St John’s Bay Button Down Shirts

Finding Quality, Comfort, and Style Without Breaking the Bank

As I stand in front of my closet on a crisp Monday morning, my hand instinctively reaches for the familiar comfort of my favorite button-down. There’s something reassuring about having a collection of shirts that just work—reliable pieces that don’t demand much thought but still make you look put together. That’s exactly what my St. John’s Bay shirts have become in my wardrobe: dependable companions for nearly any occasion.

I remember my first St. John’s Bay button-down—a simple blue oxford that I picked up on a whim during a JCPenney sale four years ago. Little did I know it would become the gateway to what has become something of a collection. What started as a budget-friendly purchase has evolved into a genuine appreciation for a brand that delivers consistent quality without the premium price tag.

If you’re considering adding some St. John’s Bay button-downs to your rotation, I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned from years of wearing, washing, and living in these shirts. Consider this your comprehensive guide to one of America’s most underrated menswear staples.

What Are St. John’s Bay Button-Down Shirts, Anyway?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. St. John’s Bay is JCPenney’s private label brand that’s been around since the 1980s. While they produce a wide range of menswear and womenswear, their button-down shirts have developed something of a cult following among value-conscious shoppers.

When I talk about St. John’s Bay button-downs, I’m referring to collared shirts with a full button-front closure. Technically speaking, a true “button-down” has a collar that buttons down to the shirt (originally designed for polo players to keep their collars from flapping), but the term has expanded in common usage to include any shirt with buttons down the front.

St. John’s Bay offers several variations—oxford cloth, poplin, flannel, and performance fabrics—in both long and short-sleeve options. What unifies them is their positioning as affordable, reliable basics that lean toward a traditional American casual style.

Where To Find St. John’s Bay Button-Downs

The primary and only official retailer for St. John’s Bay shirts is JCPenney. As a private label brand exclusive to JCPenney, you won’t find these shirts at other department stores or retailers. This exclusivity is part of what keeps the prices reasonable—there’s no middle-man markup.

You can shop for them in any physical JCPenney location or through their website. I’ve found that the in-store selection can vary significantly between locations, with larger stores carrying more sizes, fits, and patterns. The online selection is usually more comprehensive, though seasonal items come and go quickly.

Occasionally, you might spot St. John’s Bay shirts at secondhand stores or online marketplaces like eBay or Poshmark, often at even deeper discounts. I’ve picked up a couple of barely-worn options this way, including a fantastic gingham check that was apparently someone else’s sizing mishap.

The Price Point: Affordability That Makes Sense

One of the most compelling aspects of St. John’s Bay shirts is their price point. Regular prices typically range from $30-$45, but here’s an insider tip: never pay full price for a St. John’s Bay shirt. JCPenney runs promotions so frequently that with a little patience, you can almost always snag these shirts for $15-25.

During major sales events like Black Friday, after-Christmas clearances, or end-of-season closeouts, I’ve found them for as low as $9.99. At that price, they compete with fast fashion brands but generally offer superior quality and longevity.

If you sign up for JCPenney’s rewards program or use their credit card, you’ll receive additional coupons and earn points toward future purchases. I’m not one to recommend store credit cards generally, but if you’re already a regular JCPenney shopper, the additional savings might make sense for your situation.

The value proposition becomes even clearer when you compare them to similar shirts from brands like Gap, J.Crew, or even Target’s Goodfellow line. At sale prices, St. John’s Bay shirts are typically $5-15 cheaper than comparable options, with quality that stands up admirably in comparison.

Understanding the Sizing and Fit Options

Getting the right fit is crucial for any button-down shirt, and St. John’s Bay offers several options to accommodate different body types. Their current lineup includes:

1. Regular Fit: Their standard option, with a traditional cut that provides room through the chest and waist without being boxy.
2. Slim Fit: A more tailored option that offers a trimmer silhouette through the chest, arms, and waist.
3. Big & Tall: Extended sizing for larger frames, with proportions adjusted for comfort.

Size-wise, they cover the spectrum from Small to 3XL in regular sizing, and up to 5XL in their Big & Tall range. Sleeve lengths come in standard increments for long-sleeve options.

From my experience (and I’ve tried all three fits), the regular fit strikes a nice balance—professional enough for office wear when tucked in, but not so voluminous that it looks sloppy untucked. The slim fit compares favorably to more expensive brands’ slim options, though it’s not quite as aggressively tapered as some fashion-forward labels.

Are they true to size? Mostly yes, with a slight caveat. I find St. John’s Bay shirts to be consistent with American sizing standards, which tend to be more generous than European brands. If you typically wear a Medium in brands like Lands’ End or L.L.Bean, you’ll likely wear a Medium in St. John’s Bay as well. If you prefer trimmer European cuts, you might want to consider sizing down or opting for their slim fit.

One thing to note: there is some variation between fabrics. The oxford cloth options tend to have a slightly more generous cut than the poplin or performance fabrics. Their flannel shirts, meanwhile, are designed with a bit more room for layering.

Fabric and Materials: Better Than You’d Expect

For shirts in this price range, the fabric quality of St. John’s Bay button-downs is surprisingly good. Here’s a breakdown of the main fabric options you’ll encounter:

Oxford Cloth: Their oxford cloth button-downs (often abbreviated as OCBDs) use a medium-weight cotton with the characteristic basket weave texture. While not as substantial as premium brands like Brooks Brothers, they have a respectable heft that suggests durability. After dozens of washes, my oxford cloth St. John’s Bay shirts have held up remarkably well, softening pleasantly without losing their structure.

Poplin/Broadcloth: These lighter, smoother cotton fabrics appear in their dressier options and warm-weather shirts. The hand feel is crisp rather than silky, but they’re perfectly appropriate for business casual environments.

Flannel: For fall and winter, their brushed cotton flannel shirts are standouts in the lineup. Mid-weight and soft from the first wear, they’re not quite as thick as premium outdoor brands, but they provide good warmth and comfort.

Performance Blends: In recent years, they’ve introduced shirts with stretch materials (usually a small percentage of elastane or spandex blended with cotton) and moisture-wicking properties. These modern fabrics make for comfortable all-day wear, especially if you’re active or dealing with variable temperatures.

Seasonal Options: Depending on the season, you might also find chambray, linen blends, and twill options available.

The materials aren’t luxury-grade, of course. You won’t find supima cotton or custom-milled fabrics here. But for everyday wear, they strike an excellent balance between comfort, durability, and price. After numerous washing cycles, they maintain their color and structure remarkably well—much better than fast-fashion alternatives I’ve tried.

Comfort for Everyday Wear: The Livability Test

A shirt can look great on the rack but still fail the comfort test in real life. So how do St. John’s Bay button-downs perform in everyday situations?

I’ve worn these shirts through long workdays, cross-country flights, outdoor barbecues, and everything in between. Their comfort level is consistently high across different scenarios.

The regular fit provides enough room for movement without excess fabric. Armholes are cut generously enough to prevent binding when reaching or stretching. Collar points are structured but not stiff, and the interfacing (the material that gives collars and cuffs their structure) strikes a good balance between crispness and comfort.

For summer wear, their lighter fabrics breathe adequately, though they don’t have the exceptional heat management of technical fabrics or premium linens. The flannel options are cozy without being overly heavy or causing overheating when indoors.

One particularly nice touch is the quality of their buttons. Unlike some budget brands where buttons feel flimsy or sharp-edged, St. John’s Bay uses decent quality buttons that fasten smoothly and don’t dig into your skin when seated.

If I had to identify comfort weaknesses, I’d point to two minor issues: First, the plackets (the fabric strips where the buttons and buttonholes are located) can sometimes feel slightly stiff during the first few wears before softening up. Second, while the collars are comfortable overall, they lack the perfect roll that more meticulously constructed shirts achieve.

But these are nitpicks in what is generally a very wearable, livable shirt experience. For the price point, the comfort level exceeds expectations.

A Rainbow of Options: Colors and Patterns

One of the strengths of the St. John’s Bay line is their color and pattern variety. While they maintain a foundation of essential solids (white, blue, black), they offer a rotating selection of colors and patterns that keeps things interesting without veering into trendy territory that quickly looks dated.

In solid colors, beyond the basics, you’ll typically find seasonal hues like burgundy, forest green, and various blues ranging from sky to navy. Their patterns include:

• Classic ginghams (small and medium scale)
• Traditional plaids and tartans (especially in flannel)
• Simple stripes (both pinstripe and wider Bengal stripes)
• Occasional small-scale prints like micro-dots or geometric patterns
• Seasonal prints (think subtle holiday themes or summer motifs)

The palette tends toward traditional menswear colors rather than fashion-forward brights. You won’t find neon greens or trendy pastels here, but rather reliable, versatile shades that coordinate easily with standard wardrobes.

What I appreciate about their pattern selection is the restraint—they offer enough variety to keep your closet interesting without falling into the trap of overly busy designs that limit versatility. Most patterns are scaled appropriately for the average build, neither too large nor too small.

The color fastness is generally good as well. I’ve noticed minimal fading even in darker colors like navy and burgundy, provided you follow the care instructions (more on that later).

Styling Your St. John’s Bay Button-Downs: Versatility in Action

The beauty of these shirts lies in their chameleon-like ability to work across different dress codes and occasions. Here’s how I’ve styled mine across various scenarios:

Business Casual Office: Tucked in with chinos or wool trousers, possibly with a knit tie and sport coat for important meetings. The solid oxfords and subtle patterns work perfectly in this environment. Add a simple leather belt and decent shoes, and you’ve got a professional look that belies the modest price of the shirt.

Casual Weekend: Untucked or with a casual front-tuck over jeans or shorts. The flannel options pair naturally with denim for a classic American casual look. In warmer months, rolling the sleeves on a poplin shirt creates an effortless weekend vibe.

Smart Casual Dinners: A well-fitted St. John’s Bay button-down in a subtle pattern, tucked into dark jeans or chinos, makes for an easy yet put-together dinner outfit. Layer with a lightweight sweater or unstructured blazer when the occasion calls for a bit more polish.

Layering Piece: Under sweaters or vests, the collars stand up nicely without excessive bulk. The reasonable price makes them perfect for this sometimes-hidden role where spending more doesn’t necessarily yield visible benefits.

The styling versatility extends to accessorizing as well. The traditional designs work well with everything from casual canvas belts to formal leather options, from sneakers to dress shoes, from sports watches to dress watches.

For color coordination, most St. John’s Bay shirts feature colors that play well with standard wardrobe staples. Their blues complement khaki, gray, and navy bottoms. Their white and light blue options are genuinely universal. Even their patterned shirts generally incorporate neutral colors that don’t create challenging matching scenarios.

Formality Factor: How Dressed Up Can They Go?

While St. John’s Bay button-downs excel in casual and business casual settings, it’s fair to ask whether they can handle truly formal occasions. My honest assessment: they can reach the middle-upper end of the formality spectrum but not the highest tiers.

For standard office environments, client meetings, religious services, restaurant dinners, and similar occasions, these shirts perform admirably. Their solids and simple patterns look appropriate and intentional in these settings, especially when well-ironed and properly fitted.

However, for genuinely formal events like black-tie optional gatherings, important interviews at conservative institutions, or high-stakes business presentations, you might want to invest in shirts specifically designed for formal wear. St. John’s Bay shirts lack some of the details that define formal shirting: premium two-ply fabrics, French cuffs, spread collars designed for larger tie knots, and the impeccable finishing that comes with higher-end construction.

That said, under a suit for typical business purposes, few people would notice the difference between a well-chosen St. John’s Bay shirt and options costing twice as much. It’s all about context and how you wear it.

The Verdict From Customers: Consistent Satisfaction

While my personal experience has been largely positive, I’ve also paid attention to what other customers say about these shirts. Browsing reviews on JCPenney’s website and various menswear forums, a few common themes emerge:

Positive feedback typically centers around:

• Excellent value for money
• Consistent sizing across different shirts
• Durability through multiple washing cycles
• Classic styling that doesn’t look cheap
• Comfortable fabrics that improve with washing

Critical comments usually mention:

• Some inconsistency in color representation online versus in person
• Occasional stitching issues on sale items
• Less structured collars than premium brands
• Limited selection of truly slim fits
• Some fabrics being prone to wrinkling

The overall sentiment among regular customers seems to be that these shirts outperform their price point consistently. They attract particularly strong loyalty from value-conscious shoppers who appreciate reliable basics without trendy details that quickly look dated.

Many reviewers note that they’ve been buying St. John’s Bay shirts for years or even decades, which speaks to both the consistency of the product and its ability to satisfy practical needs over time.

Handling Wrinkles: The Reality Check

Let’s address one of the few limitations of these shirts: wrinkle resistance. Unless you opt for their specific “wrinkle-free” or “no-iron” varieties, St. John’s Bay shirts behave like any typical cotton shirt—they will wrinkle.

The oxford cloth options show wrinkles less prominently due to their textured surface, while the smoother poplin shirts tend to show creases more readily. The flannel versions, with their brushed surface, are naturally more wrinkle-resistant.

If you’re willing to iron, these shirts respond well to standard cotton settings with steam. They take a press nicely and hold it reasonably well throughout the day. For those who prefer to minimize ironing, removing them promptly from the dryer and giving them a shake before hanging can significantly reduce wrinkling.

The performance blend options do offer improved wrinkle resistance, though they still don’t match the truly non-iron shirts from brands that specialize in that technology. I find them to be a good compromise, requiring just a quick touch-up on the collar and placket rather than a full ironing session.

One practical tip I’ve discovered: hanging these shirts in the bathroom during a hot shower can release most minor wrinkles without ironing—a useful trick when traveling or in a morning rush.

Care Instructions: Maximizing Longevity

To get the most life out of your St. John’s Bay shirts, proper care makes a significant difference. Here’s what I’ve learned about maintaining these shirts over years of ownership:

Washing: Machine wash in cold water on a normal cycle. While the care tags often permit warm water, I’ve found cold water helps preserve colors and prevent shrinkage. Use a standard detergent without strong bleaching agents, even for white shirts.

Drying: Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to minimize wrinkles. For maximum longevity, hang-drying is even better, though they may feel slightly stiffer initially. The oxford cloth options, in particular, develop a nice hand feel when air-dried then lightly ironed.

Ironing: Iron while slightly damp for best results. Use a cotton setting with steam. Start with the collar and cuffs, then move to the sleeves, back, and finally the front panels.

Storage: Hang on non-wire hangers to maintain shoulder shape. If you’re short on closet space, these shirts fold relatively well for drawer storage, though you’ll need to accept some creasing.

Stain Treatment: Address stains promptly with a gentle stain remover. The 100% cotton options can handle most standard stain treatments, while the performance blends are somewhat more delicate and may respond better to specialized fabric care products.

Following these care guidelines, I’ve had St. John’s Bay shirts maintain their appearance for 3+ years of regular wear. The most common failure points tend to be collar edges and cuffs, which eventually show fraying—but this typically occurs only after extensive use.

Business Casual Workhorses: Office-Appropriate Options

For many men, button-down shirts are primarily workwear, and St. John’s Bay delivers solid options for business casual environments. Their oxford cloth and poplin shirts in particular excel in office settings.

The solid light blue oxford is perhaps the quintessential business casual shirt, versatile enough to pair with anything from khakis to wool dress pants. Their white and light blue poplins offer a slightly sharper look that works well for client-facing roles.

For adding visual interest while maintaining professionalism, their subtle patterns—thin stripes, small checks, and understated ginghams—provide variety without crossing into casual territory.

The collar construction is adequate for wearing with or without ties. While not as structured as dress shirts from specialized menswear brands, they maintain enough form to look intentional under a sport coat or blazer.

One business-friendly detail I appreciate: most of their shirts have a pocket on the left chest. While shirt pockets are considered less formal by traditional standards, they’re practical for business casual contexts where you might need to store glasses or a pen.

The standard button cuffs work well in most business environments, though they don’t offer options with French cuffs for more formal business settings.

Practical Details: Pockets, Buttons, and Construction

Looking at the practical construction details of St. John’s Bay shirts reveals both their strengths and limitations:

Pockets: Most styles feature a single left chest pocket with a clean, straight edge. The pocket is proportioned appropriately—large enough to be functional without dominating the shirt’s appearance. Their casual styles occasionally feature two pockets, particularly in flannel options.

Buttons: The buttons are typically made from durable plastic in a color that complements the shirt. They’re securely attached with cross-stitching, which helps prevent the common problem of lost buttons. The buttonholes are well-finished without loose threads.

Seams: The main seams use standard lockstitching with an appropriate stitch count—not the densest stitching you’ll find in premium shirts, but certainly adequate for the price point. Stress points are generally reinforced appropriately.

Collars and Cuffs: These crucial areas use interfacing to provide structure, though it’s typically lighter than in dress shirts. The result is comfortable wear with adequate but not exceptional structure. Collar points are medium length—neither aggressively traditional nor fashion-forward.

Hems: The shirt tails are curved in a standard pattern that allows for tucking while not being excessively long. The bottom hem is cleanly finished with a narrow fold.

Pleat Detailing: Some models feature a box pleat at the back yoke to allow for movement, while others use a simpler construction.

These construction elements reflect the shirt’s positioning in the market—better than bargain basics but not competing with premium shirtmakers. The focus is clearly on creating a reliable, wearable garment rather than showcasing intricate tailoring details.

Finding Deals: Maximizing Value

As mentioned earlier, one of the keys to getting maximum value from St. John’s Bay shirts is strategic shopping. Here are some insider tips for finding the best deals:

Timing Your Purchases: JCPenney typically runs major sales during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.), Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and January clearance. These are prime times to stock up.

Clearance Cycles: End-of-season clearance is especially fruitful. Winter styles get marked down significantly in January/February, while summer styles see deep discounts in August/September.

Coupons and Stacking: JCPenney frequently offers coupons (often $10 off $25 purchase or similar) that can be combined with sale prices. Their app and email list are good sources for these additional discounts.

Rewards Program: The JCPenney Rewards program offers points on purchases that convert to certificates. If you shop there regularly, these add up meaningfully over time.

Online vs. In-Store: Clearance deals can sometimes be better in-store, as individual locations need to move specific inventory. However, the online selection is typically more comprehensive, especially for extended sizes.

With strategic shopping, it’s entirely possible to pay $12-18 for shirts that normally retail for $30-45—an exceptional value proposition when you consider the quality and longevity.

Availability: Where To Find The Full Range

While I’ve mentioned that JCPenney is the exclusive retailer for St. John’s Bay, it’s worth discussing the varying availability across their different shopping channels:

Physical JCPenney Stores: Selection varies significantly by store size and location. Flagship and larger stores in major shopping centers typically carry the most comprehensive range. Smaller or rural locations might have a more limited selection, particularly of specialized fits or seasonal patterns.

JCPenney.com: The online store offers the most complete selection, including all available sizes, fits, and patterns. The website also typically features exclusive online-only styles that might not appear in physical stores.

JCPenney App: The mobile shopping experience mirrors the website but sometimes features app-exclusive deals or early access to promotions.

Outlet Stores: JCPenney outlet locations sometimes carry St. John’s Bay shirts, though these may be slightly different from the mainline offerings—either from previous seasons or made specifically for the outlet channel.

For the best selection, combining online browsing with in-store trying-on provides a good strategy. You can get a feel for sizing and fabric quality in person, then leverage the broader selection and possible better pricing online.

Brand Comparisons: How Do They Stack Up?

To truly understand St. John’s Bay’s position in the market, it helps to compare them to competing brands at similar and adjacent price points:

vs. Croft & Barrow (Kohl’s): Similar price positioning, but I find St. John’s Bay typically offers slightly better fabric quality and more consistent sizing.

vs. Goodfellow & Co. (Target): Target’s in-house brand offers more trend-conscious designs at similar prices, but St. John’s Bay typically provides better durability through multiple wash cycles.

vs. Amazon Essentials: Amazon’s basics line is often cheaper, especially with Prime shipping, but the fabric quality and construction details generally favor St. John’s Bay.

vs. J.Crew Factory: J.Crew’s outlet line offers more fashion-forward styling at a slightly higher price point. The construction quality is comparable, though J.Crew Factory sometimes has slimmer, more tailored fits.

vs. Land’s End: Land’s End offers similar traditional styling with generally higher quality construction and materials, but at prices typically 20-40% higher than St. John’s Bay.

vs. Gap: Gap’s button-downs feature more contemporary styling and cuts but cost significantly more when not on sale. Fabric quality is comparable, though Gap sometimes offers more advanced technical fabrics.

vs. Brooks Brothers (on sale): Even discounted Brooks Brothers shirts (their entry-level options) typically cost 2-3 times more than St. John’s Bay, but the difference in quality—particularly in collar construction, stitching density, and fabric—is noticeable to the discerning eye.

The consistent theme in these comparisons is that St. John’s Bay occupies a sweet spot for value-conscious shoppers who want traditional styling and reliable quality without paying premium prices.

Fit Options: Finding Your Perfect Match

Let’s delve deeper into the fit options to help you identify which St. John’s Bay cut might work best for your body type:

Regular Fit: This standard option works well for most body types and provides room to move without excess fabric. If you have an average build or slightly fuller torso, this is your safest bet. The shoulder seams typically align with your natural shoulder, and there’s enough room in the chest and waist to avoid pulling or strain when seated or moving.

Slim Fit: Despite the name, these aren’t aggressively slim by fashion-forward standards. They offer a more tailored silhouette with less fabric through the midsection, making them ideal if you have a leaner build or prefer a more contemporary look. The armholes are cut slightly higher, and the overall length tends to be a bit shorter to accommodate wearing untucked.

Big & Tall: These proportioned versions offer adjusted dimensions for larger frames. Beyond simply scaling up regular sizes, these shirts feature appropriate adjustments to collar size, sleeve length, and body length. They’re available in both regular and tall formats to accommodate different height-to-width ratios.

When trying to determine your ideal fit, consider not just your current dimensions but how you prefer to wear your shirts. If you typically tuck them in, the regular fit provides adequate length and material. If you prefer wearing shirts untucked, the slim fit’s slightly shorter hem length might be more appropriate.

Also worth noting: there’s some variation in fit between different fabric types. The oxford cloth options tend to feel slightly more generous, while the performance fabric blends typically have a trimmer feel even in the same labeled size and fit.

The Untucked Question: Casual Styling Considerations

The current trend toward wearing button-down shirts untucked raises the question: how do St. John’s Bay shirts perform in this more casual styling approach?

The answer depends somewhat on the specific model and fit. Their regular fit shirts have a traditional curved hem that’s designed primarily for tucking, though they don’t look obviously out of place untucked. The length typically falls around mid-fly on most men, which is slightly longer than ideal for dedicated untucked shirts.

The slim fit options have a slightly shorter hem length that works better for untucked wear. Some of their more casual styles, particularly the short-sleeve options and flannels, seem designed with untucked wear in mind, featuring a straighter hem and moderate length.

If untucked wear is your primary intention, look for:

• Slim fit options
• Casual fabrics like oxford cloth, flannel, or chambray
• Less formal patterns (checks and plaids work well untucked)
• Shorter length variants

One practical tip: if you find a shirt you love but it’s too long for wearing untucked, having it hemmed by a tailor is an inexpensive alteration that can transform the look. Aim for a length that falls just below your belt line for the most flattering untucked proportion.

Conclusion: Reliable Quality Worth Your Consideration

After wearing, washing, and living in St. John’s Bay button-downs for years, my verdict is clear: these shirts offer exceptional value for everyday wear. They successfully bridge the gap between budget basics and premium menswear, delivering a product that performs well above its price point.

Are they perfect? No. You won’t find the refined details of high-end shirtmaking or cutting-edge fashion designs. What you will find is a consistently reliable shirt that looks appropriate in most casual and business casual settings, holds up well through regular wear and washing, and won’t strain your clothing budget.

Their greatest strength is perhaps their versatility. From office to weekend, from layering piece to standalone shirt, they adapt to various needs without calling attention to themselves—the hallmark of good basic menswear.

For men who value practicality and good value, who need a functional wardrobe that works across multiple settings, St. John’s Bay button-downs deserve a place in the rotation. Start with one basic oxford or poplin and see if it meets your needs—I suspect you’ll be back for more.

And remember, never pay full price for a St. John’s Bay shirt. With a bit of patience and strategic shopping, you can build a versatile, reliable shirt collection at prices that seem almost unfair to the competition.