https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:47:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1284088 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 12:32:40 +0000 Mona 1284088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is enlightening. I love button down shirts on others but on me, they always feel too fussy. From these responses, I am gathering that fabrication is the key. hmm....When is GAP/BR going on 40% off again? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1283694 Fri, 20 Jun 2014 22:10:15 +0000 Karie 1283694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely adore button down shirts! I am also a straight shaped gal like Angie mentioned above. I wear them with everything - jeans, skirts, and dress pants. In fact, I wore one today! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1283471 Fri, 20 Jun 2014 17:08:50 +0000 Sveta 1283471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&lt;waiving to Aida as another not-straight-gal loving button-downs&gt; As she said if the shirt fits my shoulders AND hips it is wonderfully fluid everywhere else. So I do own a lot and wear them a lot. The fact that I have small bust, longish neck and short hair helps as well. <br />The only problem I have when I need to layer them under a topper because not all toppers work well with the collar and I do have to wear a topper in summer thanks to that blasted A/C office!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1283465 Fri, 20 Jun 2014 16:47:44 +0000 crutcher 1283465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Button down shirts are one of my most favorite styles...I love the ironed feel of a crisp shirt...Total love for button downs here... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1283460 Fri, 20 Jun 2014 16:45:00 +0000 MsMaven 1283460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaping, bunching, riding up, ironing, collars misaligning with jackets, sleeve lengths too long or too short.&nbsp; That about sums it up. &nbsp;Last year I bought one and sized up to a 12. &nbsp;It still gapes at the bust, is too tight over the tummy, and it rides up when I sit. &nbsp;</p> <p>Once in a while I can find one in a lighter summer fabric that is more like a tunic, but still semi-fitted. &nbsp;These I love, even though they still need ironing. &nbsp;Oh, and those no iron shirt fabrics? &nbsp;They still need to be ironed to meet my standards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1283059 Fri, 20 Jun 2014 05:33:38 +0000 Ariadne 1283059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love them on others, but on me, I struggle with:<br />1) My partner's deep, abiding hatred of them (on me), which is a mystery;<br />2) My short-ish neck--I feel like i look like I'm shrugging my shoulders in button-front shirts with collars;<br />3) I don't like the combo of the masculine shirt with my short hair and bone structure. &nbsp;I love tomboy and androgynous looks, but this particular one is not a favourite on me. &nbsp;<br />I keep doggedly trying them on, and I do have a few chambray and Equipment-style silk shirts that work. My partner still hates them, though! &nbsp;Heh.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1283009 Fri, 20 Jun 2014 03:58:08 +0000 T 1283009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love button front shirts! But like Angie suggested, I opt for a looser, relaxed fit for most shirts. As long as the shirt fits me well along the shoulder line, I don't mind a bit of looseness around the body. Anyways I tuck the shirt in for more structure and tend to wear them with a bit of 70's vibe. I leave the first two buttons undone if possible to elongate the neckline. But I think opting for a fit that is just a lil bit oversized plays a big role in my comfort with shirts. I love patterned shirts - polka, gingham, plaid &amp; mostly wear cotton ones.</p> <p>If I do buy a fitted one which is rare, I look for some amount of lycra / spandex in the material to ensure a close fit and always use a safety pin to ensure smooth fit around the bra area.&nbsp;</p> <p>In fact button downs are a staple for me, my daily uniform is skinny pants + button down shirt + booties with a scarf / topper for my freezer like office.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282957 Fri, 20 Jun 2014 02:51:24 +0000 Jaime 1282957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also love the look but for the reasons Ms.Mary articulated so clearly they are problematic for the bustier and&nbsp;short of&nbsp;neck. Also I like a good shoulder fit and shirts that fit elsewhere are often too wide in the shoulders.&nbsp;I also have a very round abdomen where the muscles have not been yet sewn back together (and quite probably never will be). Love an oversized button up with drapier, silkier material that does not gape or stretch on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282919 Fri, 20 Jun 2014 02:13:37 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1282919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like them quite a bit and still own several. I think I wore them so much for the last five years or so that about a year ago I found I was just tired of the look. I do think it's tricky to dress down a button front shirt that's made in a traditional fabric - when you wear one with jeans and flats and aren't much of an accessories person, like me, the look is rather ordinary and not intentional, as opposed to a different sort of woven casual shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282812 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 23:36:23 +0000 Suz 1282812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, Mander!! This might be part of the oversized trend... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282798 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 23:16:04 +0000 Aida 1282798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Non-straight-shaped gal who loves button-front shirts checking in! No aversion here. I like all kinds --&nbsp;stiff, soft, tailored, oversized -- as long as the fit is right. My fit issues are at the bust and the hip. Silky/soft shirts that are cut for rectangles work quite well on me actually; if the shoulder/hips fit then the whole thing is instantly perfectly roomy. Probably my favorite kind of top along with sweaters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282795 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 23:14:43 +0000 Mander 1282795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As Angie says, when they fit well, they provide flattering structure to those of us of a, ahem, tubbier nature. It can be very hard to find a good fit, though. Lately I have had a particular issue with the arm holes being gigantic, which makes the whole shirt fit badly. I mean, I know I have big flabby arms but they do not actually grow out of the side of my boobs.&nbsp; Some shirts I have tried on recently have been cut as if they do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282793 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 23:12:33 +0000 cciele 1282793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really want to love them, because I like how they look on me,&nbsp;but I have fit issues. Even my oversized silk Equipment buttondown gapes at the bust, and I don't want to fiddle with safety pins, especially with the silk.&nbsp;I have a wide ribcage, so anything that fits in the bust is too large in the shoulders and waist.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282686 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 21:17:05 +0000 Lyn D. 1282686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't wear them much pre YLF, but love them now!<br />I like the way they add structure and a more ladylike-dressed-up feel to my outfits.<br />Now that my hair is short at the back I like the way they fill-in the gap too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282681 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 21:10:50 +0000 deb 1282681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love, love, love, here.&nbsp; I cannot imagine if they took my button downs away from me. Silk and light weight cotton for summer are the perfect top in my opinion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts/page/2#post-1282660 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:48:58 +0000 rachylou 1282660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm good with <i>silky </i>button fronts. It's the drape factor and the softer collar. In your standard oxford, I'm dumpy, frumpy, and no-neck. Silky button fronts, indeed, were a miraculous discovery for me. That's Angie's work </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282657 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:43:39 +0000 Aquamarine 1282657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More love here for button-downs. However, I prefer them fitted with a bit of stretch and I do not tuck. I have had good luck with Eddie Bauer button-downs...they work with my body shape. I know they will never be exciting but then again neither am I </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282652 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:39:06 +0000 Anonymous 1282652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am the exact opposite. &nbsp;I have a strong aversion to tee shirts because they make me feel underdressed and&nbsp;sloppy. &nbsp;In contrast, I feel incredibly comfortable in button down shirts and wear them all the time. &nbsp; I prefer semi-fitted styles. &nbsp;The fact that ironing doesn't bother me at all may help too. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282595 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:49:54 +0000 Claudia 1282595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love them too, soft and oversized. They are in regular rotation in my wardrobe and I am very busty (34G). My favorites have been GAPs 'fitted' and 'shrunken' boyfriend shirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282572 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:24:01 +0000 Suja 1282572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Add me to those with an aversion. &nbsp;Bust gape is the biggest issue but so is ironing, dry cleaning. &nbsp;It is so, so hard to find one that is tailored. &nbsp;I know oversized is in but I just want a feminine fit in a masculine piece. &nbsp;Plus they remind me of my days in finance when a button down shirt and dress pants were my uniform. &nbsp;Glad I can be much more "me" in my work clothes now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282565 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:12:19 +0000 Anonymous 1282565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm.. I do have a bit of an aversion to them. I simply don't like myself in them I don't feel like me and I think its partly to do with a bit of a masculine vibe I get&nbsp;from them. Hard to really rationalise though. I don't own a single one and haven't done for 30 years! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282563 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:08:37 +0000 jenniecc 1282563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love button downs and wish they worked better for me. I've taken&nbsp;a couple to the tailor to have them&nbsp;taken in at the waist, which is ... okay. I realized the issue is that the seams assume that half of my width is in my back, but since I'm busty, my back is narrow and the seams sit awkwardly across the sides of my bust, if that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282561 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:06:16 +0000 CocoLion 1282561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love mine, I wear them almost everyday to work. &nbsp;Mine are almost all from Costco (the ones Mary wears). &nbsp;Most of mine are years old, worn and washed fortnightly if not weekly. &nbsp;No buttons are missing. &nbsp;They are easy care, I tumble dry them with only a few items in the dryer and hang them before the dry cycle has ended. &nbsp;If they sit in the dryer for even a minute you might need to press them.</p> <p>They are not as comfortable as a knit button down is (I wear those to work too) but they look more polished. &nbsp;Lately I've moved on to high waisted skinnies and the button downs stay put much better in a high waisted pant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282558 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:03:52 +0000 Marley 1282558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I became a convert to button-down shirts several years ago - and now, I LOVE them! &nbsp;If you make sure that the fabric is soft and the fit is over sized, a button-down shirt can (IMO) become an essential in your wardrobe. &nbsp;I especially love wearing them with BF jeans that are slightly distressed and dressy shoes - love the juxtaposition with the shirt. &nbsp;Very fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282547 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:54:34 +0000 Marlene 1282547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had challenges with button front shirts in the past. &nbsp;I have short-neck syndrome. &nbsp;And I hate that stiff feeling of a crisp shirt. &nbsp;But then I discovered the casual and soft button fronts from Nordstrom Halogen line. Fun prints, thin fabric.&nbsp;I usually have one or two in rotation and they are great. &nbsp;I LIKE them rumpled and partially tucked. &nbsp;I don't bother ironing since I actually prefer the rumpled look. &nbsp;Sometimes its just a matter of finding the right one. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282542 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:47:38 +0000 Hil 1282542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Boob gape!</p> <p>I have owned one or two button downs and they just never really work. When they fit the boobs, they don't work anywhere else. I also hate the constricted feeling that they sometimes give me.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282534 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:38:53 +0000 celia 1282534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love button down shirts and am willing to work around any difficulties they may present. However, I feel that the woven ones are sometimes to formal for a mom on the go style(which never stopped me from wearing them) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282521 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:19:16 +0000 Ledonna N. 1282521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like them for work but, I do love them for casual time.&nbsp; I&nbsp; buy mens shirts and have the tailor take them in at the bust and the waist for me.&nbsp; At work I have to wear them or polos and I remove the collars. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282518 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:16:53 +0000 lyn* 1282518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had a hate-hate affair with button ups for a long time; same reasons as Mary K, essentially. Boob gape drives me crazy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-aversion-to-button-front-shirts#post-1282514 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:11:13 +0000 Mo 1282514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have just one standard, stiffer, woven white button front.&nbsp;It does fit snug across my high hip if I don't tuck, although everywhere else fits fine.&nbsp;For those rare occasions like job searching and whatnot I'm glad to have it. &nbsp;And some days I think I may eventually wear it with my BF jeans and heels, but haven't yet. &nbsp;In general, that buttoned up look (ha) isn't my style so one is plenty. I do plan on getting a silky blouse version this Fall/Winter, though. </p>