16 Best White Button-Down Shirts for Women With Effortless Style
Any woman’s perfect all-season capsule collection requires at least one of the best white button-down shirts. The wardrobe essentials have virtually endless styling potential. You can dress yours up with a blazer and trousers or go more casual and wear it tucked into high-waist jeans with white sneakers. You can even wear a white button-down over a slip dress. Minimalists and maximalists can agree: These are hero pieces.
Classic white button-downs have withstood the test of time, maintaining their status as a closet staple that’s polished yet approachable. No matter where your top takes you, from the office to happy hour, the grocery store to date night, you can trust the best white button-down shirts for women to make you feel put-together at all times, and our editors tried on countless options to find you the very best.
What to look for
- Material: Tons of options are made from cotton poplin, a breathable material that’s relatively lightweight and maintains a crisp appearance. If you’re looking for something truly airy, go with linen or a linen blend. For stretch, opt for an elastane blend.
- Design: The classic white button-down has long sleeves, button closures down the front, on the cuffs, and at the collar points, as well as curved hems front and back. But since we’re living in 2023, there are countless variations on that formula, from cropped shapes to oversized silhouettes with relaxed shoulders to embroidered designs. Go with one that speaks to your personal style—we promise it’s out there.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Madewell The Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt, $85
- Best Value: Amazon Essentials Button-Down Poplin Shirt, $25
- Best Designer: Ganni Cotton Poplin Blouse, $185
- Best Oversized: Gap Organic Cotton Big Shirt, $60
- Best Sizing: Universal Standard Elbe Shirt, $114
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best Overall: Madewell The Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt
Courtesy of brand1/16Madewell The Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt
Madewell’s oversized classic, which Kaia Gerber was recently spotted in, is even better than the boyfriend shirt you stole from your partner long ago. (Time to give it back.) Throw on a V-neck T-shirt, trusty denim, and a pair of sneakers for an easy-does-it Sunday look that’s completely trend-proof.
Sizes: XXS to 4X
Material: Cotton
Details: Front pocket, oversized fit, shirttail hem
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these Madewell promo codes.
Best Value: Amazon Essentials Button-Down Poplin Shirt
Courtesy of brand2/16Amazon Essentials Button-Down Poplin Shirt
This menswear-inspired button-front shirt can go with you to the office, dinner, and beyond, since it’s fitted and done up in breathable cotton poplin. Already stocked up on white? The slim-fit long-sleeve button-down is also available in colorful stripes, plaids, and florals that also look great with a pair of jeans.
Sizes: XS to XXL
Material: Cotton
Details: Front pocket, slim fit, shirttail hem
Best for Work: Uniqlo Satin Long-Sleeve Blouse
Courtesy of brand3/16Uniqlo Satin Long-Sleeve Blouse
If you prefer a soft, silky fabric, stock up on Uniqlo’s relaxed staple (that also comes in black, beige, green, and blue). It’ll be the backbone of countless office-ready outfits, whether tucked into trousers or layered under a blazer—but it’s cute enough to wear to Sunday brunch too.
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Material: Polyester
Details: Silky fabric, relaxed fit, shirttail hem, faux shell buttons
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these Uniqlo promo codes.
Best Broderie Anglaise: Boden Easy Broderie Shirt
Courtesy of brand4/16Boden Easy Broderie Shirt
An eyelet moment will always be appreciated, especially on such a feminine, romantic top. This showstopper is finished with embroidery in the shape of hearts, plus a standing collar with lacelike detailing. But don’t worry: It’s completely machine washable.
Sizes: 2 to 22
Material: Cotton
Details: Embroidered fabric, slim fit, shirttail hem
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these Boden promo codes.
Best Oversized: Gap Organic-Cotton Big Shirt
Courtesy of brand5/16Gap Organic Cotton Big Shirt
In the world of shirting, bigger is almost always better, and Gap’s top-rated option more than delivers an oversized fit without slipping into sloppy territory. All you need is a claw clip and gold hoops to complete a Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy–inspired look.
Sizes: XXS to XXL, with tall and petite options
Material: Cotton
Details: Front pocket, roomy fit, shirttail hem
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these Gap promo codes.
Best Linen: Everlane The Linen Relaxed Shirt
Courtesy of brand6/16Everlane The Linen Relaxed Shirt
Everlane is the ultimate destination for well-made basics at accessible prices, and it’s a truly great place to find menswear-adjacent tops. You’ll want to live in this relaxed, airy linen shirt that’s appropriate for just about any spring rendezvous.
Sizes: 00 to 16
Material: Linen
Details: Relaxed fit, shirttail hem
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these Everlane promo codes.
Best Lightweight: Frank & Eileen Featherweight Cotton Shirt
Courtesy of brand7/16Frank & Eileen Featherweight Cotton Shirt
A far cry from the stiff Ralph Lauren button-up shirt you probably already own, this whisper-thin wrinkle-resistant option has just the relaxed fit you need for layering throughout spring and beyond.
Sizes: XXS to XL
Material: Cotton
Details: Front pocket, relaxed fit, shirttail hem, slightly sheer fabric
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these Nordstrom promo codes.
Best Loose-Fit: H&M Oxford Shirt
Courtesy of brand8/16H&M Oxford Shirt
This classic shirt manages to pull off a loose fit that’s not comically oversized, leaving you plenty of room for layering (or sweating) without feeling constricted. Thoughtful details like dropped shoulders and a slit at the back add subtle femininity to an otherwise masculine staple.
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Material: Cotton
Details: Loose fit, front pocket, drop shoulders, back slit
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these H&M promo codes.
Best Short-Sleeve: Goodthreads Washed Cotton Short-Sleeve Shirt
Courtesy of brand9/16Goodthreads Washed Cotton Short-Sleeve Shirt
As soon as the weather hits at least 70 degrees, you’ll want to reach for this breezy, 100% cotton option from one of Amazon’s in-house brands. Those rounded hems keep everything feeling casual—and let in plenty of airflow for particularly humid days.
Sizes: XS to XXL
Material: Cotton
Details: Short sleeves, loose fit, slub texture, shirttail hem
Best Designer: Ganni Cotton Poplin Blouse
Courtesy of brand10/16Ganni Cotton Poplin Blouse
You can trust Ganni’s trademark Scandi-cool style—manifested here in balloon sleeves and tie-front closures—to elevate your look with a sophisticated sense of play. (This would look great with a denim skirt or over a spring dress, just saying.)
Sizes: 0 to 14
Material: Cotton
Details: Tie-front design, balloon sleeves, peplum waist, no collar
Best High-Low: Anine Bing Mika Shirt
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Courtesy of brand11/16Anine Bing Mika Shirt
This cotton shirt has just the right weight for year-round wear, with a lower hem in the back to keep things interesting (and cover your tush).
Sizes: XS to L
Material: Cotton
Details: Front pocket, high-low shirttail hem, slightly cropped arms
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these Saks Fifth Avenue promo codes.
Best Sizing: Universal Standard Elbe Shirt
Courtesy of brand12/16Universal Standard Elbe Shirt
Universal Standard’s stretch poplin style was designed specifically to resist awkward gapping while maintaining a classic fit for sizes 4XS through 4XL. Finally, a white button-up that’s truly size-inclusive.
Sizes: 4XS to 4XL
Material: Cotton-elastane
Details: Hidden snaps between buttons, stretchy fabric, shirttail hem
Best Sheer: Reformation Will Oversized Sheer Shirt
Courtesy of brand13/16Reformation Will Oversized Sheer Shirt
Sheer is one of the biggest spring trends of 2023, and this button-down gives you plenty of possibilities to play with it. With a black bra or bandeau underneath, it’s a cheeky play on officewear; with a tank or tube top layered over, it becomes an event or going-out top.
Sizes: XS to XL
Material: Polyester
Details: Front pocket, sheer fabric, loose fit, shirttail hem
Best Cropped: Rag & Bone Morgan Shirt
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Courtesy of brand15/16Rag & Bone Morgan Shirt
Consider this a staple for those who put tailoring above all else. Pair your structured crop top with wide-leg trousers or cargo pants for a flawless night-out look. Anyone else getting Miu Miu vibes?
Sizes: XXS to XL
Material: Cotton
Details: Cropped hem, slim fit, darted waist
Save when you shop for the best white button-down shirts with these Bloomingdale’s promo codes.
Best Sleeves: J.Crew Spring Garden Top
Courtesy of brand16/16J.Crew Spring Garden Top
The puff sleeves on this J.Crew number deserve to be seen, baby. Style yours with a sweater vest or even a long-sleeve shirt underneath for maximum impact.
Sizes: 00 to 24
Material: Cotton
Details: Short puff sleeves, front pocket, straight hem
