Overshirt - The smart casual layering piece

Overshirt

A little bit jacket, a little bit shirt and a whole lot of style. Overshirts are the casually elegant alternative to unlined jackets for the transitional season and perfect for the layering look.

Men's overshirts = shirt + jacket

Discover our collection of clothing. Among a wide choice of pants, shirts, overshirts, jackets, and polos, you'll surely find what you're looking for in various colors.

Why is it called an "overshirt"?

The history of the overshirt goes back to the last century, while the traditional shirt has existed since the Middle Ages, this twist on men's wardrobe remains very recent. Indeed, in the 1980s, the American army dressed its soldiers in cotton uniforms, which provided flexibility and warmth while remaining light. This is where the overshirt was born, adorned with chest pockets for more functionality, and in green tones, then used by the American army. It was called the Battle Dress Uniform, and the garment has remained, popularized by brands for 40 years. Today, some troops still wear so-called "combat" shirts around the world.

In any case, the inspiration for this garment is mainly military and was later copied by industrial codes to also be called a "work shirt" and differentiate itself from the traditional work overalls.

green overshirt for men

What is an overshirt?

A distant cousin of the classic shirt we all know, the overshirt borrows quite a few details from it. Starting with the collar, typical of the shirt, often straight and short, far from the fancy Italian or American collars for overshirts.

Then come the buttons, as present as on its cousins. We've chosen the classic full-length closure here, without adding a zip to preserve the concept. You'll also find the usual buttons on the sleeves, for more style and to give you the option to roll up your sleeves. We thought of the Sunday DIY enthusiasts!

And since we were on a roll with practicality, we've even added two chest pockets, always adorned with nice buttons. So slip a pen or your keys in there when leaving in the morning to make sure you have them within reach. And by the way, you'll notice that the buttons on our overshirt are much larger than those on our classic shirts: we told you it was going to be practical. The overshirt is available in different solid colors and embodies the perfect marriage between style and comfort, carefully crafted from the best materials such as wool, linen, and cotton.

green-overshirt

When and how to wear an overshirt?

You'll wear it best as you wish, but here we can give you a hand if you're lacking inspiration. Open or closed? That is the question... And to be honest, we're fans of both. Closed if it's cold, that's the advantage, or if you've put on the last t-shirt from the bottom of your closet underneath.

More seriously, it indeed depends on what you plan to wear underneath: a plain t-shirt, fine knit, or even a shirt! Because when you love something, you don't hold back, and layering shirts is currently in fashion. If you're wearing a t-shirt, leave it open to show it off, or if it's a bit warmer than in the morning.

Overshirt-Cap-ferret

Wearing a thin sweater under the overshirt is also a very good idea, during mid-season when the sun is starting to show but temperatures remain low. The overshirt will be your outer layer and act as a windbreaker over your knitwear worn directly on the skin.

For the rest of the outfit, we can't recommend anything better than plain cotton chinos, or even jeans if you prefer. Often considered casual, it's the choice of bottoms that will set the tone of your look, from the most chic to the most relaxed.

overshirt-colors


What are the different types of overshirts for men?

To make our overshirts, we use the best materials on the market, for your comfort, for your skin, and for the planet. So we've set our sights on linen, cotton, and wool for our distinct models. The first one is for nice days, benefiting from the absorbent characteristics and lightness of linen. And for winter, we have our wool models, both woven in Italy to guarantee you the best finish and obtain a piece that lasts through time. But that's not all, the overshirt is available in different solid colors such as beige, green, navy, or even terracotta.

Choosing the color of your overshirt!

Choosing the perfect color for your overshirt is a crucial step in defining your style. Our collection offers a varied palette of carefully selected shades to suit all tastes and occasions. Opt for the timeless elegance of beige or navy for a classic silhouette, or add a touch of modernity with navy blue or heathered blue. If you prefer warmer tones, terracotta and camel will bring a note of sophistication to your outfit. For an urban and trendy look, olive green or brown will be wise choices. Our overshirts, available in these rich colors, are designed to adapt to the hustle and bustle of Paris, where you can discover them in our two boutiques. Make your purchase an unforgettable style experience by exploring the diversity of our overshirts, combining the comfort of a shirt with the versatility of a jacket. Find your favorite solid shade and define your own expression of fashion with our solid-colored overshirts.

A question about our collections?

An overshirt is a hybrid garment between a shirt and a jacket. Thicker than a classic shirt but less structured than a jacket, it can be worn open or closed, depending on your needs. Versatile and comfortable, the overshirt is perfect for mid-season weather. It can be layered over a t-shirt or a sweater to create various looks, ranging from casual to smart-casual. Adding an overshirt to your wardrobe means choosing a practical and stylish piece that enhances your outfits effortlessly.

The size of an overshirt depends on several factors, including your body shape, personal style, and how you intend to wear it.

Wearing it solo: If you plan to wear the overshirt like a standard shirt, choose your regular size for a comfortable, tailored fit.

Layering: If you’ll be layering it over a sweater or sweatshirt, go one size up to ensure freedom of movement and optimal comfort.

Size guide: Every brand has specific measurements. Always refer to the size chart to check chest, shoulder, and length dimensions to pick the best fit for you.

For an elegant yet comfortable look with an overshirt, opt for a model in neutral tones like beige, grey, or navy. Wear it over a dress shirt or a lightweight turtleneck for a polished style. Pair it with well-fitted trousers, such as chinos or wool pants, and finish the look with elegant shoes like leather boots or derby shoes. Balance comfort and sophistication for the perfect ensemble.

The choice of fabric for an overshirt depends on the season. For autumn and spring, go for materials like blended wool or heavy cotton, which provide a good balance of warmth and breathability. In winter, opt for more insulating fabrics such as wool flannel or corduroy. Finally, for summer, choose lightweight and breathable materials like linen or chambray.