Jun 25, 2018 - Shopping 18 short-sleeved button-down shirts
Most all of my button-downs are long-sleeved, which gets hot this time of year, so I’m looking for some short-sleeved options, and I fear I have nothing more exciting to say on the topic than that. They’re just good basic pieces and I need them. This striped number is so excellently menswearish.
I like the drop shoulders and all-around slouchy vibe of this option from Joie.
A good, crisp, white choice from Madewell that is nice and blousey.
I’m always a sucker for a good rainbow stripe.
So excellently tomboyish.
The flare sleeves and tiny hearts make this one standout.
A super-cute chambray number.
This has subtle metallic stripes, which is fun.
This short-sleeved version of Equipment’s classic Slim Signature blouse has those great front pockets.
The styling here makes this gauze top look kind of dorky, but I actually think it’d be aces half-tucked (yes, I am still half-tucking).
I dig the black-on-black stripes on this silk option.
Another chambray shirt, this one with a nifty tie-front.
Maybe I’m nuts for thinking this, but the exaggerated sleeves here would make your arms look skinnier, I’m pretty sure.
This floral is like a classed-up version of a Hawaiian shirt.
I like the raw hems and variegated stripes here.
A really graphic choice.
A very elegant and structured silk top.
And this popover doesn’t technically belong in a button-down category, but it’s new (and well-priced) from Everlane and I like it.
Kim France
I was born in Houston, Texas in 1964 and have lived in New York City since 1988. I had a long career in magazines, working at Sassy, Elle, New York, and Spin, and in 2000, I founded Lucky magazine, which I edited for ten years.
These are such a great alternative to the usual short-sleeved tee. I spend most my waking life in tee-shirts and jeans so something different is welcome. Although the weather here on the east end is still cool, I’ve got my fingers crossed there will be a few warm days in our future which is my excuse for ordering!!!
When I was in college in the late 70’s, we used to call short sleeve button down shirts “Ernie Douglass shirts,” in reference to the youngest son on “My Three Sons,” who was a classic nerd. Most of the GOCA readers might not remember him or the show, but it gave me a chuckle–and a reason to text some old friends…
I totally remember Ernie Douglas! I can still hum the theme song
but, who was the best Uncle Charlie??
William Demarest!
I warm to anything that looks like a Hawaiian shirt, the more retro the better. But all my button downs become short sleeved in summer. It just takes a few rolls of the sleeves. (But no buttons and tabs on sleeves. I cut those off immediately.)
Somehow, a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up never feels as cool to me as these do. But that’s just me.
I’m wearing a split back cotton button down with tiny pinstripes in my office with the malfunctioning AC. I usually live in popovers because I have trouble keeping shirts tucked in, but this one was made to be untucked – or perhaps half tucked? (I can never manage that either).
Or “French tucked” as the Fab 5 from Queer Eye call it!
I especially like the ones with the longer short sleeve, helps hide those silly somewhat jiggly upper arms!!
Thank you for this! I also wear tee shirts and jeans and often feel like a slob.
But my options are limited – everything out there is sleeveless! I’ve never been a fan of my arms.
And yes, way too hot for long-sleeved anything.
I own the J. Crew striped number, and it is all kinds of cool with my R13 grey skinny jeans and No. 6 New School Clog. You’ve clearly had a major impact on my closet!
Another purveyor of uncomplicated short-sleeve shirts and good neutral colours is Uniqlo.
They’re not particularly unique style-wise, but the fabric washes like a dream and looks brand new after each machine wash. The side splits also allow for the (mandatory!) half tuck.
I have black / white / khaki on high rotation
The J Crew
The Joie
The Madewell
I’m in need of some up-to-date summer tops and these look nice and breezy, and reasonably priced for me. Thanks, Kim! (I thought the fantastic Nili Lotan Normandy would appear here, but then I realized it’s a popover.)
I’ve never especially cared for how buttondowns looked on me, then I tried the Madewell Central Shirt. Game changer. It has just the right structure-to-slouch ratio. I have acquired 4 and don’t see myself stopping any time soon.