In fact, the moniker is taken from the fact that it’s made exclusively from a thick, woven fabric known as Oxford cloth. While the merits of owning an OCBD (or five) may come as no surprise, what might is that this staple has little to do with the English city with which it shares its name. Softer in its construction than a stiff dress shirt, and a tad more formal than your weekend flannel, the Oxford shirt is a solid, fail-safe option when you’re attempting to bridge the treacherous gap dividing smart and casual. But in case you needed further convincing, here’s everything you need to know about this menswear essential. It’s no overstatement to say that the OCBD is as near as you’ll get to the ultimate wardrobe cornerstone. “An Oxford shirt can slot easily under a summer suit, or over a plain T-shirt be fitted or slightly oversized worn with the sleeves down to the wrists or rolled up, and in every case, it never looks out of place.”

“It’s truly one of the most versatile and timeless pieces a man can have in his wardrobe,” says Chris Gove, creative director of British menswear brand Percival.

Red button down dress shirt