October is here. Summer is over. Cue the menswear memes about fall coming and finally being able to start dressin’. One of the most iconic pieces of fall and winter clothing is the Oxford button down. These shirts are as stylish when paired with a flannel suit as they are with a pair of chinos and a sweater. For me they are the idea cold weather shirt with so much versatility that they could be the Swiss army knife of the sartorial world
In my search for the best Oxford button down shirt, I tried four well-known menswear brands. These are all brands that are easily accessible online and ship widely. All four of these shirts are ready-to-wear (RTW). If traditional menswear sizes don’t work for you then a made-to-order (MTO) program like the one from Spier & Mackay might work better in your case. I also tried all four shirts in the same color cloth (blue), same size (17.5 – 35), and similar fits. I tried to reduce as many variables as possible.
Spier & Mackay Contemporary Fit Oxford Button Down ($48)
The first thing I noticed about Spier & Mackay’s OCBD was the fabric is that it is thicker than the other shirts, making it the most casual. I think it works best with jeans, chinos, or corduroy trousers. After some washing and breaking in, it starts to feel like a light flannel shirt. Another key point differentiating this shirt from the others is that this is the only shirt of the four with a lining in the collar. It’s a light lining which still allows for a collar roll, but there is a little more heft to it. This was also the slimmest shirt of the four. I actually went back and ordered a few MTO shirts to get the fit right for me. At $48 this is far and away the best priced OCBD in the group, making it my value pick.
J. Press Trim Fit Oxford Button Down ($125)
This was my first time trying anything from J. Press. I’ve always been familiar with the brand, but without any real experience. And I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The cloth was very nice, reminding me of another shirt on this list (Brooks Brothers), and the fit was spot on. It was a little roomier than the Drake’s and Spier & Mackay, but not as full as the Brooks Brothers. This is the most versatile shirt on the list, and I think one could wear it with jeans all the way up to trousers and a jacket, maybe not a suit though. The only issue I took with this shirt is that I was surprised it has plastic buttons instead of mother-of-pearl, while most quality shirts in this price range ($125) do. Overall, I really liked this shirt, and, given its versatility, it would be my value minimalist wardrobe choice.
Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Oxford Button Down ($140)
This is the granddaddy of them all. The one that started it. The one that changed the shirting game forever. The one I was most familiar with. The Brooks Brothers fabric is very nice and softens up after just a few wears (similar to J. Press). I also appreciated the mother-of-pearl buttons. I think they add just a little something extra, and at this price, they are something I expect. My only concern with this short was the length. I felt like the sides of the shirt were always pulling out of my pants. The length could be an issue for some taller guys. Again, like J. Press, this is an incredibly versatile shirt which can work with jeans or with trousers and a sport coat. Again, I’m not sure about a formal suit. This is another great minimal wardrobe choice, but for someone who wants one that’s just a step nicer.
Drake’s Regular Fit Oxford Button Down ($235)
For my final shirt, I ventured across the pond to one of England’s best-known menswear brands, Drake’s. First, and foremost, the fabric is excellent, and an upgrade from the other three shirts. It’s soft, feels broken-in from day one, and has an almost dress shirt like refinement. As expected, this shirt also features mother-of-pearl buttons and has an unlined collar for softness. I would be more likely to pair shir shirt with trousers and a jacket or a casual suit, but I think it still would work with a pair of jeans too. The fit is a little slimmer, and I usually wear this shirt on days when I’m feeling my thinnest. Overall this is my top choice for someone looking for a quality Oxford button down shirt, but price and fit could be a factor. I would also recommend taking advantage of the “3 shirts for $575” offer too.
Whichever OCDB you choose, I think any of them would suit you well. Choosing between these four is more about choosing what works best for you, whether you want something more casual or prefer slightly more formal. Are you looking for something a little slimmer or do you need some extra room? An Oxford button down shirt is a menswear staple and every guy should own a few. Which brand do you think works for you?
