I Wore This Breezy Button-down All Over Europe, and It Never Wrinkled — so I’m Stocking Up on 12 Similar Styles

A few summers ago, I discovered the perfect white button-down shirt while prepping for a three-week trip to Europe. Though the Big Dart Women’s Loose Fit Button-down Shirt was admittedly an Amazon impulse purchase, this $26 shirt easily ended up being the most versatile item in my suitcase while I traveled to Portugal and France with my family.

This oversized button-down emerged as my vacation wardrobe workhorse thanks to its lightweight material, crisp feel, and surprisingly durable fabric. I was traveling with my two young sons, which meant everything I wore was susceptible to spills, and I was shocked by how well this button-down washed and how stain-resistant and durable the fabric was, as well as how wrinkle-resistant it was. It’s a cotton polyester blend, so not 100 percent cotton, but I still found it to be very breathable and soft.

Big Dart Women’s Loose Fit Button-down Shirt

Better yet, the Big Dart button-down went with pretty much everything I had packed for that trip: I could wear it over a bathing suit, tucked into pants, tied up with denim shorts, or left unbuttoned with a tank top underneath. It worked equally well on hot days to provide sun coverage and as a lightweight topper on cooler nights. All in all, it made me feel put-together and stylish — and because I could wear it with absolutely everything, I felt I’d achieved the elusive and satisfying feeling of “packing well.”

Below, 12 more oversized button-downs that are perfect for travel, ranging from short-sleeve styles to shirts available in bright colors and fun patterns — starting at just $8.

Hotouch Women’s Cotton Button-down Shirt

Like my beloved Big Dart button-down, this shirt is available on Amazon, super affordable, and hugely versatile. But it has a slightly beachier, slouchier silhouette that some people may prefer, especially for warm-weather trips. Made of 100 percent cotton with a linen-like texture and a chest pocket, reviewers say the fabric feels surprisingly high quality. The fit is “oversized just enough to be loose, but looks great buttoned or open with a tank top,” says one, and the material is lightweight but not see-through.

Dokotoo Women’s Color Block Button-down Shirt

Another under-$40 Amazon find, this billowing button-down from Dokotoo is made from 100 percent cotton but slightly rough and textured, similar to linen. The shirt boasts more than 1,000 five-star reviews: The fabric is “great quality,” reviewers say; they also love the “beautiful color” (in addition to solid basics, there are fun color block prints), “gauzy” feel, and comfortable fit. 

Gap Organic Cotton Perfect Shirt

Discounted from its original price of $70, Gap’s Organic Cotton Perfect Shirt is a steal. This button-down has a straight silhouette that sits around the hip, the perfect length to tuck in or wear loose; just size up for that effortless oversized look. The 100 percent organic cotton fabric is “stylish and crisp” and “really versatile,” reviewers say.

Madewell Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt

For excellent basics, you can always rely on Madewell. This oversized button-down, marked down more than 50 percent, comes in a few different colors in addition to white (for something a little different, I love the blue and white stripe) and is available in sizes from S to XXL. Reviewers rave about the lightweight material, with one saying it’s their new favorite shirt and it “makes me feel like Diane Keaton ready to walk the beaches of Rhode Island.”

Old Navy Linen-Blend Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt

With its super soft linen rayon blend and 1,000-plus five-star reviews, this best-selling button-down from Old Navy may just be the perfect white linen beach top. It’s “super comfortable,” “lightweight and summery,” and “has just the right oversized fit.” Some reviewers do find that it runs a little longer than your average button-down, though others say this helps make it ideal as a swim cover-up.

Cunlin Wrinkle-free Women’s Button Down

Another great Amazon find, this striped button-down is available in a range of perfect-for-summer colors like pink, purple, and light blue. It’s made of a wrinkle-free material and has a standard to oversized fit that’s still slightly more structured than other options. Reviewers say for that “boyfriend” style, size up one, and otherwise, “It looks more expensive than it really was and can be dressed up or down. Travels really well and doesn't seem to wrinkle easy, as promised.”

Amazon Essentials Classic Long Sleeve Button-down Shirt

You couldn’t go wrong with this lightweight cotton poplin shirt if you tried. With a classic look that can easily take you from day to night, walking tour to dinner and back, this is your shirt — and it’s only $26. Reviewers say that while this shirt does tend to get creases throughout the day, it’s “high-quality” and better than name brands they’ve tried.

Uniqlo Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirt

Made of 100 percent linen flax grown in Europe, this slightly sheer button-down from Uniqlo is “great quality,” has a “perfect fit,” and is “long enough to wear over tights, tucked in, tied in the front, anyway you want it,” according to reviewers. It’s also available in virtually every possible color, from classic white to a peachy orange to various shades of blue. Note that the fit isn’t oversized, so size up if you’d prefer a roomier silhouette.

Uniqlo Linen Blend Band Collar Striped 3/4-Sleeve Shirt

Though similar to the button-down above, this Uniqlo shirt has a band collar and three-quarter length sleeves that give it a soft, beachy look. It’s semi-sheer, reviewers note, so you may want to wear a shirt underneath if you choose one of the lighter colors. The fabric is soft and lightweight, and also makes a perfect beach cover-up.

Quince Organic Cotton Poplin Long Sleeve Boyfriend Shirt

There’s a case to be made that Quince is one of the best places to shop for affordable travel basics, and the retailer’s 100 percent Organic Cotton Poplin Long Sleeve Boyfriend Shirt is evidence number one. Made from organic poplin, it’s crisp and classic with a fit that’s loose but not ultra oversized. Reviewers love the “great quality” materials and “super versatile” silhouette that can be dressed up or down. And while “it does need an iron,” reviewers say, the shirt can be washed without shrinking.

Ichuanyi Womens Cotton Button-down Shirt

No, you’re not reading the price wrong — this short-sleeve button-down top from Walmart’s Ichuanyi line is indeed just $8. A nice alternative to longer sleeves, reviewers say this shirt has a lightweight material, washes well, and is easy to dress up or down. (Just keep in mind that it does wrinkle, so you may choose to iron it.) Best yet, there are a whopping 29 stylish color options and an inclusive size range from S to 5XL.

J.Ver Wrinkle-free Button-down Shirt

One of the most prized qualities of the Big Dart shirt is that it didn’t wrinkle; in fact, I did not iron it once. That’s what reviewers also loved about this Amazon button-down which they say is “very comfortable and looks really nice on, no wrinkles.” It’s not oversized per se, but you can always size up for a roomier look, but with its streamlined look this one can also be worn to dressier dinners or even business meetings on the go — no need for a portable steamer.

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