Buttons on Short Sleeve Shirts

[MikesGSX1300RK9]

Brand new user here, taking an interest in dressing better now that I'm soon to be "single again." I have a question about short sleeved dress shirts that has been gnawing at me for most of 40 years now. The two buttons, one on either side of the collar... are they meant to be buttoned?

When I was growing up in the '80s... I was taught you never wear ties with short sleeved shirts, but nobody ever said a thing about whether the button-downs should be unbuttoned. They came buttoned from the store, and tended to stay that way.


Thanks for any replies!

 

[dasai]

Generally, button-down collars are buttoned all the time, regardless of whether one is wearing a tie. To leave one undone is being careless, or as folks around these parts call it, "sprezzatura" (gesundheit!).

That said, there are no short-sleeved dress shirts, only short-sleeved shirts that button up the front. Some are dressier than others, but none are really meant to be worn with a tie. To do so is to call attention to yourself as someone who works in engineering or IT, and really calls for a pocket protector and thick glasses just to complete the look.

 

[ter1413]

No such thing as short sleeved dress shirts. And yes, you can button.

 

[Mudhiker]

Originally Posted by MikesGSX1300RK9

Brand new user here, taking an interest in dressing better now that I'm soon to be "single again."
Does she know yet?

When I was growing up in the '80s... I was taught you never wear ties with short sleeved shirts

Well, it's done sometimes:

 

[Master Squirrel]

NM wrong thread

 

[RSS]

Short sleeve "dress shirts" are a real No-No. Buy long sleeves ... and roll them up if you feel you want shorter sleeves.

 

[MikesGSX1300RK9]

Originally Posted by RSS

Short sleeve "dress shirts" are a real No-No. Buy long sleeves ... and roll them up if you feel you want shorter sleeves.

Awesome replies, guys. Thank you!! This is a fantastic site, and I look forward to becoming a better dressed man.

And, yes, >she< knows...