Today I’m sharing my Sézane Max Shirt review.
There isn’t anything more classic than a button up, and the Max Shirt is one of Sézane’s best sellers. This oversized button up shirt comes in a variety of colorways and is featured in this iconic French brand’s Top 30 essentials roundup on their website.
I, for one, am an absolute sucker for a button up shirt. I love the structure that a collar offers an otherwise boring outfit. It’s an easy “hack” for looking more put together in seconds. That is something that means a lot to me, a busy mom and someone who values comfort over everything.
I also love the versatility of a button up shirt and that I can wear it as a standalone top or as an extra layer. As an added bonus, every mom knows that button up shirts are nursing and baby bump friendly.
I now own this shirt in two colors and feel uniquely poised to write this review.
In today’s post, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on the Sézane Max Shirt and some details on the fit, material, pricing, and care. At the end of the post, I put together some outfit ideas for how to style this closet staple.
Sézane Max Shirt Review
I have purchased several cheaper iterations of the button up shirt over the years from H&M, Target, Gap, and Zara. I have worn them all over and over again, down to the threads. When it came time to replace my tattered and stained Zara white button up this year, I decided it was time to splurge on the crème de la crème: the Max shirt from Sézane.
This shirt is iconic for a reason, and, in my opinion, worth the hype. The quality of the material was noticeable to me as soon as I pulled this out of the box.
I have worn the Max shirt a number of times already in the last couple of months, and every time I do, it makes the outfit. I even went to so far as to purchase a second color in this shirt, so if that’s not a sign of a good product, I don’t know what is.
I have been so happy with this purchase. The quality is incredible, and this piece is a wardrobe staple for me–no matter the season!
**June 2024 edit: We are officially at the 6 month mark with this piece, and I can safely say that between the Casual White and Very Light Denim, the Max shirt is easily my most worn item in my closet! I basically wear each of them every other day. I wore both colorways constantly on our trip to Spain and Portugal last month.
Design details
The Max shirt is effortlessly oversized, and its pristine tailoring gives this button up an elevated level of sophistication. The shirt features a single chest pocket on one side and is made with beautiful mother-of-pearl buttons. One of my favorite details is that the bottom hem is rounded rather than cut straight across which I find so flattering.
Material + Colors
Sézane’s Max Shirt comes in a variety of colors and materials, so take note when you are choosing the color if you do have a material preference.
I have the Max Shirt in the Casual White version which is made of 100% organic cotton. The shirt is produced in Portugal.
The material of the Casual White Max Shirt is a thick, sturdy cotton that feels substantial but not too heavy. It is soft but structured and NOT see-through.
I tend to be picky about fabrics, and this one feels amazing to me. I have also found that the cotton fabric lends itself to the versatility of this button down (rather than being too dressy or too casual). Also, I love that I can dress this up with trousers or wear it open over a tank top with shorts for a breezy, summer look.
The Striped Blue version is a blend of 70% cotton and 30% linen, making this a perfect choice for summer.
I recently purchase this shirt in a second color: the chambray version in “Very Light Denim.” I have a feeling I am going to wear this one even more than the white simply because I won’t have to worry about it getting dirty as much. It’s a little more “mom life” friendly, and it is the PERFECT shade of blue.
Sizing + Fit
The length is a bit longer than an average button down, and the cut is boxy-in-a-good-way. Sizing wise, you can really go any direction with this.
The website suggests sizing down in the Max shirt, as it is designed to have an oversized fit. However, a girl who was working in the store told me to try this on in a size up, and that is the size I ended up going with. I love how it looks even more oversized–something about the way it drapes and falls a little longer just looks chic to me.
One I have noticed is that the sleeves run on the short side. Even with sizing up, the sleeves just barely hit my wrists. This doesn’t bother me, as I usually cuff the sleeves of this shirt anyway, but I thought that was worth noting.
If it’s helpful, I’m 5’9” and got this in a US 6.
Washing + Care
The washing instructions vary depending on the color and material. The one I own suggests washing on cold and laying to dry which has worked just fine for me.
There are a handful of colors that suggest handwashing, so take care to note the instructions of the color you select.
Price
Sézane’s Max Shirt costs $125 which is, admittedly, on the higher end of the price comparison research I did.
Here’s quick comparison of oversized button up shirts from brands within the same “world,” listed from low to high:
Gap Big Shirt: $69
Madewell Oversized Straight Hem Shirt: $72
Everlane Relaxed Oxford Shirt: $88
Reformation Will Shirt: $128
Favorite Daughter Ex-Boyfriend: $168
The only comparison I can speak to directly is the Gap Big Shirt which I own in a chambray version. This is a great dupe for the Sézane Max Shirt in terms of fit, but I will say that my Gap Big Shirt has faded a TON this past year. I can tell because it’s faded only on the shoulders while the rest of the shirt remains a deeper shade of blue.
Personally, I am fine paying a bit more for closet staples if I know they are well-made and going to last me a long time. I have honed in on my personal style these last few years which means I am getting pretty skilled at buying things that I do end up wearing constantly.
Sézane Max Shirt vs. Tomboy Shirt
Sézane does carry two similar-looking button up shirts: The Max shirt is oversized while the Tomboy shirt is more fitted. The website recommends sizing up in the Tomboy shirt.
The Tomboy is probably better suited for tucking in/dressing up a bit more while the Max’s oversized fit gives it a slightly more casual vibe. This is totally a matter of personal preference, though. I have tucked the Max shirt all the way in before, but since it has more material it took a bit of work to get it to lay flat under my pants.
6 Ways to Style the Sézane Max Shirt
One of the best things about a button up shirt is that it can be worn as either a shirt all on its own or as an overshirt or second layer. This is, in my opinion, what makes a good quality button shirt a closet staple.
I wear mine open over tank tops, bodysuits, and even swimsuits. It’s a more structured alternative to a cardigan on days when I need an extra layer.
I also wear it all on its own as a standalone top: tucked in, half-tucked, front-tucked. You get the idea. The options are endless.
I’m wearing the shirt buttoned once with my go-to black silk skirt from Quince. Paired here with my Amazon mules and Sézane Mini Milo bag (review here).
Is Sézane worth it?
I love perusing Sézane’s seasonal drops as much as the next girl. If money were no object, I’d buy it all!
I do think Sézane really shines in the staples, and this is where I’m okay spending the money. Their chic, sophisticated updates of classic designs are what they are most known for, and I have found myself reaching for my Sézane “essential” pieces more than almost any other brand in my closet.
**Sézane just launched their first pre fall drop, and I’m in love. Loving the classic denim Will jacket for transitioning from summer to fall, this easy knit Ron top, and this perfect poppy red Gaspard cardigan. I love that they brought us the Mini Milo bag in a true black, and I am drooling over this plaid Farel jacket. Swoon.
Other Sézane staples:
Gaspard Cardigan
I love this elegant cardigan’s details and how easy it is to style. This is another “french Hero” I’ll wear all fall and winter. Check out my review here and outfit ideas here.
Loulou Trousers
I love my Loulou trousers. These are what I reach for on days when I want to rise above jeans but still be comfortable. The wide leg, high waisted fit is SO flattering.
Léontine Jumper
I wear my Léontine jumper at least once a week. This is a 100% pullover, henley-style sweater that is unbelievably easy to style and wear. (Check out my full review here).
Capucine Cardigan
I have worn the Capucine cardigan constantly this spring and summer. It is so useful and breathable and the perfect second layer for travel. It just came back in stock, so don’t sleep on this one!!
Justine Basket Bag
The Justine basket bag is already one of my favorite purchases ever. This basket bag just completes every outfit and feels so fresh and summery. LOVE. (Check out my full review here).
Mini Milo Bag
I just purchased Sézane’s Mini Milo bag to bring with me for our Spain and Portugal trip. This bag is SO beautiful and will be perfect for spring and summer travel. I got in the “Smooth Honey” color, and it is divine. Check out my full review of the Mini Milo bag here.
Thanks for checking out my Sézane Max Shirt review!
On that note…
For more style posts, click here. And for packing tips, travel inspiration, and city guides, click here.
Heading on an adventure this fall? Check out my fall travel capsule packing list here.
More Sézane reviews:
