9 Sustainable Button Down Shirts For Women
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We’ve worn breezy button downs from the top sustainable brands for years — these are our favorites for women made with natural fabrics and a perfect fit, at a variety of price points.
Is it button up or button down? We know, it’s confusing. But to clear things up: A button up shirt is any shirt that buttons all the way up, whereas a button down shirt has buttons and a collar. So, all button downs are technically button up shirts, but not vice versa.
Phew. Now that that’s out of the way, we present eco-friendly brands with sustainable button down shirts (and button up shirts!) that actually fit. No more dreaded gaps in the chest, ill-fitted designs, or flimsy fabrics. These are sustainably and stylishly made—and great for pairing with a classic pair of denim jeans and brown loafers.
What makes a perfect sustainable button down?
Choosing a sustainable button down shirt can be one of the best clothing purchases you make as they are a super versatile piece — especially if you’re building a capsule wardrobe. Sustainable button downs made with high-quality fabrics like organic cotton, natural hemp, and linen last long after many wears and washes, are breathable on our bodies, and are biodegradable which is better for our planet. Since they’re easy to style and pair with so many outfits, it’s safe to say you’ll be making tons of use out of your button down shirt!
When selecting a sustainable button down, it’s also helpful to find out how your button down shirt is crafted; ensuring your new piece is made using strict sustainable and ethical practices like minimal water usage, nontoxic dyes, and recycled materials help support responsible supply chains that provide healthier environments for the workers who make our clothes (and for the planet itself).
Of course, one of our favorite ways to shop — secondhand — is a great go-to for adding fun and high-quality button downs to your closet. But, if you’re short on time or looking for something specific, these eco-friendly brands carry our favorite high-quality button downs (and ups!) for all occasions.
Our criteria:
Our editors have worn and loved button downs (and ups!) from sustainable fashion brands for a decade. We’ve combined our expertise with customer reviews to select the best sustainable button downs for women on the market. We regularly update this piece with our new favorites that meet the following criteria.
- NATURAL FABRICS | Made with natural fabrics that are sustainably sourced like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp, these button downs are low impact and made with feel-good fabrics that are made to last.
- PERFECT FIT | No matter the style you are looking for, whether oversized, cropped, or standard, these sustainable button downs fit to flatter and we’ve included a variety of styles for the perfect silhouette, no matter your body type.
- AFFORDABLE | We’ve made sure to include affordable options so you can invest in a quality sustainable button down at a price that works for you.
Want to see what else we’re rocking to the office this season? Check out our workwear for women guide for more ideas on how to style your organic cotton button down shirt (or cotton button up shirt 😉).
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Size Inclusive
1. Everlane
Best For | Capsule wardrobes
Ethics | Ethical and eco-friendly manufacturing, recycled materials, GOTS and OEKO-Tex certified fabrics
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Price Range | $78–$140
For capsule girlies (and those of us just looking for quality basics that won’t break the bank or go out of style) Everlane is always top of mind. We love how easy it is to find pieces that are made in Ever-Better Factories or from organic and clean materials. Their button down game is strong, with everything from oversized to square cut to relaxed fits, so you can easily find something casual or office-ready!
Everlane Review | “I have this shirt in three colors. I just love it! It washes well, it fits great. It’s the perfect blouse.” – BElizabeth (See all reviews)
2. Buck Mason
Best For | Classic, lived-in cotton button downs
Ethics | Fair wages, ethical factories, American-grown cotton
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $118–$648
Buck Mason has been on our radar for sustainable men’s clothing for some time, but we are loving their line of women’s button downs! Using American-grown cotton from California, Texas, and Georgia, many of their garments are also manufactured in a historic knitting mill in Pennsylvania (though the brand does have a few ethical factories overseas for some garments). With an eye for timeless design, these shirts are high quality and gorgeous, sure to become part of your regular rotation for years to come!
3. Quince
Best For | Washable silk button downs
Ethics | OEKO-TEX certified & responsibly sourced materials, ethically made in Vietnam & China, extended sizing available
Size Range | XS–3X
Price Range | $40–$80
Quince makes quality basics that fit any budget, including sustainable button up shirts. The brand responsibly sources natural materials like silk and lyocell, which are then consciously dyed and transformed into everyday wear. From hi-lo short sleeves to denim long sleeves to silk blouses, Quince has what you need—produced in BSCI-compliant and ethical factories.
Quince Review | “I love this blouse so much. It makes so many outfits look so put together and classic.” – Denette D. (See all reviews)
4. ADAY
Best For | Boyfriend- and pajama-style button downs
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Bluesign® certified, R.E.A.C.H., GRS-Global Recycled Standard, and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), renewable fabric manufacturing, eco-friendly dyeing and finishing
Size Range | XS–XL (US 0–18)
Price Range | $160–$225
A TGT favorite for their sustainable yet stylish workwear staples, ADAY‘s button ups are beautifully made and can be worn year-round. We love their responsible fabrics, which are all cruelty-free, majority vegan, and more than 70% recycled. These tops are machine washable and wrinkle-free, designed to be worn again and again.
ADAY Review | “I love this button up. It is the perfect blouse for work, as well as day-to-day activities. I love pairing this top with slacks or with my favorite pair of slacks. This is actually my second time purchasing this shirt!” – Stephanie B. (See all reviews)
5. Sézane
Best For | Statement tops
Ethics | Sustainable & organic materials, ethically made, recycled packaging, eco-friendly practices, gives back
Size Range | 0–16
Price Range | $120–$170
Based in Paris, we already know Sézane will have the most fashion-forward button up shirts around. With dozens of blouses and tops available, they’re designed with lace embroidery, floral patterns, and ruffles, perfect for adding a bit of flair to your look. More than 75 percent of Sézane’s pieces are made with sustainable materials in workshops that are solar-powered, and fabric transport happens by road to minimize emissions.
6. Outerknown
Best For | Blanket shirts
Ethics | Sustainable & recycled materials, fair trade working conditions, gives back, secondhand shop
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $98–$248
Love the great outdoors? Then you’ll dig Outerknown’s button downs! Here you’ll find flannels, plaid weaves, and blanket shirts that you can enjoy year-round. These layering pieces are made with organic and recycled materials—so you’ll be consciously supporting Mother Nature as you experience it. Outerknown’s secondhand initiative Outerworn has even more options, and at more affordable price points.
Outerknown Review | “Fabulous shirt! Super soft and comfortable. I can dress it up or down. It is true to size and fits perfectly.” – Amy (See all reviews)
7. Reformation
Best For | Date night button ups
Ethics | Climate neutral, natural and recycled materials, recycling program
Size Range | XS–3X
Price Range | $128–$168
Reformation is so good at creating sustainable pieces for every look, and their button up options are no exception! Whether your’e looking to purchase something based on sustainable material (and there are natural materials, deadstock, or recycled options aplenty!), or carbon savings, it’s easy to sort their versatile collections to find something beautiful and aligned with your values!
8. Big Bud Press
Best For | Gender- and size-inclusive button ups
Ethics | Inclusive sizing, sustainable materials, ethically made in LA, nontoxic dyes, eco-friendly packaging
Size Range | P–7XL
Price Range | $121–$204
Big Bud Press is a Los Angeles apparel brand we love for ethical and inclusive basics. In a beautiful selection of colors and exclusive prints, these button ups are unisex and made from American-sourced fabrics. Everything is locally cut, sewn, and dyed, using sustainable and nontoxic materials. Big Bud’s also the most size-inclusive brand on the list, ranging from petite to 7XL.
9. tentree
Best For | Breezy, boxy cuts
Ethics | Certified B Corp, sustainable & organic materials, ethically made in China & India, climate-neutral, environmental initiative
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $88–$108
Looking for a boxy fit? Long or short sleeves? What about a crepey button blouse? tentree has ‘em—and at prices that won’t break the bank. This climate-neutral brand not only prioritizes sustainability in its clothing, but also in practice: For every order, tentree plants not just one but 10 (!) trees. Pieces are designed in Canada then ethically made in China; you can see its accredited partner factories on tentree’s website.
tentree Review | “I love this shirt so much, it’s my go to – perfect for work and for going out, as well as just lounging around” – Rebecca B. (See all reviews)
Featured image by Outerknown
