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. 

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

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.

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

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 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.

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! ;)

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

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

Comfy Button Up Shirt
Higher neckline
Buttons up the front

Comfy Dress Shirt
Lower neckline
Front pleats for lovely drape

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

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

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! 

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

What is the purpose of a body suit?
At it's core, a body suit provides a smooth, fitted, tucked in top look without weird bunching or the chance of it coming untucked. 
​
Why are bodysuits so popular?
If you love wearing high waisted bottoms - high waisted pants, high waisted shorts or skirts, or body skimming pencil skirts, a body suit gives a very flattering fit and finishes the look perfectly. 

The problem(s) with bodysuits

While bodysuits have the potential to provide a polished final look, there are some problems.

1. Bodies are different, torso lengths are different. If the fit isn't right for your body, it's going to ride up and cause discomfort. It's impossible for a brand to make a body suit that will fit every body, unless *maybe* the only product they make is a bodysuit.
2. The bathroom thing.... You either have to go back to being a 4 year old in a one piece swimsuit and pull the whole thing down to pee. Or pull the fabric off to the side and hope for the best. Alternatively many brands have snaps taking you back to the baby days. No just kidding. Snaps can be good for some people, but a lot of people don't like them and you still have to multitask with that fabric to make sure it's not "in the way"...which isn't ideal. 

The Unbodysuit Styled w/ The Fair Micro-Waffle Jogger - ​ Canada or  US/Global
Perfect for all your safe-at-home days ;)

"The Unbodysuit has all the design features that make a truly great bodysuit but in the form of a top. Available in a sleeveless and ¾ sleeve option and made from soft, yet structured Modal fabric." 
- encircled encircled body suit review 

The Unbodysuit Styled With The Fair Legging - Canada or  US/Global

Okay, so is it just a t-shirt?

Well, no. It's definitely not a t-shirt. But yes, it is a top. Most tops, especially from encircled, have a different fit - some are very drapey, some are fitted at top and flowy, some are oversized, some are boxy. The Unbodysuit looks to me like a fitted top made from the most amazing, soft, sustainable material you'd want touching your skin and I'm here for it! 

The Unbodysuit Styled With Comfy Puff Sleeve Cardigan - Canada or  US/Global

1. Tucked into high waisted skirts
2. Tucked into high waisted jeans
3. Tucked into pencil skirts
4. Base layer for winter sweaters 
5. Transitional piece - layering under summer dresses for more versatility
6. Base layer for modesty when necklines are too low for my preference 
7. Under Blazers

The Unbodysuit Styled With The Unmoto Jacket in Olive  - Canada or  US/Global
(dying over this jacket!)

1. Sleeveless & 3/4 Length Sleeve Option - Great for different seasons and purposes. 3/4 length is amazing for under sweaters. You don't need two long sleeves bunching at your wrist, even if you do want a layer underneath for added warmth or as a barrier against wool or just to add longevity to your sweater.
   
   
2. I love that it is designed for this. I've never owned a body suit but in the summer time I love skirts and dresses and thus live in some sort of base layer shirt and slip shorts to create a similar outcome of a bodysuit without the annoyances of a body suit. The thing is, the shirts aren't meant for this/the cut isn't designed for this. It works, but not completely the same smooth look.  (PS Encircled - if you ever see this.... slip shorts on the horizon? Bought my last pair in 2015 and would be nice to get away from the nylon/span blend and big brand) That's were having a design team trying to get you the benefits of a style while removing or minimizing the downsides of it can make a big difference!​
   
   
3. Sustainable materials, ethically made, B Corp, and moreeee cool stuff like that :) 

The Unbodysuit Styled w/ The All Day Wide Leg Pant - ​ Canada or  US/Global
(love this look too.. faux jumpsuit. super chic) 

Looks like the initial run of The Unbodysuit is black, navy, mauve, and maybe sapphire blue? I'd like to see a light neutral in there - whether white or off white/ivory etc. Even in the winter this is a great piece to have. I'm thinking of a light knit sweater that I want to wear something underneath and I want it a similar light color, just as a for instance! 

Looking forward to seeing more pics and learning more about this piece when it fully launches today. Check it out: 

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

Encircled has done something really cool. While we are all stuck at home and looking for DIYS and crafts to keep us busy and fulfilled, why not grab their DIY Renew Kit and make something you'll actually use?!  (unlike all thosediamond art paintings you've been doing)

For $16 you will receive fabric, printed patterns, and video tutorials to make THREE of the design you choose - The Renew Scrunchie, The Renew Tie-Up Headband, or The Travelista Headband. If you prefer, you can buy them already made, but if you want to try the DIY version, not only will you have a fun activity, but you'll have 3 accessories for the price of one ready-made option! 

Shop The Comfy Puff Sleeve Cardigan US/Global here and Canadians here

Read Encircled Clothing Reviews here 

Tomorrow encircled is releasing a new design, The Dressy Pullover (US/Global here Canadians here) and they describe it this way:

"This top features a wide, elegant boat neckline that can be worn on or off the shoulder, combined with cuffed raglan sleeves and a bandless waist, so you can tuck (or French tuck) without any restriction. We’re sure you’ll be pulling this one out of your closet as a go-to all year."

​It pairs with their famous Dressy Sweatpant design made in the same new sustainable Bamboo Rib Knit Fabric! 

​While I've decided the wide, boat necklines aren't for me (I'm not so much of an off-the-shoulder kind of girl, more of a snuggle up with a cozy scarf kind girl), I'm totally loving the texture of this new fabric and I'm excited to potentially see it brought to other designs! It would be nice to compare the feel and durability of the bamboo blend with modal (from beech tree pulp. 

If you're wondering how to style the Dressy Pullover, check out this post (US/Global here or Canadians here) to read 5 ways to style the Dressy Pullover / The Bamboo Rib Dressy Sweatsuit in the article titled "Loungewear, But Make it Dressy"

The Fair Lounge Set by Encircled
A new, GOTS- organic cotton lounge set with micro-waffle fabric... or is it micro-rib?

I guess it's both! But whatever you call it, it's definitely going to be a cozy addition to your wardrobe!

Rothy's newest collection brings some sparkly! Snag a discount here!

• Night Metallic The Point
• Twilight Metallic The Loafer
• Mirage Metallic The Square
• Twilight Metallic The Mary Jane
• Desert Metallic The Flat