Most women know infinitely more about fashion than most men. It's a subject women talk about. Their depth of knowledge impresses me.
But nobody's perfect...
I have seen women frequently make a mistake when talking about an item of menswear (which is sometimes worn by women). In fact, I see women err in talking about this as often as they get it right. I'm referring to the button-down shirt.
Do you know what a button-down shirt is? Do you believe the shirt shown above is one?
It is not. NOT! The buttons that make a shirt "button-down" are NOT the ones running down the front of the shirt.
Here is a real button-down shirt. See if you can spot the difference...
The difference is this shirt has buttons ON THE COLLAR. Shirts with buttons on the collar are properly called "button-down shirts;" shirts without buttons on the collar are not. Here's a close-up...
Button-down collars were introduced by Brooks Brothers in 1896. They are considered a more casual, sporting style. Traditionally dressed men do not wear suits with this style of collar.
Did you know about this? If not, then I'm proud I finally taught you guys something after years of you teaching me about fashion. :-)
I always assumed button down meant the collar was buttoned down, so I am glad I was correct!
ReplyDeleteOMG what do you call the fake button down shirt then?? I'm baffled.
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend you have totally enlightened me today ! I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteI knew about the button down shirt (hubby owns quite a few) but I didn't know it was invented by Brooks Brothers so yes, you taught me something :) Kisses my friend
ReplyDeleteFashion and Cookies - fashion & beauty blog
I love button down shirts, my hubby wears them all the time, they just look so polished.
ReplyDeleteI never knew that. Thanks for enlightening me! : )
ReplyDeletebisous
Suzanne
I used to always 'borrow' my Dad and Brother's shirts and later, The Man's and sometimes even The Son's... and now sometimes The Grandsons... always Loved what is affectionately called The Boyfriend Shirt Fashion as us Women that steal them from our Men's Closet call them. However, I never knew what the correct terminology might be for various Men's Fashions that I occasionally Enjoyed borrowing and wearing androgynous Fashionably. I still prefer buying most of the T-Shirts from the Men's Dept. since I'm a BMW {Big Made Woman} and they just fit better and are less expensive {same with Men's Deodorants, why is that I Wonder that we pay more for the Women's equivalents? Humnnnnnn}. Happy New Year and thanks for Enlightenment in Men's Fashion... Dawn... The Bohemian
ReplyDeleteStudies report that women pay more for everything. How unfair!
DeleteHahaha, I had no idea! I always thought buttons on the front make a button-down shirt. Thanks for sharing this information!
ReplyDelete-Kati
I actually prefer button down myself...
ReplyDeleteI knew that, but I've just always referred to all men's shirts (or women's shirts that are menswear-inspired) as "button-down" to distinguish them as menswear vs. "a shirt".
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that buttons on the collar are what distinguished the button-down shirt from others. Thanks for sharing this great insight!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea of the distinction either! I just refer to all my tops that button "down" the front as a button down blouse. What shall now call them? Hmmm....
ReplyDeleteI did NOT know that! Mind you, we refer to everything as a shirt or a blouse in England, no buttondowns mentioned!
ReplyDeleteI did know that, and if you were to describe it as an oxford weave verses a cotton poplin, i would know that too. I was a sportswear buyer in another life, so I do know all sorts of arcane terms. But I still am glad to have read this post! It is a good shot of you!
ReplyDeletexx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
You have taught us so much on your blog dear Ally that the fact that I know what a button down shirt is is neither here nor there!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you!!!
Thank you for your comments on what makes a button-down shirt just that...it's all in the collar. I knew that and thought somehow definitions had changed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting!
Deletei did know this, as i had a love for what i thought was button down shirts! i remember coming across the definition while doing some research. thanks for refreshing my memory!
ReplyDeleteAlly,
ReplyDeleteI have had to wear suit and tie for most of my professional career. I always felt that the button down collar worked better for me. Now that we are doing more business casual wear I do note that the primary style is for buttons on the collar
Uhm, I had NO idea. See, I learn so much whenever I stop in here! Fact: Men look infinitely more handsome when they wear a shirt with buttons on them. I'm not sure why that is, but it's a real thing!
ReplyDeleteI did not know that. I learned something!
ReplyDeletehahaha Now I know, I don't own a button down shirt, xx Bing.
ReplyDeletebingyourstyle.com
I knew this, I knew this... Do I get an award? Was there anything to win? Was there? Was there? hahaha
ReplyDeleteGreetje