# Are button-up shirts really that attractive on men? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 2, 2014, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618 "2014-08-02T02:23:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cognoscant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Cognoscant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cognoscant)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/1 "2014-08-02T02:23:56Z")
I swear this is not a humblebrag thread. The attention was kind of unwanted. I’m on the wrong side of 40 and up till now I’ve been hit on by women twice, and once by a man whose gaydar was all broke. But on a trip I recently took I was hit on by women three times, openly enough that even I could figure it out. I was bemused (as were the people with me). I could blame alcohol, but one of the women was stone cold sober. She explained to me that the attention I was getting was due to my buttoned-up dress shirt, which I’d only worn because I forgot to pack other clothes. She claimed that “a dress shirt on a guy to a woman is like lingerie on a woman to a guy.” Now I wear dress shirts all the time at work, and I obviously am not hit on there but I’m also not hit on at restaurants or bars after work while wearing them. So what’s the deal here? Was the sober lady telling the truth? ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/2 "2014-08-02T11:12:30Z")
I don’t speak for all women, but I can’t think of \*any \*garment that is an instant turn-on for me. OK, there are very few men who don’t look super hot in a well-fitted tux… 😉 A nice dress shirt is certainly classier than a t-shirt or a polo, even paired with jeans. For me, tho, button-up shirts don’t automatically give me the raging thigh sweats. Perhaps I’m in the minority. Any chance you were just radiating all kinds of self-confidence on the trip? ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/3 "2014-08-02T11:58:22Z")
Buttoned-up dress shirts at least give the impression that you give a shit about how you look, which may be a step above other guys at any given bar. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/4 "2014-08-02T12:05:50Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > raging thigh sweats. 😃 I like a man in a dress shirt. Dress shirt plus jeans can be pretty hot. ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/5 "2014-08-02T12:49:22Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Buttoned-up dress shirts at least give the impression that you give a shit about how you look, which may be a step above other guys at any given bar. Probably this. I think my husband looks slightly more handsome in his button-up shirts because he looks more dressed up. As long as the guy isn’t wearing a shirt that’s too small, ugh. I’ve seen too many men wearing button-up shirts that are so small, they are tight around their gut, so sort of stretch around it, then go back to a normal lay under the stomach. Looks HORRIBLE. ---
**Author:** ![njtt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ecd19e/32.png) [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/6 "2014-08-02T12:53:55Z")
You have finally found THE SECRET!!! Runs off to buy a stash of button-up shirts. ---
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/7 "2014-08-02T14:27:37Z")
Not to me buttoned up looks so _buttoned up_/stuffy. However I came of age in the 70s and I still like long hair and well fitting jeans and the hippy/rebel/rock star look so my opinion probably shouldn’t matter. Even as a kid I always rooted for the Indians because they were a lot hotter than the cowboys. A nice pair of jeans with a t-shirt, toss in a leather jacket and some untamed hair. Now I’m getting weak in the knees. Or a nice set of dreads, nice and shiny, well cared for. I kind of like the wild, untamed look. ---
**Author:** ![Cognoscant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Cognoscant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cognoscant)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/8 "2014-08-02T14:53:48Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Buttoned-up dress shirts at least give the impression that you give a shit about how you look, which may be a step above other guys at any given bar. I think this might be it. I didn’t look overdressed, but was dressed well enough to stand out a little. Wish I’d known this when I was single. Of course I didn’t know it now, either, to tell the truth. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/9 "2014-08-02T14:59:36Z")
I should clarify, I was precaffeinated when I posted. A buttoned-up shirt in that situation gives the impression that you put some thought into what to wear on a night out, and that you value classic style. (A Jersey Shore wannabe probably puts a fair amount of thought into what they wear, but ugh.) Extra points if it’s well-fitting and crisp. Of course, as you noted you in fact did **not** put thought into it, but hey. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Cognoscant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Cognoscant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cognoscant)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/10 "2014-08-02T15:16:19Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Of course, as you noted you in fact did **not** put thought into it, but hey. 😉 Easier to be lucky than good sometimes, I suppose. If I’d been trying to think about it I would have worn something off-putting. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/11 "2014-08-02T19:32:21Z")
I have never worn anything outdoors except button up shirts, but not always dress shirts. I’ve backpacked to over 120 countries, and never packed nor worn anything but button shirts. In the 60’s, I hitchhiked around Europe in a jacket and tie, I often got lifts from people who thought I was a local guy who had missed his bus to work. I never travel with a backpack, just a carry-on bag with a shoulder strap. I still put on a button shirt if I am going to the supermarket or Walmart. And long pants and proper shoes. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/12 "2014-08-02T19:43:47Z")
A dress shirt that fits well looks good on a lot of guys. MY kryptonite, though, is a (well-fitting) three piece suit. MMMMMRAWWW. Sadly, I don’t see them very often. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2014, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/13 "2014-08-02T19:53:43Z")
To me, they are. Dress shirts, button down henleys… but I really hate to see a guy in a polo shirt. ---
**Author:** ![kittenblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ba8739/32.png) [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2014, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/14 "2014-08-04T20:23:24Z")
A button-up dress shirt (specifically a white button-down collar dress shirt with the sleeves half-rolled up) worn with well-fitting jeans has been known to make me weak in the knees. When I lived on Ft. Benning, the fashion editor of the Columbus, Ga. Ledger-Enquirer wrote an article about the appeal of such an ensemble, and I only wish I had kept a copy of the article, because he explained it so well! Since I am also the type of woman who finds a man in a suit and tie to be especially yummy to look at, this woman’s reaction to you is not surprising. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2014, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/15 "2014-08-04T21:43:54Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > MY kryptonite, though, is a (well-fitting) three piece suit. MMMMMRAWWW. Sadly, I don’t see them very often. ☹ A three piece suit is my husband’s choice when he is dressing up, complete with French cuffs and a pocket square. Rawr! I could just eat him up! Dressed to the nines, or completely naked. Those are his hottest looks. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2014, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/16 "2014-08-05T00:07:08Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > A three piece suit is my husband’s choice when he is dressing up, complete with French cuffs and a pocket square. Rawr! I could just eat him up! I’ve been told by a few women that a well fitted business suit, French cuffs and a tie are to women what catnip is to Sylvester. Do not attempt this at work. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2014, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/17 "2014-08-05T03:01:54Z")
> [@EmAnJ](#): > > Probably this. I think my husband looks slightly more handsome in his button-up shirts because he looks more dressed up. > > As long as the guy isn’t wearing a shirt that’s too small, ugh. I’ve seen too many men wearing button-up shirts that are so small, they are tight around their gut, so sort of stretch around it, then go back to a normal lay under the stomach. Looks HORRIBLE. That unfortunately is the trend in men’s shirts now. I bought two size large dress shirts recently. I cut the tags off and washed them. Then packed them for vacation. I put one on and felt like I was trying to conceal a feather pillow under my shirt. Shame on me for not trying the shirts on first. It’s getting to the point now where a “fitted” shirt today is almost a “slim” shirt a few years ago. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2014, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/18 "2014-08-05T03:06:04Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > I have never worn anything outdoors except button up shirts, but not always dress shirts. I’ve backpacked to over 120 countries, and never packed nor worn anything but button shirts. In the 60’s, I hitchhiked around Europe in a jacket and tie, I often got lifts from people who thought I was a local guy who had missed his bus to work. I never travel with a backpack, just a carry-on bag with a shoulder strap. > > I still put on a button shirt if I am going to the supermarket or Walmart. And long pants and proper shoes. All I have are button up shirts. They are great for any occasion. When hot, I can undo a button or two and roll up the sleeves. When cold, tuck it in and button up. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2014, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/19 "2014-08-05T03:10:17Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > To me, they are. Dress shirts, button down henleys… but I really hate to see a guy in a polo shirt. Me too. A well-fitting dress shirt can be quite sexy on a guy. Really. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2014, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618/20 "2014-08-05T03:45:49Z")
I didn’t know until recently, but it turns out they are on me. It does look significantly more put-together. I’ve always gravitated toward t-shirts, but most t-shirts aren’t really cut that well for me. The collars tend to be tight and the shoulders sit too low, for example. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-button-up-shirts-really-that-attractive-on-men/694618.md?page=2)