9 Sustainable Button Ups For The Perfect Staple Shirt
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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.
Want to see what else we’re rocking this season? Check out our transitional capsule wardrobe! Or browse our workwear for women guide for more ideas on how to style your organic cotton button down shirt (or cotton button up shirt 😉).
1. Quince
Ethics | OEKO-TEX certified & responsibly sourced materials, ethically made in Vietnam & China, AZO-free dyes
Materials | Silk, organic linen, cotton, lyocell
Sizes | XS–XL (US 0–16)
Price Range | $34.90–$59.90
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.
2. Sézane
Ethics | Sustainable & organic materials, ethically made, recycled packaging, eco-friendly practices, gives back
Materials | Cotton, organic cotton, OEKO-TEX certified viscose & silk
Sizes | 0–16
Price Range | $110–$130
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.
3. Tradlands
Ethics | Inclusive sizing, sustainable & recycled materials, ethically made in small batches, secondhand shop
Materials | Wool, viscose, tencel, linen, cotton
Sizes | XXS–5X
Price Range | $137
Tradlands is dedicated to “effortless, refined, quality essentials.” The brand’s investment pieces are made with durability and longevity in mind, including button ups purposely designed with eight buttons—no more boob gap! (You know the one.) The size-inclusive brand also has a secondhand shop you can check out; it’s ultimately better for the planet and for your wallet.
4. Big Bud Press
Ethics | Inclusive sizing, sustainable materials, ethically made in LA, nontoxic dyes, eco-friendly packaging
Materials | Cotton & linen
Sizes | P–6XL
Price Range | $70–$75
Big Bud Press is a Los Angeles apparel brand we love for ethical and inclusive basics. The “Pantry Button Up” specifically comes in a range of colors, like “Raspberry Sorbet” and “Cornflower Blue”—we’re getting hungry just thinking about it. 😉 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 6XL.
5. Outerknown
Ethics | Sustainable & recycled materials, fair trade working conditions, gives back, secondhand shop
Materials | Organic cotton, recycled cotton, linen, cupro
Sizes | XS–XL (US 0–16)
Price Range | $98–$198
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.
6. ADAY
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified, R.E.A.C.H., GRS-Global Recycled Standard, and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), renewable fabric manufacturing, eco-friendly dyeing and finishing
Materials | Recycled, regenerated, biodegradable and bio-based fibers
Sizes | XS–XL (US 0–18)
Price Range | $150–$170
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.
7. Hackwith Design House
Ethics | Natural & deadstock fabrics, ethically made in Minnesota, made-to-order & small batches, inclusive sizing, secondhand shop
Materials | Cotton, varies by piece
Sizes | XS–4XL
Price Range | $160–$235
Sewn in-house at its Minnesota studio, Hackwith Design House’s tops are often made-to-order, created just for you. (HDH also releases small batches weekly.) Garments are made with natural and deadstock fabrics, and the brand even has a secondhand shop, where you can purchase preloved and upcycled button downs for your wardrobe.
8. tentree
Ethics | Certified B Corp, sustainable & organic materials, ethically made in China, climate-neutral, environmental initiative
Materials | Organic cotton, hemp, tencel, recycled polyester
Sizes | XS–XL
Price Range | $58–$78
Looking for a boxy fit? A button down tank? What about a button down with pockets? tentree has ‘em all—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.
9. Lora Gene
Ethics | Certified B Corp, made-to-order & made in small batches, ethically made in Bulgaria & the UK, natural & sustainable fibers, eco-friendly processes
Materials | Cotton, silk
Sizes | UK 6–28 (US 2–24)
Price Range | £80–£125
Lora Nikolaeva of UK brand Lora Gene is on a mission to combine womanhood and community. She creates feminine, inclusive, and sustainable pieces that anyone can feel good in, using the most luxurious (and responsibly sourced!) fabrics—like silk and mohair. Collections are made in small batches or made-to-order, so it’s slow fashion in action. We’re especially into the brand’s creative take on the classic button up.
