I've Been Searching for the Perfect Shirt Forever—I Think I've Finally Found It

There are certain wardrobe classics you can spend a lifetime searching for—the perfect pair of jeans, for instance, or the perfect trench coat. For me, it’s the perfect cotton button-down shirt. I’ve tried them all, mostly from the high street, I admit, and brought home a few really good ones to add to my collection. Mango, H&M and Arket all have great affordable options, but none have quite met my high standards of absolute perfection. They’re either too long, too oversized, too see-through or too stretchy, not to mention the ones that are lost to their creases after the first wash and never regain that original crispness.
I’d almost given up on my search, but recently, thanks to a late-night Net-a-Porter sale order, I think I may have stumbled across the holy grail—and, of course, I needed to share it with you.
I'm wearing the yellow Lui shirt in size XS.
The Frankie Shop, as you probably know, has been making a name for itself in the industry over the past few years for creating timeless wardrobe staples with an elevated finish, such as that quilted jacket you’ve seen everywhere or its perfect influencer-approved tailored trousers. So I probably shouldn’t have been surprised when I tried on its Lui shirt only to discover its greatness. I’ve since worn it tucked into wide-leg trousers, buttoned over jeans and under a blazer, and unbuttoned over leggings and even swimsuits on a recent holiday. It’s crisp but comfortable and not too thick but not transparent (so you can still wear a bra with it).
I'm wearing the yellow Lui shirt in size XS.
Luckily, the Lui shirt comes in lots of colours, ranging from classic white and blue to bright orange and pink, as well as a few chic shades of beige. It even comes with matching shorts for summer! It’s already become such a key piece in so many of my outfits, and I have a feeling the yellow won’t be the last one I add to my collection.
So if, like me, you've been on the hunt for the perfect button-down shirt for a while now, I’ve added links to the Lui below as well as a few other classic Frankie Shop shirts. Keep scrolling to see.
Shop The Frankie Shop's Lui Shirt
Create a monochromatic look with the matching shorts.
Shop More Shirts From The Frankie Shop
Up Next: I'm a Stylist, and I'm Straight-Up Obsessed With The Frankie Shop's Comfy But Smart Trousers

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily landed at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she has styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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