You may not be familiar with the camp collar shirt (or camp shirt) by name. But! I bet you’ve definitely seen one. Maybe even worn one! This casual warm weather shirt has been claimed as an off-duty favorite by stylish guys from James Bond to Chris Pine.
Oh that shirt?, you may think when you see one. That’s a Hawaiian shirt.
Okay yes. But also, it’s so much more. Let me explain.
What is a camp collar shirt, anyway?
A style staple of the 1950’s, camp collar shirts are characterized by their lack of collar band (making the collar a little floppy), short sleeves, and a loose, straight-cut fit.
History of the camp collar shirt
The Manual lays it out:
The history of the camp collar shirt is intertwined with Hawaiian fabrics as produced by pioneering brands like Reyn Spooner, but the camp collar shirt is also known as the “Cuban collar” shirt. It’s a callback to the fact that a breezy shirt and open collar are perfect for hotter climates such as in, well, Cuba. Early camp collar shirts — even some newer counterparts — featured soft fabrics like rayon, but modern iterations also feature linen or linen-cotton blends.
Colors and patterns of a camp shirt
When you think of camp shirts, what comes to mind may be a louder, more vacation-y print or pattern. After all, this style of shirt was built for play.
However, this summer, the camp shirt is growing up.
We love a solid-colored camp shirt that relies more on textures and smaller, subtle details to make you stand out. If you’ve been reticent to try this summer shirt, a solid hue may be the way to go.
What to wear with a camp shirt
There’s so many ways to wear a camp collar shirt. In a more laid-back office (and as we head back into our workplaces after so long doing WFH, they’re probably all more casual), you can pair yours with chinos or jeans.
In your off-duty hours, swap out close-toed shoes for sandals. And when it gets really hot? Go with shorts.
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Best left untucked, the camp collar shirt looks equally stylish on an upcoming Summer Friday half-day, at a backyard barbecue, and at the bar.
As our pal Peter Nguyen over at The Essential Man says, “Tag them in into any outfit that would call for a collared shirt and you’re golden.”
Below, check out how to wear a camp collar shirt five ways:
Wear a camp shirt buttoned up with casual pants
Elevate your camp collar shirt with accessories that make you feel like smiling. Think: an eye-catching necklace, bright socks and, yes, maybe even a bucket hat.
Wear a long-sleeve camp collar shirt
Yes, long sleeves count, too! This shirt is still casual, especially when worn with shorts.
As the folks over at Mr Porter put it, this style of shirt has an “appealing, languid, sort of what-do-I-care-ness.”
Meaning?
“Just make sure you keep everything else very clean and classic.”
Wear a camp shirt with technical sneakers
This is a great way to make a camp shirt feel really modern and fresh. Pair it with a pair of oh-so-trendy technical sneakers like Asics GT-2160’s.
Wear a camp shirt open over a tank
Don’t forget: you can also wear a camp shirt unbuttoned! Pair it with a wife pleaser (we’re not calling them the other thing anymore), and you’re good to go.
Swap out the socks and white sneakers for a moc shoe or espadrille when the weather gets really warm.
Wear one color all over
You don’t have to think too hard with a men’s camp shirt outfit. If it’s a solid color, just pair it with similarly-hued bottoms, and you’re set. A “fun” shoe helps the look pop but isn’t a must.
