The best overshirts for men make great layering pieces. They’re a solid three-season staple for spring, fall, and winter fashion. And can increase outfit combinations when combined with t-Shirts, sweaters, and other button-downs. An overshirt can range from a heavy regular shirt to a lightweight jacket. They can have pockets and buttons or can have zips.
Men’s overshirts are popular for many reasons. For one, overshirts are ideal for most of the year other than those warm summer days. Perfect for when it’s that little bit too hot for a full weight jacket. Overshirts also provide many style options by letting you layer over almost anything.
While it’s possible to get smart casual overshirts. Most are either casual or made for rugged activities. Button up styles are also the most versatile. We recommend these for something that will stay in style for a while. Before we get into the buying guide, let’s answer a few questions.
Men’s Overshirt FAQs
Ok, this difficult. There is no clear definition for men’s overshirts, but for this article, we’ll try to give you one. You can wear an overshirt as a regular shirt, a lightweight jacket, or both. For example, I have a beautiful soft twill overshirt from Vince. It looks exactly like a button-down shirt, but for a few extra details. The twill material is thicker than a standard shirt, and it has side pockets for your hands. So for our definition, an Overshirt looks like a standard button-down shirt with some lightweight jacket features. These include heavier materials and pockets for your hands.
Our website is about Muted Style. No loud patterns or logos allowed. So we choose overshirts with minimal to no patterns, with great materials, and colors. You can wear this type of overshirt with anything in your wardrobe. As far as materials wool is great for cooler days. And cotton (usually twill) is great for warmer conditions. Standard colors keep things nice easy. Start with blacks or blues, and then add beiges for a pop of color.
You wear overshirts with pretty much everything in your closet. The most common combination is a t-shirt and an overshirt. With this combo, you can button it up or leave it completely open. The next combo I love is over a merino sweater and then over another button-down like an oxford.
The answer to this question depends very much on the overshirt. But for the most part, overshirts are in the casual range. Some are more casual/rugged, others more refined. Materials and patterns determine where the overshirt falls.
An overshirt goes great with a hoodie as long as they are well matched. Wool and twill overshirts are particularly good matches for hoodies. And likewise, a very thin wool overshirt can work well. This combination works very well for those cool days and nights.
Again, this all depends on the overshirt and the coat. There is no hard and fast rule to say that you can’t. You want to make sure the overshirt utilizes a lightweight fabric. And the coat is longer.
Best Overshirts for Men
A Days March Original Wool Men’s Overshirt
When I think of overshirts the first brand that comes to mind is A Days March. Whatever the weather or the event they’ve got something that fits the bill. Their offerings come in many different colors and materials. The A Days March Original Wool Overshirt ($180) comes in Dark Navy, Black, Light Grey Melange, and Sand. They made it from a sturdy wool fabric. And it features a single chest pocket and two front pockets for your hands. This overshirt works great over a standard shirt or t-shirt. And also as a replacement for a blazer.
Corridor NYC Heavy Canvas Men’s Overshirt
This corridor NYC overshirt range comes in many patterns and materials. These include wool, linen, and cotton. But my favorite is the Corridor NYC Heavy Canvas Men’s Overshirt ($165). This is a heavy cotton canvas overshirt that comes in a dark black color. If you’re looking for an overshirt that can handle some abuse this is a great option. As with A Days March, this overshirt comes with a single chest pocket and two front pockets for your hands.
Everlane Chore Jacket
The men’s Everlane Chore Jacket ($88) overshirt is a stylish shirt that has a loose fit and a high-quality material. It comes in a variety of great colors: tan, shale, and navy blue. Each looks particularly smart. And stands out well while still working with a variety of different looks.
There are two pockets, but they’re understated and flush with the rest of the fabric. The price is mid-range, but the quality is top-notch. thanks to the 8.6oz cotton and excellent structure and durability. Despite being tough and lasting, this shirt doesn’t feel hot or heavy – it’s a great fit for cooler conditions.
Universal Works Chore Men’s Overshirt
If it’s a variety you’re after, then Universal Works won’t leave you wanting! This brand offers a wide range of different overshirts to suit pretty much any occasion. The Universal Works Chore Overshirt (£115) is one of my favorites. It comes in black, olive, navy, raisin and beige. And is perfect for a casual event, or even a relaxed office setting.
In short, there is something here to suit every taste and every occasion. And each of the overshirts is brilliantly made and excellent value. The pockets and fastenings are likewise very varied. Keep an eye out for deals too, as you can often grab these shirts at a fraction of the usual price. You have to be quick!
Farnol Moleskin Men’s Overshirt
If you’re looking for a bit of a different take on an Overshirt check out the Farnol Moleskin Overshirt (£175). It’s made from soft moleskin cotton that elevates the styling of the overshirt. The cotton has a high cotton content that easily retains heat. Giving you much need protection from those cooler conditions. This is a thicker fabric that can handle those rough city conditions. It also has an interior phone pocket that offers handy storage and protection. Additional features include 6-button front closure, a traditional shirt collar, and a boxy silhouette. This overshirt is available in mustard and navy colorways.
Sunspel Men’s Cotton Twill Overshirts
Sunspel’s Men’s Cotton Twill Overshirts ($225) definitely make a statement. It’s an overshirt made to handle any weather condition. The outer shell is an Italian brushed cotton twill that’s great for every season. It features two patch chest pockets for your gear. And you can get these overshirts in Tobacco, Stone, and Dark Navy.
The Cotton twill overshirt is one of the more expensive products in their range. But it’s a moisture-wicking, great-looking, and ideal as an outer jacket rather than a shirt.
Unrecorded Worker Jacket
These Unrecorded Worker Jackets (€165) are high quality and made from a 290 GSM organic cotton. What you need to know, is that this means they are premium and great quality to touch and fit extremely well. These overshirts have three front-facing pockets (one at the top and two at the bottom). This practical design offers plenty of storage. Making these overshirts very versatile. Ideal for wearing in a variety of situations. From heading to work to relaxing, to hiking. They fit well and don’t need a lot of pressing, which is ideal as well.
Todd Snyder Military Shirt Jacket
There is a big move right now toward clothes that are functional as well as stylish. For a while, clothes that merely looked functional have been very popular. Right now though, there is a much bigger push towards clothes that are actually stylish. And we really like that! The Todd Snyder Military Work Shirt ($298) is very much on-trend in 2019. And that also happens to be extremely versatile and practical. It’s durable, it looks great, and you can actually use it! And the military look is one that never goes out of style. For something a little more formal, try the dark navy. It looks great and won’t need a lot of ironing.
Barbour Duncansea Men’s Overshirt
If you’re looking for an overshirt that’s a little more rugged than stylish, then this is for you. The Barbour Duncansea Men’s Overshirt ($180) is a great overshirt for rugged conditions. A perfect addition to any wardrobe. The one we’re showing comes in a khaki-green cotton canvas. This color gives it a great vintage workwear aesthetic that has a rustic, worn-in look. The shell is 100% cotton canvas. It may have some unevenness due to the dying process. Additional features include a button front closure and plenty of pockets. These include a chest pocket, two front hand pockets, and an interior pocket.
Filippa K Zach Overshirt
On this list, the Filippa K Zach Overshirt ($220) is one of my favorites. It’s also one of the more expensive on the list. It comes in a soft washed cotton twill. This type of material is perfect for events where a smart casual look is needed. Unlike some of the other overshirts on this list, it has limited details for a clean modern look. Additional features include a button front closure. Single-button cuffs. And topstitched seams. The single chest pocket adds to the minimalist appeal.
