The Best Oxford Shirts for Men, Tested by Style Experts

Pros

• Timeless appeal
• Flattering fit on various body types
• Looks great untucked and tucked
• Comes in many vibrant colors

We gave more than 30 different oxford shirts a test run, but Ralph Lauren’s offering stole the top spot, thanks to its timeless style, ultra-soft feel and versatile wear. Since day one, the preppy American brand cemented its button-down as a signature piece of the Polo collection, and this still rings true today. With options in classic and slim fits, it caters to various body types and style preferences, ensuring you get a flattering look.

During our trial, we found tons of ways to wear it. For work, our fashion editors have paired it with chinos or dress pants and threw on a blazer. Going out to happy hour with friends? Leave it untucked over your favorite jeans or shorts and roll up the sleeves for an effortless vibe.

While the coloring may rub off onto fabrics and upholstery, this shirt is built to last. The garment-dyed process gives each shirt a unique, lived-in look with rich, vibrant colors that fade beautifully over time, adding charm and a vintage feel to your wardrobe.

Read More: Best Polo Shirts for Men

Unlike some fancy oxford shirts meant solely for buttoned-up events, Taylor Stitch’s version fairs better in casual settings. It has a relaxed fit, button-down collar, and even a handy patch pocket. Plus its vertical stripes makes you look taller, and gives a laid-back vibe that’s spot on grabbing beers with pals or catching a live concert.

Compared to other shirts we’ve tested, this shirt has a substantial weight to it—like 6 oz of sturdy cotton fabric that holds up wash after wash. Since it’s quite hefty, it’s probably better suited for shoulder season than summer. The cut is slim-not-too tight, so you’ve got room to move without looking untidy.

There’s nothing better than an oxford shirt that feels like butter. Enter Bonobos’ version, which feels dreamy on the skin. It’s made from cotton that’s super soft and breathable, keeping you comfy all day. Unlike other oxford shirts in this list, this one is super flexible—thanks to the mechanical stretch blend. Our editors love this particular cut because you can reach, bend and move easily without sacrificing that classic fit. Speaking of which, you can choose between four different fits: slim, tailored, standard and athletic.

During our testing, we found it looks sharpest untucked with a pair of navy or beige trousers. Other nice details include the two buttons on the cuff that give you a customized fit around the wrist.

Brooks Brothers, the OG oxford shirt maker, has rolled out many variations of its marquee top in the past century, but you can’t beat a classic. Take this pink number. It’s simple, has clean lines and versatile wear, making it suitable for both casual and formal settings. We found that rolling up sleeves can make it even more relaxed and suitable for a weekend brunch or art exhibit.

One of the best details is the stiff collar, which holds its shape and makes you look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine. Even though it’s on the dressier side, you can totally rock it with dark jeans and still look sharp. Plus, pink is for confident guys who aren’t afraid to shake up the usual color palette.

Pros

• Tailored, but not tight
• Broken-in look
• Locker loop on the back of the shirt

Most oxford shirts we tested are too heavy to wear during the summer. That’s not the case with this Buck Mason option. At just 3 oz, it’s light enough to keep you from sweating bullets, making it more airy than the Taylor Stitch one. The magic is in the fabric—a blend of cotton and Tencel. Cotton keeps it breathable, while Tencel wicks away moisture, so you stay cool and dry even on the hottest days of the season.

Our style editors are big fans. They found it looks clean untucked with chinos or shorts, meaning it’s versatile enough for a dinner date or park picnic. The mother of pearl buttons add a touch of class, and there’s a convenient pocket for your sunglasses, which is perfect for those sunny days out. Plus, the box pleat in the back isn’t just for show—it gives you extra room to move, so you’re not feeling restricted.