Long sleeve with buttons, fit and styling
Short answer: A long sleeve with buttons gives a smarter look than an ordinary T-shirt, but it needs the buttons to lie flat and the fabric not to pull across the chest. Choose a fit with a little air, and style it as a shirt or as a layer.
What is a long sleeve with buttons
A long sleeve with buttons is a long-sleeved top with a row of buttons at the front, either all the way down or only at the neck. It sits between a T-shirt and a shirt and gives a smarter look without being stiff. Many use it as a bridge between everyday and slightly smarter occasions.
Fit across the chest
The buttons are where the fit shows. If the fabric pulls across the chest, the buttons can strain and small gaps appear between them. Choose a size with a little air and move around when you try it on, to see whether anything pulls. See women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt.
The buttons set the look
A row of buttons all the way down gives a classic, shirt-like look, while a few buttons at the neck feel more relaxed. Keep the buttons open or closed according to the day's needs. If the buttons are flat and in the colour of the fabric, the look stays calm, and they can lie under a jumper without bothering you.
Style it as a shirt
Wear a long sleeve with buttons as a shirt over a thin T-shirt, or button it all the way and wear it alone. It can be tucked into trousers or hang outside, depending on the effect you want. A slightly rolled sleeve makes the look more relaxed and is easy to change if it gets warm.
Under a jumper
Under a jumper, a long sleeve with buttons can show a small collar and a few lines peeking out. It is an easy way to a smarter look without changing all your clothes. Choose a thin quality so the buttons cannot be felt, and check that the collar lies flat under the jumper.
Underneath and adding to it
Under a long sleeve with buttons you can wear a soft bamboo top or a slip. See bamboo tops for women and bamboo slip if you want a soft layer underneath. Keep the layers thin so the overall look stays calm.
Caring for buttons and fabric
Close the buttons before you wash so they do not catch on other laundry. Wash by the care label, usually gently and without high heat, and turn the clothes inside out. Skip fabric softener and hang them to dry so they keep their shape. Check the buttons now and then so loose threads do not turn into lost buttons.
When does it suit best
A long sleeve with buttons suits the office, meetings, dinners and relaxed weekends. It is a versatile piece in the wardrobe if you choose a neutral colour. Try it with trousers, a skirt and under a jumper, and see which combination feels most like you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know it fits right across the chest
The buttons must not pull, and small gaps must not appear between them. If it sits loosely enough to move freely, the fit is usually good.
Can I wear it under a jumper
Yes, if it is thin, it can be worn under a jumper so the collar and a little of the buttons peek out. Check that the collar lies flat.
Should the buttons be open or closed
That is taste. Open buttons give a relaxed look, closed ones a smarter one. Switch according to the day and what you wear underneath.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
