Ever wondered about the Button-Down collar? How did those little buttons get there? Here’s a brief history of the button-down collar.

Let’s look to the polo fields of late 19^th century England. At the time, polo players wore traditional collared shirts while playing. As if there weren’t other distractions on the field, their shirt collars would keep flapping about and blocking their line of sight! Their solution? Players would sew buttons onto their collars and fasten them down while they galloped away during the games. Genius!

John Brooks of Brooks Brothers fame noticed this trend while attending a polo match and brought the idea to the US. In 1896, he produced the iconic button-down polo shirt and fashion history was made – very soon there wasn’t a gentleman’s wardrobe without the essential button-down collar shirt. Fast forward to now, we’re still talking about this wardrobe staple.

[Image] Kal Jacobs Tailored Fit Brown & Black Gingham Cotton Shirt

When choosing a button-down collar, go for one with good quality buttons as they are very visible however you decide to wear it. Remember, a shirt collar serves to frame the face, so any detail to it draws more attention to the face. Ensure the buttons on this collar style are smaller than those down the shirt placket and cuffs. If this is too much fuss but you still prefer the nature of a button-down collar, there’s always the option of hidden collar buttons.

[Image] Kal Jacobs Tailored Fit Red Gingham Cotton Shirt

Pair yours with chinos/jeans and loafers for an effortlessly casual look. Or try sporting it with a sharp blazer and pocket square for something dressier.

Dressed up or down, from work to the weekend, the Button-Down is the go-to shirt for most men.

[Image] Kal Jacobs Tailored Fit Classic Plaid Natural Bamboo Shirt

What makes an article of clothing an ‘essential’? We believe an essential garment or accessory is one that serves as a foundation to any ensemble or style you wear; not only does it compliment the other items in your wardrobe but it also successfully dresses you for every season and occasion. It is timeless, it is versatile and it is an investment in making you look every bit the classic, stylish and well-dressed gentleman you are.

Here are 8 wardrobe essentials every man should own. From this continue to build your wardrobe as you explore and experiment with the latest trends, colours, and statement pieces.

1. A Crisp White Shirt

You need this ultimate article of versatile clothing in your wardrobe. A clean, crisp white shirt will never, ever, go out of style – it transcends seasonal trends and fashions. Consider this must-have a blank canvas to pair with pretty much everything in your wardrobe from trousers to jackets, from ties to accessories – dressed up or down.

2. A Pale Pink and Blue Shirt

A true wardrobe workhorse, you will most certainly get a lot of wear out of a classic Blue or Pink shirt. It pairs as well with a grey, navy or beige suit as it would with jeans or chinos.

3. Plain White T-Shirt

Oh the many ways to wear a plain white t-shirt! Pair with jeans for a cool and casual weekend look or layer it on when it’s cooler outside. If you wear your white T-shirt often we suggest you keep a couple of these in your wardrobe and switch between crew necks and V-necks for a bit of variety.

4. Navy Blazer

A navy blazer is one of those essentials that are as timeless and versatile as they come. A surefire way to dapper any outfit, one of these bad boys will take you from work to drinks out like the debonair you are. Our favourite pairing is with a crisp shirt under a V-neck sweater!

5. Dark Jeans & Chinos

Nothing like a well made, clean cut, and reliable pair of classic dark wash jeans! Whether you opt for a smart casual or laid back look, there isn’t much that doesn’t look fantastic with it. Dress them up with a sharp blazer and dress shoes or keep it casual with just a pair of sneakers and your favourite T-shirt.

For the sake of variety, you’re going to need something other than your jeans for those less formal occasions – chinos perfectly sort that out. Start your essentials wardrobe off with a pair of classic camel or navy chinos. Wear your chinos with crisp white shirt and a sharp blazer or perhaps with a polo shirt for a casual look.

6.) Polo Shirt

If you’re not really a T-shirt kind of guy (oh but even if you are!), try a polo shirt. It’s still casual wear but a tad dressier and smarter than a T-shirt. If you do not own one already, go for Polo shirts in blue, navy or black colours before you feel confident enough to experiment with brighter colours, patterns, and embellishments.

7. Dress and Casual Shoes and Belts

A pair of well-made dark brown brogues pair incredibly well with almost everything in your wardrobe and almost every occasion. And no pair of brown shoes is complete without a brown belt – try a walnut brogue leather belt or a more casual and wider one for your jeans and chinos.

For smarter and/or formal events, a high quality classic black leather lace-up is the right investment. A formal black leather belt with a simple silver buckle works wonderfully with these shoes.

Give your work/dress shoes a rest and wear your sneakers all weekend long. From bbq’s to the beach, from errands to the mall, they are the perfect casual shoes.

8. Watch, Sunglasses, Cufflinks, Tie and Pocket Square.

Every stylish gentleman needs at least one pair of good cufflinks to wear with his perfectly fitted French cuff shirt, he needs a quality silk tie (preferably in a solid colour) that works well with most of his shirts and suits, and a perhaps a pocket square or two to add that extra pop of colour to his outfit. Whatever the setting, he needs a well chosen watch to complete his ensemble. Lastly, a pair of sunglasses are always cool – except indoors!