What is an Overshirt? What makes the best Overshirt? Can I wear an Overshirt in Summer? Your questions answered

What is an Overshirt? …

I hear you say. Well, an Overshirt is an outerwear piece of clothing that is constructed like a shirt and worn like a casual jacket, but it is not a jacket. Are Overshirts in fashion? Oh yes. They are one of the most popular men's trends over the last 2 years. An Overshirt is a versatile garment that is meant to be worn over another layer or two of clothing like a teeshirt, shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie or sweater. The garment should be loose enough to wear another garment underneath but not loose enough to be unflattering. The best men’s Overshirts are the ones that are a good fit and are of a quality fabric and are well made. Natural fabrics are a good investment like various weights of wool, linens and cotton. Heavier weights of wool are good for Autumn and Winter, with lightweight wool, linens and cotton for Spring and Summer. When Summer nights turn a bit chilly, a lighter weight Overshirt is both stylish and practical.

Can you wear an Overshirt over a shirt?

Yes, you can. Just make sure that the Overshirt is a heavier weight than your regular shirt, and that the length of the Overshirt is slightly longer than the length underneath. It's all about proportions, fabric weight, fabric patterns and colours. If you choose a check fabric Overshirt, a good indicator of it being good quality is the matching of the pattern, especially across the front, side seams and the yoke. At Order Materia our shirt yokes are always two layers. This helps to make the front and back pieces hang straight and gives a good structure to the shoulders. Our side and sleeve seams are French seams for both durability and a quality and aesthetic finish. A good Overshirt will lie flat on the chest area when it's buttoned up.

Can I wear an Overshirt in Summer?

An Overshirt is not just for the cold Autumn and Winter months. Twill, cotton, lightweight wool and linens are fabulous fabrics for the warmer Spring and Summer weather. These natural fabrics are breathable and are a stylish cover-up to prevent sunburn. Think lighter colours. Sometimes our weather is chilly, especially in the evenings. For a trip to the coast, a family BBQ or a beer with mates at the pub, throw on an Overshirt over a cotton tee and shorts and you are ready to go. When it's cold, three layers look better than two, the added layers give your outfit greater depth. And when it's really cold wear an Overshirt under a Winter coat. Wool fabrics are perfect for Winter especially wool that has a comfortable feel, making the Overshirt a comfortable warm garment to wear.

There are many different styles of Overshirts. Some have one pocket, two, three or four pockets, others none. Some have straight hems, curved hems, side seam splits, and fronts shorter than the back. And how long should a man’s Overshirt be? An Overshirt that is too short or too long will alter your proportions. The hem should be no longer than the bottom of the fly of your trousers.

Overshirts were originally designed as a practical workwear garment, even explorers wore them. See our blog post here.

One of the most popular colours for an Overshirt is green with a check pattern. Have you seen our brushed wool check Over Shirt? It has it all. The right Winter shades of green with a contrast check, side bound short splits, bound in an eye-catching orange that contrasts with the olive/khaki green fabric, double yoke and all pattern matched. You can see all our Men’s shirts here, everyone handmade with love in the UK.

Zip? Hood? Pockets?

Do I think an Overshirt should have a zip? No. I think it no longer looks like a shirt, it looks like a jacket. What about a hood? Again it's a no from me. And lots of pockets? A no again. Too much like a jacket. If you want a zip, hood and lots of pockets, buy a jacket.