They’re both valid terms, but here is the difference: A button up is a shirt that buttons up the front of the body all the way. A button down is a shirt that has buttons on the collar points that you can, well, button down.
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A dress shirt, button shirt, button-front, button-front shirt, or button-up shirt, is a garment with a collar and a full-length opening at the front, which is fastened using buttons or shirt studs.
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.
A half sleeve shirt is also called a camp shirt. It is similar to the classic button-down and often has a full-length front button closure. These shirts are casual, and it is common to wear them untucked.
The collarless shirt is also referred to as the grandad collar shirt, and it comes in a few different variations, the most notable of which are band and mandarin.
The Differences Between a Polo and Button-Down Shirt
Button-down shirts are often considered to be more formal than polo shirts, especially when dressed up with a tie and blazer, but this style can also be made more casual by wearing it without a tie, with the top two buttons loosened and the sleeves rolled up.
A polo shirt is a classic combination of the timeless button-up oxford dress shirt and the much more casual T-shirt. Polo shirts typically feature a collar and placket with a few buttons and are made with a knitted cotton known as piqué.
Definition of button up
transitive verb. 1 : to close tightly and securely a tank buttoned up and ready for action. 2 : to carry to completion button up an order or assignment. 3 : to bring to complete and final decision or irrevocable settlement.
Button-down shirts are a perfect pairing with casual suits. You can wear button-downs in a business casual setting or a social event that isn’t formal. The button-down shirt is also a great fit with separates, such as trousers and a blazer, to give that smart-casual look.
Formality of Button Down Collars – Casual Or Formal? The button down collar is casual by nature. If they are paired with a tie, it’s usually worn with a casual suit or blazer/odd trouser combo. It’s rare to see button down collars worn with formal suits, and also a little odd of style.
The button-down collar is a variant on the point-collar dress shirt and is stylistically appealing for those who want to dress down but. But, in today’s casual world, a button-down with a tie and a sport coat is still quite well dressed.
Most often, classic button down collars are worn without ties. Having the collar buttons still fastened will keep the collar standing up, helping the shirt still look crisp, yet casual. For a more business causal look, pair your shirt with a jacket.
Button-down collar shirts truly shine when they’re dressed down relative to a suit. You can certainly throw one on with a pair of jeans and call it a day, but a button-down collar shirt works quite well with a sport coat and odd trouser combo too. They even pair nicely with a classic navy blazer.
Is it OK to wear a polo shirt to an interview?
Both men and women can consider wearing tailored khakis, a nice polo shirt or button-down, and a pair of sensible shoes—but no flip-flops!
Is it OK to tuck in a polo shirt?
Polo shirts:
Polo shirts have an even hem and they can be worn untucked, but for a dressier look, you can tuck in the shirt and make sure to wear an apt belt. This style is especially worn by golfers. You can even leave them untucked for a modern and casual look.
What is a polo shirt called?
A polo shirt, tennis shirt, golf shirt, or chukker shirt is a form of shirt with a collar. Polo shirts are usually short sleeved but can be long; they were used by polo players originally in India in 1859 and in Great Britain during the 1920s.
Is it OK to wear a polo with a blazer?
A Polo Shirt
It may not seem like the most obvious choice to wear under a blazer, but a men’s polo shirt is a wardrobe staple for lots of men, and it can look nice dressed up under a blazer and tucked in with a belt.
Does a polo count as a collared shirt?
Does a polo count as a collared shirt? As they have the same appearance, we could say yes. But, (again, a but) it depends on the type of polo. If wearing a shirt is desired for the occassion, then just don’t pick a polo.
What is another word for buttoned up?
| shut up | stopped talking |
|---|---|
| hushed | zipped one’s lip |
| kept silent | fell silent |
| stayed quiet | fallen silent |
| buttoned your lip | buttoned it |
A button down shirt is usually seen as more casual, while a button up shirt is more formal. These rules can be broken, and more often than not a button up shirt can be worn as part of a smart casual outfit.
Button-down shirts and polos
A button-down shirt is a business casual must.