The Best Performance Dress Shirts to Stay Comfortable, Cool and Wrinkle-Free

Just because your career or solution obligation requires a buttoned-down shirt doesn’t mean you’re doomed to discomfort and high dry cleaning bills.

So-called performance dress shirts replace the hefty cotton found in traditional button-down shirts with a mix of advanced synthetic fibers with roots in athletic wear. 

These material innovations offer a variety of practical benefits, including more freedom of motion, comfort, wrinkle resistance, and even odor resistance and quick-drying capabilities in some cases. 

Our team has worn and tested the most popular options on the market to identify the best performance dress shirt overall and a variety of picks for more specific needs and body types. We also spoke with expert Lee Moffie, co-founder of the athletic fit dress shirt company State & Liberty Clothing Co, to better understand the basics of the performance dress shirt category and what buyers should focus on.

So whether you’re looking for a cooler dress shirt for the warmer months, a more comfortable dress shirt for active commuting, a wrinkle-battling travel shirt for business or personal trips, or a new wardrobe staple to wear year-round, we’ve got a recommendation to suit your needs.

How We Tested Performance Dress Shirts

Evan Malachosky

We wore several of our top picks both underneath a blazer and on their own, with and without a tie.

The specific details we focused on included assessing how the various performance dress shirts collars, cuffs and hems felt, as well as how they buttoned.

To gauge their practicality as a potential weekly work uniform staple, we monitored whether the performance dress shirts wrinkled with time and and how they looked after a normal wash cycle.

Best Overall

Rhone

Best Overall

Rhone Commuter Shirt

Specs

Materials	87% Polyamide, 13% Elastane
Available Fits	Slim & Classic
Available Lengths	Standard only
Available Collar Types	Straight-Point & Semi-Spread
Washing Instructions	Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low or line dry. Steam if needed.

Pros

• Most breathable performance dress shirt we've tested
• Handles machine washing well
• Patented GOLDFUSION anti-odor technology prevents unwanted odors
• Hidden button collar keeps the collar down
• Two cuff button locations can give the shirt a different look

Cons

• Comes untucked sometimes because of its short tail
• Sleeves are long for smaller guys
• Not available in multiple lengths

• $138 at Rhone
• $138 at Amazon
• $138 at Norstdrom

The Rhone Commuter Shirt is the most breathable performance dress shirt we tested, thanks to its nylon-elastane blend that’s both thin and durable. Our testers particularly appreciated that despite being light and airy, you couldn’t see through the Rhone Commuter shirt, even when our tester wasn’t wearing an undershirt.

Our testers also felt the Rhone Commuter Shirt offered the best silhouette. The collar’s handy button stays are easy to use, creating a trim neckline to hang a tie. The cuffs provide two button positions, which our tester liked when they wore the shirt one way (without a jacket) versus another (on its own).

Evan Malachosky

Evan Malachosky

The shirt proves machine washable, and its interwoven nylon and elastane offer natural wrinkle release that helps the shirt look polished even after a long day of active use.

Best for a Perfect Fit

Bonobos

Best for a Perfect Fit

Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Dress Shirt

Specs

Materials	76% Cotton, 21% Nylon, 3% Lycra
Available Fits	Tailored, Slim, Standard, Athletic
Available Collar Types	Semi Spread, Spread
Washing Instructions	Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Warm iron if needed. Hanging is recommended after drying to maintain smoothness

Pros

• Comes in over three dozen colors
• Available in specific neck sizes & sleeve lengths
• Available in four fits, including athletic
• It's safe to iron

Cons

• Tail isn't long enough to stay tucked in for some body types
• No options with pocket available

• $139 at Bonobos

Bonobos’ Jetsetter Stretch Dress Shirt offers far more sizing options than many other performance dress shirts on this list off the rack. Instead of traditional sizes, buyers can pick from a selection of sleeve lengths and neck sizes, like they would with more conventional dress shirts. 

The Jetsetter Stretch is also available in four different fits, including a rarer athletic form for V-shaped builds, and even offers two different collar styles. Together, buyers can hone in on the perfect fit to suit their body type to achieve a more tailored look. 

Regarding travel suitability, we also like that this shirt can be warm ironed to stamp out wrinkles after unpacking. 

If you take Bonobos up on the two shirts for $199 bulk savings deal, the shirt also becomes one of the more affordable selections on this list.

Best for a Classic Look

Huckberry

Best For a Classic Look

Faherty Movement Shirt

Specs

Materials	55% Supima Cotton, 25% Recycled Nylon, 16% Lyocell, 4% Elastane
Available Fits	Classic (Relaxed through chest and body) & Relaxed (Relaxed through the chest, slightly tapered at the waist)
Available Lengths	Standard & Tall
Available Collar Types	Spread collar with concealed buttons
Washing Instructions	Turn inside out. Machine wash cold with like colors. Gentle cycle. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. Remove promptly. Cool iron when needed.

Pros

• Comes in a number of colors and patterns to match your suit
• Mostly cotton, which makes it more comfortable to wear

Cons

• Spread collar isn't for everyone
• Reviewers have noted it lacks durability after long wear
• Slightly more expensive than competing shirts

• $158 at Faherty
• $158 at Huckberry
• $158 at Amazon
• $158 at Nordstrom
• $158 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Founded by Mike Faherty, a designer who rose through the ranks at Ralph Lauren, Faherty produces an array of staples inspired by sun and surf — and New England prep styles. 

The brand’s performance dress shirt blends more materials than competitors to create a good-looking, albeit traditional, fit but with plenty of stretch at stress points. 

We appreciated just how many color options are available – including plaid colorways, several gingham patterns, and your usual solids – which make it a plausible choice for anyone seeking a new “uniform” button-down for more formal workplaces. 

However, this shirt needs to be handled with more care while washing compared to other performance dress shirts to keep looking its best.

Best Affordable Option

Gap

Best Affordable Option

Gap All-Day Poplin Shirt

Specs

Materials	67% Cotton, 30% Polyester, 3% Spandex
Available Fits	Standard (Slim through chest & shoulders) & Untucked (Shorter hem)
Available Lengths	Standard Fit: (Regular, Tall, Slim) Untucked Fit: (Regular, Tall)
Available Collar Types	Button Down Collar
Washing Instructions	Machine wash

Pros

• Available in regular, tall and slim fits
• Traditional button-down collar
• Less than half the cost of competing shirts and often on sale

Cons

• Can fit snug around shoulders and chest for larger guys
• Less performance-oriented than more expensive options
• Offers a more casual aesthetic that may not suit certain workplaces

• $35.97 at GAP
  $59.95 (40% off)

Though not explicitly marketed as a performance dress shirt, Gap’s All-Day Poplin Shirt blends of cotton, polyester, and spandex to provide the wrinkle-fighting abilities and a stretchier feel most come to expect from the performance dress shirt category.

Its vibe is much more casual than other selections on this list, and its traditional button-down collar will feel limiting to those who prefer a cleaner and more formal look while wearing a tie.

Given that it retails for less than $60 and is frequently on sale for far less, it’s a great option without breaking the bank, allowing buyers to stock up and rotate through a few colors at a reasonable price.

Best Athletic Fit Option

State & Liberty

Best Athletic Fit

State & Liberty The Springer Shirt

Specs

Materials	Performance Polyester & Spandex
Available Fits	Athletic (More room in the upper body with a tapered waist
Available Lengths	Standard
Available Collar Types	Spread Collar (With included collar stays)
Washing Instructions	Machine wash in cold on delicate, hang dry (no dry cleaning)

Pros

• Shirt is flattering in the shoulders and through the torso, thanks to a tailored fit that's ideal for V-shape bodies
• Its very breathable and moisture wicking

Cons

• Collar is almost too stiff, which makes it rub
• Use of synthetic blend may be a turn-off for some

• $95.00 at stateandliberty.com

State & Liberty’s shirts are made from the brand’s proprietary Athletic Performance Fabric, a blend of polyester and spandex. But most are cut with an athletic fit, which flatters without being too form-fitting. Sure, a lot of NFLers wear this one, but you don’t need to be built like one to wear it. The shoulders are tailored, while a hidden button collar stay helps keep it upright.

Evan Malachosky

Evan Malachosky

We found the collar a little crunchy, though. It’s a tad oversized and almost feels like it’s filled with cardboard, which makes it hard to flip up to put on a tie. It also rubs if you’re someone with a thicker neck because State and Liberty does not offer specific sizes, just alpha ones: XS through 3XL.

Best for Untucking

Untuckit

Best For Wearing Untucked

UNTUCKit Wrinkle-Free Performance Gironde Shirt

Specs

Materials	92% Nylon, 8% Elastane
Available Fits	Regular (Designed for being untucked), Slim, Relaxed
Available Lengths	Regular Fit (Tall), Slim Fit (Tall)
Available Collar Types	Spread Collar
Washing Instructions	Machine wash cold separately. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low medium. Do not iron.

Pros

• Stretchy fabric that doesn’t lose its durability and elasticity
• Color stays vibrant after multiple washes

Cons

• Shorter design may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer a clean tuck into trousers
• The shirt does wrinkle quite easily

• $105 at UNTUCKit
• $105 at Amazon
• $105 at Macy's
• at

UNTUCKit’s most famous performance dress shirt comes in white, navy, black and blue. The company’s regular fit is intended for more casual looks since it’s sized to be worn untucked with jeans or slacks. However, you can purchase other sizes for more formal use cases.

Whatever fit you choose, the breathable fabric keeps your armpits dry and comfortable.

Evan Malachosky

Evan Malachosky

As you can see from our testing photos, the shirt does also wrinkle. We didn’t feel the wrinkling was any more egregious than other shirts after wearing, but the name is misleading.

Best for Casual Work Places

Lululemon

Best Low Maintenance Casual Shirt

Lululemon Commission Long-Sleeve Shirt

Specs

Materials	55% Cotton, 45% Elastomultiester
Available Fit	Classic (Room in chest and waist)
Washing Instructions	Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron.

Pros

• Casual look is good for informal offices and weekends
• Few wrinkles directly out of the dryer if hung immediately
• Quicker drying
• Includes Zinc odor fighting technology

Cons

• Torso is a bit short for tucking in, but is doable with a higher rise pant
• Shrinkage and color fading have been reported with washing
• Limited color selections
• Limited fit options

• $118.00 at Lululemon

Though we’d advise against wearing the Lululemon Commission Long-Sleeve Shirt with a suit, it’s perfectly fine paired with smarter trousers or sleek chinos. 

It is ideal for a more casual office or during off hours; its traditional shape skews professional while remaining comfortable. Eyelets help ventilate, while gusseted armpits offer a better range of motion. This shirt is infused with No-Stink Zinc technology, which fends off the bacteria that cause body odor. 

Washing it is a mixed bag. On one hand, the shirt is known to shrink slightly and suffers from color fading over time. On the other hand, unlike the UNTUCKit Gironde, if you’re good about immediately hanging the shirt right out of the dryer, the shirt will stay remarkably smooth and continues to fight wrinkles throughout the day.

Best for Active Commutes

Ministry of Supply

Best For Active Commutes

Ministry of Supply Apollo Dress Shirt

Specs

Materials	54% Recycled Polyester, 46% PCM-infused Polyester (Core)
Available Fits	Standard, Slim
Available Lengths	Standard
Washing Instructions	Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Cool iron if needed.

Pros

• Made using NASA-developed temperature regulating technology that is 19x more breathable than cotton
• Heat regulation and stretch material make it great for active commuters

Cons

• Runs long on torso and arms
• Spread collar loses its crisp line after a few wears
• Core version material looks technical

• $128.00 at Ministry of Supply

Boasting NASA’s temperature-regulating Phase Change technology, Ministry of Supply’s aptly named Apollo shirt offers the performance abilities of athletic apparel with the look of something more formal.

That said, some versions of the shirt also look more technical compared to standard button-downs or even other performance dress shirts on this list.

Beyond excellent temperature regulation, its slimmer through-the-body fit, moisture-wicking capabilities, and curved hem make it a fantastic option for those who actively commute mainly outside by walking or cycling.

Best for Wrinkle Resistance

Mack Weldon

Best Wrinkle Resistance

Mack Weldon Airflex Shirt

Specs

Materials	96% Polyester / 4% Seawool
Available FIts	Standard (Relatively Tapered and Slim)
Available Lengths	Standard
Washing Instructions	Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low

Pros

• Made from recycled ocean material
• Great wrinkle resistance
• Quick drying

Cons

• Limited to just three colors/patterns
• Reviewers notice the shoulders have a boxy cut which isn’t flattering on all body types
• Fit variance between patterns

• $118.00 at Mack Weldon

This shirt’s Airflex technology, which, as Mack Weldon puts it, “refuses to wrinkle, ” offers impressive wrinkle resistance. Unfortunately, the shirt is now only sold in three different color patterns, in only one length and fit.

Best for Casual Travel

Western Rise

Best for Casual Travel

Western Rise Limitless Merino Button-Down

Specs

Materials	53% Australian Merino wool, 47% Polyester.
Available Collar Styles	Button-Down
Available Fits	Standard
Available Lengths	Standard
Washing Instructions	Wash cold with mild wool detergent (Kookaburra). Lay flat to dry. Do not bleach.

Pros

• Made in part with Merino Wool
• Odor resistant
• Packs small

Cons

• Shrinkage likely if using a machine dryer
• Some reviewers have noted the larger sizes are short in the arms and torso

• $128.00 at Western Rise
• $128 at Amazon
• $128 at Nordstrom

Looking decent while traveling is never easy. You want to look put-together but also want to remain comfortable and not get off the plane feeling sweaty and gross. Western Rise has created a shirt that combats this problem with Merino wool, a tried and true, not to mention miraculous natural performance wear fiber.

Its incredibly breathable, naturally combats odors and does an excellent job resisting wrinkles. However, if you want to ensure the longevity of the wool, special care needs to be taken while washing it.

Performance Dress Shirt Basics & FAQs

How do performance dress shirts different from standard dress shirts?

Performance fabrics and materials that were once exclusive to athletic apparel are now being applied and integrated into a wide range of clothing, including the traditional men’s button-down shirt. 

These next-gen, high-tech shirts, typically called Performance Dress Shirts, usually provide various benefits, including improved movement, better temperature regulation, and wrinkle resistance, and are generally easier to clean.

That’s the main draw, says shirting expert and State & Liberty co-founder Lee Moffie.

“First and foremost is going to be comfort,” he says. “The 4-way stretch allows for guys to wear the shirt a little more fitted than a traditional dress shirt without sacrificing comfort. Next is going to be the performance aspect of the shirt. The fabric not only keeps guys cool and dry throughout the day but it also lasts longer and looks sharp over multiple wears and washes. Last is the easy care. The performance fabric is wrinkle-free and can be machine washed which means they travel well and guys can save hundreds of dollars a year by not having to dry clean their dress shirts.”

Performance dress shirt marketing terms to know

• Performance: The “performance” denotation implies the fabrics used on this shirt were first used in athletic arenas. They’ll likelier be better at moisture wicking, breathing and stretching.
• Commuter, Traveler, Movement: Terms like these, which conjure long trips or busy subway trains, imply the shirts they describe will be comfortable in these tight-quartered environments. Think of them as substitutes for terms like performance.
• Stretch: Stretch refers to a shirt’s ability to give to your body’s natural movements. Maybe you lift your arms above your head to hold onto the subway rail, or your bike to work. Essentially, the shirt won’t suffocate you — meaning you don’t have to worry about it ripping at the seams.

Common materials that add performance benefits to dress shirts

• Spandex
• Polyester
• Lyocell
• Modal
• Nylon
• Bamboo
• Elastane

“Traditionally a performance dress shirt is one that is made from technical, man-made fabrics,” Moffie, our expert, says. Below you’ll find a breakdown of these materials. “These dress shirts are meant to perform and withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. These dress shirts are stretchy, moisture wicking, wrinkle-free, durable and easy care.”

While not an exhaustive list, shirts that include some proportion of the following fibers and materials listed above will tend to offer more performance-like benefits over a typical shirt made exclusively from cotton.

Basic styling tip to following when wearing performance dress shirts

When you wear a dress shirt with added stretch, it’s important to consider the jacket or pants you pair it with. They must be equally as sleek, especially since most performance dress shirts have a slight sheen. Try a poly or satin silk tie; opt for pants with a modern edge, meaning they have a tapered fit and no obvious texture (i.e. avoid pairing your performance dress shirt with nappy corduroy pants).

According to Moffie, the main draw is a better fit — without sacrificing comfort. “Stretch allows for guys to wear the shirt a little more fitted than a traditional dress shirt without sacrificing comfort,” he says. Plus, they never look wrinkled, “which means they travel well and guys can save hundreds of dollars a year by not having to dry clean their dress shirts,” he adds.

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