The emergence of the overshirt has proven to be one of the most popular trends we’ve seen over the last few years, the casual lightweight shirt has been replaced by a more structured shirt-jacket hybrid. Versatile and stylish, men’s overshirts offer a solution for finding the perfect smart-casual jacket to just throw-on and go with almost any outfit. Whether you’re looking for a designer lightweight jacket to wear in summer or an added layer to add on top of jumpers for the transitional seasons, an overshirt is a fashion staple every man should have in their wardrobe. Read on to discover the versatile ways an overshirt can be worn for different seasons and various occasions.
What to wear under an overshirt?
Deciding what to wear under an overshirt completely depends on the weather and the occasion you’re dressing for. The most common clothing items worn under an overshirt are t-shirts, both short and long-sleeve depending on the season – whether you opt for a printed graphic t-shirt or a plain white tee, an overshirt is the perfect jacket to throw-on over top.
Overshirts are also a great layering option for men when the weather turns colder, they are versatile enough to wear on top of any knitted jumper, hoodie or sweatshirt to help provide extra-warmth. Overshirts are available in a range of different materials that all offer different levels of insulation too, for example, opting for a more heavy-weight fabric, such as a cord overshirt is a better option for colder weather, whereas a twill or cotton overshirt is lighter and ideal for the spring and summer months.
How to wear an overshirt in Autumn/Winter
Men’s overshirts have changed the game for the autumn/winter outerwear fashion trends and are now the most trendy jacket option that every guy seems to gravitate towards. Often referred to as ‘shackets’, overshirts have replaced the classic leather jacket that is usually seen in the colder months, offering a more casual and versatile look.
A common overshirt option for the autumn/winter season is a cord overshirt, such as the Lois Jeans Tejana Corduroy Overshirt. Based on the classic 70s trucker jacket, this designer cord overshirt blends the casual style of a shirt with the structure of a jacket, adding branded gold button details and functional pockets. Available in both brown, navy, black and dark sand colourways, this cord jacket for men has a colour preference to suit everyone’s personal style.
Lois Jeans Tejana Jumbo Cord Jacket – Brown £109.95, Lois Jeans Tejana Jumbo Corduroy Jacket – Navy Blue £109.95, and G-Star RAW Premium Core Sweatshirt – Hunter £50.95
A great way to wear these cord overshirts for the autumn/winter season is to pair them with your favourite pair of black jeans and trainers for a simple-yet-stylish look. Deciding on what top to wear underneath is ultimately down to personal style, however, we would suggest keeping things uncomplicated and wear a long-sleeved t-shirt beneath, such as this , or a plain, block-coloured sweatshirt such as the G-Star RAW Premium Sweatshirt for an added layer of warmth.
Superdry Vintage Miller Wool Overshirt – Charcoal £74.95 , Superdry Miller Wool Overshirt – Onyx Check £74.95, Tommy Jeans 2 Pack Slim Jersey T-Shirt £38.95 and Levi’s Darrow Wedge Leather Boots £124.95
Emerging from the revival of men’s classic 90’s style that has taken over mainstream fashion, the checked overshirt shows no signs of disappearing from current trends any time soon. Checked overshirts, such as the Superdry Vintage Miller Wool Overshirt, are perfect as a standalone piece buttoned up or as a layering option for the autumn/winter season. Available at Standout in a range of colours and materials varying in thickness, making them the perfect choice for layering in the colder months.
A great way for men to style a checked overshirt, is to wear it fully buttoned up as a shirt, ideally layered with a t-shirt underneath such as the Tommy Jeans Slim Jersey T-Shirts. This style adds both warmth and versatility as it allows for the option to unbutton and wear as an overshirt jacket if the occasion calls for it. Finish off the look with a pair of classic black, leather combat boots like the Levi’s Darrow Wedge Leather Boots for an on-trend seasonally appropriate look.
How to wear an overshirt in Spring/Summer
Overshirts are also a great transitional clothing piece for going into the spring and summer months, when styled right with other seasonal items, overshirts can help you create the ideal laidback summer look. Opt for an overshirt in a twill or cotton material that is light and breathable for the incoming summer season, this allows the option to wear as a piece on its own or open with a t-shirt layer underneath.
Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-wear shirt to throw on with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt for a chill casual spring look or looking for a simple way to create a smart look to take you from day to night, whatever your personal style preference is you’re sure to find an overshirt to fit your fit your style.
Farah Isaacs Long Sleeve Twill Overshirt – Beige £94.95, Tommy Jeans Classic Solid Overshirt – Twilight Navy £63.95, Jack and Jones Chino Shorts £18.95 and New Balance Leather Trainers £76.95
Investing in a lightweight overshirt in a neutral colour such as this beige overshirt from Farah Isaacs or Tommy Jeans, allows for this piece to become a wardrobe staple that can be worn all-year-round. But for the spring and summer months, the best way to style an overshirt is buttoned up with a pair of classic black chino shorts like this pair from Jack and Jones.
The contrast of the smart buttoned up shirt with the casual chino shorts strikes the perfect balance of smart-casual, making this look ideal for going from day to night in the warmer weather. Finish off the look with a pair of neutral stylish trainers such as this pair of New Balance White Leather Trainers, to keep the look effortlessly cool.
Carhartt WIP Long Sleeve Loose Fit Berm Shirt – Dollar Green £101.95, Carhartt WIP Master Shirt – Dark Navy £59.95, Dr. Denim Clark Ripped Slim Tapered Jeans – Rubble Mid Blue £54.95 and New Balance 574 Suede Trainers – White/Green £89.95
Despite the weather warming up, the spring and summer months still call for an outerwear piece for when the weather takes an unexpected turn and an overshirt is the perfect minimal effort option to reach for. The Carhartt WIP Long Sleeve Loose Fit Berm Shirt is the ideal overshirt option that you can throw-on and go no matter what you’re wearing, knowing your outfit is guaranteed to look on-trend. The more relaxed fit of this overshirt is perfect for any casual day-to-day outfit, paired with classic blue jeans like the Dr. Denim Clark Ripped Slim Tapered Jeans and a plain white tee, you’ve got the ideal vintage-inspired look.
Carharrtt also offers a more structured fit overshirt with the Carhartt WIP Master Shirt in dark navy which is made for creating an effortless summer evening look. When paired with your favourite jeans and a pair of retro-feel trainers such as the New Balance 574 Suede Trainers, you’ve got a smart-casual outfit that can be tailored to fit any occasion. Simply switch out your t-shirt and shoes options to change the overshirtlook from casual day to formal evening and you’re good to go.
Revamp your wardrobe with an men’s designer overshirt
Now that you’ve got a range of inspiration for the best ways to wear an overshirt for different seasons, it’s time to go shopping. Browse our full collection of men’s designer fleeces and overshirts from a variety of designer menswear brands at Standout to find the perfect fit for you.
