Unlike a regular dress shirt, the oxford has a buttoned-down collar that stays put all day long. It can be dressed up with a blazer, linen pants, and nice shoes, or it can be dressed down with jeans, khakis and loafers, or sneakers. The oxford shirt is a favorite among well-dressed men because it lacks the feel of a dress shirt, yet it still looks formal and can be worn just about anywhere—and we mean, anywhere. So, to help you find the right oxford shirt for your personal style preferences, our fashion experts tested and reviewed several to compile a list of the 13 best ones.
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Pros
- Fits true to size
- Mother of Pearl Buttons
Cons
- Pricier than other options
If there’s one name you should know in the oxford shirt game (and just in general, if we’re being honest), it’s Drake’s. Founded in 1977, the brand started out by selling men’s scarves and then quickly made its way to producing handmade ties and pocket squares. Now, they create some of the world’s finest shirts and accessories. This option has a regular silhouette, floating interlinings, single-needle construction, and—perhaps most importantly—an elegant rolling collar.
One tester said: “Not only does this option fit true to size, but it also has a slightly more contemporary fit when compared to the golden age of button-downs, which is a welcomed change.”
| Sizes | 14-18 |
|---|---|
| Fit | Regular |
| Colors | 10 |
Pros
- Patch pockets
- Machine-washable
- Throwback feel
Cons
- The collar can feel too wide when buttoned
The oxford cloth button-down is a quintessential wardrobe staple, and nobody does it quite like J.Crew. Their broken-in style is made from soft organic cotton that’s been washed to feel like an old favorite right from the jump. It’s lightweight and comfortable, with a casual feel that nods to its Ivy League heritage. Our testers especially loved how the front pockets were deep enough to store things like cards, pens, a notebook, and even a checkbook for those days when you want to go sans a commuter bag.
One buyer said: “I own a few different colors of this shirt, and it always works!“
| Sizes | XS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Fit | Classic, Slim, Tall, Relaxed, Giant |
| Colors | 8 |
Pros
- Button-down point collar
- Split back yoke with box pleat
Cons
- 30-Days to exchange
Here’s a fun fact for you: The cotton oxford shirt made its debut at the beginning of the Ralph Lauren brand and, since then, has solidified its status as a pillar of the Polo look. With the signature pony logo, a relaxed fit, and button barrel cuff sleeves, we guarantee it will become one of the most frequently worn items in your closet. Just ask some of the fashion experts here at Esquire who happen to be wearing this same style right now.
One buyer said: “Great fit, and I can style it in many different ways. Love the feeling of the shirt as well!”
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
|---|---|
| Fit | Classic, Slim |
| Colors | 9 |
Pros
- American-made
- Seamlessly transitions from sport to street
- Barrell cuffs
Cons
- Pricier than other options
Brooks Brothers, an American icon since 1918, is the oldest apparel brand in continuous operation in the United States. So yeah, these guys have had about a century to perfect the oxford shirt, and it’s safe to say they did. This option features 100% cotton oxford cloth, authentic mother-of-pearl buttons, signature 6-pleat shirring, chest pocket, center back pleat, and single-needle tailored side seams. A timeless style worn by the likes of the cast of Mad Men, Fred Astaire, and JFK, it also happens to be one of our Fashion Director’s favorites.
One buyer said: “This shirt is great, from fabric to finish. Looks beautiful, well made, and should last through many wash cycles.”
| Sizes | 14.5-18 |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim, Regular, Traditional |
| Colors | 3 |
Pros
- Button-down collar
- Chest pockets
- Shirttail hem
Cons
- Can sell-out quickly
When it comes to creating timeless, easy-to-wear staples, Banana Republic does not fuck around. This style is a great bang for your buck (it’s also currently on sale), has sturdy, reliable buttons, and a super-soft finish. What really stood out to our testers was the quality of this shirt, and they believe that you get a hell of a lot more than what you actually pay for.
One buyer said: “I own too many of these oxford shirts, but luckily, they come in a lot of different colors. They’re lightweight, breathable, aren’t too stuffy, and go with just about anything you can imagine.”
| Sizes | XS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Fit | Regular, Tall |
| Colors | 8 |
What To Look For in an Oxford Shirt
Fit: The perfect fit of an oxford shirt should balance comfort and style, enhancing your appearance without compromising mobility. The shoulder seams should align with the tips of your shoulders, ensuring the shirt sits naturally. The chest should be snug but not tight, allowing enough room to move comfortably. Sleeve lengths should reach the base of your thumb when your arms are straight down, with enough room to bend at the elbow without pulling. The shirt’s body should be slim enough to create a clean silhouette but not so tight that it clings to your midsection. The collar should fit snugly around your neck when buttoned, allowing for one or two fingers’ breadth of space.
Fabric: Oxford shirts are traditionally made from oxford cloth, a type of woven fabric known for its durability and classic appearance. The fabric is usually made from cotton, but it can also include a blend of synthetic fibers for added wrinkle resistance and ease of care. However, if you want a more formal option, try finding a shirt made from royal oxford. This type of material is known for its soft hand and lustrous shiny finish, and is more lightweight and breathable than traditional cotton oxford.
Length: Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference, but consider how you intend to wear your oxford shirt: tucked or untucked. For a more formal look, opt for an Oxford that reaches the middle of your buttocks or slightly below. For a casual style, choose a shorter shirt—ideally, 2.5 to 5 inches shorter than a typical tucked-in shirt. This shorter length allows you to leave it untucked while maintaining a polished appearance, avoiding a sloppy look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oxford shirts casual or formal?
Oxford shirts can be both formal and casual. Their versatile design allows them to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair an oxford shirt with dress pants and a blazer for a formal look. For a more casual style, wear it untucked with jeans or chinos. This flexibility makes the oxford shirt a staple in many wardrobes.
How do I style an oxford shirt?
As we mentioned above (and throughout this article), an oxford shirt can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions. Pair it with chinos in neutral or pastel shades for a polished, preppy look. Or on cooler days, layer it under a jumper or lightweight knitwear for added warmth. For a relaxed, casual style, wear the oxford shirt open over a plain T-shirt and combine it with jeans or chinos. When aiming for a more contemporary outfit, an oxford shirt can be elegantly paired with a casual-leaning suit or mixed with suit separates in wool, tweed, or cotton twill. We suggest trying it all, and oh why you’re at it, grab this type of shirt in a few different colors and prints. After that, you’ll probably never have to buy another shirt again.
How We Chose the Best Oxford Shirts
In compiling a list of the best oxford shirts for men in 2024, our reviewers kept a few key things in mind: Every option on this list had to be versatile, made from high-quality fabric, and have the ability to be either dressed up or dressed down.
After testing multiple options and comparing our results with the reviews on product sites, comments on Internet forums, and tips from our readers, we narrowed down the list to 13 shirts that will become your new wardrobe staple.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. When it comes to the best oxford shirts for men, you can rest assured that we did our research. And what does that mean, you may ask? Well, we made sure to comb through tons of product reviews and Internet forums and test out different options ourselves to create the best list possible.
In our reviewing process, we had to go through a lot of trial and error, but the result is that these oxford shirts are simply the best on the market.
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