Product Review: AYR The Deep End Button-Down

March marks the start of The Trial Games series here at Rank & Style, which means we're spending the month testing, trying, sampling, and swatching nonstop in order to find our number ones across all categories—and help you find yours. With that in mind, we're bringing you an in-depth review of the magical button-down multiple Rank & Style staffers bought, tried, and loved. Read on to see why you should buy it too.

A wardrobe piece as essential as the white button-down may seem like an easy thing to find. From the fast-fashion to the high-end, it’s safe to say every retailer has its own version these days. But when shopping for something with this much staple status, there are lots of factors to consider—fit, quality, fabric, price—and nailing down one that checks all the boxes is far from easy.

Or so we thought. Enter the AYR top that has multiple Rank & Style staffers ending their search for The One. Coined “The Deep End,” the shirt has everything you could ever want in a classic, Jane Birken-esque button-down. The fabric is crisp yet comfortable and can withstand an entire day of wear without becoming wrinkled or disheveled. The silhouette is oversized and boxy without the need to size up, but at the same time, it doesn’t look like it’s going to swallow you. (For reference, Oprah wore a size medium on the cover of O Magazine. Yes, Oprah.) It’s also available in a range of classic colors and striped options, and the white one isn’t see-through even though it’s incredibly lightweight.

At $125, the shirt isn’t inexpensive, per se, but it is a rather approachable price for something so timeless, versatile, and Oprah-approved. It has all the features of a perfect white button-down: it transcends seasons and social obligations, and it’s the kind of thing you can wear with trousers to the office, with skinny jeans and heels for a night out, or over a bikini for a day on the beach. You can leave it loose and billowy, give it a front tuck, leave a few buttons undone, or tie the tails into a knot. The styling options truly are endless with this top, which is one of the many reasons why it’s sold out so many times on AYR’s site.

To show you just how crowd-pleasing this button-down really is, we’re bringing you a little input from four Rank & Style team members who’ve been wearing it on repeat—all of whom wear different sizes. Scroll on to read their reviews and see why you, too, deserve this power piece in your closet.

Meredith Rimmer, Director, Editorial & Brand

"It can be very difficult to nail a perfect fit for an oversized button-down, however, AYR's The Deep End shirt does just that. It features a very loose silhouette and dropped shoulders that give it a relaxed look but without the swallowing effect. Plus, the extra-large chest pocket is a nice touch and a detail you don't often find on women's button-downs. When you put on this shirt, you can just feel the craftsmanship and time that went into its design. It's high quality and one of those pieces you know you'll wear for years. Not to mention, it's also extremely comfortable."

Georgia Jones, Site Merchandising Assistant

“At first, I was hesitant to spend $135 on one white button-down shirt. But the more good things I heard about this top, the more I wanted my own! I've been trying to invest in wardrobe staples instead of spending all of my money at fast-fashion retailers, so I looked at buying this shirt as an investment for my closet. And I am so glad I ordered it! AYR's white button-down is my favorite button-down I've ever owned. It's not too see-through, which is something I struggle with when searching for a good white top. The fabric is also a perfect weight, so I can wear it wherever or whenever I want, and it has a slightly oversized fit, which makes it super cute and comfortable!”

Emma Manning, Digital Brand Manager

“This is the holy grail of white button-downs. For someone who has tried what feels like one million white button-downs (Madewell, Everlane, Old Navy, Gap—you name it), this AYR style is seriously the best of the best. The Italian cotton fabric is extremely comfortable and soft yet stiff enough to keep the collar popped, which you will never find me without. Yes, this is a splurge, but for the number of times I wear this, it’s 100% worth it. I love it paired with dark jeans, a coat, and sneakers in the colder months, and with shorts and sandals during the summer. Gold hoops included, of course! It truly is the most perfect and versatile year-round staple, and I plan on owning every color (one day).”

Jamie Chandlee, CEO

"A white button-down is part of my daily uniform and the AYR one is the best I’ve found. From the relaxed fit to the high quality cotton, this shirt is beyond exceptional. It's one of the most-worn pieces in my wardrobe as it is the perfect balance of comfort, professionalism, and style. Dress it up or down, it's extremely versatile and looks great no matter how you style it."

Ready to give the AYR The Deep End Button-Down a try for yourself? Shop the shirt here.