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While formal dressing might look different now, make no mistake that there will still come a time to put your best foot forward, and that’s where the best performance dress shirts are a quintisesstial piece of your wardrobe.
Whether heading into the office, suiting up for a wedding, or meeting up with a new client, the best performance workwear is the way to go. These cooling, breathable shirts are made with stretch fabric that’s easy to move in and pair beautifully with a classic blazer. And if have an outdoor or hot weather event, these breezy summer button-down shirts are specifically designed to be light enough for warmer temperatures. Some are a bit more casual than others, but the best performance dress shirts (particularly the best white dress shirts) tend to look best when styled with tailored pieces like chinos, linen pants, or suiting.
Our top picks for performance dress shirts
Best overall: Mizzen + Main Leeward Dress Shirt – See at Mizzen and Main
This Mizzen + Main dress shirt boasts a wide range of fits, color and pattern options, plus effective performance technology.
Best budget: Uniqlo Easy Care Stretch Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt – See at Uniqlo
Save big on a stretch cotton dress shirt in three versatile colors.
Best stretch: Rhone Button Down Shirt – See at Rhone
Rhones takes its activewear tech and know-how, then translates that into a commute-friendly, comfortable dress shirt.
Best moisture-wicking: Ministry of Supply Apollo Dress Shirt – See at Ministry of Supply
Some of the coolest technology on the planet – it’s 19 times more breathable than cotton pique fabric – powers this supremely high-performing, polished dress shirt.
Best machine washable: Bonobos Tech Button Down Shirt – See at Bonobos
Bonobos bills this shirt as a commuter favorite, and with its tech fabric and versatile fit options, it’s not hard to see why.
Best for inclusive sizing: Swet Tailor Polished Shirt – See at Swet Tailor
Swet Tailor makes it easier than ever for guys with a bigger or more athletic build to get a sharp, well-fitting dress shirt.
Best white dress shirt: Stantt Wrinkle-Resistant Oxford – See at Stantt
This wardrobe workhorse can stand up to repeat wear thanks to its wrinkle-resistant design.
Best sustainable: Mack Weldon AIRFLEX Shirt – See at Mack Weldon
The brand that makes some of your favorite boxer briefs and socks covers the rest of your formal wardrobe with this sleek, eco-friendly dress shirt.
Best slim-fit: Ash & Erie Wrinkle-Resistant Dress Shirt – See at Ash & Erie
Opt for a streamlined fit in a timeless, wear-with-anything color from Ash & Erie.
Best short sleeve: UNTUCKit Gironde Wrinkle-Free Performance Shirt – See at UNTUCKit
Opt for a more casual (yet no less office-friendly) short-sleeve shirt in a design made to be worn untucked.
Best oxford: Western Rise Limitless Merino Buttondown – See at Amazon
Western Rise dreamed up a shirt that performs as well on the road as it does back in the office or out on date night.
Best business casual: B DRADDY Brendan Button Down – See at B DRADDY
Shake up your next day at the office with a performance shirt in a vibrant color – roll up those sleeves and get to work.
Best business formal: Eton White Four-Way Stretch Shirt – See at Eton
The famed British shirtmaker delivers an exceptionally polished take on the white dress shirt, this one featuring a distinctive spread collar.
Best with pockets: KUHL Response Lite Shirt – See at KUHL
If you split your time between the field and the office, opt for a performance dress shirt that delivers reliably in both areas.
Best made-to-measure: Woodies Solid White Performance Shirt – See at Woodies Clothing
Find your perfect fit with this customizable dress shirt that helps you dial in sizing as accurately as possible.
