shirt. It's a staple in my wardrobe, perfect for everything from a casual weekend brunch to a important work meeting. But I have to admit, for a while, I was a bit confused about how to properly wear the button-down collars. Should they be buttoned? Unbuttoned? What's the secret to making them look sharp and not just... there?
My journey to mastering the art of the button-down collar began with a simple question: What's the point of those little buttons anyway? I used to think leaving them unbuttoned gave a relaxed, effortless vibe. Oh, how wrong I was! Through a bit of personal experimentation and some insightful observations, I've discovered the absolute best way to style these shirts for a consistently polished and put-together appearance.
I remember a period when I would often leave the collar buttons undone, thinking it looked casual. But something always felt a little off. The collars would sometimes splay out awkwardly, or they wouldn't sit quite right under a blazer. It wasn't the chic, relaxed look I was aiming for; instead, it often felt a bit disheveled. I started noticing that the collars just didn't have the structure I wanted.
Then, it hit me: the entire point of a button-down collar is for the buttons to be fastened! I realized that when they are buttoned, they are designed to sit high on your neck and create a really nice, subtle 'S' roll. This 'S' roll is key – it's that gentle curve in the collar that gives it a sophisticated, dimensional look. Without it, the collar can look flat and lifeless. I started trying it, and immediately, I could see the difference. My shirts looked sharper, more intentional, and significantly more stylish.
Once I started buttoning my collars, I began to pay more attention to how others wore theirs. I quickly learned that button-down collars without the collar being buttoned down can actually look quite strange. I found myself instinctively assuming that someone had simply forgotten to do the buttons up. It gives an impression of being lazy or unkempt, even if the rest of the outfit is perfectly fine. This was a huge realization for me because it solidified my newfound conviction: if your shirt has those collar buttons, they are there for a reason, and they should be used.
I personally now prefer keeping button-down collars buttoned every single time. It's not just about aesthetics; it's also about how the collar physically sits. When the buttons are fastened, the collar stays in place. It doesn't flop around or disappear under a jacket lapel. It maintains its shape and contributes to a crisp, neat neckline. I truly believe the collars look better buttoned because they sit so much better. They really don't look as bad as you might think if you're used to leaving them open; in fact, they look much more refined.
Achieving that perfectly crisp and high-sitting collar isn't just about buttoning; it also involves a few simple preparation steps. Here are my favorite tips that have truly transformed my button-down shirt game:
This is my number one rule. As I mentioned, the buttons are there to create that beautiful 'S' roll and keep your collar looking sharp. It’s a small detail that makes a huge impact on your overall appearance. Whether I'm wearing a tie or going tie-less, those collar buttons are always fastened.
I used to struggle with collars that felt a bit "frumpy" or just didn't hold their shape throughout the day. I discovered that a good iron, combined with a bit of starch, is a game-changer. When I iron my button-down shirts, I make sure to give the collar extra attention. A light mist of spray starch before ironing helps the fabric become crisp and firm. This ensures the collar sits high and maintains its structure, looking fresh all day long.
Here’s my quick guide to ironing your collars with starch: