Every guy’s wardrobe should have items that never fail him, no matter the situation, like one of the best Oxford shirts for men. The Oxford shirt is a step up from the humble t-shirt or henley, yet a step down from a dress shirt: It falls right in line to be worn with jeans on the weekend or to be paired with chinos at the office. You can layer one of the best men’s Oxford shirts with a V-neck sweater in winter or underneath a trucker jacket come spring.
And best of all, it’s a classic men’s shirt that never goes out of style (trust us on this). So named for the Oxford cloth used in the original versions, the buttondown collar was a special advance that helped polo players prevent their collars from flapping in the wind. These days, it’s still recognized as a “sport” shirt, or one that’s more casual than a dress shirt or the type of shirt you might wear with a tuxedo. That’s why Oxford shirts are so at home with rugged shawl cardigans or waxed jackets, and they’ll even look classy and sharp with one of the best tailored overcoats for men.
The best Oxford shirts for men, with substantial but better-with-age fabric, provide a style that’s crisp and easygoing, all the better to wear any day of the week. Here are some of our favorites as you shop this timeless men’s style staple.
Best Stretch Oxford Shirt: State & Liberty Blake Navy Check Buttondown
There is a lot to love about this navy buttondown shirt from State & Liberty, including the athletic fit and the engaging navy check (made to wear with tan or navy chinos). But the stretchy cotton fabric blend gives it another dimension with added versatility and provides plenty of all-day comforts.
Best Overall Oxford Shirt for Men: Todd Snyder Favorite Oxford Shirt in Blue Regatta
America’s own Todd Snyder lays out his vision for the future of American menswear by looking to the past and updating his favorite pieces for today’s modern man. The Favorite Oxford Shirt, modeled to Todd’s own specs — including a soft Portuguese cotton fabric — is a new iconic staple that’s worth the extra investment.
Best Classic Oxford Shirt: Ben Sherman Brighton Oxford Shirt
Inspired by the 1960s Ben Sherman Oxford shirt, the Brighton Oxford reintroduces a legendary style for today’s consumers, backed by a 365-day guarantee. The bold collegiate stripes are also a nice throwback touch that ensures this shirt stands out alongside khaki chinos for a standout prep look.
Best All-Black Oxford Shirt: Five Four Zonder Flannel Long-Sleeve Oxford
The Oxford shirt is a classic staple that can actually go a bit edgier if you feel so inclined. Note the all-black design, right down to the buttons, plus the buttondown collar for that Oxford shirt feel. The cotton flannel is also brushed for softness. Your next move is to style this one with slim blue jeans and suede Chelsea boots.
Best Wrinkle-Resistant Oxford Shirt: William Murray Golf Classic Buttondown
Although known for its printed golf polos (and the zany style of its founder, legendary actor Bill Murray), this buttondown shirt is fit for both sporting pursuits (like golf on a chilly day) and repeated wear. The four-way stretch, the wrinkle-resistant fabric ensures an easy-going style with no wrinkles.
Best Slim-Fit Oxford Shirt: Uniqlo Slim-Fit Oxford Shirt
Some Oxford shirts, especially shirts from a retailer that’s more traditional, can be a bit baggy or loose for some modern tastes. Uniqlo trims things down handily with this crisply made, nicely priced, utterly classic Oxford shirt.
Other Oxford Shirts We Love
Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt
It’s hard not to love what Taylor Stitch has done to the menswear game over the years, starting with its initial focus (more than a decade ago) on making one of the best men’s shirts. To this day, the Jack Oxford Shirt is an easily wearable pick with any ensemble you dream up.
Flint and Tinder Donegal Architect Shirt
The Oxford shirt gets another update here in the hands of Flint and Tinder, one of the in-house brands at Huckberry — and now, makers of one of the best Oxford shirts on the market. The key here is the use of beefy engraved buttons and a soft, Donegal-flecked cotton-blend fabric for comfort and yet durability.
Bonobos Stretch Oxford Buttondown Shirt
Known for its perfectly fitted chinos (and now jeans, overcoats, and more), Bonobos is also taking over your shirting rotation with one of the best men’s Oxford shirts. It’s the stretch fabric and the crisp gray color that makes this an ideal everyday shirt, at the office or out on a date.
Polo Ralph Lauren Classic-Fit Oxford Shirt
Leave it to the trusted menswear masters at Polo Ralph Lauren to continually deliver aptly named Oxford shirts in a fit that’ll work for nearly anyone. The logo is a recognizable classic touch, too.
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