For one reason or another many men have strong feelings about button down collars. From a fashion perspective they have both a specific functionality and make a certain fashion statement. It’s important for a man to know both of these when introducing this type of collar into their wardrobe.
Did you know that a button down collar is actually NOT proper for all occasions? I personally know several men who do not realize this including my father who to this day does not own a dress shirt without a button down collar.
First, the history of the button down collar is a relatively quick one that helps us understand it’s true purpose. This type of collar is actually an ad-hoc solution that a polo player from Great Britain threw together to avoid having his collars hit him in the face as he galloped full-speed down the field in a heated polo match. This occurred in the 1800’s and in 1896, Brooks Brothers brought this collar style to America and they continue to produce button down collars to this day. So the purpose of telling you the history is to point out that the button down collar is meant to be a sporty, less causal look. It was also intended to be a blue collar working man’s shirt style.
The anatomy of a button down collar is also significant. The eyelet and button itself should be smaller than the rest of the buttons on the shirt with the exception of the gauntlet buttons (the forearm buttons).
The larger buttons that close to your face would be a distraction therefore it is not recommended to replace a button down collar button with a larger spare button for this reason. Plus, it is doubtful that you will be able to get it a larger button through the eyelet anyway. So, please use a spare collar button or gauntlet button if you lose or destroy a collar button on your dress shirt.
The rules around a button down collar are pretty simple. Remember that it is a less formal look and you need to use common sense as a guide. If other people at work are not wearing a button down collar then you probably should not either. You should not wear a button down collar with a more formal suit like a double-breasted suit or certainly not a tuxedo (Dad are you reading this?).
This is a more casual, sporty look and should be treated accordingly.
Recently another trend has emerged with button down collars and that is the unbuttoned button down collar as a fashion statement, but not everyone can pull this off. Unfortunately, most people that try simply just look like they forgot to button up or are simply too lazy to do it.
If you are going to try to pull this style off, do it with as much confidence as you can and try to go with a sportier dress pant and maybe some loafers to kick it up a notch.
Button down collars should have a place in every man’s wardrobe but they aren’t the only type of dress shirt collar and that can’t be stressed enough. Make sure that you check out other collar styles and match them to their intended uses as well.
Hopefully I will have more success convincing people not in my family to explore all of their dress shirt collar options. In any event at a minimum you now know the origin of the button down collar on a dress shirt.
By Kara Sebbert, lead editor at Fashion Merchandising Degrees.
If you’re a big fan of button down collars on dress shirts, design your own custom men’s dress shirts and style them with your exact preferences in mind.
