What’s the Difference Between Button-Down and Button-Up Shirts?

In the world of men’s shirts, button-down and button-up cannot be used interchangeably (though they often are). So what’s the difference between a button-down and button-up shirt? Simple.

A button-up shirt refers to any shirt that buttons up the front.

A button-down shirt refers to the collar of a button-up shirt. If the collar can be fastened to the shirt via buttons, then it’s a button-down shirt. (See photo above.)

STUDY UP: A History of the Button-Down Shirt

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo