So your attraction to corduroy shirts has more to do with their lumberjack, New England Hiker associations than the autumnal notes of the French New Wave/Eric Rohmer? No problem there. Let me first draw your attention to J.Crew, who, as expected, sells an exemplary corduroy work shirt that has all the details you might be looking for – breast pockets, hanging loops. Still, there’s a luxury approach at work here: the three colorways (dove, black and loden green) have a bit of “quiet luxury,” and the garment-dyed treatment gives the impression that it’s giving you a lot of protection through Protected from the elements.
Best Budget Corduroy Shirt: LLBean Comfort Stretch Corduroy Long Sleeve
Machine washable: Yes | sizing: S-XXXL | Color: Burgundy, coal, dark green, silver birch, vintage indigo, walnut
We’ll talk about Double RL soon, first up is Double L. Less money for 15 pieces! This is probably the most affordable shirt on this list, but it’s also the one with the most modern details. First, there is 2% spandex in the construction, which means it will stretch slightly where you need it. Secondly, the hem is cut a little shorter so the shirt can be untucked and doesn’t look like your dad’s old clothes before you’ve grown into them.
Best Western Corduroy Shirt: RRL Tan Slim Fit Corduroy Western Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | sizing: XS-XXL| Color: Tan
My favorite development in menswear over the past few years has been the return of Western wear. While there are plenty of great upstarts in the category, RRL Brand—Ralph Lauren’s homage to his Colorado ranch and all-American style—has kept the style cutting-edge and relevant even as many of us are paying attention. Central location. RRL’s Corduroy Western Shirt is a truly beautiful piece, from the snap-button closure to the flap pockets, shoulder detailing, unique metal buttons at the collar and loose, “relax in the cabin” cut. It also comes in a faded tan tone, just look to the faded brown pieces in Ralph’s own wardrobe. See you at Dutton Ranch.
Best Corduroy Popover Shirt: Alex Mill Carter Popover Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | sizing: XS-XXL| Color: Light putty, Aegean blue, navy blue, “amber” brown
I’ve said this before, but I think Alex Mill CEO Mickey Drexler (who led GAP and J.Crew in the 1990s and 2000s) is still very concerned about launching a quality product and not cutting corners. (See our guide to the best chinos and totes for proof.) He’s not afraid to experiment a little, either, as evidenced by the variety of colors and pop-up designs on the brand’s corduroy shirts. Granted, it’s more casual than a true button-up shirt, but if you’re looking for a comfortable corduroy shirt, this might be a better fit for you.
Best Casual Corduroy Shirt: ERL Brown Corduroy Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | sizing: S-XL | Color: green
