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The best men's overshirts for peak seasonal layering
Layer up like a pro with one of these insulating (but not too insulating) overshirts and shirt jackets
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There are certain garments which are absolutely essential to any masculine wardrobe worth its thread: a navy blue suit being one, a pair of slim-cut stonewash jeans being another. Then, of course, there are those all-important white tees and button-down Oxford shirts.
An overshirt for men, on the other hand, is not a wardrobe essential. Sitting somewhere between a light jacket and, well, a regular shirt, an overshirt is one of the few somewhat unnecessary wardrobe-based confections we men are treated to – and therein lies its beauty.
Ideal thrown over a T-shirt when the summer nights draw in, and just as good worn between a sweater and an overcoat when layering against the winter chill is still required, a good men's overshirt is to your wardrobe what mayonnaise is to a sandwich. Not essential, as such, but, boy, would you miss it if it wasn’t there…
What are GQ's best overshirts for men?
You'll find all the overshirts worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are wearing:
- Best all-around overshirt: Sunspel, £295, matchesfashion.com
- Best budget overshirt: Arket, £97, arket.com
- Best designer overshirt: Prada, £1,550, prada.com
- Best utilitarian overshirt: Raey, £130, matchesfashion.com
What is the difference between an overshirt and a ‘shacket’?
Yes, both the overshirt and the humble shacket (that’s the shirt-jacket hybrid for the layman) share a relaxed fit and lightly utilitarian feel, but there are still some key differences. Whilst both types of layer riff on a more lightweight outerwear style, the shacket is more of a standlone piece made for transitional weather, whereas the overshirt is primed for a bit of layering action, be it a jacket or coat, or just a spot of knitwear.
What is the best fabric for an overshirt?
You can get denim overshirts, corduroy overshirts, organic cotton overshirts, checked overshirts – but which is best? Well, that depends on a few separate factors. For autumn and winter, a bit of check and tartan goes a long way with its festive value…but come summer? You’re going to want some breathable linen or cotton overshirts onside.
But year-round, you can’t go wrong with anything from the utilitarian output of Carhartt, or Japanese label Uniqlo. Alternatively, look to a spot of Stone Island for some streetwise appeal.
Scroll on for British GQ's pick of the best overshirts for men in 2024…
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