Button-Down Collar v Non-Button Down

mintyfresh · Jul 25, 2009

Hello Gentlemen

What are your thoughts on wearing button-down collars without a tie?

Most of my shirts have button-down collars b/c I like they way they prevent the shirt from opening up near the top when not wearing a tie. I don't like showing parts of my chest or under-tee.

I'm just wondering what are the preferences on this board.

Cheers

TheFoo · Jul 25, 2009

If I'm going to wear a shirt without a tie, I prefer a button-down collar. Looks more right. Less flapping about and all.

I don't wear undershirts and don't mind showing a little more chest. It looks too stuffy to me when only the top button is undone.

Mr.K · Jul 25, 2009

I used to wear more button downs, but have gotten away from them. I guess with the right collar point size the button down is not needed. I don't mind opening up the top 2 buttons on a shirt without a tie, it makes it more casual and comfortable, especially in the hot south in the summer.

CharlesAlexander · Jul 25, 2009

I personally cant stand button down collars with ties, it just looks "off" to me. Button downs are more for casual use IMO.

inq89 · Jul 25, 2009

I wear OCBDs for casual use, and non-button collars for dressed up occasions (tie). Pretty sure that's how its supposed to be anyway, unless you're all trad up.

NaturalShoulder · Jul 25, 2009

I mainly wear button downs when not wearing a tie; however, I do wear non button down shirts without a tie. I think for non button down shirts to look good without a tie, you need the right collar (I prefer soft collar) and a more casual shirt (stripe or pattern).

JayJay · Jul 25, 2009

Originally Posted by mafoofan

If I'm going to wear a shirt without a tie, I prefer a button-down collar. Looks more right. Less flapping about and all.

I don't wear undershirts and don't mind showing a little more chest. It looks too stuffy to me when only the top button is undone.
Same here.

Jay Gatsby · Jul 25, 2009

Originally Posted by CharlesAlexander

I personally cant stand button down collars with ties, it just looks "off" to me. Button downs are more for casual use IMO.
+1 I don't wear them for 'casual', either. To me button-downs suggest that the wearer has difficulties with 'regular' collars. They should be renamed 'training collars'.

DocHolliday · Jul 25, 2009

I generally prefer buttondowns for casual wear, though I like floppy, unlined point collars on certain summer shirts.

I strongly dislike stiff collars worn without tie, so that the points jut out awkwardly. You could put an eye out.

Big Pun · Jul 25, 2009

Button up all the way.

TheFoo · Jul 25, 2009

Originally Posted by Big Punisher

Button up all the way.

Well, if this guy can't go wrong . . .

Jay Gatsby · Jul 25, 2009

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Well, if this guy can't go wrong . . .

I believe the thread has now been hijacked. He initially had a tie, but as it was made from human skin he was asked to remove it. Critique Saddam's pocket square fold and jacket fit. His jacket's too big, but his pocket square is folded in a unique and interesting way that seems to be deliberate.

PocketCircle · Jul 25, 2009

I don't like bottom-down even for casual looks.

furo · Jul 25, 2009

I have a hard time finding a point collar that is appropriate to wear w/o a tie. The softer options just look silly laying down on your collar bone and I think "cheap italian mafia" comes to mind. I mine as well get some gold chains for a shirt like that. Does anyone have a good example pic of what looks decent when it comes to point collar w/o tie? And I mean for wearing to work not a nightclub!

mintyfresh · Jul 25, 2009

Thanks for the input.

I do seem to be in the majority of those who don't wear button-downs when sporting a tie.

As for your question, furo - you may want to look at spread collar shirts.

The shirt itself should be form fitting other wise the top would be extremely floppy.

Button-Down Collar v Non-Button Down

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