The best Oxford shirts for louche, preppy dressing
A heavyweight Oxford shirt with a button-down collar is the first thing you should be buying on your route back into collegiate style. With that in mind, here's GQ's pick of the best
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best overall Oxford shirtCos Button-down Oxford shirtRead more
Best designer Oxford shirtTom Ford Buttoned Oxford shirtRead more
Best affordable Oxford shirtUniqlo Regular-fit Oxford shirtRead more
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The time has come. The time in which we wave a solemn, heartfelt farewell to our loungewear following the heatwave in search of something more weekday-appropriate, and where Oxford shirts will, once again, take up place as a must-have men's wardrobe staple. And yes, sadly, that means swapping the joggers for smarter trousers, too.
First propelled into the public eye by the likes of Paul Newman and Clark Gable, the Oxford shirt – which is defined by a basketweave fabric and a more casual button-down collar – has a unique feel of hybridity to it, evoking a simultaneously smart but louche feel. Worn with a tie or sported open-necked with casual denim, there's something about an Oxford shirt that speaks of low-key yet work-appropriate style – the kind of style of which Newman was arguably the most significant proponent in history. Fast forward to today, Oxford shirts are best teamed with a white vest and a pair of wide-leg chinos (à la Prada SS23). And need it even be written down that in crisp white or pale blue, it's the perfect partner for a classic, slim-cut grey or navy suit.
With a new season upon us and many an occasion to wear one too, here we've raided the racks for the best Oxford shirts out there right now. With upmarket, modernised picks from Cos and Loro Piana, to chic, budget-friendly picks for the everyday care of Reiss and Polo Ralph Lauren, this emblematic wardrobe essential has never been more attainable nor essential. But, please, however you wear your shirt, always remember to keep that collar buttoned down. It's what Newman and Gable would've wanted.
What are GQ's best Oxford shirts for men?
You'll find all the Oxford shirts worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are wearing this season:
- Best overall Oxford shirt: Cos, £75, cos.com
- Best affordable Oxford shirt: Uniqlo, £35, uniqlo.com
- Best designer Oxford shirt: Tom Ford, £530, mrporter.com
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Best overall Oxford shirt
1/11Cos
Button-down Oxford shirt
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: White
If your wardrobe favours a pared-down appearance, Cos has got you covered with an Oxford shirt. A hallmark of the most stylish simplicity, this latest design is tailored from pure cotton and fastens with a sophisticated set of seashell buttons down its relaxed frame. In keeping with the high street brand’s minimalist reputation, it’s best matched with wide trousers and leather footwear.
Best designer Oxford shirt
2/11Tom Ford
Buttoned Oxford shirt
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: 39-45
- Colours: Blue
Assembled in Italy from a sky blue cotton fabric, Tom Ford’s fresh Oxford shirt is one of those formal essentials which you’ll call upon for years to come. A fine example of the designer’s precise approach to tailoring, its pinpointed fabric plays host to a smart button-down collar, mother-of-pearl buttons and a subtle chest pocket. Layer it over white trousers to channel Mr Ford’s summer sensibilities.
Best affordable Oxford shirt
3/11Uniqlo
Regular-fit Oxford shirt
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Colours: Grey, white, blue (+1 more)
Cut to sit with a regular fit, Uniqlo’s staple Oxford shirt is an essential addition to your everyday wardrobe. Woven with a premium cotton that promises a crisp yet comfortable feel upon wear, it’s fastened with slightly glossy resin buttons for a finishing touch of flair. We suggest adding the white and blue styles to your basket, stat.
Charvet
4/11Charvet
Charvet
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: 39-44
- Colours: Blue
Stripes are an easy wardrobe win for the summer season, especially if embraced in the form of an Oxford shirt. This latest design from French house Charvet is crafted from a quality cotton texture blend and relays the brand's expertise for shirting through its sharp cuffs, removable collar stays and finishing Mother-of-Pearl buttons. Elegance defined.
Reiss
5/11Reiss
Reiss
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-2XL
- Colours: Navy, blue, white
While the most common colour for an Oxford shirt is white, black brings an alternative sense of boldness to the style – especially via this design from Reiss. Offering a smart update on the wardrobe staple thanks to its shade of choice and slimming fit, it has a soft wash finish to ensure total comfort upon wear. We advise tucking it into some straight-cut jeans for maximum effect.
NN07
6/11NN07
NN07
- Fabrication: Organic cotton
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Colours: Navy, pink, white
If you're looking for a darker oxford shirt to see you through unexpected dreary days (we're always prone to them here in the UK), allow us to introduce this navy style by NN07. Sustainable in status thanks to its organic cotton texture, it’s finished with a collegiate-inspired button-down collar and is based with a curved hem to ensure a fashionable appearance whether tucked or untucked. Classic and well-crafted.
M&S Collection
7/11Marks & Spencer
M&S Collection
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: S-4XL
- Colours: Blue
Searching for a smart Oxford shirt which won’t break the bank? Marks & Spencer is your best bet. Specifically, for this staple style as part of the store’s permanent collection. Thanks to its easy-iron finish, you can rest assured that its texture will endure wear after wear, making it a perfect companion for the formal work wardrobe. Oh, and it’s also fitted with box pleats for an extra bit of shape.
Husbands Paris
8/11Husbands
Husbands Paris
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: 36-43
- Colours: Blue
Parisian brand Husbands possesses all of the ingredients to excel in the classic style game, so naturally, this includes an Oxford shirt. Opting for a larger button-down collar to bring a sense of sharpness to the centre of your silhouette, it’s fitted with box pleats, mother-of-pearl buttons and a soft stripe to elongate your upper half. In short, a real winner.
H&M
9/11H&M
H&M
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Beige, white, blue
The Oxford shirt may be most commonly associated with formal outings, but H&M makes a case for its casual power through this relaxed, short-sleeved style. Shaped with a regular fit for the most comfortable feel upon wear, it's detailed with a nifty button-down collar, chest pocket and rounded hem at the best. Layer it over some straight-cut shortly (ideally in the same beige shade) to see you through the sunnier season.
Mr P.
10/11Mr P.
Mr P.
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Blue, pink, white (+1 more)
Mr Porter’s in-house range is a failsafe port of call for well-made, everyday essentials – and the Oxford shirt is one of them. Centred by a classic button-down collar, this light blue style is made from a cotton that carries a weighty handle and durable finish, ensuring longevity for years to come.
T.M. Lewin
11/11T.M. Lewin
T.M. Lewin
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Blue
T.M. Lewin has served as a shirt specialist since 1898, so you can trust that its selection of styles has been designed to see you through the decades. Our current favourite? This navy check piece, crafted with a weave that has a little heavier feel in order to accommodate the colder months. Perfect for the upcoming season and set to bring a touch of pizazz through its popping print, it’s also budget-friendly.
