Layer up: The best men’s overshirts
Functional and versatile, the overshirt is your ticket to effortless mid-season style
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It’s been a temperamental summer, to say the least. With temperatures fluctuating daily, choosing what to wear each morning has become quite the chore. A graphic T-shirt may be fun, but it won’t protect you from strong gusts of wind. A warm jacket, on the other hand, could become your personal sauna on the tube. This is where uber-versatile men’s overshirts (or shackets, if you must) comes in.
Lightweight enough to add some flair to your summer outfits and cosy enough to keep you warm on mild autumn days (and harsh ones when sandwiched between layers), the overshirt is the hardest-working garment in the menswear repertoire. Rugged, utilitarian but also nonchalantly stylish, throwing on a casual plaid shacket or a polished padded overshirt can be the quickest way to upgrade your style. Here’s our pick of the best overshirts to buy now.
Jacquemus striped cotton-poplin overshirt
With classic white stripes on a blue base, this padded shacket could almost be mistaken for a work shirt. Cut to a boxy fit from cotton-poplin, this Jacquemus overshirt features a point collar and a logo-embroidered chest pocket. Wear over neutral chinos to keep warm in the office or with white Bermuda shorts for a relaxed holiday vibe.
Percival storybook overshirt
Hailing from the British brand’s AW Cautionary Tale collection, this harlequin patterned overshirt is inspired by fairytales. Crafted in a heavy-weight yet soft cotton twill in ecru and blue, this shirt toes the line between modern and vintage. Pair with a tee and some jeans for a classic yet contemporary look.
Loro Piana suede overshirt
When it comes to elevated basics, Loro Piana has you covered. Drawing from the brand’s penchant for clean silhouettes and quality materials, this blue overshirt is cut for a comfortable fit from supple blue suede in Italy. Made to last, it’s also water-repellant and fully lined for added resilience.
Burberry reversible vintage check overshirt
What’s more versatile than an overshirt? A double-sided one. This quilted black coat with a subtle pocket-embroidered logo flips to become a signature piece sporting Burberry’s iconic Nova check pattern. The padded overshirt is crafted with the brand’s trademarked thermo-regulating technology to keep you cosy whatever the occasion.
Alexander Mcqueen flap pockets overshirt
Exquisitely tailored with a touch of nautical whimsy, this beige Alexander McQueen overshirt is crafted from a hardy cotton sailcloth. With elevated flap pockets at the chest, this is the perfect layer for a sailing expedition (or pub garden if you’re not that adventurous) this summer.
Acne Studios purple overshirt
Some overshirts are the perfect optional extra to your outfit while some steal the show entirely. This purple overshirt from Acne Studios is definitely the latter. Designed with a loose fit in a cotton-blend twill and inspired by classic trucker styles, wear over a T-shirt or sweater with equal ease.
Prada Re-Nylon padded overshirt
For a feel-good option, consider this boxy iteration from Prada. Part of the brand’s Re-Nylon collection, this overshirt is made from regenerated ocean plastic waste, making it more sustainable than more traditional fabrics. The padded shirt is detailed with a corduroy collar and the label’s iconic triangle logo plaque on the chest.
Greg Lauren distressed patchwork overshirt
Add a devil-may-care street style vibe to your outfit with this overshirt from Greg Lauren. Designed to reduce fabric waste, this grunge-inspired piece is stitched together with swatches of distressed cotton plaid. The raw edges add texture: wear with a white tee and distressed jeans for ultimate cool points.
Amiri plaid overshirt
Plaid is always in trend, so this Amiri overshirt is one you’ll wear for years to come. The green flannel design is crafted in organic cotton, making this the perfect cosy option for fall. Pair with a white tee and beanie for peak throwback fall vibes.
There Was One panelled overshirt
A symphony of deep chocolate shades, this panelled There Was One overshirt highlights the label’s flair for elevated basics. Made from cotton, it features press stud fastenings with clean lines and unique detailing, making it a versatile hero piece in your wardrobe for years to come.
SMR Days tie-dye shacket
If you’re looking for the perfect shacket for a holiday this summer, look no further than SMR Days. Leaning more towards jacket than shirt, it draws from traditional workwear silhouettes and features a sunny yellow and white tie-dye pattern. Finished with pearly white buttons, this is a piece that screams easy, breezy summer.
Nanushka button-up tailored overshirt
A masterclass in tailoring, this Nanushka overshirt is perfect for light layering at the office. With a spread collar and subtle chest flap pocket, it’s the perfect partner for tailored trousers and a shirt, but equally as ideal over slim-fit cargos.
Axel Arigato checked overshirt
Transport yourself back to your uni campus with Axel Arigato’s checked overshirt. The brand’s laid-back Scandi minimalism elevates this classic overshirt with straight cut, snap buttons, and quilted lining. Wear it as a shirt or layered over a sweater.
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