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Styling Casual Button-Down Shirts for Men

If you’re wondering if you can wear a button-down shirt casually, the answer is a resounding yes. Crafted with the ability to be dressed up or down, the button-down shirt is one of the
most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Read on to discover different types of casual shirts and how to wear them.

Express Casual Button Down Shirts

What’s the Difference Between a Casual Button-Down & a Dress Shirt?

 

They may look similar, but there are a few key differentiating factors to take note of. A dress shirt is formal, typically worn tucked in with suits or dress pants, while a casual button-down can be dressed up or down. How to tell the difference, you ask? Button-downs are shorter in length for the option to be worn untucked. Also, a button-down is typically in more casual fabrics, where as a dress shirt is often in a fabric that’s a bit stiffer and crisper, especially near the collar and cuffs, for a more formal feel.
 

Can You Leave a Button-Down Shirt Untucked?

 

Yes, you can absolutely wear casual button-down shirts untucked. But first, you want to keep in mind shirt length. We recommend that the hem of your shirt hits somewhere between the bottom and middle of the zipper fly on your pants—this will give you the most flattering proportions for your body. Having trouble finding shirts that hit at the right length on you? Easy! Take them to the tailor to get the perfect fit. Next, think about the occasion and what vibe you’re going for. If you’re going somewhere more formal, like a job interview or fancy restaurant, tuck it in. If you’re going somewhere more relaxed, like a bar or coffee date, this is where untucked styling shines.
 

Express Mens Casual Button Down Shirts

Types of Casual Button-Downs & How To Wear Them

Short Sleeve Shirts


Short-Sleeve Shirts


Men’s short-sleeve button-down shirts are the most easy-breezy of all men’s casual shirt options. Often created in more lightweight, summery fabrics like linen or gauze, these shirts will keep you cool through the warmer seasons, making them perfect for your next beach vacation. Designed in a more relaxed fit (buttons optional), this is your most casual button-down—great for leisurely hangs around a resort or long strolls down the boardwalk. To complete the casual look, wear these with a comfortable pair of shorts, like chino shorts or performance shorts.

Express Mens Linen Pants


Long-Sleeve Shirts


Your classic long-sleeve button-down shirt is the most versatile of all. Designed with the ability to be dressed up or down, you’ll want several of these on hand for easy, everyday outfitting. Keep things casual by styling your button-down with a pair of straight-leg jeans and leave the shirt untucked for a relaxed feel. For something just a little more formal, wear your button-down tucked into a pair of chinos with a smooth leather belt. Another option is to leave the shirt unbuttoned over a simple tee for a cool layered look. However you decide to wear it, you can’t go wrong.

Express Mens Denim Shirts


Denim Shirts


The denim button-down shirt also finds itself more toward the casual end of the casual-to-dressy shirt spectrum. To enhance the ruggedly handsome, utility vibe that comes with a denim shirt, pair it with cargo pants that have now-trending workwear details for added cool-factor. Or make a statement in a Canadian tuxedo by wearing it with a comfortable pair of jeans—you could pair matching denim washes from top to bottom or contrast with a dark wash on top and light wash on bottom (or vice versa). The options are endless when it comes to denim.

Express Mens Performance Shirts


Performance Shirts


Our Everyday Performance Shirts work hard and play even harder with breathable, moisture-wicking, stretch fabric for ultimate comfort at the office, on the green, or anywhere in between. Crafted with top-of-the-line fit, fabric and quality, you’ll want to keep a full selection of these in your wardrobe at all times. When it comes to styling a performance shirt, we recommend pairing it with our Everyday Performance Shorts or Pants. They have the same impeccable quality and moisture-wicking abilities that will help keep you looking and feeling cool from head to toe.