What is an Overshirt & How to Style One

When it’s time to leave the comfort of your couch, you want your look to exude confidence no matter the room. And for that touch of refinement, there’s nothing quite like the art of layering, even when the weather doesn’t warrant a jacket. 

Enter the overshirt, a versatile wardrobe piece that comes in all shapes, textures, and patterns. With the right overshirt, you can learn how to layer clothes with finesse.

Need some style advice? Check out our tips for wearing an overshirt to stay comfortable this season.

The Basics of an Overshirt

So what is an overshirt, exactly? It’s neither a jacket nor a regular shirt. It’s somewhere in between.

Traditional shirts are often thin and designed for breathability and circulation. In contrast, jacket materials are much thicker and made to be worn as an insulating outer layer. Then, there’s the overshirt that blends the functionality of both clothing types.

An overshirt is the ideal layering piece. It’s an open, long-sleeved garment that offers style and substance. It’s great for festivals or late-night hang outs with friends.

An overshirt is often confused with a shirt jacket or “shacket.” There are some subtle differences to note. The shacket maintains the structure of a shirt with the sturdier material of a jacket, making it perfect for those in-between weather days. On the other hand, the overshirt can serve as a layer or as your main outerwear piece.

Choosing the Right Overshirt

Overshirts are essential in your closet rotation, no matter the season. With options for every weather condition, there's almost no reason not to keep one or two of them handy.

Not sure what material is right for this time of year or how to wear an overshirt? We’ve got you covered:

• Flannel – When those crisp fall days come knocking, it’s time to pull out your flannel overshirt. We recommend layering a classic pattern with a white or charcoal t-shirt underneath. You can’t overlook this piece for your men’s capsule wardrobe essentials.

• Woven – The woven overshirt is breathable, but the material still keeps you warm, making it ideal for those cold weather days. You can pair it with a statement shirt and distressed denim jeans.

• Linen – Linen is a versatile overshirt fabric. Usually longer and lighter than jackets, a linen overshirt adds a stylish edge and pairs well with khaki flared jeans. 

When determining how to choose the right fit and length of your overshirts, consider these simple tips:

• Consider your body shape – Overshirts are not one-size-fits-all. If you have a slim build, a tailored fit might be more your style. Conversely, a larger frame might prefer a more relaxed fit.

• Assess the overall length – If your overshirt is too short, it might ride up when you lift your arms. If it’s too long, it could overpower your frame. The goal is to find that sweet spot—an overshirt that ends just below your waist.

• Explore different styles – What flatters your friend might not be the style that shows off your best features. Experiment with different designs, from button-downs to zip-ups, to discover the one that feels as good as it looks.

4 Different Overshirt Styling Techniques

Overshirts are your ticket to elevating your personal style and upgrading your wardrobe. Whether you're headed for a casual hangout or a sophisticated dinner, here are four ideas to get you started as you style your overshirts. 

#1 Layering

First up, we have the most classic option: layering your overshirt. The overshirt is the perfect middleman. It’s timeless to wear it over a simple t-shirt or serving as the middle layer that separates your outerwear from your base layer.

Here are a few timeless layering techniques to draw from, depending on the occasion:

• For a formal event – Start with a button-down dress shirt in a neutral hue paired with tailored trousers. Elevate the ensemble with a well-fitted overshirt in a classic color, such as navy or olive. If the temperature is colder, layer a sleek, neutral-colored blazer over the overshirt for added warmth.

• For a refined look – If it’s time to impress the in-laws or give that big presentation at work, this is your blueprint. Pull out a turtleneck, add a pair of chinos, and top it with an overshirt that contrasts and complements the texture of the turtleneck.

#2 Bold Textures and Patterns

You can easily add some excitement to your wardrobe by mixing and matching different patterns. Dress up your casual shirts by adding a camo overshirt.

Mixing different textures instantly gives your look more dimension. Take corduroy, for instance. Its unique vertical ridges, along with its relaxed and comfortable feel, made it an instant hit back in the 1970s. Case in point, it's held its own in the world of fashion ever since.

A zip-up corduroy overshirt naturally adds depth to your look, creating a timeless streetwear style.

#3 Casual Cool

Wondering how to style graphic tees with overshirts? Start by grabbing a colorful graphic tee and pairing it with distressed jeans. Then, throw on an understated utility shirt, slide on your favorite pair of sneakers, and complete the look with a black leather studded belt. 

#4 Urban Layering

Don’t overlook the versatility and comfort of the hoodie. It's a wardrobe staple that's here to stay, and has even achieved a high-fashioned reputation in the last few years. We recently launched heavier weight hoodies in our Every Day Collection that features modern cuts and quality fabrics.

Cargo pants are another classic piece you can bring into regular rotation. It can take a couple tries to nail the baggy clothes style. Experiment with different shirts and silhouettes to find one that works for you.

Seasonal Styling Tips

As the seasons change from warm to cold and back again, there are a few tips to consider for great overshirt styling.

Add Color to Spring and Summer Inspirations

Don’t be afraid of color. Take a note from nature and embrace the vibrant hues. Opt for lightweight overshirts in bold colors, like mustard and light blue. Add a pair of black vintage carpenter shorts and open-toed slides for the perfect blend of comfort and style.

Opt for Heavier Materials for Fall and Winter Looks

Bring out the heavier overshirt fabrics in the colder months, like wool and flannel. Layers keep you warm and add interest to wool or flannel outfits. For overshirts, layer them over knitted sweaters and complement them with fall-approved olive corduroy pants. 

Gear Up Your Wardrobe With mnml

You can easily create different ensembles with the help of one item of clothing: the overshirt. And the hybrid nature of the overshirt makes it perfect for year-round wear.

At mnml, we’re meticulous about design. From bold graphic tees to baggy cargo pants, and of course, the versatile overshirt, we’ve crafted all the streetwear staples you need to upgrade your wardrobe.

Find your next go-to men’s overshirt and shop mnml today.