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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Mr P
1/14Mr P overshirt
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Green
Mr Porter's in-house line is a failsafe port of call for stylish wardrobe staples, including the overshirt. For the current season, the retailer proposes this excellent green style: cut from a soft-handled cotton, patterned with striking checks and finished with two front patch pockets. To align with its motif of choice, we suggest styling it with straight cut indigo jeans and suede desert boots. Off-duty style, sorted.
Reiss
2/14Reiss overshirt
- Fabrication: Polyester blend
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Navy, grey, black
Crafted from a comfortable stretch-woven fabric, Reiss' latest take on the overshirt is as classic as it gets. Guaranteed to compliment any avenue of style thanks to its simplicity, its regular fitting silhouette plays host to a spread collar, front button fastening, flap pockets, curved hem and brushed finish. If you're looking for some inspiration to complete the look, be sure to check out the matching drawstring trousers by the brand.
Percival
3/14Percival overshirt
- Fabrication: Acrylic cotton blend
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Multicolour
Who says you can't serve a statement through your overshirt of choice? Certainly not Percival, whose latest collection includes this striking multicoloured design. Embracing a series of eye-catching hues through its tartan-like motif, it has been constructed in Portugal through a quality cotton and is finished with a classic collar, corozo buttons and a slanted sleeve placket at the base of its oversized frame. The design for those that dare.
Cos
4/14Cos
Overshirt
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Black
Minimalist style lovers, Cos has got you covered for a simple (but, rest assured, effective) overshirt. Expressing the high street brand's commitment to craftsmanship, its black frame is assembled from a lightweight cotton and subtly nods to utilitarian style through its stand collar, oversized flap pockets and enclosed-button placket. Perfect for seeing you through the seasonal transition, keep the surrounding layers black for maximum effect.
Carhartt WIP
5/14Carhartt WIP
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Blue
As masters of the casual, workwear-cued wardrobe, it's no surprise that a brilliant selection of overshirts are offered by Carhartt WIP. Our top pick from the current collection? This sturdy blue style. Built from a hardwearing denim which has been stonewashed for a more lived-in look, it's streamlined with hickory white stripes down the body and fastened with white buttons for a perfect dose of contrast against its deep texture. Big yes.
Uniqlo
6/14Uniqlo overshirt
- Fabrication: Elastomultiester blend
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Colours: Beige, off white, olive
Searching for a simple and stylish overshirt which won't break the bank? Allow us to present this timeless piece by Uniqlo. Offered in three earthy shades – beige, off white and olive – it's crafted from a stretchy jersey fabric, is shaped to a relaxed fit and finished with all details commonly associated with the style: including a nifty collar and front patch pockets. Extra points for its inclusive size range.
Arket
8/14Arket
- Fabrication: 100% cotton twill
- Sizes: 44-54
- Colours: Dark blue, green, black, khaki
The Arket overshirt is a bit of a menswear legend. A simple piece that can be easily integrated into any outfit, available in myriad patterns and colourways, the brand has just launched its signature with sustainable Spinnova in its cotton mix, becoming the first H&M Group company to leverage the eco-friendly fibre. Add to those eco-credentials a stylish boxy fit, and here we have a masterclass in minimalist layering.
Everlane
9/14Everlane
- Fabrication: 100% cotton
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Blue, white, grey, beige (+ 1 more)
When it comes to long-lasting basics, Everlane is the label you're looking for. Specialising in durable pieces cut with elegance, Everlane's creations have been designed to outlast fickle trends and seasons. Hailing from the brand's Uniform range, this overshirt is versatile and minimalistic, kept simple with its evergreen navy blue hue.
Levi's
11/14Levi's
- Fabrication: Cotton-hemp blend
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Black
It's High Noon at Levi's, where this Barstow Western-inspired shirt has been done out in a rich black denim construction for the autumn and winter. In a flattering fit that follows the shape of its wearer, this piece sits proudly on the torso and shoulders, all the while allowing enough freedom of movement for the quickest of quickdraws.
Represent
12/14Represent
- Fabrication: Textile blend
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Beige
Do you feel that chill in the air? Represent must have, and thusly gone out and drawn up this warming riff on the everyday overshirt. A contemporary quarter-zip offset with a cosy fleece construction, this is the sheep-like piece that's here to keep you warm and stylish regardless of the weather report.
Prada
14/14Prada
- Fabrication: Regenerated nylon
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Colours: Black
Contrasting its boxy silhouette with straight, clean lines, this shirt from Prada commands a distinctly contemporary feel. As part of the label's ‘Re-Nylon’ collection, this overshirt has been designed and produced using recycled nylon for a more sustainable, Earth-friendly design. Finished with silver-tone details and the signature Prada enamelled logo plaque, this is modernised workwear at its most luxe.
