The dedicated shirt jacket is a relatively new phenomenon in mainstream men’s fashion. As the name suggests, this garment falls somewhere between a shirt and a jacket, perfect for transitional seasons like Fall and Spring. We’ll dive into some different options for shirt jackets for men, so you can decide the best way to incorporate this versatile and functional item into your wardrobe.
Different types
Believe it or not, this style comes in many different variations. Some appear much more shirt than jacket, with maybe a slightly thicker flannel or textured fabric and an extra chest pocket or two. These are best worn buttoned up or unbuttoned over a thermal henley or cotton undershirt.
Others very much fall into the jacket territory, complete with side pockets, more substantial buttons and collars, thick fabric, and a straight hem. You can still sport these over t-shirts and henleys, but you can also layer them on top of button-downs and sweaters.
Some styles lean more rugged, better for functional use while working or during outdoor activities. The shirt jacket has long been a staple of outdoor workwear because of their utility.
Other styles are more refined, better for casual wear and appropriate for dinner, drinks, errands, etc… These more refined styles can also be a great option to dress down a cool-weather look, or to add a little bit of color/texture/dimension to a standard casual look (t-shirt/sweater and jeans or a button down and some chinos).
More shirt than jacket
For the transitional seasons, this style of shirt jacket, sometimes called an overshirt, does best to keep a chill off your back in the mornings or when the temperatures cool down in the evening. Usually the fabric on these are shirt weight or slightly heavier, with one or two chest pockets and no side pockets.
They can also be a great layering piece underneath a heavier jacket – excellent for when you need to head indoors or if the weather warms a bit in the middle of the day.
Check out the options below for good examples of this style, as well as some ways to style this piece.
Everlane Heavyweight Overshirt – $98
J. Crew Heavyweight Chamois Workshirt – $118
Spier and Mackay Flannel Overshirt – $48 (on sale)
Middle ground
Some like this middle ground for a shirt jacket, as this garment can work in a variety of situations. Some do not, as they prefer something that leans one way or the other to help style the rest of their outfit. It totally depends on your personal style.
The fabric on these will not be confused with a shirt, but also will not quite have the weight of a standalone jacket. They may or may not have side pockets and are usually unlined. Additionally, you can wear these under a heavier jacket, like a peacoat or overcoat, when it’s very cold.
The options below can help you decide if you want to give these run this Fall.
Bonobos Sweater Shacket – $59 (half off)
Patagonia Better Sweater Shirt Jacket – $110 (on sale)
Todd Snyder Italian CPO Shirt Jacket – $298
More jacket-y
The fabric on this style would not look out of place on a dedicated jacket. These may also have a lining. They will definitely have side pockets and larger buttons and collars.
Due to the weight and design of this style, these shirt jackets will go well over most t-shirts, sweaters, and button ups, but will not function as well as a layering piece underneath heavier outerwear (maybe in a pinch).
Check out the options below to see if you like this style.
Alaskan Hard Gear Fleece Lined Overshirt – $73 (on sale)
Wool and Prince Chore Jacket – $98 (on sale)
Everlane Fleece-Lined Heavyweight Overshirt – $118
These are just a few options for good shirt jackets for men for the transitional seasons. You’ll never regret having a couple of these in your closet – they come in handy quite a bit.