Button Up vs. Button Down: What’s the difference?
Revised 11/1/20
You’ve got a shirt with buttons: but is it a button-up or button-down? Is there even a difference?
Well, yes there is a difference, and although the terms are often used interchangeably, they shouldn’t be. The fact is, all button down shirts are also button up shirts. BUT not all button up shirts are button-downs. Say what? Don’t worry, the difference is actually quite simple:
Button Up vs. Button Down Shirts
A button up shirt refers to any shirt that buttons all the way up the front. A button down shirt means any button up shirt with a collar that can be buttoned down.
So, where did the button down collars start, anyway? We can thank 19th century English polo players for this one. They needed a way to keep their collars from flapping in the wind, so they added button holes at the corners of the traditional collars and fastened them down to the shirt with buttons. With these origins, button down collars were first called “polo collars.”
Button down collars are considered a more casual button up shirt than button-ups without the fastened collar. There is a debate about whether it’s appropriate to wear a tie with a button down collar, but while it used to be a definite no-no, that’s no longer the case. Aside from the inconvenience of un-fastening the collar in order to deal with the tie, it has actually become its own kind of look. Take note though: necktie or not, if your collar can be buttoned down, it ought to be!
One thing everyone can agree on is that button up shirts are a timeless wardrobe staple for men and women alike. If you’re in the market for a new button-up, whether button-down or not, take some time to check out our wide variety of men’s button up shirts, designed for the rugged gentleman.
Need a new leather briefcaseor messenger bag to compliment your button up or button down for a day at the office? Check out our full suite of handmade leather goods.
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FAQs
The main difference between a button-down and a button-up shirt is the collar. A button-down shirt has small buttons on the collar to keep it in place, while a button-up shirt has no buttons on the collar. Button-down shirts are more casual and button-up shirts are typically dressier.
Are button-up and button-down the same? ›
A button up shirt refers to any shirt that buttons all the way up the front. A button down shirt means any button up shirt with a collar that can be buttoned down.
What is the meaning of button-up and button-down? ›
People often get these two confused and it is a common mistake to use the terms button-up and button-down interchangeably, these aren't the same! Just remember that the difference between the two lies in the collar, button-downs have buttons securing the collar points, button-ups don't.
Why is it called a button-down? ›
What Is A Button Down Shirt? Button down shirts aren't really that much more complicated. They have buttons all the way up the shirt like a button up shirt, but also have two buttons on the collar, to fasten it down to the shirt. So the phrase 'button down' actually refers to fastening the collar down.
What does button-up your shirt mean? ›
To "button up" a shirt implies that you start from the bottom button and work your way up. You can just say "button your shirt" and leave to the listener to decide how they prefer to do it. A button-down shirt is one with an extra button for the collar.
Do you tuck in a button up? ›
Smart Casual: If you are wearing a casual shirt by itself leave it untucked, however, if you are wearing a shirt paired with a casual jacket or coat, tuck it in for smart casual occasions. Business Casual: Whether you are sporting a blazer, sweater or just a shirt, always have your shirt tucked in.
Should button ups be folded or hung? ›
Shirts can be both hung and folded. Make sure to button the collar of your shirts before storing them so that their shape doesn't get distorted. And never ever EVER use wire hangers as these leave a lasting, piercing effect on your shirts.
What is an example of button up? ›
to fasten something, usually a piece of clothing, using buttons : Button up your coat, it's cold outside. She buttoned the cardigan up to her neck and dug her hands into the pockets to try and keep warm.
What is meant by buttoned up? ›
adjective. If you say that someone is buttoned up, you mean that they do not usually talk about their thoughts and feelings. [informal]
What does button-down mean in slang? ›
: conservatively traditional or conventional. especially : adhering to conventional norms in dress and behavior.
Normally a blouse is something made to be worn by a woman. Men generally wear what is called a dress shirt.
What is a button-down with no collar called? ›
The grandad shirt, otherwise known as the mandarin collar, band collar shirt or collarless shirt, has been something of a Marmite piece of menswear, depending on which 20th century decade you were born into.
What is a shirt without buttons called? ›
T-shirt – also "tee shirt", a casual shirt without a collar or buttons, made of a stretchy, finely knit fabric, usually cotton, and usually short-sleeved. Originally worn under other shirts, it is now a common shirt for everyday wear in some countries.
What is the difference between a button-down and a button-up? ›
The main difference between a button-down and a button-up shirt is the collar. A button-down shirt has small buttons on the collar to keep it in place, while a button-up shirt has no buttons on the collar. Button-down shirts are more casual and button-up shirts are typically dressier.
What is the opposite of button-up? ›
The term "button-down" refers to the buttons on the collar, as opposed to the buttons that fasten the front of the shirt. Button-down shirts are generally more casual than button-up shirts and are often worn in more relaxed or informal settings.
What is the proper name for a button-up shirt? ›
Sometimes called dress shirts or button-front shirts (fashion-conscious men just love directional buttons, apparently), you'll find a wealth of styles, colors, and patterns. It's the most commonly worn style of men's shirt worldwide.
Is button-down shirt more formal? ›
Button-down shirts can be worn in a variety of settings from casual to formal. However, because of their sporty origins and the fact that they have a more relaxed collar than others, they are generally considered to be one of the more casual dress shirts.
Should you button-up the last button? ›
With a single-breasted, three-button suit, simply close the middle button, always. The top button is optional and can be buttoned up or left undone. The bottom button, again, should never be buttoned, as it will put a strain on the fabric of the suit jacket and will not look flattering.
What is buttons up? ›
1. to fasten (a garment) with a button or buttons. 2. informal. to conclude (business) satisfactorily.
