Shirts

Pre-owned shirts, from Oxford and button-down shirts to button-up, short-sleeve and overshirt styles.

Button-down and button-up shirts

A button-down shirt has small buttons that fasten the collar points to the front of the shirt. Button-up is the general name for a shirt that closes with buttons down the front, with a collar that is not buttoned down. Both are made with long and with short sleeves. Ralph Lauren shirts have a page of their own.

Oxford cloth and other fabrics

Oxford cloth is a cotton fabric in a basket weave, slightly thicker and more textured than a smooth poplin, and it is the classic fabric for the button-down collar. Poplin and twill have a smoother surface and are used for more formal shirts. Striped and checked shirts are woven with coloured yarns, so the pattern goes right through the fabric.

Overshirts and work shirts

An overshirt is made of heavier fabric, such as twill, flannel or wool, and is worn open over a T-shirt or closed like a light jacket. Work shirts from workwear brands are cut from hard-wearing twill and often have two chest pockets. Dickies shirts and Carhartt shirts have pages of their own.

Size and measurements

The cut of a shirt differs per brand and per line, so the letter on the label is a rough guide. Each shirt is measured at four points: across the chest from armpit to armpit, the length of the body, across the shoulders and the length of the sleeve. Comparing those numbers with a shirt that already fits gives the most reliable result, as explained in the guide to measuring pit to pit.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a button-down and a button-up shirt?

A button-down shirt has buttons on the collar points. Button-up refers to any shirt that closes with buttons down the front.

Where are the men's and women's shirts?

Men's shirts are in men's shirts and women's shirts are in women's shirts. Items with the unisex label also appear in the unisex collection.

How is the condition of an item stated?

Any imperfection is stated in the condition description of the item.