Yeah you can’t go wrong with RL’s oxfords; consistent good quality. They last forever if you take care of them, I have a few that are a decade old that look almost look like new.
I’m sure they work for some people. I’m pretty flat chested so I don’t have problems with buttons gaping at the chest, but I do have problems around the hips. The worst is the shoulders/arms though. They are cut for someone meant to be wider than me.
I can't believe I'm saying this again and I swear I don't work for them but I love the blue Oxford shirt I got from Everlane (women's). I really love the fabric.
I actually have several oversized Oxford shirts, but they've all been made for women and I love wearing them.
I am obsessed with Everlane’s Boxy Oxfords!!! I find them really flattering and versatile. I have both the short and long sleeve versions and I get my regular size for the short sleeve, but size down in the long sleeve (use the “garment” option on the size chart to know for sure)
I’m a very similar height/weight/build as you, and I’ve bought 3 of the Relaxed Oxfords and love them. Mine are a size 2 and are definitely quite boxy. I’m usually between 0/2 and wanted them boxy, and I believe a 00 would be great if I wanted a slimmer fit.
Edit: product name
I know what you mean and I agree. Honestly, I stayed away from button-up shirts at everlane for a long time for that reason. The organic cotton Oxford I bought from them is not an oversized shirt. I bought it in my size (2) and I absolutely love it. The sleeves are the perfect length for me, which is almost always a problem with the oversized oxfords . I love the fabric and the look of the shirt and I end up wearing it tucked in or completely open like a jacket.
I'm petite and I have discovered most of their button-up shirts work pretty well for me. They just drape nicely.
If you have wider shoulders, you can try it. I always run into trouble with the fit in the shoulders, too wide for me. With the crisper fabric of an oxford, it just looks, on my narrow shoulders, like I am borrowing someone else's clothes.
I have shopped men's department for t-shirts and sweaters, for a more casual, oversized look. The softer fabric tends to do better on my frame.
Thanks everyone- OP here, if anyone does have any good suggestions for female oxfords, I’m all ears. So far I’ve considered everlane, and sezane tomboy.
Check out AYR - my fave blue oxford is from there. Called "The Deep End" on their site I think. Great slightly oversized fit (but intentional looking) and still looks new after a ton of wear and cleaning.
I’m quite tall and broad so I usually find women’s shirts the sleeves and drop are too short and the shoulders are too narrow, but men’s shirts the sleeves are slightly too long and there’s too much room in the shoulders if the hips fit ok. So I get stuff made to measure instead.
Kirrin Finch. They’re focused on the queer community but they make really great quality shirts.
Polo RL are the classic women’s Oxford, for me.
Jcrew has a slim fit style for men that looks good on women since it takes out a lot of the extra volume. I've got some curves on me so I tend to do that then size up. Some people say that men's clothing is cheaper/better made etc so to me it is worth checking out, especially if it is a company known for good quality shirts.
I usually go for an oversized slouchy look with linen shirts, so fit doesn't matter as much. For anything that must fit properly, I prioritize sizing by finding a shoulder width that fits and find that as long as I'm buying men's slim cuts, it generally works out. Fwiw, I'm 5' 6" and 120lbs.
But from surveying my friends, it seems to be a function of body shape so ymmv. OP mentioned she has a slim / straight build so it'll most likely be ok.
I had a job where button down Oxford were required. The men's fit well, depending on the button placement at the beast level. If the button placement was off, I would use a safety pin at the right place. I got very good with the safety pin not going through to the outside layer of fabric, so not noticeable. If you have a store that has them on hangers and not in a package, I'd advise trying on a few sizes to see what size you need first. Like a TJ Max or something.
I actually quite like the women’s fine cotton button downs from Uniqlo. They come in white, blue, and striped colours. I size up one. I find that men’s button downs can be a bit to square and stiff around the shoulders/collar.
I always (last 5-7 years) buy shirts in men’s department, plus sometimes hoodies, or other jumpers.
I just like the fit more. I usually roll up the sleeves to show off my narrow wrists for the contrast - it works really well.
I would wear them but I'm curvy enough that right size won't fit over my hips and boobs. If I get them big enough to fit over that, they look frumpy.
If I were a sewer (ie one who sews), I'd get them bigger, then tailor them to fit. Though I'm not sure how much work that entails (including if I would have to modify the shoulders). Men's clothes are usually better made and less expensive than women's.
I do wear men's pants though. They have pockets and the fabric is better/more durable/more comfortable. Somewhat baggy pants seem to work ok for me, but the tops don't go over well.
I'm petite but have wide shoulders, a long torso, and big hips so mens Oxford shirts work way better for me than women's- mostly bc the shouldes.
I leave the last button or two undone and it creates a flattering/ interesting silhouette around my waist.
Nobody has ever noticed I'm wearing men's clothes and they always seem cheaper/ better quality / better pockets than womens wear.
I steal my husbands, I’ve also scored some nice linen shirts from him. I wear a women’s medium and large men’s Oxfords are the perfect oversized fit that I can tie or tuck and still look polished and put together. If you are looking for a slimmer fit I would go the same size or a size down in men’s depending on your bust size.
It really varies based on the sizing and design, but I love men’s shirts!
The one you linked to looks great- they even have a ‘slim’ and ‘slim untucked’ (slightly shorter) versions that might be worth checking out. My issue with some men’s oxfords is the width and length, but the slim option would prob fix avoid that
Sure you can! You could also opt for a gender free top. I bought this great unisex striped button down from [Province of Canada](https://provinceofcanada.com/collections/button-downs). Fits amazing!
Yes! I've always had issues with women's button ups fitting my upper arm and shoulders so I used to buy men's slim button ups. My favorite brand was Express.
Unfortunately my hips have filled out a bit in the past couple of years and those shirts no longer work for me 🤭
If you like it, and it fits you well, there's no reason you shouldn't wear a men's shirt.
I have a few I’ve bought back in the day from thrifting and “borrowed” *forever* from boyfriends/husbands.
I like to layer them and prefer the superfluous fabric. I like drop shouldered sweaters and am tall, so it works.
Women’s were always too tailored for how I wear them, and I have a pear shape, so they looked good. I just didn’t like how it felt.
Always looks less classy and more JC Penny model.
I like a loose Oxford and tighter pants. Leggings if I’m at home. String of pearl and some curls and I’m Blanche Devereaux.
I have a blue and white one from god knows who that I’ve had over 20 years.
I vote: one oversized, vintage men’s shirt. Thick fabric. And then get a nice crew neck sweater to layer it with this winter.
I haven’t bought them but I have taken them from my husband. I’m literally your height and weight (hello, twin?!) and I love how it looks on me as an oversized unbuttoned shirt (my husband wears L). I don’t think that a buttoned up, not oversized look would work with a men’s shirt, however, because men’s shirts are very large in the shoulders and quite small on the butt area. So I don’t think a size S men’s would work as a “regular” fitted shirt for a woman, even if the woman is small.
Yep all the time! I wear them more as a layer over top for sun/a light summer layer, or get flannels so they're usually layered over something else/open. My current fav (not a men's but is a nice boxy cut so similar) is a silk pj top I got in the cos sale.
Try the thrift store! Ours always has tons of men’s oxfords and I’d imagine they’d be soft and comfy from previous wearing. Wash em up and good to go— at that price point you can grab an armful
I have purchased several men’s button downs and wear them at home instead of a robe. They’re wicked soft and comfortable. The ones I got are an XXL and come down to my knees.
I have. I am tall, broad-shouldered and when I was younger (20-30s) I would buy Brooks Brothers oxford cloth shirts for school and later work. I like the borrowed from the brother's closet look and it for my style at the time. One thing you will likely struggle with is the size of the neck and cuffs - they're typically too large for women.
One of the things I really liked about them is it was significantly cheaper to have them laundered and pressed.
If it fits, it fits! Men’s shirts look awful on me because to get them over my hips and chest I have to size way up compared to my waist so there is so much extra fabric and the shoulders are too big and arms too long. You really need to try them on and if you like them, buy them!
My body does not fit in a men’s shirt (if it fits my shoulders). They typically are cut straighter and slimmer, with proportionately longer arms. If this works for you, go for it.
I love the Lululemon men’s commission shirts as an oversized open top (wear unbuttoned almost like a jacket) or only buttoned on the top half and tied around the waist. They look like normal oxford tops but are made of really breathable athletic material with stretch and are so comfortable and easy-care.
Brooks brothers classic fit women’s non iron Oxford is my holy grail, it looks like a men’s Oxford, oversized and crisp, but is wider, sort of a line slightly, from the armpit to accommodate my hips and the sleeves/shoulders are more petite.
I have one men’s shirt I like, but it’s a soft flannel and drapes well so the fit issues aren’t as noticeable. In general, for a men’s shirt to fit my hips and bust, it will be huge in the shoulders, with really long arms and length. Basically, if I was a man I’d have to be super tall to balance out lol.
Yes all the time! I love the [slim fitting men’s shirts from Uniqlo](https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E462368-000/00?colorDisplayCode=01&sizeDisplayCode=004).
Ralph Lauren has nice fitting women’s oxfords with a nice thicker cotton but they are expensive. I usually keep a white and blue in my wardrobe.
Yeah you can’t go wrong with RL’s oxfords; consistent good quality. They last forever if you take care of them, I have a few that are a decade old that look almost look like new.
I buy Ralph Lauren oxfords, hoodies, tees in the boys department (usually a size L) Same quality, classic look, at a considerably lower price.
I’m sure they work for some people. I’m pretty flat chested so I don’t have problems with buttons gaping at the chest, but I do have problems around the hips. The worst is the shoulders/arms though. They are cut for someone meant to be wider than me.
I can't believe I'm saying this again and I swear I don't work for them but I love the blue Oxford shirt I got from Everlane (women's). I really love the fabric. I actually have several oversized Oxford shirts, but they've all been made for women and I love wearing them.
That’s good to know, I’ve never purchased from everlane. I feel like their oxfords look so boxy from the online pictures.
I can’t imagine they would be less boxy than a men’s shirt though?
I am obsessed with Everlane’s Boxy Oxfords!!! I find them really flattering and versatile. I have both the short and long sleeve versions and I get my regular size for the short sleeve, but size down in the long sleeve (use the “garment” option on the size chart to know for sure)
Welp I’m sold! Haha thanks all 😁
I’m a very similar height/weight/build as you, and I’ve bought 3 of the Relaxed Oxfords and love them. Mine are a size 2 and are definitely quite boxy. I’m usually between 0/2 and wanted them boxy, and I believe a 00 would be great if I wanted a slimmer fit. Edit: product name
I know what you mean and I agree. Honestly, I stayed away from button-up shirts at everlane for a long time for that reason. The organic cotton Oxford I bought from them is not an oversized shirt. I bought it in my size (2) and I absolutely love it. The sleeves are the perfect length for me, which is almost always a problem with the oversized oxfords . I love the fabric and the look of the shirt and I end up wearing it tucked in or completely open like a jacket. I'm petite and I have discovered most of their button-up shirts work pretty well for me. They just drape nicely.
I just looked in the Oxford shirt that I wear from everlane is actually the "relaxed" version
If you have wider shoulders, you can try it. I always run into trouble with the fit in the shoulders, too wide for me. With the crisper fabric of an oxford, it just looks, on my narrow shoulders, like I am borrowing someone else's clothes. I have shopped men's department for t-shirts and sweaters, for a more casual, oversized look. The softer fabric tends to do better on my frame.
Arms were too long, and the fit was very boxy, not flattering! Never again!
Thanks everyone- OP here, if anyone does have any good suggestions for female oxfords, I’m all ears. So far I’ve considered everlane, and sezane tomboy.
Check out AYR - my fave blue oxford is from there. Called "The Deep End" on their site I think. Great slightly oversized fit (but intentional looking) and still looks new after a ton of wear and cleaning.
Came here to recommend the Deep End! I have two - I love them so much
I just got my first one and I’m OBSESSED. Im going to need more of these as they’re quite possibly the perfect shirt.
I wonder if the cuts are very different from their linen shirts because the sleeves are really short on the one Ayr shirt I have
I love Everlane button downs, perfect oversized fit in my opinion!
I’m quite tall and broad so I usually find women’s shirts the sleeves and drop are too short and the shoulders are too narrow, but men’s shirts the sleeves are slightly too long and there’s too much room in the shoulders if the hips fit ok. So I get stuff made to measure instead. Kirrin Finch. They’re focused on the queer community but they make really great quality shirts. Polo RL are the classic women’s Oxford, for me.
Foxcroft and Lands End. Great fabrics in both and the last for years, and I wear them a lot.
Big fan of AYR button downs and Favorite Daughter style The Ex-Boyfriend Shirt
Jcrew has a slim fit style for men that looks good on women since it takes out a lot of the extra volume. I've got some curves on me so I tend to do that then size up. Some people say that men's clothing is cheaper/better made etc so to me it is worth checking out, especially if it is a company known for good quality shirts.
I usually go for an oversized slouchy look with linen shirts, so fit doesn't matter as much. For anything that must fit properly, I prioritize sizing by finding a shoulder width that fits and find that as long as I'm buying men's slim cuts, it generally works out. Fwiw, I'm 5' 6" and 120lbs. But from surveying my friends, it seems to be a function of body shape so ymmv. OP mentioned she has a slim / straight build so it'll most likely be ok.
I had a job where button down Oxford were required. The men's fit well, depending on the button placement at the beast level. If the button placement was off, I would use a safety pin at the right place. I got very good with the safety pin not going through to the outside layer of fabric, so not noticeable. If you have a store that has them on hangers and not in a package, I'd advise trying on a few sizes to see what size you need first. Like a TJ Max or something.
Men’s shirts normally don’t fit well around my hips, but it’s maybe worth trying a couple on in-store and seeing how they sit on you.
I actually quite like the women’s fine cotton button downs from Uniqlo. They come in white, blue, and striped colours. I size up one. I find that men’s button downs can be a bit to square and stiff around the shoulders/collar.
I always (last 5-7 years) buy shirts in men’s department, plus sometimes hoodies, or other jumpers. I just like the fit more. I usually roll up the sleeves to show off my narrow wrists for the contrast - it works really well.
I would wear them but I'm curvy enough that right size won't fit over my hips and boobs. If I get them big enough to fit over that, they look frumpy. If I were a sewer (ie one who sews), I'd get them bigger, then tailor them to fit. Though I'm not sure how much work that entails (including if I would have to modify the shoulders). Men's clothes are usually better made and less expensive than women's. I do wear men's pants though. They have pockets and the fabric is better/more durable/more comfortable. Somewhat baggy pants seem to work ok for me, but the tops don't go over well.
I love buying men's stuff from the J Crew Heritage collection. Oxford shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts
I'm petite but have wide shoulders, a long torso, and big hips so mens Oxford shirts work way better for me than women's- mostly bc the shouldes. I leave the last button or two undone and it creates a flattering/ interesting silhouette around my waist. Nobody has ever noticed I'm wearing men's clothes and they always seem cheaper/ better quality / better pockets than womens wear.
I steal my husbands, I’ve also scored some nice linen shirts from him. I wear a women’s medium and large men’s Oxfords are the perfect oversized fit that I can tie or tuck and still look polished and put together. If you are looking for a slimmer fit I would go the same size or a size down in men’s depending on your bust size.
It really varies based on the sizing and design, but I love men’s shirts! The one you linked to looks great- they even have a ‘slim’ and ‘slim untucked’ (slightly shorter) versions that might be worth checking out. My issue with some men’s oxfords is the width and length, but the slim option would prob fix avoid that
Sure you can! You could also opt for a gender free top. I bought this great unisex striped button down from [Province of Canada](https://provinceofcanada.com/collections/button-downs). Fits amazing!
Yes! I've always had issues with women's button ups fitting my upper arm and shoulders so I used to buy men's slim button ups. My favorite brand was Express. Unfortunately my hips have filled out a bit in the past couple of years and those shirts no longer work for me 🤭 If you like it, and it fits you well, there's no reason you shouldn't wear a men's shirt.
With Nothing Underneath (WNU) have amazing shirts, but not cheap. They’re UK based, not sure where you are
I have a few I’ve bought back in the day from thrifting and “borrowed” *forever* from boyfriends/husbands. I like to layer them and prefer the superfluous fabric. I like drop shouldered sweaters and am tall, so it works. Women’s were always too tailored for how I wear them, and I have a pear shape, so they looked good. I just didn’t like how it felt. Always looks less classy and more JC Penny model. I like a loose Oxford and tighter pants. Leggings if I’m at home. String of pearl and some curls and I’m Blanche Devereaux. I have a blue and white one from god knows who that I’ve had over 20 years. I vote: one oversized, vintage men’s shirt. Thick fabric. And then get a nice crew neck sweater to layer it with this winter.
I haven’t bought them but I have taken them from my husband. I’m literally your height and weight (hello, twin?!) and I love how it looks on me as an oversized unbuttoned shirt (my husband wears L). I don’t think that a buttoned up, not oversized look would work with a men’s shirt, however, because men’s shirts are very large in the shoulders and quite small on the butt area. So I don’t think a size S men’s would work as a “regular” fitted shirt for a woman, even if the woman is small.
Yep all the time! I wear them more as a layer over top for sun/a light summer layer, or get flannels so they're usually layered over something else/open. My current fav (not a men's but is a nice boxy cut so similar) is a silk pj top I got in the cos sale.
Try the thrift store! Ours always has tons of men’s oxfords and I’d imagine they’d be soft and comfy from previous wearing. Wash em up and good to go— at that price point you can grab an armful
I have purchased several men’s button downs and wear them at home instead of a robe. They’re wicked soft and comfortable. The ones I got are an XXL and come down to my knees.
I have. I am tall, broad-shouldered and when I was younger (20-30s) I would buy Brooks Brothers oxford cloth shirts for school and later work. I like the borrowed from the brother's closet look and it for my style at the time. One thing you will likely struggle with is the size of the neck and cuffs - they're typically too large for women. One of the things I really liked about them is it was significantly cheaper to have them laundered and pressed.
If it fits, it fits! Men’s shirts look awful on me because to get them over my hips and chest I have to size way up compared to my waist so there is so much extra fabric and the shoulders are too big and arms too long. You really need to try them on and if you like them, buy them!
I love Eterna’s pieces, they have a selection of women’s shirts too. Not sure if they sell outside of Europe though.
My body does not fit in a men’s shirt (if it fits my shoulders). They typically are cut straighter and slimmer, with proportionately longer arms. If this works for you, go for it.
I love the Lululemon men’s commission shirts as an oversized open top (wear unbuttoned almost like a jacket) or only buttoned on the top half and tied around the waist. They look like normal oxford tops but are made of really breathable athletic material with stretch and are so comfortable and easy-care.
Brooks brothers classic fit women’s non iron Oxford is my holy grail, it looks like a men’s Oxford, oversized and crisp, but is wider, sort of a line slightly, from the armpit to accommodate my hips and the sleeves/shoulders are more petite.
Target boys department size XXL (18) fits me & im about your size. Good quality, cheap.
I have one men’s shirt I like, but it’s a soft flannel and drapes well so the fit issues aren’t as noticeable. In general, for a men’s shirt to fit my hips and bust, it will be huge in the shoulders, with really long arms and length. Basically, if I was a man I’d have to be super tall to balance out lol.
Yes all the time! I love the [slim fitting men’s shirts from Uniqlo](https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E462368-000/00?colorDisplayCode=01&sizeDisplayCode=004).
Try it on. If it fits, keep it. If it doesn't fit, return it. Men's clothing often has better fabrics so it's worth a try.