How do you wear a button down shirt?

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mdf

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#230512 27-Feb-2018 14:19

Mrs MDF has convinced me to try expanding my wardrobe options (I know, I know. She caught me in a moment of weakness). I now have several button down shirts. I can't seem to figure out the right way to wear them though (no tie).

1. I am not buttoning up the top button. I could not pull off the hipster look if I wanted to.

2. The collar feels weird if I button it down but leave the top button open.

3. The collar/unfastened buttons look weird if I don't button it down.

What do others do?

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#1965116 27-Feb-2018 14:22

1. Agreed. Whats the point choking yourself if you aren't wearing a tie.

2. I just wear a shirt with the top button open.

3. Iron the collar so its nice and straight when folded?

Goosey

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#1965118 27-Feb-2018 14:24

leave it unbuttoned.

button up with tie.

whatcha doing about the cuffs. folded up x1 or fully extended?

slingynz

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#1965119 27-Feb-2018 14:26

collar buttons always done up. if you don't like how it looks with them done up - buy a different shirt.

top button only done up when wearing a tie.

Geektastic

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#1965155 27-Feb-2018 14:53

1) Don't buy button down collars for no tie scenarios...

2) Button them down whatever the scenario

3) Never wear the top button done up sans tie or you will look like a twit or, possibly, be mistaken for a man of the cloth

4) Never allow wife to choose your clothes any more than she allows you to choose hers..!

freitasm

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#1965175 27-Feb-2018 15:25

I wear shirts every day, with suits.

I buy wool suits because they aren't too hot. Never wear black suits during the day. Grey or blue are better. I have four suits, two blazers (one wool, one cashmere with no lining so cooler).

I have about fifteen shirts. I leave two buttons undone when not wearing tie. Always wear the tails inside trousers - with jeans (if jeans are new and shirt pattern goes with jeans) you might get away with not tucking in.

No rolled sleeves. Best shirt sizes are from 3 Wise Men - the length are ideal for tucking tails, others seem to be too short.

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#1965180 27-Feb-2018 15:29

Geektastic:

4) Never allow wife to choose your clothes any more than she allows you to choose hers..!

This last one is a good rule to live by. Unfortunately it doesn't always work...

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#1965187 27-Feb-2018 15:44

Geektastic:

4) Never allow wife to choose your clothes any more than she allows you to choose hers..!

This is the rule me and my partner follow. Being able to wear what we both want BUT telling each other if the other if their clothing isn't nice enough for what we are doing OR it looks stupid somehow.

Being honest with each other without hurting feelings.

Back to the OP, I wear shirts every day without a tie. top button undone. I only wear long sleeve shirts ( short sleeve look wierd on me) and I wont were shirts with pockets on them, i dont know why I just dont like pockets on shirts.

Journeyman

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#1965377 27-Feb-2018 20:24

mdf:

How do you wear a button down shirt?

I put my arms through the sleeves, I put my neck through the small end and my waist through the large end. I have the buttons facing the front and the pocket facing the outside.

But that's just me.

mdf

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#1965378 27-Feb-2018 20:31

Cheers all - Geekzone fashion, the final frontier. Thanks to @Journeyman, I've figured out what I was doing wrong.

I've worn suits my entire professional life. The tie has become less common during that time, but that's about the extent of change. I found a size and supplier that fit well and have been on autopilot Monday through Thursday since. Dress jeans/chinos and a polo for casual Friday where permitted, whatever for the weekend and old whatevers for DIY.

But my client base is now shifting and wearing a suit usually means I'm over dressed so wondered within earshot about trying to go a bit more casual, but more formal than a polo shirt. That's when she pounced.

Henceforth, all buttons will be done up, except the top one.

freitasm

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#1965383 27-Feb-2018 20:39

You can wear a shirt and blazer with jeans. Remember the shoes colour matches the belt and the socks follows the trousers. Or go crazy.

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blackjack17

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#1965387 27-Feb-2018 20:53

Not answering your question but to avoid shopping https://www.theiconic.co.nz/

24-48 free delivery from Australia, free returns within 30 days with full refund or 110% store credit.

All the main brands with some great sales.

Haven't set foot in a clothes shop for ages

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#1965633 28-Feb-2018 10:57

mdf:

3. The collar/unfastened buttons look weird if I don't button it down.

Remove (carefully) the two little collar buttons.

I've done that to all but one of mine (keep one for the rare occasions where I have to wear a tie).

Mike

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#1965672 28-Feb-2018 11:23

I have several shirts with button down collars. I'm with everyone who says always button the collar down. Top button undone if not wearing a jacket. If wearing a jacket can maybe get away with top 2 buttons undone, depending on the shirt (the jacket prevents the neck of the shirt from flaring too wide when 2 buttons are undone).

I am of the opinion that button down collars look awful with ties.

MikeAqua

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#1965706 28-Feb-2018 11:46

I'm almost always two buttons open. Our office heating seems to be set to blood temperature.

Short sleeves with jackets off year round (in Welly).

Enormous waste of energy but try telling the office manager (SWMBO) that.

Mike

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#1965732 28-Feb-2018 12:00

freitasm:
I wear shirts every day, with suits.

I buy wool suits because they aren't too hot. Never wear black suits during the day. Grey or blue are better. I have four suits, two blazers (one wool, one cashmere with no lining so cooler).

I have about fifteen shirts. I leave two buttons undone when not wearing tie. Always wear the tails inside trousers - with jeans (if jeans are new and shirt pattern goes with jeans) you might get away with not tucking in.

No rolled sleeves. Best shirt sizes are from 3 Wise Men - the length are ideal for tucking tails, others seem to be too short.

Np black suits in day is due to heat or fashion rules? If unwritten rule is charcoal ok?

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