Button Down Tops

Q: What is a button down top?

A button down top is any top that fastens down the front with a row of buttons, from a classic collared shirt to sleeveless, knit and cropped versions. The buttons are the whole appeal: you can wear it done up and neat, partly open over another top, knotted, or fully open as a layer. They come in long sleeve, short sleeve and sleeveless, in fabrics from crisp cotton and linen to soft knit and denim.

Q: How do you tie a button down into a crop top?

Easiest trick in the book. Leave the bottom few buttons undone, then gather the two front tails together at your natural waist and tie them in a knot or a little bow, tucking the ends under so it sits neat. For an even cropped line, do the middle buttons up first and only knot the excess. An oversized or boyfriend-fit shirt gives you more fabric to work with, and it looks great over high-waisted jeans or a bikini.

Q: Are button down tops in style?

Very much, a good button down is a genuine forever piece rather than a trend, and it comes back around every season in a new fabric or fit. Right now it's all about versatility: crisp white shirts styled off-duty, cropped and knotted versions, soft knit polo-collars, and pretty lace-trim or corset-detail takes. It's one of those buys that quietly works harder than almost anything else in your wardrobe.

Q: Where can I buy button down tops in the UK?

Right here at Showpo, in long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless and knit styles, in sizes 4 to 20 including plus sizes . The Size Guide helps you choose between a fitted and a relaxed fit, the Returns Policy keeps swaps easy, the Shipping page has free-over-£135 and express timings, and the Blog has more ways to style one.