From effortless everyday outfits to business-casual occasions, a good button-up top is one of the most versatile spring and summer fashion staples.
I often wear button-ups over a swimsuit with jean shorts for beach days, or pair them with nice slacks for professional lunch meetings or work events.
However, I noticed many of my tried-and-true staples were starting to wear down, so I figured it was time for a restock.
The first place I always turn to for wardrobe basics is the reliable roster of Gap Inc. retailers — Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. So, I tested out similar options from each store to see which deserve permanent spots in my closet.
I wore each item for everyday activities and rated them based on design, fit, material, price, and overall quality. Here’s how it went.
I tried on the Banana Republic option first
Banana Republic is Gap Inc.’s more upscale retailer that offers elevated staples. I ordered the cotton poplin Everyday Shirt in a brown-and-white striped design — a neutral color combination that would offer diverse styling options.
When I first opened my package, I noticed the material felt durable and structured, yet still lightweight. Made from 100% cotton, it felt soft on the skin and breathable when putting it on.
I wore it with jean shorts and flip flops for a day of running errands. It kept me comfortable going from place to place, and it seemed like it would hold up well over time.
In terms of style, I liked the oversize fit, but I wished it were a bit more relaxed and less stiff, especially around the collar and shoulders.
Although I typically prefer my button-ups to be slouchy, I think this fit would work well for corporate and professional settings. However, I probably wouldn’t wear this again for such a casual outing.
I also didn’t necessarily think it was worth the $90 price tag. I did appreciate the natural cotton fabric and well-constructed design, but the cost seemed a bit steep for what it was: a basic button-up.
Next, I put my Gap button-up to the test
Over the past few years, Gap has continued to earn its place as one of my favorite retailers for high-quality pieces at reasonable prices.
I ordered the organic cotton poplin Big Shirt in the blue-stripe shade, which looked nearly identical to its Banana Republic counterpart. It was even comprised of almost the same material.
The only true difference was that the Gap version was made with 100% organic cotton and cost $20 less.
In addition to the lower price, the shirt’s cut and fit also caught my eye. The fit was oversize, but it had a tunic length (namely, a slightly longer hem) and a more relaxed fit around the chest and shoulders.
I paired it with white linen pants to create an elevated summer aesthetic, and wore the outfit to work from a coffee shop for several hours.
The shirt was comfortable and breathable, so I know that I could easily wear this throughout the spring and summer months.
At $70, it’s definitely an investment, but for the organic materials and flattering style, I think it’s a worthy purchase.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the Old Navy button-up, but I think it’s a great option for the price
Finally, I was excited to try a piece from Old Navy, which is Gap Inc.’s more budget-friendly retailer.
I ordered the classic button-down shirt in the pink stripe design, and loved the vibrant shade for spring and summer ensembles.
However, as soon as I opened the package, I noticed the shirt felt more flimsy — and of lesser quality — than the Banana Republic and Gap options.
Although the tag said this button-up was also made from 100% cotton, the fabric felt much thinner and less durable. This can be due to a number of factors that are invisible to the consumer — like how the cotton is processed, woven, or finished.
After putting it on, I also realized the style fit much more snugly than the others, even though I ordered them all in the same size. To be fair, though, this one wasn’t marketed as having an oversize fit like the Gap version was.
Next time, I’d order a size or two up to achieve a more laid-back feel.
Once I styled the shirt with a pair of baggy jeans and some sandals, though, I loved the look of it.
I wore it to the local farmers market, followed by brunch. It was comfortable and perfect for a casual outing, but it would have been more breathable if it were a bit looser.
This was my least favorite option, but I still thought it was a solid choice. I didn’t feel confident it would last more than a year, but for only $30, it’s a budget-friendly piece worth wearing for the season.
At the end of the day, though, the Gap button-up proved to be my top choice for its durability, materials, and overall style.
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