Encircled The Comfy Button Up

It's an exciting day for enthusiasts of the Canadian ethical fashion brand, encircled. 

A brand new design, The Comfy Button Up is being released today after what seems to have been a roller coaster ride of research, design, and production.
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The Comfy Button Up, available in 6 colors

​Between 2020 being what it was and Kristi & her team's dedication to only putting out their absolute best, I have a feeling this design is going to be more than worth the wait. Let's get into it!


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More Encircled Clothing  Reviews Here • All Style Posts & Reviews Here

But first of all.... Is it Button Up or Button Down?

I was today years old when I actually learned the answer to this.... I always felt more inclined to say button up, but didn't really know the difference between a "button up shirt" and a "button down shirt". Was it just preference? Is it based on how you do the buttons on your shirts - starting from the top down or going from the bottom button up? Does it depend where you're from? Nope, nope, nope. Apparently it depends on the collar. If there is a collar with buttons, then it is a button down! It's a button down, button up shirt. No buttons on the collar (or no collar at all) and it's a button up shirt!  :-o

Now that today's fun fact is covered, let's talk more about the design features of encircled's The Comfy Button Up compared to traditional button ups and their wildly popular The Comfy Dress Shirt. 

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The Love-Hate Relationship Between Women and Button Up Shirts

The silhouette of a button up is absolutely classic. Great on it's own with pants or skirts, layered under sweaters or dresses, even tied in a knot for more of a casual-chic vibe. Basically, it's a go to if you want to feel put together and confident. Or is it?
It's hard for most people to get a good fit in a button up. Materials are often uncomfortable. And don't even get us started on buttons gaping open and giving anyone next to you an eyeful..  Let's compare some design elements of traditional button ups with The Comfy Button Up.

The Collar 

Let's start with the most noticeable difference: the collar. A traditional button up features a classic collar that I'm sure you're already picturing in your mind, whether it buttons down or not. The Comfy Button Up features a modified standing band collar. This was chosen thoughtfully for style purposes, but also for function, longevity of the garment, and overall sustainability. You see, a gorgeously soft and comfortable modal fabric isn't ideal for a stiff, traditional peaked collar. While it may look great straight out of the package, after washing the collar would likely require more maintanence than any of us are into because the nature of the fabric is to go with the flow, not be stiff and rigid. Like us, right? ;) 

I think this is a smart design move. Although most of us would still love to see an option with that crisp collar some day, somehow, it would be worse to save up for a piece that looks amazing and after the first wash you stop reaching for it because the collar is curling. These are the hints that encircled actually cares about what they are designing, are interested in the overall experience with their garments, and are not just trying to crank out as many designs as possible like other brands at the sacrifice of this thoughtfulness.

The modified standing band collar also makes this piece more unique in your wardrobe! I love to have pieces that are a little special/unique but totally wearable day in and day out. Win.

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More Encircled Clothing  Reviews Here • All Style Posts & Reviews Here

The Comfy Button Up Modified Standing Band Collar

The Neckline

For years I thought I preferred crew necks over V-necks and recently had an epiphany that the reason I got rid of all my V necks was not because I didn't like the style... it was because they were too low for my preference! I'm thrilled to see the neckline choice of The Comfy Button Up being a modest V neck and this design choice coupled with the collar style are said to help combat and prevent the dreaded button gape. 

The Material

The Comfy Button Up is made from a heavier weight Modal (a fabric made from beech pulp. 95% of water used in production is recycled!!) and a touch of Spandex. It's a sustainable fabric that is breathable, won't shrink, relatively wrinkle resistant, and holds color beautifully.

How long is the Comfy Button Up?

The shirt hem hits at the hips in the front and provides great coverage in the back, making it perfect to wear with leggings and to do my favorite French tuck! ;)

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More Encircled Clothing  Reviews Here • All Style Posts & Reviews Here

The Comfy Button Up, Modal Material

The Comfy Button Up Length

Other Style Details of the Comfy Button Up I Love 

If you've followed encircled for a while you probably enjoy the journey because you learn a lot of what goes into making a garment. You see behind the scenes and you have more appreciation for what you wear. You'll also agree that encircled loves to listen to their customers, get feedback, and update designs. It's fun to see favorite design elements from various garments be fused together into something new! The back yoke seam was a lovely design feature on the Fair Long Sleeve and later the Comfy Dress Shirt (how to style here). The Comfy Button Up also looks to feature those beautifully designed sleeves, that gather so nicely at the cuff.  Can't wait to get a close up of the buttons too. I know from social encircled had a hard time getting buttons that aligned with their values, but they were persistent and successful!

The Comfy Button Up - Fit Comparison

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More Encircled Clothing  Reviews Here • All Style Posts & Reviews Here

What Are The Differences Between The Comfy Button Up Shirt and The Comfy Dress Shirt?

Comfy Button Up Shirt
Higher neckline
Buttons up the front

Comfy Dress Shirt
Lower neckline
Front pleats for lovely drape

Other than that, fit is the same and I think the other design elements are the same more or less! 

The Comfy Button Up vs. The Comfy Dress Shirt

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More Encircled Clothing  Reviews Here • All Style Posts & Reviews Here

What Colors is the Comfy Button Up Available In?

At initial launch 6 colors are available! Black, white, ginger, charcoal, biscotti, and navy!

What Color Am I Getting?

I'm torn between white and biscotti. I'm intrigued by what looks like a touch of olive undertone on the charcoal color, but with spring and summer afoot, I'm leaning toward a lighter neutral! 

What Size?

I prefer a more fitted look, so I'll be sizing down to XS for sure!

The Comfy Button Up, 6 colors at launch

Shop The Comfy Button Up in Canada or US/Global 
More Encircled Clothing  Reviews Here • All Style Posts & Reviews Here