Oxford shirts are chameleon-like fashion pieces—they exude confidence and masculinity while also being endearingly boyish and charming. These versatile, multi-season wardrobe staples can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion, venue or your mood. After testing a variety of options, we selected Bonobos’ Everyday Oxford Shirt as the best Oxford shirt for men overall. We also recommend Taylor Stitch’s The Jack Shirt for a casual pick and Charles Tyrwhitt’s Non-Iron Royal Oxford Shirt if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, non-iron button-down.
We tested a variety of options to find the best Oxford shirts, based on fit, comfort and quality.
One of the hallmarks of an Oxford shirt is its textured, basket-weave fabric, and it often features a chest pocket and a button-down collar. To find the best, we had a tester—who typically wears formal suits to work and relaxed basics on the weekends—put many shirts through the wringer, evaluating the fit, comfort, quality and style of the top contenders. Here, you'll find the best Oxford shirts for men that meet our high standards, along with expert shopping tips. (If you’re looking for more men’s style inspiration, check out our stories on the best suits for men and best blazers for men.)
Best Oxford Shirt For Men Overall
A Made-To-Order Feel, With Stretch
Bonobos
Bonobos Everyday Oxford Shirt
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
4.8
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 19 total, including White and Blue Classic Stripe | Fit: Tailored, slim, standard, athletic; also available in short, regular and long | Machine washable: Yes
What’s notable: The fabric weight is substantial but not overly heavy.
What could be better: You may have to size up, and the fabric wrinkles after washing.
Bonobos is notorious for seamless fits that accommodate a wide range of body types—meaning, you’ll get a mostly-bespoke shirt at an off-the-rack price. This one comes in three lengths, four fits and nineteen colors, which makes it a standout. With a button-down collar and well-placed single chest pocket, it’s a comfortable, tailored classic that’s a wardrobe workhorse. “I love the durable fabric and the stretch in this shirt," says our tester. “Even though it was slightly more fitted in the chest than some of the others I tried—I’m 6’3” and got this in a size large, long length, slim fit—I could move easily.” He also noted that while he doesn’t usually fully button up his Oxford shirts, he could do so comfortably without this shirt pulling at his neck.
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
4.3
Sizes: Collar 15 to 18.5, sleeve 31 to 37 | Colors: 3 total, including White and Sky | Fit: Regular, trim | Machine washable: Yes
What’s notable: It retains a crisp look, with both plastic and metal collar stays.
What could be better: Some feel that it would be helpful to have a pocket.
Think of this as your next trusty work shirt, whether you work in a buttoned up office setting or someplace more informal. With a refined look, spread collar and no pocket, at first this appears like more of a dress shirt, but its woven, heavier cotton makes it a versatile Oxford. It also features adjustable barrel cuffs, a French placket and two back pleats for comfort and freedom of movement. “This shirt is extremely well constructed and its smooth, refined basketweave fabric give it a dressy look perfect for an office setting," says our tester. “It’s also surprisingly soft, but I may only wear this to work in colder months because of the overall thickness of the fabric.” He also noted that the sleeves are full and overall it felt a bit roomier than he’s used to, so he would also consider this shirt in the trim option.
Best Non-Iron Oxford Shirt For Men
Dressed Up, But Low Maintenance
Charles Tyrwhitt
Charles Tyrwhitt Non-Iron Royal Oxford Shirt
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
4.5
Sizes: Collar 14.5 to 20, sleeve 32 to 38 (available in custom sleeve length for an additional $17.95 | Colors: 7 total, including Ocean Blue and Light Pink | Fit: Classic, slim, extra slim | Machine washable: Yes
What’s notable: The colors and patterns are understated and easy to wear. There’s also the option to monogram your shirt with your initials for $15.95 or add a left pocket for $12.95.
What could be better: The finer weave of this shirt may wear less well than other Oxford shirts over time.
This shirt is more of an Oxford-dress shirt hybrid—it has a button-down collar, but no pocket and it’s a finer, mid-weight fabric than a traditional Oxford shirt’s heavy basket weave. The crease-resistant fabric breathes well—even under suit jackets—and maintains a like-new appearance for longer, whether you wash it at home or send it to the dry cleaner. “This is one of my preferred office shirts because the crease-resistant fabric looks nice even after commuting and long days,” says our tester. “I got the slim fit in a 17/35, and it’s pretty relaxed through the shoulders, so it allows me to move my arms comfortably without feeling constricted.” He also liked that the buttons are thicker and "expensive looking.”
Best High-End Oxford Shirt For Men
Sophisticated and Classic
Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Slim Fit Favorite Oxford Shirt
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
4.5
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 total, including Blue Regatta and White | Fit: Classic, slim | Machine washable: Yes
What’s notable: The softer hand feel of the fabric gives it a worn-in vibe and makes it less rough than many other Oxfords.
What could be better: It’s more limited in fits and colors than some other brands.
Menswear powerhouse Todd Snyder is known for accessible fashion and superb tailoring. This shirt—which comes in sizes XS to XXL instead of collar-arm sizing—is the perfect formal-meets-informal style choice that feels distinctly old school American. A few small style details that set it apart: It has a button at the center of the chest pocket, a button at the back of the collar and a discreet locker loop at the bottom of the yoke between the shoulder blades. “This shirt has a great feel and is clearly well-made, with nice finishing details everywhere,” says our tester, who found the size large, slim fit to be slimmer than other slim fit Oxfords. “It was slightly snug through the shoulder, although it has a pleat at the upper back yoke that offers a bit more room to move.”
Best Comfortable Oxford Shirt For Men
Elevated And Unfussy, With A Roomier Fit
Everlane
Everlane Organic Oxford Shirt
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
4.3
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 11 total, including Light Blue And Navy | Fit: Classic, although available in standard or tall lengths | Machine washable: Yes
What’s notable: It’s made from 100% organic soft cotton, is comfortable and well made.
What could be better: Its baggy fit may not be ideal for many office settings, and no matter where you’re wearing it, you may need to size down.
Consider Everlane’s take a foundational choice for every guy’s wardrobe. It’s sophisticated casual, with a button-down collar and locker loop at the back. It also has a relaxed fit through the body and upper arm to make it comfortable in both elevated and casual settings. “This shirt is made from a durable and soft basketweave, and it has substantial, thick buttons that feel like they can withstand a lot of wear without popping off," says our tester. "Per the sizing chart I ordered an XL, but the boxy cut was too wide and wasn’t flattering on my 6’3” frame, and the arms felt a bit short. A tall length would’ve been better on me.”
Best Casual Oxford Shirt For Men
A Not-Basic Button Down
Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch The Jack Oxford Shirt
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
4.5
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 9 total, including Washed Indigo and Smoke | Fit: Standard | Machine washable: Yes
What’s notable: While many lighter-colored Oxford shirts can be somewhat see through, this one is not. The collar remains crisp after washing, too.
What could be better: This shirt runs a little small, so you may have to size up.
This shirt checks all the boxes—it has a button-down collar and chest pocket, and it comes in nine versatile colors, including traditional white and blue along with a less-expected navy university stripe and smoked olive. Part of the beauty of this shirt is that it looks just as good with a crisp press or casually rumpled. The slightly shorter length means it’s meant to be worn untucked. Taylor Stitch also has a repair or replace guarantee and free shipping and returns. “This was one of the softest shirts I tried, and its worn-in feel made me want to put it on immediately and wear it often," says our tester. "I ordered this in a 42/large, which is my normal size, but this was snug on me—there are no pleats at the back yoke—and it was short in the arms. But still, I liked it so much that I wore it unbuttoned over a t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up.”
Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung oversaw the editing of this story. She heads the beauty, fashion and travel verticals for the site.
For this story, we reached out to costume designer and Emmy-nominated stylist Paolo Nieddu and seasoned fashion stylist Kate Moroney for insight into the best Oxford shirt fabrics, fits and styling tips.
We had a product tester—who wears an Oxford or dress shirt to work five days a week and has tried countless styles—evaluate each product firsthand, spending hours in each shirt while relaxing, commuting and working in the office.
How We Tested The Best Oxford Shirts
For this story, we examined Oxford shirts from a broad swath of brands and retailers, recognizing that men are always looking for the perfect sophisticated casual shirt.
We began by investigating options from more established shirtmakers as well as smaller, boutique fashion brands and everything in between.
To be considered, shirts had to come in luxe fabrics, offer impeccable and varied fits, be available in variable sizing options and color options, and potentially have special features like fabric stretch, machine washability or monogramming.
After poring through hundreds of user comments, we only selected shirts with overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Our tester wore each shirt multiple times while commuting, at the office and for elevated occasions on weekends. To make the cut, each shirt had to receive high marks from our tester for fit, comfort and style.
What To Consider When Shopping For An Oxford Shirt
While it may seem like the Oxford shirt’s origins are rooted in preppy Americana, the shirt was in fact initially produced in Scotland in the 19th century. Today, it remains popular for its breathability, durability and fits-all-occasions adaptability. “Oxford shirts are a must because they look great on everyone,” says Nieddu. “They are ageless, timeless and seasonless and can be worn on almost any occasion.” The best Oxford men’s shirts for men come in durable cottons, wearable colors and comfortable, flattering fits—and should be easy to care for
Fabric
Oxford shirts are traditionally a durable basket weave cotton shirt, but some brands offer them in more refined weaves. “The classic oxford fabric is made with a textured, breathable cotton, and it can show a bit of wrinkling or creasing,” says Moroney. “It’s not a classic fitted, perfectly ironed dress shirt—it often has a little more of a rugged feel.” In general, Oxford shirt fabrics can feel stiff or slightly rough at first but will soften with time. If you have an athletic build, or are an active commute or travel often, a shirt with stretch may be ideal so that it moves with you.
Sizing
Some men’s shirts come in more general sizing—think XS to XXL—while others allow you to specify collar size and sleeve length when purchasing. If you prefer a more precise fit for the office, this may be the best choice for you.
Fit Options
Lots of brands—like Todd Snyder,Bonobos and Charles Tyrwhitt—come in different silhouettes, such as classic, slim or athletic. In most brands, slim is a more contemporary fit, while classic tends to run on the roomy side. Consider whether you may prefer a more streamlined fit if you plan to wear your shirt under a suit jacket or sweater, or if something looser and casual is more your style.
Length
Finally, when considering which Oxford shirt to purchase, consider your height and whether you’ll wear your shirt tucked or untucked. Certain brands, such as Bonobos and Everlane, offer short and long lengths. “If you’re wearing your Oxford shirt untucked and it covers your entire butt, it’s too long,” says Moroney.
Special Details
Bear in mind that a chest pocket is a pretty standard feature on an Oxford shirt, but some are pocket-less. Button-down collars are typically another hallmark. Less frequently, you’ll see a locker loop at the back of the shirt and a button on the collar at the back of the neck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are so many great ones that it’s hard to choose, but our pick for best Oxford shirt overall is Bonobos’ Everyday Oxford Shirt for its variety of fits, lengths and colors as well as its stretchy and machine washable material and its conservative price point.
Yes, and they have remained in style for decades. “Because an Oxford shirt is classic and iconic, it can be worn in so many casual or formal ways,” says Nieddu. While traditionally Oxford shirts skewed more casual, Moroney points out that now they are a wardrobe staple that can be worn with everything from a suit to chinos to jeans. More casual versions of an Oxford have a more textured, thick basketweave. Dressier versions have a thinner, more refined weave and may not have a button-down collar or pocket.
Lots of Oxford cloth is high quality, but a hallmark is that it’s made with a durable, textured cotton basketweave. The wider the basketweave the less formal the fabric. If a shirt is made with fine threads, like a royal Oxford shirt, it will generally feel smoother and softer and appear to have a slight sheen. Both larger basket weave shirts—like Todd Snyder’s Slim Fit Favorite Oxford Shirt—and more refined weave shirts—like David Donahue’s Royal Oxford Dress Shirt—can be considered high quality Oxford cloth.
Part of this has to do with where you’ll wear it, and part of it has to do with what type of fit you like. In general, the more casual the venue the more relaxed the fit. If you’ll be wearing it to work, you’ll likely want an Oxford shirt that fits a bit closer to the body. But your body type and style sensibility will also determine the best fit for you. If you spend hours lifting weights at the gym you may prefer an athletic fit, whereas if you’re tall and slim a tailored, slim or extra slim fit may look best on you. A helpful pro tip: “Always check that the shoulder seam does not go past the slope of your shoulder and that the sleeve length ends at your wrist or no more than an inch past,” says Nieddu. “Too-short sleeves can throw the proportions off and can look less polished, but if they’re too long you can always roll them up,” says Moroney. Also, there shouldn’t be any pulling at your chest, she says. The length should be able to be worn tucked or untucked, with the hem stopping at the middle of your butt.
For dressier occasions, “try an Oxford under a suit with a tie, or pair it with a blazer and tie with chinos,” says Nieddu. “Another great way to wear an Oxford is under a cashmere or wool sweater with trousers,” he says. “This could be considered casual but chic enough to wear to the office or dinner out.” Alternatively, try it paired simply with your favorite jeans, loosely tucked and with a great belt or chinos for a classic casual look. “Oxfords also look great with the sleeves rolled up with a great pair of shorts for a cool summer look,” Nieddu says.
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In this update, we added detailed product ratings, refreshed all pricing and updated product availability. We also added additional information to help readers make a smart purchase decision.
