The white button-up shirt: a fashion staple that transcends trends. It’s the ultimate wardrobe chameleon, equally at home in a boardroom meeting or dressed down for a weekend brunch. But with so many variations on this classic, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming.
This guide will help you cut through the clutter and discover the top 20 white button-up shirts for women. We’ve considered everything from fabric and fit to style and price point, so you’re sure to find the shirts you’ll reach for again and again. Get ready to elevate your everyday look with the perfect white button-up!
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WHITE BUTTON UP SHIRT WOMEN
Finding the right size is crucial! We’ve prioritized featuring button-up shirts offered in a wider range of sizes, ditching the frustratingly limited “small-to-large” selections.
FABRIC FUNDAMENTALS
Traditionally, cotton reigns supreme for button-downs – think the classic Oxford. Cotton’s affordability and wrinkle resistance make it a popular choice (unlike linen, which can wrinkle more easily). This is reflected in our list, with most shirts crafted from this versatile material.
DESIGN DETAILS: BEYOND THE BUTTONS
The old rule of mandatory collar point buttons (like on men’s Oxfords) is a thing of the past for women’s styles. In fact, “button-down” and “button-up” are interchangeable terms for shirts with a collar and button closure. Beyond these basics, the design possibilities are endless! Pockets, ruffle details, curved hems, or puffed sleeves – the choice is yours!
FINDING VALUE: YOUR PRICE POINT
Investing in a great button-up shirt makes sense – it’s a wardrobe workhorse! We focused on high-quality options that justify their price tag. For pricier picks, we’ve included a more affordable alternative whenever possible. We’ve categorized the shirts by price point: under 100(), under 200($), and 200andup($$).
BEST WHITE BUTTON-DOWN
AYR THE DEEP END SHIRT
It is made from regular cotton and retains its shape even after many washes because it is inelastic. The shirt is a bit loose but not baggy, so you can wear it tucked into skirts or take off jeans. Buttons along the front and on the sleeves make it look neat and harmonious. Those who have bought it say it’s worth it, even though it’s a bit pricey. Just note that it’s a bit large, so you may want to order a size smaller than usual. Or try tucking your shirt into stretch jeans, which is also a good choice when you need to go to formal places.
Sizes: XS–XL | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Oversize pocket, longer back hem | Price: $$
EVERLANE THE BOXY OXFORD
Everlane’s The Boxy Oxford is a strong contender for your casual white button-up needs. Crafted from soft, premium organic cotton, it prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style. This shirt features a relaxed, boxy silhouette with dropped shoulders for a laid-back look. Classic details like a point collar and clean button front remain, ensuring a touch of polish. Oversized patch pockets add a touch of utility and character. The Boxy Oxford is perfect for everyday wear, easily transitioning from jeans and sneakers for a weekend brunch to a more dressed-down office look when paired with trousers and flats.
Sizes: XXS–XL | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Point collar, patch pocket, cropped shape | Price: $
CLASSIC SIX DONNA BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT
If you’re searching for a white button-up that epitomizes timeless design, look no further than the Classic Six Donna Button-Down Shirt. This shirt is all about the perfect fit. Made from crisp, 100% cotton, it boasts a relaxed fit with a flattering drop shoulder. Unique details like extra-long cuffs and side slits elevate it beyond a basic button-up. Grosgrain trim and pearl buttons add a touch of sophistication, while French seams ensure a smooth, polished look. This is the kind of white button-up you’ll reach for again and again, confident it will pair flawlessly with anything in your wardrobe.
Sizes: 0–14 | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Long cuffs, side slits, French seams, grosgrain detailing, and pearl buttons | Price: $$
EVERLANE THE BOXY OXFORD
Ideal for those seeking a casual white button-up, Everlane’s The Boxy Oxford prioritizes comfort with its relaxed, boxy silhouette and soft, premium organic cotton. Dropped shoulders add to the laid-back vibe, while classic elements like a point collar and clean button front ensure a touch of polish. Oversized patch pockets offer a hint of utility and character. This versatile shirt seamlessly transitions from weekend brunch with jeans and sneakers to a dressed-down office look when paired with trousers and flats.
Sizes: XXS–XL | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Point collar, dropped shoulders, oversized patch pockets | Price: $
LILYSILK BASIC CONCEALED PLACKET SILK SHIRT
Indulge in luxury with the LilySilk Basic Concealed Placket Silk Shirt. This shirt elevates the classic white button-up with its use of 22 momme charmeuse silk. This silk boasts a beautiful glossy finish that drapes elegantly and feels incredibly soft against the skin. The shirt maintains a traditionally feminine silhouette with a neat collar and a concealed button placket for a clean, polished look. This luxurious piece is perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of sophistication to your everyday attire.
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Fabric: Silk | Design details: Concealed mother-of-pearl buttons, monogrammable (for an additional $25) | Price: $$
BASERANGE OLE SHIRT
The Baserange Ole Shirt offers a minimalist take on the white button-up. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, it prioritizes sustainability and comfort. This long-sleeved shirt features a classic button-up closure and clean lines for a laid-back yet polished look. Depending on your preference, the Ole Shirt can be dressed up with tailored pants or dressed down for everyday wear with jeans. It’s a versatile option for the eco-conscious woman who seeks a timeless addition to her wardrobe.
Sizes: XS–L | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Oversize fit, Buttons at cuff | Price: $$
MANGO OVERSIZE COTTON SHIRT
If you’re looking for a white button-up with a relaxed vibe, Mango’s Oversize Cotton Shirt is a great choice. Made from 100% cotton, it offers breathability and a casual feel. This shirt features an oversized silhouette, perfect for those who prefer a looser fit. Classic details like a shirt-style collar, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, and a front button closure remain, ensuring a recognizable button-up look. For a touch of practicality, it includes a patch pocket on the chest. This affordable option is ideal for everyday wear or creating a laid-back weekend look.
Sizes: 0–10 | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Oversize fit, chest pocket, tunic-length | Price: $
CLOTH & STONE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
Known for their easy-to-wear styles, Cloth & Stone Button Down Shirt lives up to the brand’s reputation. This shirt offers a relaxed fit that’s both comfortable and versatile. Made from soft, lightweight fabric (often lyocell, a sustainable material similar to rayon), it drapes beautifully and feels comfortable against the skin. Expect classic details like a point collar and button front closure, ensuring a put-together look. This is a great option for those who love the effortless style of Cloth & Stone and want a white button-up that transitions seamlessly from work to weekend wear.
Sizes: XXS–3X (with petite sizes in XXS–XL) | Fabric: Tencel | Design details: Patch pocket | Price: $
EQUIPMENT SLIM SIGNATURE SILK SHIRT
Crafted from luxurious silk, Equipment’s Slim Signature Silk Shirt adds a touch of elegance to the classic white button-up. Inspired by a menswear-inspired archive piece, it boasts a flattering slim fit that drapes beautifully and shows off your figure. Unlike some silk shirts, this one is designed for everyday wear. The fabric is surprisingly durable and resists wrinkles, making it a practical choice. While it features a full button closure and clean lines for a polished look, the slim silhouette keeps it modern. This is the perfect white button-up for the woman who wants to elevate her everyday style or add a touch of luxury to workwear.
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Fabric: Silk | Design details: Two chest pockets, point collar, button cuffs | Price: $$$
EVERLANE THE RELAXED OXFORD SHIRT
Everlane’s The Relaxed Oxford offers a comfortable and casual take on the white button-up. Made from 100% cotton, it prioritizes breathability and everyday wear. This shirt features a relaxed silhouette with a slightly dropped shoulder for a laid-back vibe. Classic details like a point collar and clean button front remain, ensuring a touch of polish. For a timeless touch, it comes in a variety of crisp white hues you can choose from. Whether you’re running errands or brunching with friends, this versatile shirt is a great choice for everyday style.
Sizes: 00–16 | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Chest pocket, curved hem, relaxed fit | Price: $
ANNE FONTAINE CLODIE SHIRT
The Anne Fontaine Clodie Shirt offers a unique twist on the classic white button-up. This shirt combines the timeless elegance of Parisian design with a modern twist. Made from a luxurious pima cotton-poplin blend, it features a flattering slim fit that feels relaxed yet drapes beautifully to frame your figure. A standout detail is the Swiss-style pleated shirtfront, which adds a touch of texture and visual interest. Classic elements like a poplin collar, buttoned placket, and cuffs ensure a polished look. This French-inspired shirt is perfect for the woman who seeks a sophisticated yet modern take on the white button-up.
Sizes: 36–46 (equivalent to 0–16) | Fabric: Cotton (poplin) | Design details: Pointed collar, pleated front | Price: $$$
J.CREW CLASSIC-FIT COZY GAUZE SHIRT
J.Crew’s Classic-Fit Cozy Gauze Shirt offers a relaxed take on the white button-up, perfect for those who prioritize comfort. This shirt is crafted from a super-soft gauzy cotton blend, making it lighter and more breathable than traditional cotton while maintaining durability. The classic fit provides a bit of extra room for a comfortable, easy-going feel. Expect classic details like a button front closure and a collar, ensuring it still reads as a recognizable button-up shirt. This is a great option for those who want a white button-up that feels like a cozy favorite and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Sizes: 0–24 | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Chest pocket, crinkle fabric | Price: $
OLD NAVY OVERSIZED BOYFRIEND SHIRT
Calling all fans of effortless style! Old Navy’s Oversized Boyfriend Shirt is a must-have for your casual collection. This shirt offers a relaxed, menswear-inspired silhouette that’s perfect for layering or creating a comfortable, laid-back look. Made from 100% cotton, it’s breathable and keeps things casual. Classic details like a button front and collar ensure it retains that recognizable button-up identity, while the oversized fit provides a trendy, effortless vibe. This budget-friendly option is perfect for everyday wear, lounging at home, or running errands. Just throw it on over a tank top and pair it with jeans or leggings for an instant chic look.
Sizes: XS–4X (with petite and tall options) | Fabric: Cotton | Design details: Spread collar, patch pocket, curved hem | Price: $
FRANK & EILEEN EILEEN LINEN BUTTON-UP SHIRT
Frank & Eileen’s Eileen Linen Button-Up Shirt is all about effortless sophistication. Crafted from 100% Italian linen, this shirt offers a breezy, lightweight feel that’s perfect for warmer weather. Linen is known for its natural breathability and ability to drape beautifully, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable throughout the day. The shirt itself features a relaxed fit that flatters a variety of body types and allows for easy layering. While it prioritizes comfort, classic details like a button front closure and a collar ensure a polished look. This versatile shirt can be dressed up with tailored pants or down with jeans for a breezy weekend vibe.
Sizes: XXS–XL | Fabric: Linen | Design: Looser fit, bust-flattering button placement | Price: $$$
ARITZIA WILFRED FREE BOYFRIEND LINEN SHIRT
Aritzia’s Wilfred Free Boyfriend Linen Shirt is another great choice for those seeking a breezy and comfortable white button-up. Made from a blend of linen and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose, this shirt offers the natural breathability and drape of linen with a touch of eco-friendly viscose for a softer feel. Similar to Frank & Eileen’s offering, it boasts a relaxed, boyfriend-style silhouette that’s perfect for layering or creating a casual look. Classic details like a patch pocket, raglan sleeves, and a rounded hem add a touch of style. This linen shirt is ideal for warmer weather and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Sizes: 2XS–2XL | Fabric: Linen and viscose | Design: Chest pocket, raglan sleeves, rounded hem | Price: $
CONCLUSION
The quest for the perfect white button-up ends here! We’ve explored a range of options, from crisp cotton classics to breezy linen must-haves, and luxurious silk statements. Whether you crave a timeless silhouette, a relaxed weekend vibe, or something ultra-comfortable, there’s a white button-up out there waiting to become your new wardrobe hero. With our guide that considers factors like size, inclusivity, fabric, design, and price point, you’re sure to find the perfect white button-up to add to your collection – a versatile piece you’ll reach for again and again. So, get ready to elevate your everyday look and embrace the endless possibilities this wardrobe essential offers!
