Button-down oxfords are the most informal of all. Fabrics with harder finishes are more formal than those with softer finishes. Collars grow more formal as their spread widens. Speaking generally, double cuffs are more formal than single cuffs. There is, of course, a heirarchy of formality in shirts. Just because it’s a genuine icon, though, doesn’t make it appropriate for every situation. The collar, originally invented for sport, has become the definitive shirt style for both casual and more formal dress in the United States.

The oxford-cloth button-down is so beloved that in menswear circles it’s become known simply as the OCBD. The button-down collar is a particularly American style. The longer answer, as it always does, has a bit more complication. Here’s the short answer: yes, you can wear a tie with a button-down collar. What are your thoughts on the particulars of ties with button-down shirts? But I can’t find much of a consensus on wearing other ties with one. I figure, a casual tie for a casual shirt. For Customer Assistance, please call 88.Matthew asks: I’ll often wear a knit tie with a button-down collar. This offer can only be combined with applicable offers for free shipping. This offer is not valid on previously purchased merchandise, new arrivals, Collection merchandise, Double RL merchandise, Purple Label merchandise, Ralph Lauren luxury accessories and footwear, face masks, select customizable merchandise, Ralph’s Coffee product and merchandise, select home merchandise, limited-edition collections, philanthropic merchandise, books, watches and fine jewelry, fragrance, eyewear, or gift cards. The threshold and savings apply to qualifying merchandise only amounts paid for excluded items, shipping and handling, or taxes do not count toward the threshold amount. This offer is automatically applied at checkout. PT on select full-price and sale styles, as marked, at only. This offer is valid from November 25, 2020, at 3:15 a.m.

Red button up shirt with suit