What Is an Overshirt? Overshirt vs Shirt vs Jacket
What an overshirt is, how it differs from a shirt, a jacket and a shacket, the main types, and whether it is worth buying.
The overshirt has become one of the most popular pieces in menswear, but a lot of people are still not sure what it actually is, or how it differs from a shirt or a jacket. Here is the short answer, then the details.
The short answer
An overshirt is a shirt-shaped garment made from jacket-weight fabric, designed to be worn over another layer rather than tucked in. It sits between a shirt and a jacket: lighter than a coat, heavier than a shirt.
Overshirt vs shirt
- Fabric: a shirt is usually light cotton or linen. An overshirt is wool, flannel, suede, corduroy, canvas or quilted fabric.
- Fit: a shirt fits close to the body. An overshirt is cut with room to wear a tee or knit underneath.
- How you wear it: a shirt is a base layer and often tucked in. An overshirt is a top layer, worn open or buttoned, never tucked.
Overshirt vs jacket
- Structure: jackets often have lining, shoulder padding or insulation. Most overshirts are unlined or lightly lined and soft.
- Collar: overshirts have a shirt collar. Jackets have lapels, stand collars or hoods.
- Warmth: an overshirt alone works from about 10 to 18°C. Below that, wear it under a coat as a mid layer.
Overshirt vs shacket
Same thing. "Shacket" (shirt plus jacket) is the more casual name. "Shirt jacket" is another.
The main types
Wool overshirt
Warm, smart and versatile. Plain or patterned, such as our micro-houndstooth wool overshirt.
Flannel overshirt
Brushed and soft, slightly more casual. Our cream flannel overshirt adds a forest leather collar and cuffs.
Suede overshirt
Rich and textured, and it looks better as it ages. See the forest suede overshirt.
Cashmere overshirt
The dressiest version, soft enough to wear like a cardigan. See the camel double-face cashmere overshirt.
Quilted or down overshirt
Insulated for real cold while keeping the shirt shape, like our corduroy down jacket.
Is an overshirt worth buying?
If you live somewhere with real autumns, winters and springs, yes. It is the piece you will reach for most from September to May, because it works over a tee, over a knit, or under a coat. Choose a neutral colour and a good fabric and it will last for years.
Want outfit ideas? Read our guide on how to style an overshirt.
