Written by Paddy Maddison in Essentials on the 27th February 2017

When it comes to versatile wardrobe staples, a classic Oxford shirt is arguably the king. Weekend trip away? Pair it with slim jeans and trainers. Evening meal? Pair it with chinos and Chelsea boots. Job interview? Dress it up with a nice wool blazer and trouser combo. If that isn’t versatile then frankly, we don’t know what is! For a garment this integral to your wardrobe, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the best bang for your hard-earned bucks. To help you make a more informed decision we've looked at what five of the most popular brands for Oxford shirts had to offer.

Uniqlo Oxford Shirt 

You may have already heard people harping on about the quality of Uniqlo shirts. If you’ve tried them yourself then you can skip on to the next part, safe in the knowledge that they’re the best shirts you can buy at this price. If you’re yet to try them then you really should go and try one out – you won’t be disappointed. They’re available in a slim or regular fit and in a variety of classic colours. The cotton is reassuringly thick but not uncomfortably so and the quality is undeniably the best you’re going to get for under £40. 

Price: £19.90 - £24.90.  

Pros: Cheap enough that you can stock up on them and fantastic quality.  

Cons: No box pleat or hanger loop to the back but really that’s a matter of personal preference.

GANT Commuter Oxford Shirt  

GANT are credited as being the brand that brought button-down shirts to the mass-market, so where better to shop for one? The Oxford Commuter shirt is soft and lightweight with several quirky details that we feel bring this classic design into the 21st century. First up there’s the stretch panelling which runs down each side and the underside of each arm, offering added ventilation and increased ease of movement. Then there is the hidden stash pocket in the side and finally the reflective detailing to the hem and hangar tag. A great modern twist on a design classic. 

Price: £135.  

Pros: Increased comfort and range of motion due to stretch panelling.  

Cons: While we like the modern twist, it’s also fair to say that it may not be to everyone’s taste.

Polo Ralph Lauren Custom Fit Oxford Shirt  

Polo Ralph Lauren is another brand very well-known for its thick cotton shirts and are many people’s go-to label. In terms of fit, it’s difficult to top Ralph Lauren. The brand’s ‘custom fit’ loses a little from the arms and length in comparison to their ‘classic fit’ which helps to achieve a more fitted look when left untucked (as all oxford shirts should be). This shirt ditches the breast pocket, replacing it with the iconic polo player logo and is constructed of thick, basket weave cotton. 

Price: £85. 

Pros: Unbeatable fit.  

Cons: No breast pocket, but again, that’s a matter of preference.

H&M Classic Oxford Shirt 

Swedish giant H&M is another great high street option when it comes to button down shirts. Their classic Oxford shirt is a little bit more of a boxy cut than the others on our list but as with the Uniqlo option, the quality for a price this low is very good and the boxy cut actually gives the shirt a nice relaxed feel. A perfect choice for the summer. 

Price: £14.99 

Pros: Great quality for the price 

Cons: Fit is perhaps not quite as flattering as the other options

We list and review Uniqlo, Gant, H&M and Polo Ralph Lauren in this guide to 4 of the Most Popular Oxford Shirts 2017.