How common is it for American men under 40 to wear collared button-up shirts if they are not going to work or formal occasions?

Lifelong Phoenician here, long pants and long sleeves during summer prevent sun damage, and lighter material actually will keep you cooler since you don't have the sun beating directly on you.

There's a reason the desert peoples in Arabia cover as much skin as they can with light clothes.

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I get to Phoenix and Tucson a couple of times a year, and never ever go hiking without my long-sleeve white button-up shirt and wide-brimmed white hat. I don't have lightweight hiking pants, so shorts are my thing, plus gobs of sunscreen.

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afplumber@reddit

Hoping you’re not going midday during the summer.. don’t turn into those news stories about getting heli-vac’d off the mountain

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NPHighview@reddit

Nope. I'm a careful, competent hiker.

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afplumber@reddit

See, I just stay inside (during the summer) problem solved!

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HontoRenata@reddit

Keeps the sun off you and keeps your skin intact when you’re going through brush.

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TorturedChaos@reddit

A thin cotton or linen long sleeve shirt is surprisingly cool in the summer.
Synthetic material fishing shirts are great too. I often where them in the summer if I am going to be outside for any length of time.

Also stops you from sunburning.

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afplumber@reddit

I’ve been wanting to get some linen shirts, don’t want the cheap ones, and I don’t wanna spend $200 on one lmao.

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Maurice_Foot@reddit

Don’t forget an iron.

Wife gifts me irish linen shirts every other Christmas or so. Wonderful to wear but need taking care of.

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RonPalancik@reddit

I don't iron my linen shirts - I put them on right out of the shower or out of the dryer; humidity and body heat do all the unwinding I need.

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ScallopsMoneyShot@reddit

As someone that wears a decent bit of linen, you really don't have to spend that much to get a good shirt. Fifty or sixty dollars can get you a quality well made shirt.

The real problem is just that there are so many cheap, crappy options on the market. Unless it's a brand you already know, ordering stuff is pretty much a gamble. And honestly, with the way brands get bought and sold and such these days, a brand that was good last year can be shit the next.

And honestly it's kind of the same situation at higher price points. I've paid $150+ for a shirt only to return it because it wasn't any better than some rando Amazon brand.

You gotta get a recommendation from someone or live with the trial-and-error process of ordering things and returning them if the quality isn't there. (At least, that's the best method I've managed to find)

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Crownhilldigger1@reddit

After you’ve been sunburned enough its a lesson learned.

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JosephBlowsephThe3rd@reddit

Yep. Not my style, but this is my father-in-law to a t. He's a cattle rancher, so spends a lot of time in the sun and around filth. His button ups are not any sort of formal attire. They are purely utilitarian.

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Dodger_Rej3ct@reddit

Depends on personal preference. I wear polo shirts for work, so I prefer a t shirt most other times. Sometimes I wear a button up, but I like the sleeves rolled up as well

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makeherbeg4it@reddit

Almost never. Not common at all. Polo shirts sure...but not button ups.

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PeanutterButter101@reddit

I used to do that during the 2010's, the polo and jeans combo. Now I reserve that for when I go on dates, or see family or friends.

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Henry_Fleischer@reddit

I wear them all the time, I find them more comfortable than tshirts. I usually wear them with a skirt and jacket.

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SignificantApricot69@reddit

Untucked with sleeves rolled up, sometimes.

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witchy12@reddit

I have one button up shirt I wear for formal occasions, and one I would consider a "casual" button up shirt.

I work in tech, so there's no reason for me to have more than a few.

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ElTito5@reddit

It's common especially if you want to count flannel shirts.

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pinniped90@reddit

Are these back? My grandpa wore flannel shirts but they never took hold for my generation (X).

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QuietObserver75@reddit

Did you sleep through grunge? It was practically a uniform in the early 90s especially in the college bar scene.

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CollarLast6572@reddit

Found the preppie kid.

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Judgy-Introvert@reddit

I’m GenX and *still* live in flannels. Most people my age that I know do as well. Flannels was, and still is, our favorite thing.

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Judgy-Introvert@reddit

I’m GenX and *still* live in flannels. Most people I know my age do as well. Flannels was, and still is, our favorite thing.

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IlexAquifolia@reddit

I don’t think there’s a piece of apparel I would associate more strongly with a generation than flannel and Gen X

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ABelleWriter@reddit

This might be it, the most confusing comment I've ever read on reddit.

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Maurice_Foot@reddit

My kid claimed my flannel shirts from the early ‘90s (too small for me now) for themself when they were in high school 5 years ago.

Now they’re older, they’re coming for my XL flannel shirts.

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moonwillow60606@reddit

As a GenXer I can state with absolute certainty that we wore flannel shirts back in the day.

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crtclms666@reddit

Wut. You must have been looking the other way.

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Cthulwutang@reddit

even during grunge 90s?

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Extension_Abroad6713@reddit

If I’m outside my home I prefer to wear a button down and nicer pants/shorts. I don’t feel like it is dressing up, but many others would. My daily wear is nicer than what I’ve seen people wear at weddings. Sorry, I don’t want to look like a slob in a ratty t-shirt and gym shorts.

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Duque_de_Osuna@reddit

I don’t think it’s too common.

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Living_Fig_6386@reddit

It's common enough. I suppose it depends on where you live and what your personal style is. Some people seem to want to wear a T-shirt as much as possible. Most of my shirts at the time would have been more "polo" shirts, which have a collar and 2-3 buttons (not buttoned all the way down), or button-down shirts (though some with banded collars). I used to have a couple of Hawaiian shirts and still have a daishiki that I might wear when it gets screaming-hot out. I never wore a lot of tee shirts unless I was working in the yard or going to some sort of convention (gaming or sci-fi, not professional).

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zoppaTheDim@reddit

People avoid work uniforms.

Polis were popular, now they seem to be the generic uniform shirt, so few people pick to wear one.

The collared shirt reminds people of work.

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my_clever-name@reddit

Less common than it was. Those in the upper income classes wear them more often.

I work at a private university, it's not uncommon to see guys dressed like that. At our in-town public university, not a lot.

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Soggy-Attempt@reddit

Depends on location. Big cities somewhat common as this is their daily attire. Outside that? It’s older men that were business men, but that’s not who you asked about.
I’d say more uncommon than common. Yiu see more t-shirts and polos.

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GSilky@reddit

Depends on your class and location. It's not strange, but many in my family would think it fancy.

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Annhl8rX@reddit

Yup. I live in Texas, but travel to NYC for work a few times a year. At home, almost nobody wears them (even working in an office environment). Polos are much more common. Walking the streets of New York City, tons of guys are wearing dress shirts. I’m the one looking out of place in a polo.

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GSilky@reddit

Yeah, I stick out in NYC too. Intermountain west fashion is skewed decidedly towards utility.

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RadiantReply603@reddit

I agree that it’s location dependent. In the Bay Area, nobody in the tech sector wears button up shirts to work, so they don’t wear them casually either.

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alexanderpete@reddit

No one at all? Not even higher ups or the more conservative companies? I can't imagine the board at IBM are going in causal every day

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RadiantReply603@reddit

Slight exaggeration with no one. But t-shirts dominate. Polo shirts next, then button up shirts. Button up would be maybe 3-5%. Jeans are the most common, but some khakis, and some people come in shorts.

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CollarLast6572@reddit

If the shirt is a flannel then pretty much all winter/fall

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SpecialistBet4656@reddit

My husband likes short sleeve “sport shirts” in the summer. They are more casual; often plaid

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Judgy-Introvert@reddit

If you count flannels and casual short sleeve button ups, then yes, common. If you’re talking long sleeve, suite styled button ups, I only see our CEO and department heads wear them where I work and that isn’t everyday. Mostly just when they have meetings with city officials.

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DummyThiccDude@reddit

I had a few short sleeved ones i wore unbuttoned and over a T-shirt, but i havent worn them in a while.

Im very much a T-shirt and cargo shorts/pants type of guy for casual wear.

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xeno_4_x86@reddit

Depends on where you're going dive bar? I probably would never. Semi formal dinner at a restraunt? Button up it is.

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pawsplay36@reddit

My kids do sometimes (under 21).

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Blue387@reddit

I wear button up shirts all the time, short sleeve in the summer.

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QuasiJudicialBoofer@reddit

Are we counting collared buttoned up short sleeves with 1-3 buttons undone? No better way to show off the chest hair, and the button situation is like the countdown for for the party taking off.

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largos7289@reddit

Eh depends sometimes yes most of the time no. It's like a semi fancy thing.

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PrimaryHighlight5617@reddit

Very common. The types of shirts though I wouldn't call formal at all. Colorful shirts with prints all over them. Maybe there's flamingos holding golf clubs. Ocean waves.

For work or formal occasion I would say that only a solid color would be formal enough.

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SouthCotton1979@reddit

I do all the time.

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RonPalancik@reddit

Not common enough, in my view.

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AwesomeOrca@reddit

In the winter, I mostly wear T-shirts with a sweater or hoodie unless I’m going to the office or on a date. But in the summer, since turning 30, I’ve started wearing linen short-sleeve shirts with shorts for a more grown-up European look.

It’s not uncommon, but I would say most guys just wear T-shirts or polos.

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MichaDaFox@reddit

Important distinction : until recently button up were not considered formal attire in most places - button downs ( ie the collar buttons down ) were. But now I see them pretty much as interchangable.

That said I say fairly common. I wore western wear button ups almost exclusively in my 20s. I will often still wear an open button down, or button up, over a t shirt and roll the cuffs up 2 rolls for the layered look now in my 30s. I also see alternative and masculine women wearing clothes in a similar way

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alaskawolfjoe@reddit

I am in my 60s and I never heard this distinction about buttons. In New York at least, the collar buttons would have been more informal. For a formal occasion you would have had a stiffer collar --and maybe stays.

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MichaDaFox@reddit

I wonder which is worn is regional, but the distinction in fashion is quite real. In the south it seems like most people have in my life worn button downs formally. Button ups were with a few exceptions (like say a tuxedo shirt) the things you made little kids wear to appear dressy, but usually resulted in fly-away collar looks for after church photos.

If I saw people wearing a button up in my youth in a professional setting it was usually coupled with collar pins or tacks holding the collar down / tie elevated. Button downs were often going to be paired with a fancy tie and 2-3 piece suit.

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alaskawolfjoe@reddit

You would not wear a button down collar with a tux.

I think that is pretty universal since button-down collars are usually made with softer materials without collar stays (hence the need for buttons). Back in the day when people used sizing to create a stiffer shirt, you would not use it with a button collar shirt.

Hence, collars with stays rather than buttons being appropriate for evening wear--they are more structured and stiffer.

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MichaDaFox@reddit

I am aware you would not, and no where did Imply you did. I stated it was the exception to my observations here regionally.

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GotMeAMuleToRide@reddit

I prefer collared button-up shirts for every day wear, although I'll wear tees around the house. Not much of a fashion statement, it's just what I prefer. Definitely not "dressy".

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Opposite_Agency1229@reddit

Button up Flannel shirts are popular in rural America.

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Educational-Big-6609@reddit

All depends on the context and where in the US. It’s a big country and customs - and climates - differ widely. I used to live in Florida and professional attire was more formal than where I am in the Pacific Northwest…but it’s colder here than in Florida, so my casual attire here is probably more formal than in Florida, where that attire would cause me to sweat.

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TheLeopardMedium@reddit

I only wear collared button-ups and long pants (think more Indiana Jones and less corporate office), but I'm the only guy I know who dresses this way. I'm a bit vain, and I think that a graphic tee and shorts makes one look like a child.

I've never had an issue dating, and when I travel abroad, I feel like I get treated better for looking a bit more respectable.

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TheCLittle_ttv@reddit

Short sleeve collared button up is pretty common. No one type of shirt really is more common than the others here.

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This-Professional-39@reddit

Not terribly common where I'm from. Unless you work in an office I guess? Can't imagine wearing collared shirt casually

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oswin13@reddit

As a casual look I'd say flannels are more common but I live in Minnesota so...

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huazzy@reddit

Side note: But are you the same user that constantly asks questions about work attire?

i.e Your last one was about "respectful/casual" clothing in the workplace.

Just asking because it seems like it's constantly on your mind.

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riarws@reddit

OP has fashion design ambitions perhaps

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texasrigger@reddit

It's all my father wore. Meanwhile, I (48) dont even own any.

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GrimSpirit42@reddit

I always did when I was under 40.

I didn't start wearing short sleeve button up shirts until my 40's. Before that it was long sleeve all year long.

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MarcusAurelius0@reddit

If I'm going somewhere where I need/should look more presentable I do.

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meowmix778@reddit

Almost everyone here wears flannel shirts. Which is what you're basically describing.

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RichPokeScalper@reddit

Depends on the region. In eastern cities it looks normal. In the mountain west you will look like a tourist.

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alwaysboopthesnoot@reddit

Lots of ppl here do that, wear an open and unbuttoned cotton-blend short- or long-sleeved shirt over an undershirt or tshirt, then button it up if it’s too cold or breezy. We’re near a river and beach in a tourist town in New England and it can get rainy, cold or breezy then go back to hot and sunny, easily.

if you take the train here and then walk all over town, you might just need that shirt, and also some restaurants here might have a dress code that requires a shirt vs. an undershirt, even with shorts.

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DOMSdeluise@reddit

A short sleeve button up is barely more formal than a t shirt, I think that's a fine shirt to wear to the beach.

Anyway most of the time if I am leaving the house, I am wearing a collared shirt.

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Lusiric9983@reddit

Most guys I know, including myself, wear t-shirts. The button up shirt is for business or formal occasions, not quite shopping, although some days I'll wear a nicer shirt if I feel like it. I always regret it though.

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ConsumptionofClocks@reddit

Common. America has a trend of fun button ups that younger men love. Plus flannels are a very common sight

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Pficky@reddit

Yeah I have a bunch of shirt sleeve button ups with fun patterns on them, a few long sleeves with fun patterns and a vast array of flannels I wear all winter. I don't think any of it looks formal, it's just a way to make a shirt haha.

I will say I personally started wearing collared shirts more because I had a job wear I had to wear a lanyard all day and didn't like it sitting directly in my neck.

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MustacheSupernova@reddit

It’s more common and higher socioeconomic circles. In the south, you’re not gonna see a lot of good old boys wearing button downs to go out to the lake. But you will see them if they are going to the golf course. Up north, you will see younger men putting on button downs to go out to a nice restaurant, or even to a cocktail lounge. So the answer is “pretty common” I’d say.

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Ok_Gas5386@reddit

It’s my go-to. Flowy short sleeve button down is amazing beach or pool day leisure wear IMO

Lots of guys go for graphic tees, never been my thing

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TheClayDart@reddit

I like wearing casual button up shirts. I usually always get long sleeves and just roll up the sleeves

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Maurice_Foot@reddit

Depends on the guy, activity, and location (‘Merca’s a big place).

In florida, weekends, lots of men have colorful print shirts unbuttoned over t-shirts.
New Mexico, lots of men wear light plaid button down shirts over undershirts.

In both cases, helps with sun and heat.

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veritasinfinium@reddit

Depends on the season. Fall and winter I do enjoy a flannel.

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Parking_Abalone_1232@reddit

I wear collared, button up shirts most of the time.

About the only time I don't wear at least a collared shirt is if I'm planning on getting greasy, dirty or sweaty.

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jobutane@reddit

Except for maybe a quick errand on the weekend, I wear a collared, button up shirt everywhere I go. I just feel better than wearing a t-shirt.

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sean8877@reddit

Over 40, I can't remember the last time I wore anything with a collar and button down. I avoid dressing up at all cost.

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CylonSandhill@reddit

That’s generally what I’m wearing if I’m leaving the house. So every day.

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1Negative_Person@reddit

I usually dress nice when I take your mom on a date.

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chile-pica@reddit

I have struggled with it. People call me gay or say I dress like a grandpa. With much therapy I have started to feel more comfortable dressing how I like.

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alaskawolfjoe@reddit

Very common. Button-up shirts and t-shirts are the most commonly worn shirts for men.

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browncoatfever@reddit

From what I've seen where I live, the current leasure asthetic is lounge wear and gym wear as everyday clothing. Leggings, sweat pants, athletic shorts, tee shirts, tank tops, pajama bottoms, sneakers, sandals/slides, stuff like that. For me if I see someone in a button up on a random thursday afternoon I'm going to automatically assume they are working, just got off work, or on a lunch break.

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MakeStupidHurtAgain@reddit

At least in my line of work, it’s required. And yes, we wear long sleeves even when it’s 110°F/43°C.

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secrerofficeninja@reddit

Almost never and I’m 58M.
When I say almost never, I mean never.

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HotButteredPoptart@reddit

Unless I'm going to a wedding or a funeral, I'm not wearing a collar.

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somecow@reddit

Over 40, so it doesn’t count. But do it. Always helps to look good.

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Roam1985@reddit

Depends on the shirt.

A plain white button down shirt? Pretty uncommon.

A solid colored button down shirt? More common. Easier to match outfits.

A collar-less button down shirt? Fairly common if they're a baseball fan. It will usually match their preferred team.

A button down shirt with a print on it showing some fandom niche or just a basic "hawaiian" print? Common, but looked down upon by judgmental folk.

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Occhrome@reddit

I like the look and I work in a professional setting. But don’t ever wear one because no one else does. It’s either polos or t shirts.

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mrPWM@reddit

Button down short sleeves - everywhere, office and restaurants. Not tucked in. No. Tucked is for Boomer politicians- not cool

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ZaphodG@reddit

It’s what I wear the cold 6+ months of the year. Unless I’m wearing ski gear, I wear button down collar casual Oxford shirts. I’m older than 40, though.

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Cthulwutang@reddit

agree that it’s probably income/class- based though, fellow Masshole.

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GreasedUPDoggo@reddit

More common as you age

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StarWars_Viking@reddit

Wannabe cowboys do it all the time. If you see a truck and it's after 6pm, I bet it's a 30% chance they're wearing whatever their idea of a cowboy is with a button up collard shirt.

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DuelJ@reddit

Common, I've worn them to the beach and for no particular reason before.

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Dramatic_Stranger661@reddit

I wear a flannel over a tshirt unless it's warm out.

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Classic-Push1323@reddit

Those short sleeve button ups you mentioned are fairly trendy right now. T shirts are more common for casual wear for men but various button ups are common as well.

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CB_Chuckles@reddit

I use a heavy cotton/denim button down collared shirt as a light jacket. Typically worn with sleeves rolled up and unbuttoned.

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9311chi@reddit

I think this is definitely very region and socioeconomic based. I was just visiting a friend in Texas and then have a cousin in Georgia in both locations, it feels like men are in Polo college shirts in their day today and men button downs if it’s a business day and they’re coming from the office

That being said, my friend is in a very up-and-coming new development area and my cousins in a rich suburb so I think both of them are in bubbles where that attire makes sense

I live in Chicago and I think you see it, but I also see plenty of people who are in a range of things and it feels less monolithic than the previous two places mentioned

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JoeMorgue@reddit

Gather around everyone, it's time for our daily "Europeans thinks we dress too casually" talking down to.

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DubiousSpaniel@reddit

Among some American subcultures it’s 100% common. I, for example, had to wear jacket and tie to school starting in 4th grade- after wearing a buttoned shirt all day it was natural to just keep it on when I came home from school. Same thing with adulthood- Jacket and tie at work, wear shirts all day. Fast forward several decades and your question made me realize I have worn buttondown shirts like 85% of my life. I have a few T-shirts I wear for yard work, I guess, but it’s Oxford cloth buttondowns the rest of the time; either that or polo shirts in the summer. Honestly when I wear tshirts or sweatshirts I feel goofy and childish- if it’s chilly out I’ll put a wool sweater over my collared shirt and I’d rather be cold than wear a ‘hoodie’. To each their own, is what I’m saying but there are, at least some, Americans of all ages who exclusively wear collared button-up shirts also!

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PresentationFluffy24@reddit

I wear a collar shirt almost every day. It's very common in the states but there are many different styles and some are very casual. From flannels in the fall/winter to hawaiian shirts in summer and everything in between. Polo shirts perhaps are in a different category.

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AttimusMorlandre@reddit

Common especially in the cooler parts of the country. It's hard to pull off that look in the southern states, though, because it just gets too hot here.

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DrinkingSocks@reddit

Short sleeve button ups are very popular in certain areas, especially the silk or linen ones.

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AttimusMorlandre@reddit

Yep, I missed the part about short sleeves.

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dangleicious13@reddit

I (38M) can’t remember the last time I wore a shirt that actually completely buttoned up the front. I basically always wear golf shirts to work or something like a sweater or long sleeve t-shirt when it’s cold. The only time I ever consider wearing something with a collar outside of work is if I go somewhere like the theatre to see a play. If I’m not at work, 99.8% of the time I’m wearing a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or sweater.

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csamsh@reddit

Polos are more common but a button-up is a very standard shirt.

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EmperorGeek@reddit

I’m not that young anymore, but is used to wear button down collared shirts all the time. They had flowers and tropical scenes printed on them. Hawaiian shirts.

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jmcookie25@reddit

Depends on the guy I guess. My circle of family and friends under 40 may wear one of going out to a nice restaurant to celebrate an anniversary or something, but otherwise, no. Even working, they don't necessarily wear them, it's more casual.

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Candid-Math5098@reddit

I live in a tropical location, but wear such shirts on days it's cool enough to need one.

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brickyard15@reddit

If you’re counting flannel, work shirts and fishing shirts I wear them quite a lot. If it wasn’t for t shirts with titty pockets I’d wear a button up every day

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Revolutionary-Copy71@reddit

It's all I wear outside of the house.

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Brave_Mess_3155@reddit

We kind of invented the t shirt here in america. T shirt and jeans just happens to be our national trafitional folk costume. We can't help it that every one else in the world copied us.

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affectionateanarchy8@reddit

Fairly common

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bucketnebula@reddit

It gets more common inside of cities, especially once you see finance/sales guys bar hopping. In rural towns, you're very unlikely to see that.

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MobilityTweezer@reddit

My husband is a farmer, like dirty all the time, he always wears a button up shirt sleeves rolled up. Not a dressy one, like a wrangler or some work shirt brand. He looks good

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Deolater@reddit

Pretty common

I often wear a linen shirt like you described to the beach

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