When To Wear a White Short-Sleeve Button-Up
It would be nearly impossible to find a piece of clothing more classic than a white short-sleeve button-up shirt.
Seriously — there are things every guy needs in his closet, and then there are white button-ups, both long-sleeve and short sleeve. These dress shirts, with their classic fit, compliment any color or type of suit or pants — even those seersucker slacks you’ve been waiting to try out. Plus, they look great with formal shorts or sweaters, and everyone can pull them off.
Sometimes, simple really is the way to go in terms of the new arrivals in your wardrobe — or at least with complimentary pieces — and casual button-down shirts match everything. Black suits, blue ones, beige, red, purple, even floral print, whatever your style is, a white shirt will match it.
Now, let’s kick it up a notch: a white short sleeve button-up. Short-sleeve button-up shirts have made a huge comeback recently. Without further ado, here’s your ultimate guide on white these trending shirts and when to wear them.
Why Do You Need a White Short-Sleeve Button-Up?
We’ve made it clear why every dude on earth needs a white button-up, so why do you need a short sleeve version? Do you need both?
The short answer is a resounding “yes.” Because of the recent short-sleeve boom, it’s absolutely necessary. Now, it’s always important to remember that you get what you pay for, and in the case of All Citizens, you’re getting more than your money’s worth.
Equipped with numerous features including a lightweight fabric and breath zones to prevent stains and odors, built-in collar stays, and a fabric that makes you feel like you’re wearing a blanket on a cold winter evening, you’re certainly getting more than you bargained for.
There are a few main reasons why you should own a short-sleeve button-up, AKA the camp shirt. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest and best.
It’s a Business Casual Staple
You’ve heard us talk about staples before. Like we said, there are staples like the Oxford shirt and plaid long-sleeve button-down, but white button-ups will always be one tier above that.
In the case of business casual, you won’t find a better looking and easy-to-wear men’s shirt than a white button-up.
In particular, short sleeve button-ups offer some of the best balance between fancy and casual you can find: business casual wear. The buttons are the business part, and the sleeves are casual.
If you have an upcoming event that requires above-average attire, consider the white short sleeve button-up.
It Works in Multiple Seasons
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: you might look a little silly wearing a short sleeve button-up in the dead of winter — depending on where you live, of course.
So, they don’t work in every season, but multiple? Absolutely.
Summer, of course, is when you can truly let your wardrobe shine, and it’s the best weather to bust out your slim fit or regular fit short sleeve button-up. Remember, even if it’s 100 degrees out, our odor-prevention technology and moisture-wicking fabric will keep you dry no matter what.
For those of you who live in a place with all four seasons, you still have a good eight to nine months out of the year where it’s totally acceptable to wear a short sleeve button-up.
It’s an Essential Layering Piece
As is the case with any linen shirt, white short sleeves are still a key layering piece.
An essential summer look is an unbuttoned short sleeve button-up with a slick print shirt underneath. That is, without a doubt, a look any dude can pull off with ease. Throw in a regular pair of jeans, slim-fit linen pants, or nice shorts, and we’ve got a real Ryan Gosling on our hands.
In all seriousness, you’ll look great no matter what. Plus, with a white short sleeve, you can mix and match any color of pants and T-shirt you want to add some of your personality to the overall look.
It’s an Ideal Polo Shirt Alternative
Nobody is bashing those classic linen blend polo shirts here. They are arguably in that same tier above staples with white button-ups, so they command all of our respect — and they have it! Everyone owns a polo or has at some point, even if you don’t wear them regularly and they just collect wrinkles in your closet. However, a lot of guys do, and it’s nice to change things up every once in a while.
Polos are another business casual-type clothing that will never go away. These best-sellers have been paired with chinos, khaki shorts, jeans, and more for decades. That’s not a bad thing, because polos are awesome. But, as we said, you can’t wear polos to every function, so be sure to add some versatility to your wardrobe to gain access to a wider array of looks.
When Should You Wear a White Short-Sleeve Button-Up?
We’ve gone over the why, so now it’s time to talk about the when.
There is a time and place for everything, and while we wish we could say short sleeve button-ups aren’t an exception, they actually might be.
It doesn’t matter what your style is. You simply can’t go wrong with wearing one. A night out with friends, a walk around the block — whatever you’re doing, you want to be comfortable and look good.
With All Citizens white Performance Short-Sleeve Button Up, you’ll accomplish both of those things with ease.
To Work
For the most part, short sleeve button-front shirts will be acceptable in the office, unless you work in an ultra-formal New York bank, or teach philosophy at Columbia University or something. The only reason they wouldn’t be is if you have to abide by a strict dress code. If your boss has rules about sleeve lengths and other stuff like that, you may need to be a bit more careful.
However, for those of you that can swing it, there are few things that can trump the feeling of wearing one of our shirts to work.
You’ll be comfortable all day, never have to worry about stains or smelling bad, and you’ll be the king of the office.
To Casual Weddings
There’s an unwritten rule for weddings that women shouldn’t wear white so they don’t take away from the bride’s big day.
Well, there should be another rule that says you can’t wear our white short sleeve button-up because all eyes will be on you. Our iconic slim-fit button-down shirt design has the good looks to turn heads at the next wedding you attend.
Considering all the dancing and fun you’ll be having, our shirts couldn’t be more perfect for weddings.
For Date Nights
Cmon, do we really even have to explain this one? Put that graphic tee and v-neck away and swap them for something a bit more classy.
When your big night comes, you obviously need to be on top of your game, both in terms of what you do and how you look.
You only get to make a first impression once, and nothing says “single but hopefully not after tonight” like a white short sleeve button-up. Grab your credit card and ID, buy your date dinner, and look like a champ while doing it.
For Relaxing on the Weekend
We know this sounds crazy, but hear us out: you can relax in above-average attire.
Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with walking around the comfort of your own home with a super-soft cotton shirt and sweatpants on. We all do it. The better you look, the better you’ll feel.
Plus, if you live with a significant other, it’s good to show them that you care about your appearance and that you still love to look spiffy every now and then.
The Final Word on White Short-Sleeve Button-Ups
Every man needs to have three things in life: a great smile, a white button-up, and a white short sleeve button-up.
Remember those words, they might be famous one day. But seriously, go out and buy yourself those two essential wardrobe pieces, and especially the short sleeve. You already have a great smile anyway, so that’s covered.
At All Citizens, we’re here to democratize comfort for everyone, everywhere — and that all starts with one simple white short sleeve button-up.
Sources:
Everything You Need to Know About Wearing White to a Wedding | The Knot
How accurate are first impressions on a first date? | McGill
