The workplace uniform has toned down in recent years. You’re no longer expected to wear a full suit. For some that’s a relief, for others that creates a weird limbo where the only seemingly safe option is the cotton pullover and shirt underneath look. Safe? Yes. Inspiring? Less so. To keep business casual looking fresh in 2024, we’ve pulled together a variety of collar styles, materials and designs into a handy rundown of some of the most handsome business casual shirts out there.
14 of the best business casual shirts
Pini Parma Blue Cashmere and Cotton Shirt
Pini Parma’s blue cashmere and cotton shirt is crafted in Italy from a soft blend of the aforementioned materials for a truly comfortable day to day business casual shirt. The Windsor collar looks effortless unbuttoned but also compliments a tie if the circumstances demand one. Cut in a semi-slim fit with one button round cuffs and sewn-in collar stays, it’s one for tucking into denim or the brand’s Soragna trousers.
Valenza Supima Polo
It’s important to know that when it comes to business casual shirts, you absolutely can rock a polo. That said, it has to be an upgrade on what you’d typically wear. This Supima polo from Valenza is the sort of thing you need to be scoping out. The tailored fit is crucial, as are the long sleeves and the one-piece Schiller collar. Crafted in Marche, Italy from an interlock Supima that’s nicely weighted with mother of pearl buttons, it’ll be a welcome piece in your business casual rotation come the summer months. Dry it flat after washing so it keeps its shape.
Neem London Recycled Italian White Popover Shirt
Mix up your business casuals shirts collection with Neem London’s white popover shirt. Versatile and made using ethical practises, the shirt is crafted from a soft, recycled biodegradable cotton yarn mix, with other materials including threads and buttons also sourced from recycled materials. Central to the shirt’s appeal is the buttoned placket which reaches halfway down the chest making for a casual, summer-minded wardrobe piece that can be worn as a standalone or under a blazer.
Asket Overshirt
Everyone needs an overshirt. Asket’s is the overshirt. Available in a variety of colourways, with something for everyone’s personal palette, the shirt is inspired by the French “Bleu de Travail” original workers uniform. Tailored from 100% organic military-grade cotton twill, the overshirt features a classic three pocket front (ideal for stashing essentials), 100% Corozo buttons and a classic collar. Wear it to the office casually over a t-shirt or rock it as part of a separates business casual shirts uniform.
Artknit Studios Merino Wool Buttonless Polo
A luxurious business casual shirts option in super soft extra-fine Merino wool from Artknit Studios. We’re especially fond of the military green. This long sleeve polo features a buttonless V-neck collar, a ribbed hem and cuffs, and is crafted for a regular fit. The premium-quality Merino wool gives a silky aesthetic that’s super comfortable to the touch. The wool itself makes for a lightweight and breathable garment that lends itself to the warmer office months. Wear it with a pleated trouser and a sockless loafer.
Closed Stand-up Collar Shirt
If you’re looking to experiment a little with your business casual shirts wardrobe, some of the fun can be had with the collar. Whether you’re going buttonless V-neck or in this case a simple stand-up collar. Closed has added a new stand-up option to its collection and it’s available in grey or blue. Crafted in Portugal from pure cotton, the shirt comes in a regular fit and mother of pearl buttons.
Handvaerk Pique Polo
Looking for something on the more casual end of the business casual shirts spectrum? Look no further than this belter from Håndværk. A classic pique polo shirt is given the technical expertise treatment as well as a luxury update. Crafted from premium 100% superfine Pima cotton yarn pique fabric with mother of pearl buttons at the collar, the polo is crafted for a standard fit in-keeping with a classic sophisticated aesthetic.
Aurelien Polo Shirt
Summer work outfits can be challenging. You want to keep some of the smartness but you don’t want to quietly cook in your chair, sweat patches slowly building, small USB office fan doing little to stop the heat. Aurelien’s taupe polo shirt is the exact opposite of that business shirts gone wrong vignette (sorry). It’s sleek, breathable and effortlessly comfortable. Crafted from fine Egyptian cotton, it’ll drape luxuriously on your frame and the short sleeves and button collar will let the breeze in.
L'Estrange All Day Shirt
All day, every day. L'Estrange London’s modular, closed loop approach to effortless style is powering the nation’s best workplace looks. Minimising decision-making in the morning, diverting from fast-fashion wardrobe filler and making men look excellent along the way. The all day merino collarless business casual shirt in black is one such item. Lightweight, crease-resistant Merino wool (itch-free, silky smooth) crafted into a handsome fitting dress shirt which, thanks to the brains at Lestrange, is easy to take care of and will last longer.
Luca Faloni Cashmere Cotton Shirt
As far as luxurious blends go, 85% extra-long cotton and 15% Albini cashmere (world-renowned, we’ll add) is certainly up there. That’s what you’re getting when you invest in Luca Faloni’s cashmere cotton shirt. Crafted in Northern Italy, the blend ensures the softness of cashmere adding the breathability and comfort of cotton, making for a versatile business casual shirts option ideal for all year round. The signature Paramontura collar keeps things looking smart up top and the shirt is cut for a streamlined silhouette.
Mackintosh Holborn Zip Up
Notably different from others on our list but still channeling classic British sartorialism thanks to the Mackintosh moniker. The Holborn zip up is more casual shirt than business casual shirt, bringing a modern take on a classic blue shirt silhouette. The zip adds a futuristic take to an otherwise classic shirt construction, with a tailored silhouette and crisp 100% cotton. The logo tab sits atop a patch pocket and the sleeves feature standard pleated button cuffs. Very cool, very modern.
Private White V.C. Cashmere Jersey Shirt
Does it get more comfortable and versatile than a cashmere jersey shirt? Surely not. Private White’s super soft and sleek business casual shirt option is crafted in their Manchester factory for a regular fit, with a patch pocket at the chest, fully working cuffs, pleats at the rear and split sides. Made from 90% wool and 10% cashmere, it’s available in light navy and grey and will compliment smart denim and a cotton trouser for a trusty day to day workplace outfit.
Velasca Rosazza
Add some herringbone tweed to your workday fits. Velasca’s Rosazza handcrafted overshirt is a dashing 100% cotton flannel option that naturally keeps the heat in whilst letting the skin breath. The sort of business casual shirt you can wear tucked in over a turtleneck or loose over multiple earthy-coloured layers. It features two breast pockets, a soft semi-French collar (without splints) and comfortable regular fit.
WAHTS Cline
The Cline longsleeve tech stretch polo from WAHTS is a good option if you’re looking to keep a work outfit relatively smart but you’re still active on the job. It’s a good one to wear in summer if cycling to work. Crafted from a soft organic cotton blend with stretch, the fabric has sweat-wicking qualities which makes it a comfortable option for summer. The long sleeves and collar keep its business casual shirts credentials on point.
For inspiration on how to style your business casual shirt, see our 10 office outfits ideas.
