Best White Button-Down Shirts for Women: 10 Classic Options for Every Style

Women’s white button-down shirts have been a staple in well-appointed wardrobes for decades due to the apparel’s versatility and classic appeal. This menswear-inspired basic is an easily adoptable favorite of fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, and Carolyn Bassett Kennedy.

“Marie Antoinette wore it,” shares Jessie Frances, a luxury fashion resale expert, sustainable stylist and fashion historian. “White shirts historically signified wealth and status. Only those who had domestic staff could afford to wear white shirts because they needed to be washed frequently,” she adds. “Until this day, white shirts still subconsciously equate to wealth, i.e, 'white collar' professions."

Although it has evolved, there is something for everyone in the timeless appeal of white button-downs, whether you are borrowing (forever) your boyfriend's (or girlfriend’s) slightly oversized oxford for a slouchy, sexy look or wearing a crisp, tailored white blouse to work. These shirts work in various ways, depending on what you are pairing with them, like one of our choices of the best women’s dress pants.

Our picks for the best white button-down shirts for women

How to style a white button-down shirt

There are many different ways to style a white button-down shirt, depending on its fit, material and design. “For work, I love it tucked into black, wide-leg trousers and cinched at the waist with a patent leather belt and a kitten heel,” shares Kassab. “For daytime, I would take inspiration from Princess Diana and wear jeans, a belt and whatever shoes you're comfortable in. Lastly, for a date night, I would tuck the button down into a mini skirt and do heels. You can dress this up with jewels.”

Additionally, an oversized white button-down shirt can work as a beach coverup and, in linen, can look good thrown over a t-shirt. There is no right or wrong way to style this iconic piece of clothing; just wear it in a way that feels good to you.

What to wear under a white button-down shirt

You can wear anything under a white button-down shirt. If oversized, a tank or tee shirt might be a good choice. A fitted button-down blouse might call for a camisole or bra in a flesh tone, although some experts, like Frances, say a black lacey bra can be a great accessory to a white button-down shirt on a date night.

How we selected the best white button-down shirts for women

I made our selections by trying on the items, combing customer reviews, and asking fashion experts, friends, and colleagues about the brands they love and the white button-downs they recommend and why.

What to consider when buying a white button-down shirt

It is easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for a white button shirt because there are many options. In order to narrow it down, I asked fashion experts what you should ask yourself before purchasing this classic piece for your wardrobe. Frances says button placement (“to prevent bust gaps”), collar height and stiffness (“if you wear makeup),” and length (“will you wear tucked out or untucked?”) are all important to keep in mind.

How does it fit?

When shopping for a white button-down shirt, make sure the button placement allows for a smooth line because if they are not placed properly, you will have a weird gap in the chest area. Frances suggests looking for princess seams in the tailoring because those cater to women’s curves and darts, which give you a little more room to breathe across the chest.

“Sometimes, you want a menswear-inspired shirt, but the oversized fit isn’t flattering, or you need a more feminine white button-down with ruffles or a more flattering neckline,” suggests Frances. “I tell my clients that classic for one person may not be for you, but a classic white button-down can be tailored to your body and lifestyle.”

If you want a longer shirt to work, say, as a cover-up, you might want a less fitted button-down that has longer tails in the back. Some button-downs are boxy and cropped, and others are designed to be tailored like menswear but oversized to look like you borrowed it from your boyfriend. Check sleeve length as well. Some shirts have cuffs that can be rolled up, and others may have more fitted sleeves that are harder to push up your arm. “With a cotton button-down, I like it to be as simple and versatile as possible. So, there are no details and neutral buttons. I think this is the most long-lasting style,” says Elisabeth Kassab, fashion stylist and founder of STYLISTCHECK.

What material is it made out of?

You can buy white button-down shirts in many fabrics, but cotton, linen and silk are classics. Oxford cloth and poplin are often a bit stiffer material than lightweight cotton. Linen may feel a bit scratchy to some wearers, but it will get more comfortable over time, as well. Some white button-downs are made of lighter-weight cotton or other fabric that may be sheer in natural light. Check your white shirt in daylight if you are worried about the see-through factor. Overall, buy what material feels most comfortable on your skin.

What’s my style?

There are so many ways to wear a white button-down shirt. Consider how it is designed and if it fits into your daily wardrobe. “For example, if you have a white shirt with a high collar, check to see if your makeup will smudge off on it,” suggests Frances. “Make sure you like the collar and cuffs, and check for other details, like the length of the shirt. Because there are so many variations of the classic white shirt, you should always consider the best one for your style.”

In addition, consider where you live or where you are traveling. In cooler weather, a silk or heavier cotton button-down might be a better bet, whereas lightweight cotton and linen shirts are great for warmer weather.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best material for a white button-down shirt?

It depends on who you ask! Some people like a great silk or satin button-down shirt, while others prefer a classic, menswear-inspired oxford cloth shirt. I personally find linen can be slightly too scratchy, but many others love it.

Find your favorite by trying on lots of different fabrics and narrow down from there, or better yet, get a couple of white button-down shirts in a variety of styles because this classic never goes out of style.

How do I clean a white button-down?

Read the directions on any garment, including a white button-down, before you throw it in the wash. Most white button-downs are made from pure cotton and linen, and these fabrics may shrink in the wash. Laundry experts recommend always pre-washing cotton and linen in cold water or washing by hand to avoid shrinkage.

How far do I button up?

If your white button-down shirt has a pointed menswear-inspired collar, you can button all the way up to the last one, but personally, I find this a bit constraining around the neck. You can button or unbutton as much as you feel comfortable wearing open. It's an aspect of the shirt’s versatility that you can. And if you want to wear it as a second layer, you may want to leave it unbuttoned completely.

What color bra is best for white shirts?

Frances recommends a flesh-toned colored bra under your white shirt unless you want to be daring when you can pair it with a lacey black bra that peeps out. Consider a hot pink or another bright color to add an element of surprise if the environment is appropriate, maybe more a friends' night out or a date than your office.