Best Corduroy Shirts for Men 2024: Shop GQ Favorites
GQ RecommendsMeet the swankiest, sturdiest button-ups money can buy. By Louis CheslawNovember 5, 2024Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.When the mercury drops, it’s only natural to switch from fabrics that keep you cool to ones that simply feel soft and warm against your skin. And truthfully, few if any fabrics lay greater claim to that title than corduroy. And while you could elect for a handsomely tufted statement piece—think a corduroy chore coat or blazer—the best corduroy shirts for men are capable of commanding the same attention (for a fraction of the price).Generally speaking, corduroy feels woefully under-worn by the common man—especially when you consider how well it goes with everything he’d normally wear in the fall, from denim to slouchy dress pants to holiday party suiting. In other words, it’s a blue-collar fabric that still manages to feel sort of fancy. Below, we rounded up the the best options—from wide wale to Western—that will help you strike the right, ahem, chord, all winter long.The Best Men's Corduroy Shirts, According to GQBest Everyday Corduroy Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Corduroy Shirt, $125Best Lightweight Corduroy Shirt: Banana Republic Lightweight Corduroy Shirt, $80Best Budget Corduroy Shirt: L.L. Bean Comfort Stretch Corduroy Long Sleeve, $70Best Western Corduroy Shirt: RRL Corduroy Buffalo Western Shirt, $295Best Corduroy Work Shirt: J.Crew Garment-Dyed Corduroy CPO Shirt, $90Best Corduroy Popover Shirt: Alex Mill Carter Popover Shirt, $160Best Relaxed Corduroy Shirt: ERL Corduroy Shirt, $325In This Shopping GuideAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronMore Corduroy Shirts We LoveHow We Made These PicksBest Everyday Corduroy Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Corduroy ShirtPolo Ralph LaurenClassic Fit Corduroy Shirt$125 Ralph Lauren$125 Mr PorterPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsMachine-washableIconic logo statusWide sizing rangeConsSlimmer fit than some might be looking forMachine washable: Yes | Sizing: XS-XXL | Colorways: Newport Navy, Classic Azure, Purple Cactus, Vintage Pine, College Orange, Martin Red, New Bronze, Clubhouse CreamWhen it comes to a corduroy shirt you can wear day in, day out, the most important thing is that it comes in a classic, versatile, well-structured fit. There’s a time and a place for oversized statement cord shirts, but this ain’t it. And for classic casual tailoring staples done right, it’s hard to argue with Polo Ralph Lauren as the category leader. The label’s button-down corduroy shirt is proof: It fits like an OCBD, just turned softer and more elegant. And while the lightweight cotton will slip gracefully under any sweater, should you want to wear it as a top layer—say, over a white tee—that iconic polo logo is there to telegraph just the right amount of preppy energy (and is stitched in a different, perfectly contrasting color for each different shirt shade). Note: Ralph’s fit is pretty close to the body, so if you want to lounge around in yours—or simply have broader shoulders—I would suggest sizing up.Best Lightweight Corduroy Shirt: Banana Republic Lightweight Corduroy ShirtBanana RepublicLightweight Corduroy Shirt$90 Banana RepublicPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsRegular and tall sizingMachine washableMade with organic cottonConsLooser fit might feel baggy to someMachine washable: Yes | Sizing: XS-XXL | Colorways: Green, Medium Blue, Ecru, Brown, Yellow, Khaki BeigeWe talk about how good Banana Republic is now a lot, but it’s through reporting stories like these that I truly appreciate that they have a great version of pretty much every menswear staple you could think of. Take this shirt: The standard fit is just roomy enough without ever billowing out, the six colors (our favorites: the mustard yellow and the olive green) are all playful but still restrained, and even the buttons have been crafted to match the specific colorway they’re sewn onto. Tack that onto having both regular and tall sizing, wrapped up in a package that’s over $40 less than the Ralph, and is it any wonder sizes are already selling out?Best Corduroy Work Shirt: J.Crew Garment-Dyed Corduroy CPO ShirtJ.CrewGarment-Dyed Corduroy CPO Shirt$80 J.CrewPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsChest pocketsVast sizingMachine washableConsHigher price point for a work shirtMachine washable: Yes | Sizing: XS-XXL | Colorways: Dove, Loden Green, BlackSo you’re attracted to corduroy shirts more for their lumberjack, New England hiker association than, say, hitting a French New Wave/Eric Rohmer fall note? No problems there. Let me first draw your attention to J.Crew, who unsurprisingly sell an exemplary corduroy work shirt with all the details—chest pockets, locker loop for hanging—you’re likely looking for. All that said, there’s still a luxurious hand at work here: the three colorways (Dove,
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When the mercury drops, it’s only natural to switch from fabrics that keep you cool to ones that simply feel soft and warm against your skin. And truthfully, few if any fabrics lay greater claim to that title than corduroy. And while you could elect for a handsomely tufted statement piece—think a corduroy chore coat or blazer—the best corduroy shirts for men are capable of commanding the same attention (for a fraction of the price).
Generally speaking, corduroy feels woefully under-worn by the common man—especially when you consider how well it goes with everything he’d normally wear in the fall, from denim to slouchy dress pants to holiday party suiting. In other words, it’s a blue-collar fabric that still manages to feel sort of fancy. Below, we rounded up the the best options—from wide wale to Western—that will help you strike the right, ahem, chord, all winter long.
The Best Men's Corduroy Shirts, According to GQ
- Best Everyday Corduroy Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Corduroy Shirt, $125
- Best Lightweight Corduroy Shirt: Banana Republic Lightweight Corduroy Shirt, $80
- Best Budget Corduroy Shirt: L.L. Bean Comfort Stretch Corduroy Long Sleeve, $70
- Best Western Corduroy Shirt: RRL Corduroy Buffalo Western Shirt, $295
- Best Corduroy Work Shirt: J.Crew Garment-Dyed Corduroy CPO Shirt, $90
- Best Corduroy Popover Shirt: Alex Mill Carter Popover Shirt, $160
- Best Relaxed Corduroy Shirt: ERL Corduroy Shirt, $325
In This Shopping Guide
Best Everyday Corduroy Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Corduroy Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | Sizing: XS-XXL | Colorways: Newport Navy, Classic Azure, Purple Cactus, Vintage Pine, College Orange, Martin Red, New Bronze, Clubhouse Cream
When it comes to a corduroy shirt you can wear day in, day out, the most important thing is that it comes in a classic, versatile, well-structured fit. There’s a time and a place for oversized statement cord shirts, but this ain’t it. And for classic casual tailoring staples done right, it’s hard to argue with Polo Ralph Lauren as the category leader. The label’s button-down corduroy shirt is proof: It fits like an OCBD, just turned softer and more elegant. And while the lightweight cotton will slip gracefully under any sweater, should you want to wear it as a top layer—say, over a white tee—that iconic polo logo is there to telegraph just the right amount of preppy energy (and is stitched in a different, perfectly contrasting color for each different shirt shade). Note: Ralph’s fit is pretty close to the body, so if you want to lounge around in yours—or simply have broader shoulders—I would suggest sizing up.
Best Lightweight Corduroy Shirt: Banana Republic Lightweight Corduroy Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | Sizing: XS-XXL | Colorways: Green, Medium Blue, Ecru, Brown, Yellow, Khaki Beige
We talk about how good Banana Republic is now a lot, but it’s through reporting stories like these that I truly appreciate that they have a great version of pretty much every menswear staple you could think of. Take this shirt: The standard fit is just roomy enough without ever billowing out, the six colors (our favorites: the mustard yellow and the olive green) are all playful but still restrained, and even the buttons have been crafted to match the specific colorway they’re sewn onto. Tack that onto having both regular and tall sizing, wrapped up in a package that’s over $40 less than the Ralph, and is it any wonder sizes are already selling out?
Best Corduroy Work Shirt: J.Crew Garment-Dyed Corduroy CPO Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | Sizing: XS-XXL | Colorways: Dove, Loden Green, Black
So you’re attracted to corduroy shirts more for their lumberjack, New England hiker association than, say, hitting a French New Wave/Eric Rohmer fall note? No problems there. Let me first draw your attention to J.Crew, who unsurprisingly sell an exemplary corduroy work shirt with all the details—chest pockets, locker loop for hanging—you’re likely looking for. All that said, there’s still a luxurious hand at work here: the three colorways (Dove, Black, and Loden Green) are a little “quiet luxury,” and the garment-dyed treatment gives the impression it’s shielded you from the elements through plenty of winters already.
Best Budget Corduroy Shirt: L.L.Bean Comfort Stretch Corduroy Long Sleeve
Machine washable: Yes | Sizing: S-XXXL | Colorways: Burgundy, Coal, Deep Green, Silver Birch, Vintage Indigo, Walnut
We’ll get to Double RL in a second—first, it’s time for Double L. As expected, here comes a true workhorse corduroy shirt in a wider (and more outdoorsy) color range than the J.Crew’ option —and for 15 bucks less! This might be the most affordable shirt on this list, but it’s also the one with the highest number of contemporary details. First, there’s 2 percent spandex in the construction, meaning it’ll stretch a little wherever you need it to. And second, the hem is cut to be just a tad shorter, so the shirt can be worn untucked without looking like you haven’t grown into your father’s hand-me-downs yet.
Best Western Corduroy Shirt: RRL Tan Slim Fit Corduroy Western Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | Sizing: XS-XXL | Colorway: Tan
My favorite development in menswear over the past few years has been the return of Western wear. And while there are plenty of excellent upstarts across the category, it’s the RRL label—Ralph Lauren’s homage to his Colorado ranch, and to well-worn Americana as a whole—that kept the style front and center even when many of us were looking in the other direction. RRL’s corduroy Western Shirt is an object of real beauty, from the press-stud closures to the flap pockets, shoulder detailing, distinctive metal button at the collar, and looser, “relaxing at the cabin” fit. It also comes in a faded tan shade that just has to be referencing a faded brown item from Ralph’s own wardrobe. We’ll see you on Dutton Ranch.
Best Corduroy Popover Shirt: Alex Mill Carter Popover Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | Sizing: XS-XXL | Colorways: Light Putty, Aegean Blue, Navy, ‘Umber’ Brown
I’ve said it before, but I think Alex Mill CEO Mickey Drexler—the man who led GAP and J.Crew in the 1990s and 2000s—still cares deeply about putting out good product, and not cutting any design corners. (see our guide to the best chinos and tote bags as proof.) He also isn’t afraid to play around a little, as evidenced by the various colors and popover design of the brand’s take on a corduroy shirt. It’s admittedly more casual than a true button-down, but if you’re looking for a comfy corduroy shirt, that’s probably more than fine with you.
Best Relaxed Corduroy Shirt: ERL Brown Corduroy Shirt
Machine washable: Yes | Sizing: S-XL | Colorway: Green
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This shirt from ERL is specifically designed to be worn loose and louche. Designer Eli Russell Linnetz’s play-minded, L.A.-based streetwear brand has clothed Bad Bunny for Coachella, Kanye West and Lady Gaga on multiple occasions, and also earned Linnetz the prestigious guest designer spot at last year’s Pitti Uomo. Adding to his typical spirit of comfort, this shirt’s wale—the term for how thick those ridges of corduroy are—is extra thick and dense, and there’s a handy chest pocket for your pods, snacks, and car keys.
More Corduroy Shirts We Love
Evan Kinori
Field Shirt
It’s getting harder and harder to find menswear’s favorite cult designer, Evan Kinori, in stock. If you have the scratch ready to snag his rare foray into corduroy, I envy and urge you.
How We Made These Picks
We make every effort to cast as wide of a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options across three key categories: quality, fit, and price.
To kick off the process, we enlist the GQ Recommends braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the folks involved have worked in retail, slinging clothes to the masses; others have toiled for small-batch menswear labels; all spend way too much time thinking about what hangs in their closets.
We lean on that collective experience to guide our search, culling a mix of household names, indie favorites, and the artisanal imprints on the bleeding-edge of the genre. Then we narrow down the assortment to the picks that scored the highest across quality, fit, and price.
Across the majority of our buying guides, our team boasts firsthand experience with the bulk of our selects, but a handful are totally new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best in their category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs.
Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there's bound to be a superlative version on this list for you. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)
