Wardrobe Staples: Button Up Shirts

Easy to layer and versatile enough for any setting, the classic button up shirt is a staple for good reason! Whether you’re looking to flesh out your workwear wardrobe or just in need of some new everyday basics, look no further than this pattern roundup, if you're looking to find your next tried-and-true pattern!

Come along as we walk you through a few of our favourite button up shirts from the indie sewing community!

1. Elbe Textiles Cornell Shirt (up to a 56” chest)

With an oversized, and gender-neutral design, the Cornell Shirt boasts drop shoulders, a three-quarter length button placket, and a stand collar that highlight the clean lines of this relaxed button down. Finished with french seams and facings, this shirt offers a professional look and also comes with a view where the placket extends to the hem.

2. Paper Theory Olya Shirt (up to a 56” chest)

Relaxed and loose-fitting, the Olya Shirt focuses on a traditional silhouette and classic details but with unique and fresh style lines. This shirt has a unique dolman-style sleeve and hidden chest pockets, as well as a dress view in the PDF Pattern version.

3. Helen’s Closet Gilbert Top (up to a 58” chest)

This retro-inspired button up shirt features a camp-style collar and a relaxed fit, with options for both short sleeves and long, bell sleeves, as well as a tie-front view. An optional breast pocket and a clean facing on the interior make this pattern a versatile classic.

4. Muna and Broad Tarawi Shirt (up to a 66” chest)

This classic design features a relaxed fit and two views to chose from, including one with a two-piece collar and gusseted flap pockets and one with a stand collar and no pockets.

5. Thread Theory Farfield Button-Up Shirt (up to a 50” chest)

Streamlined with a slim fit and a range of classic details, the Fairfield Button Up is a modern update to the classic button up shirt. This shirt has a slim collar with a collar stand, an optional chest pocket, a curved hem, and flat felled seams that give a polished finish on the inside.

6. Friday Pattern Co Patina Blouse (up to a 60” chest)

Designed for those craving something a little different than the traditional button up style, the Patina Blouse boasts a sharp v-neck collar and options for short sleeves or long puff sleeves with a cuff. With two options of depth for the neckline, this pattern is perfect for customizing to your style and add a twist to this wardrobe staple.

7. The Modern Sewing Co Unisex Shirt (up to a 54” chest)

Made to fit a range of bodies, this classic shirt pulls heavily from classic button up styles with clean lines, patch pockets, collar stand, and an eased sleeve head. The Unisex Shirt also boasts three different sleeve lengths to choose from ensuring it will work for a variety of different styles and fits.

8. Helen’s Closet Cameron Button Up (up to a 60” chest)

This classic, gender-neutral style from Helen’s Closet offers a dartless, boxy fit with traditional design details such as a collar stand, front button placket, and optional chest pocket. With options for both long and short sleeves, this versatile pattern can be made up in a variety of different fabrics and customized with your own pocket or collar shapes, if you so please.

Know of a great button up shirt pattern that we've missed in this list? Leave it in the comments below!

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