Distinguishing Between Button-Up & Button-Down Shirts

Key Difference – Button Up vs Button Down

Button up and button down are terms associated with shirts. Button up shirts are shirts that have buttons running up the front, while button down shirts also have buttons on the collars, which fasten the collars to the shirt. This is the main difference between button up and button down shirts.

What is a Button Up Shirt?

A button up shirt has buttons all the way up the front, including a top button. This type of shirt is common in many men’s wardrobes. The collars in these shirts do not have buttons and are not attached to the shirt front, meaning ties can be worn with button up shirts. Many formal shirts, dress shirts, and casual shirts are button up shirts, suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Button up shirts can be worn with a tie and a suit, or with a casual pair of jeans.

What is a Button Down Shirt?

Button down shirts also have buttons all the way up in the front, but the key difference between button up and button down shirts lies in the collar style. A button down shirt has two buttons on the collar which fasten the collar to the front of the shirt. This style is said to be influenced by polo players, who fastened their collars to the shirt with buttons to prevent the collar from flapping in the wind and impairing their vision. Button down shirts were initially known as polo collar shirts and were popular with sportsmen, as the collars remained in place during action. Today, these shirts are popular worldwide. Button down shirts are mostly worn for casual and smart casual wear and are not usually worn with ties.

What is the difference between Button Up and Button Down?

Key Takeaways

• Button Up shirts have buttons all the way up at the front, while Button Down shirts have buttons all the way up at the front and two buttons on the collar.
• Button up shirt collars cannot be fastened to the shirt with buttons, while button down shirt collars can be fastened to the shirt with buttons.
• Button up shirts can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, while button down shirts are usually worn as casual wear.