OCBD stands for Oxford Cloth Button Down. It refers to a shirt made from Oxford cloth with a collar that buttons to the shirt. The OCBD became an American menswear staple because it strikes an uncommon balance between relaxed and refined. It can be worn with jeans or chinos, under a jacket, or even with a tie.

At New England Shirt Co., the Oxford is part of our heritage. We've been making shirts in Fall River, Massachusetts since 1933.

Oxford cloth is a woven cotton fabric known for its distinctive texture, durability, and ability to soften with wear. Traditional Oxford cloth uses a basketweave construction that gives the fabric more substance and character than a typical smooth dress-shirt fabric.

The result is a shirt that feels substantial without being heavy, looks relaxed without looking sloppy, and becomes more comfortable over time.

NESC's Oxford is made from 100% cotton in a traditional 2x1 basketweave.

Either. That's part of what makes the Oxford so versatile.

Wear it untucked with jeans or casual trousers for a relaxed look. Tuck it into chinos or dress trousers when you want a cleaner, more polished appearance. An Oxford can also be worn under a jacket or with a tie.

The key is the length and fit of the shirt. An Oxford should be long enough to stay comfortably tucked, but not so long that it looks awkward when worn untucked.

Always follow the care instructions on your particular shirt, but most cotton Oxfords are best washed gently in cold or cool water and dried on low heat or air-dried.

Avoid excessive heat, which can cause cotton to shrink and can wear down the fabric over time. If you want your Oxford to develop more character and last for years, treat it less like a disposable garment and more like a piece of clothing you'll keep.

For NESC shirts, follow the specific care instructions on the garment.

Not always. Oxford cloth can be made from cotton, cotton blends, or other fibers depending on the manufacturer and garment.

Traditional, high-quality Oxford shirts are commonly made from cotton because of its breathability, durability, softness, and ability to develop character with wear.

NESC's Oxford cloth is 100% cotton, woven in a traditional 2x1 basketweave.

The biggest difference is how the shirt is made and how it's intended to be worn.

A traditional dress shirt is generally made from a smoother, lighter fabric such as poplin or broadcloth and is designed for more formal occasions. An Oxford has a more textured, substantial cloth and a naturally more relaxed character.

An OCBD can still be dressed up with a jacket or tie, but it doesn't have the formality of a traditional dress shirt.

Think of it this way: a dress shirt is made for the occasion. An Oxford is made for the life around it.