It's just a long sleeve shirt. What's so special about it?
Dear friend, this is no ordinary dress shirt. This is the Oxford cloth button down...a staple of men's attire for more than a century.
Oxford cloth button down shirts are a classic style of dress shirt that has been popular for decades among men of all ages.
In fact, if you think back to the first time you were expected to "dress up" for an event as a child (church, wedding, funeral, etc.) your parents probably slapped a pair of khakis and an Oxford cloth button down shirt on you and called it a day.
These shirts are made from a type of cotton fabric that is woven in a basket-like pattern, which gives it a unique texture and durability. Here's everything you need to know about Oxford cloth button down shirts:
The History
Oxford cloth was originally developed in Scotland in the 19th century, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that the fabric became popular as a material for dress shirts. The button-down collar was also invented around this time and quickly became a popular style choice for men's dress shirts.
The lore goes that English polo players needed a way to keep their loose collars from flapping while they played, so someone started fastening down their collars with buttons.
A scion of the Brooks Brothers family saw the shirts the polo players wore and started marketing the shirts to men for everyday wear.
The combination of the fabric and the button down collar has since become a classic look that is still popular today.
The Fabric
What's unique about Oxford cloth versus any other type of shirt material?
Oxford cloth is a type of cotton fabric that is woven in a basket-like pattern. The threads that run horizontally are woven over and under the threads that run vertically, creating a texture that is both soft and durable.
Typically, this basket weave is done with a colored thread and a white thread, a process which gives the fabric its classic muted look.
Oxford cloth is thicker and heavier than other types of cotton fabrics, making it ideal for cooler weather. It's also more breathable than other heavy fabrics, so it can be worn comfortably in warmer temperatures as well.
The Design
The button-down collar is what sets the Oxford cloth shirt apart from other dress shirts.
The collar points are fastened to the shirt with buttons, which keeps them in place and prevents them from flapping in the wind.
At the time the Oxford cloth button down was invented, this unique collar design made it an ideal shirt for activities like golf or tennis.
Fortunately, tennis and golf are more casual these days. Can you imagine playing 18 holes in the middle of the summer in a long sleeve dress shirt?
The Style
Oxford cloth button down shirts come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Solid colors like white, blue, and pink are popular choices, as are stripes and checks. The shirts can be worn with a suit and tie for a more formal look, or with jeans or khakis for a more casual outfit.
The button-down collar also makes the shirt a great choice for layering under sweaters or jackets.
The Care
Oxford cloth shirts are relatively easy to care for. They can be machine washed and dried, although some people prefer to hang dry them to prevent shrinkage.
They may need to be ironed after washing to maintain their crisp appearance. Because the fabric is thick and durable, Oxford cloth shirts can last for years with proper care.
In decades past, having an Oxford cloth button down shirt that was nicely broken-in was a status symbol. If your OCBD is starting to look a little distressed, it's fine to move it out of your dress shirt rotation, but definitely keep it in your casual rotation. Like a fine wine, your shirt will get better with time.
In summary, Oxford cloth button down shirts are a classic style of dress shirt that combines durability, comfort, and versatility. The unique texture of the fabric and the button-down collar make these shirts a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
Where to Buy Your Oxford Cloth Button Down Shirt:
These retailers are known for high quality Oxford cloth button downs:
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