The most perfectly crisp white button-down shirts

Introducing The Kit’s new editor-tested shopping awards, the Shop Smart Guide. The idea is simple: Every month, The Kit editors exhaustively test-drive items in desert-island categories — not the season’s exciting yet ephemeral trends but the evergreen essentials you’re most likely to buy now and wear or use forever. We’re talking mascara, jeans, retinol serum, black turtlenecks, white sneakers, etc. Our hope is that Shop Smart helps you reach that mythic shopping ideal: to buy less but better. Here, our guide to white button-downs.

Any well-curated wardrobe will always include a quality white button-down. Take it from the celebrity icons that have put its power on display decade after decade. Picture the timeless elegance of Jane Birkin’s white button-down and denim combo, or Katharine Hepburn’s laid-back summer ensemble: her linen blouses and breezy khakis had an undeniable charm. Think of Sharon Stone’s unforgettable Oscars look, when she rolled up in a crisp white button-down tucked into an electrifying satin skirt. That same silhouette made a recent comeback when Zendaya donned a cropped version and glittering skirt during the 2022 Oscars, and it was—to no one’s surprise—perfection. You see, the white button-down has the special ability to look polished yet relaxed, put together yet effortless with just two simple requirements. All it takes is an excellent fabric and an amazing fit, and you have a wardrobe piece that stands the test of time. Ahead, we’ve declared the crème de la crème of white button-downs, according to each wardrobe need.

Gap The Perfect Shirt, $60, gapcanada.ca SHOP HERE

The winner: Gap

The cost: $60

The sizes: XXS to XXL in regular, tall and petite fits

The material: 100% organic cotton

The review: If you’re looking for a workhorse shirt, you can’t go wrong with Gap’s The Perfect Shirt. With a classic straight silhouette and a relaxed fit, this bestseller is a must-have for anyone building a minimalist wardrobe. It’s meant to hit at the hip, which, let’s be real, doesn’t always happen if you have a shorter frame or longer torso. Luckily, this option is available in regular, tall and petite versions and fits true to size, meaning it’s easier to find the version that best suits your body type. And you don’t have to shell out a fortune to get your hands on this staple piece: made with 100 per cent organic cotton and priced at $60, you’re getting quality material at an accessible price point. Plus, it looks as excellent tucked into straight-leg jeans and worn with a pair of gold hoops as it does paired with a power suit and a slick of red lipstick. Just saying.

Reformation Will Oversized Shirt, $175, thereformation.com SHOP HERE

Best oversized white button-down: Reformation

The cost: $175

The sizes: XS to XL

The material: Stretch poplin made with 98% organically grown cotton and 2% spandex

The review: For an extra billowy look that delivers all the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibes, consider this ultra-soft poplin number by sustainable fashion brand Reformation. It’s got that little bit of stretch that makes it super comfortable to wear (as in you will never want to take it off) and it’s just oversized enough to give that relaxed look without feeling like you’re drowning in fabric. And while this is a roundup of the best white button-downs, this top is also available in very appealing striped colourways as well as a solid black version. We’ll take the lot.

Pink Tartan Trompe L’Oeil Shirt, $398, pinktartan.ca SHOP HERE

Best elevated white button-down: Pink Tartan

The cost: $398

The sizes: 0 to 14

The material: Stretch poplin made with 97% cotton and 3% elastane

The review: If you’re looking for a tailored look with a bit of edge, look no further than Canadian apparel brand Pink Tartan’s signature Trompe L’Oeil Shirt. Spotted on Meghan Markle in her pre-duchess days on a number of occasions, it’s no surprise this shirt has been part of Pink Tartan’s permanent collection for years: It’s an attention-grabber. And when I say this shirt is crisp, I mean it is crisp. Available in bright white with black, navy or red trim details, this fitted style would look divine paired with a black pencil skirt or slim-fit trousers. Try popping the collar for a seriously razor-sharp look. And if you’re looking to add a personal twist, the brand also offers custom monogramming. Slip this one on and you’ll feel like a million bucks—promise.

Everlane The Washable Silk Relaxed Shirt, $242, everlane.com SHOP HERE

Best silk white button-down: Everlane

The cost: $242

The sizes: 00 to 16

The material: 100% silk

The review: For a button-down that isn’t stark white, this off-white option from Everlane—aptly named “bone”—fits the bill. It has two front pockets for a more casual, utilitarian feel. But here’s the best part: It’s made with 100 per cent washable silk. Yes, I said washable and silk in the same sentence. Silk is notoriously difficult to clean, but this not-so-sheer fabric is designed to be durable enough to handle the washer (on the gentle setting, of course—we can’t perform miracles here). Hot tip: To maintain the silky hand feel, be sure to tumble dry on low. I’m partial to the oversized look, but if you prefer something a little more fitted be sure to size down.

Gant Oxford Shirt, $150, gantcanada.ca SHOP HERE

Best classic oxford: Gant

The cost: $150

The sizes: 32 to 46

The material: 100% cotton

The review: The first time I tried on this shirt, I wore it for four days in a row. Seriously! It’s the perfect oxford shirt: It’s elegant, but it doesn’t feel stuffy or too precious. The thing I love most about it is that it seems to get better with each wear. It creases, but not in a “this girl needs an ironing board stat” way; more in a free-spirited, laid back Parisian artist way. I love to roll up the sleeves and wear it open over a tee or bikini top. It’s lightweight, comfortable and endlessly versatile. Try it in robin’s egg blue or pastel pink for a preppy take on the oxford button-down.

Cos Regular-Fit Macramé Shirt, $135, cos.com SHOP HERE

Best details: Cos

The cost: $135

The sizes: 32 to 44

The material: 100% cotton

The review: A perfect mix of structured and delicate, this long-sleeved button-down from Cos is beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to wear. Its super-sleek silhouette keeps things polished and neat, but the magic is all in the details. The collar and cuffs feature ultra-feminine embroidery (also known as broderie anglaise) which is a lovely contrast against the clean lines of the shirt. It’s the type of shirt that makes you feel put together in a snap, and makes others do a double take. Consider this a workwear must-have.

Ahiri Oversized Button-Down Shirt, $90, ahiri.ca SHOP HERE

Best boyfriend-fit white button-down: Ahiri

The cost: $90

The sizes: 0 to 14

The material: A blend of 60% cotton and 40% tencel

The review: I’ll admit this shirt was a bit long on me. But that didn’t stop me from joyfully wearing it at every opportunity. Thanks to a blend of cotton and Tencel, this Canadian-made button-down drapes over the body beautifully with minimal creasing and would look especially excellent on taller folks. With its shirttail hem, gathered sleeve and spread collar, it captures that androgynous vibe that is sexy and smart. It’s timeless.

Babaton Carrington Shirt, $78, aritzia.com SHOP HERE

Best for a cropped look: Babaton

The cost: $78

The sizes: XXS to XL

The material: Lenzing Ecovero Viscose, responsibly sourced wood-based fibres

The review: Three-quarter length sleeves and a flowy fit make for a fuss-free look that can be thrown on at a moment’s notice. This version from Babaton is made from textured viscose, which lends a soft, airy feel. It’s a nice change from the standard cotton or linen button-downs without losing the lightness or breathability. This option looks great worn casually with a pair of jeans or dressed up with a skirt for a breezy feminine look.

Nonie Oversized Blouse, $470, noniewear.com SHOP HERE

Best if you love a shacket: Nonie

The cost: $470

The sizes: XS to XXL

The material: Pre- and post- consumer material

The review: For a truly sustainable and tech-forward option, this Canadian-made blouse from Nonie is a worthy investment. While this shirt doesn’t fully fall into shacket territory, the mid-weight fabric feels substantial enough to be worn open over a shirt in cooler weather. It’s made with the brand’s signature moisture-wicking and self-cleaning fabric, which happens to be composed of the same pre- and post-consumer material found in items like air bags and rugs. It’s definitely an investment piece, but the quality construction and versatility make this shirt a smart buy.

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