If you haven’t noticed by now, here at SG HQ we’re fully in the pocket of Big Outerwear. We’ve shared with you the stylish versatility of denim jackets and field jackets, bombers and chore coats. And we’re not done yet!
At least not until your coat rack has a shirt jacket—aka overshirt or “shacket”—hanging on it.
What is a men’s shirt jacket?
For the uninitiated wondering what a shirt jacket or “shacket” is, it’s the unholy union of a long-sleeve shirt and a more formal lightweight jacket. I’ll use shirt jacket, overshirt, and shacket interchangeably here.
A shirt jacket is generally cut like a button-front shirt, with buttons or snaps up the front and pockets on the chest. You’ll find them in a variety of colors and patterns, even if neutral hues are the most versatile.
Generally, an overshirt is heavy enough to wear as your final layer without adding a coat on top. Think: cotton canvas, corduroy, or fleece. Don’t worry, though. An overshirt won’t add too much bulk if you do decide to wear it over a regular shirt or under a jacket.
Dress it up or dress it down, the trusty men’s shacket can get you through pretty much anything.
Below, how to wear a shirt jacket five ways:
MONDAY
Shop the outfit:
- overshirt: Wax London
- sweater: J.Crew
- pants: Dickies
- socks: Bombas
- sneakers: Nike
SG Says: Wax London makes one of Team SG’s favorite overshirts, the Whiting Overshirt, and it comes in so many colors and patterns each season. You can wear it as a top layer in warmer weather and a mid-layer in cold weather.
TUESDAY
Shop the outfit:
- pants: Polo Ralph Lauren
- fleece-lined overshirt: Everlane
- t-shirt: Abercrombie (similar)
- bandana: Gap
- boots: Blundstone
SG Says: Love this fleece-lined overshirt from Everlane. It is SO cozy and warm, and the neutral color means it will go with so much in your wardrobe…even camo pants.
You could also wear it with jeans or 5-pocket pants if you’re not a camo guy.
WEDNESDAY
Shop the outfit:
- overshirt: Polo Ralph Lauren
- sneakers: Jak
- pants: J.Crew
- sunglasses: Ray-Ban
- sweater: Wills
SG Says: This cotton overshirt is totally timeless, and light enough to wear as a mid- or top layer all eyar round.
THURSDAY
Shop the outfit:
- overshirt: Wax London
- shirt: J.Crew
- jeans: Todd Snyder
- hat: Ralph Lauren
- boots: Clarks
SG Says: Yes, you can bring color into your overshirt repertoire! All the better when you coordinate the shirt underneath to one of the hues.
FRIDAY
Shop the outfit:
- overshirt: Corridor
- watch: Timex
- loafers: G.H. Bass
- pants: Bonobos
- turtleneck: Lands’ End
SG Says: A turtleneck under a denim overshirt makes for a sophisticated pairing.
Wear yours with 5-pocket pants in a bold color, or keep things monochrome by swapping in black jeans.
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