The white oxford shirt might not have the flashiest backstory, but it’s earned its place in so many wardrobes, and it should be in yours too.
It started back in the 1800s when a Scottish mill named some fabrics after famous universities, Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale to associate them with the upper class. Of these, it would be only Oxford that made it to the menswear icon status as the go-to shirt fabric.
Over time, the white oxford became a symbol of the classic American prep style, clean, simple, and timeless. Nowadays you can find them in nearly any colour you can imagine, but none carry the same vibe as the original white one, especially when worn in and slightly wrinkled.
If you need to add an oxford shirt to your rotation, here are our favourites to consider.
The Best Men's Oxford Shirts
Country Road – Regular Fit Washed Oxford Shirt
AUD $129
Country Road has been a staple in Australian fashion since 1974, and this shirt shows why. It’s soft, lightweight cotton with a garment wash that gives it a gentle worn-in feel right out of the box. The fit is regular and relaxed, perfect if you want something comfortable without breaking the bank. It features the classic button-down collar, a chest pocket, and a curved hem that works tucked or untucked.
Ralph Lauren – The Iconic Oxford Shirt
AUD $209
Ralph Lauren launched this shirt alongside the brand in 1967, and it quickly became a cornerstone of the Polo look. The Classic Fit is roomy without being sloppy, made from 100% cotton. It comes with the signature embroidered pony on the chest and the button-down collar that defines this style. If you want the shirt that helped define prep style for generations, this is it.
Gazman – Plain Casual Oxford Long Sleeve
AUD $100
Gazman nails the everyday oxford with this one. Made from soft, washed cotton with subtle contrast trims, it’s a regular fit that’s easy to wear anywhere, casual Fridays, weekends, or just hanging out. The button-down collar and chest pocket keep things classic, and it pairs effortlessly with chinos or jeans.
Rodd & Gunn – Gunn Oxford Sports Fit Shirt
AUD $139
If you want a step up in quality and fit, this one’s worth a look. Made with Italian-milled cotton, the fabric is soft but sturdy, with a washed texture that feels lived in. The Sports Fit means it’s tailored across the chest and shoulders without feeling tight. It has nice details like metal buttons and a signature embroidered logo, making it feel a bit more special.
Charles Tyrwhitt – Oxford Shirt
AUD $49
For those on a budget, this British brand offers a solid entry point. It’s made from a cotton blend with a bit of stretch and a non-iron finish, so it’s easier to care for. The shirt comes in classic, slim, and extra slim fits, so there’s something for everyone. It’s not fancy, but it does the job well.
What to Consider When Buying
Hugh Grant wearing the white Oxford shirt / Credit unknown
Fabric
Most white oxfords are made from cotton, but the key is to find 100% cotton, it feels softer, wears better, and breathes well. Some shirts are “garment washed,” meaning they’ve been softened before hitting the shelf. That gives you a broken-in feel right away, which is great if you don’t like stiff collars or scratchy fabric.
Some cheaper shirts use a cotton-polyester blend to keep the price down and reduce wrinkles. That’s fine if you want easy care, but they tend to feel rougher and trap heat. “Non-iron” shirts also sound convenient, but they’re usually treated with chemicals to stay crisp, which can make the fabric stiffer and less breathable over time.
If you’re after something that looks good with wear, go with pure cotton. Washed oxfords in particular will soften up after a few washes and get better with age.
Fit
Most brands offer a few standard options:
- Classic Fit (like Ralph Lauren or Charles Tyrwhitt’s traditional cuts): roomy, old-school, good for layering.
- Regular Fit (Country Road, Gazman): relaxed but not oversized, a solid in-between.
- Slim or Sports Fit (Rodd & Gunn, Charles Tyrwhitt slim): closer to the body, slightly tapered through the waist.
Unless you’re wearing it with a tie or under a blazer, go for a regular or slim fit. You want room to move, but not so much fabric that it bunches at the sides.
Paul Newman was the epitome of old school charm, pictured here wearing the white oxford shirt in a more casual setting / Credit unknown
Colour
White and pale blue are the most versatile and easiest to style so if you’re just starting out, get one of each, they’ll cover most work, weekend, and casual situations. After that go for a bolder colour like soft pink or even a light brown and test what looks good.
Length
You can wear this shirt tucked or untucked, but if you’re planning to do both make sure it’s long enough to stay tucked in, but not so long it looks sloppy when untucked.
Brad Pitt in the white oxford shirt / Credit unknown
How to Wear It
Button-down vs Button-up
Technically, a “button-down” shirt refers to one with small buttons on the collar points. These keep the collar in place and give the shirt a more casual feel. All the oxfords listed here are button-downs, which is part of the traditional look. A “button-up” just means any shirt you button all the way up, and often has a stiffer collar, more suited to formal wear.
Business Casual
Style purists may disagree with wearing an oxford button down shirt with a suit as the casualness of the shirt will clash with a ties’ formality. But it’s not a hard and fast rule, so try a blazer, chinos and skip the tie. The Ralph Lauren or Rodd & Gunn options work best here, they have a cleaner finish and slightly sharper fit.
Steve McQueen wearing a white oxford shirt under his jumper / Credit unknown
Smart Casual
Smart casual can be a hard dress code to decipher. But when thinking of Friday night dinners, weddings, or casual work events, pair a light coloured oxford with darker chinos, add leather boots or suede loafers, and leave the shirt untucked or half-tucked.
Relaxed & Casual
Roll up the sleeves, undo the top two buttons, and wear it open over a tee or buttoned with shorts or linen trousers. The slightly heavier fabric makes it drape better than a flimsy poplin shirt, and ensure it’s comfortable enough to be worn when you’re not doing anything particularly special.
