Left to right: A Day’s March, Percival, Wax London, Mr. P.
(Picture: Press images)Now we’re entering the transitional limbo between two seasons, it’s time for your outfits to acclimatise. We’re talking versatile layers that can be worn as easily under a jacket as they can over a jumper - and there’s nothing better for the job than an overshirt.
Sitting midway between a light shirt and outerwear, the overshirt is crafted using a midweight fabric, like cotton drill, wool or denim, and often takes inspiration from the workwear staple with utilitarian details like patch or flap pockets and a button or zip closure.
As a traditionally minimalist piece, a great place to start is with Scandi high-street-heroes Cos and Arket that always offer elevated versions of the classics. Then there’s independent menswear experts like Wax London and Percival with more unique designs, or you can invest in responsible brands Asket and Everlane for a more eco-friendly choice.
Don’t be afraid to shell out some extra cash for a piece that you love because, as a menswear staple, you’ll wear it season after season. The most timeless styles will be in classic colours, whether it’s navy, beige, rust or black, and cut to a relaxed fit that will sit comfortably over a knit or under a coat without looking bulky.
If you’re partial to shopping pre-loved, you could cop an authentic style from vintage stores like Rokit or Goldsmith Vintage. Brimming with personality, many of these will have embroidery from genuine businesses, like builders’ merchants or engineers’ garages, which adds a certain playful authenticity to any look.
Keep scrolling to discover the best.
Wax London Whiting Overshirt Brown Dusk
Wax London’s signature piece, any lover of overshirts should be familiar with the brand. Crafted from a sustainably made upholstery fabric from a family-run mill in France using organic cotton, it’s a eco-friendly choice that will see you through the season in style.
Buy now £140.00, Wax London
Arket Cotton Twill Overshirt
In a similar colour to the classic French workwear styles, Arket’s mid blue design is made using a washed organic cotton that has a lived-in sense of comfiness. A straight cut with two chest patch pockets, it’s an easy-to-wear shirt that pairs perfectly with whites, blues and blacks.
Buy now £69.00, Arket
Percival Workshirt Cinnamon Box Cord
Cut to a slightly wider fit than other workshirts, Percival’s iteration is ideal for wearing as a shacket for a laid back, off-duty look. Available in four colourways, our favourite is the deep rusty red hue.
Buy now £80.00, Percival Clothing
Cos Regular Fit Overshirt
In a timeless navy, Cos’ overshirt is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. It features buttons in a tonal navy, two large flap pockets to the chest, and a sharp pointed collar - proving that all of the design details are considered.
Buy now, Cos
Rokit Vintage 90s Castrol Mr Lube Long-Sleeve Black Racing Work Shirt - XL / XXL
A shirt that wouldn’t look out of place at an American gas station, this vintage Castrol design will add a dash of personality to any otherwise understated look. You could even dress it up with black work pants and loafers for an evening out on the tiles.
Buy now £30.00, Rokit
Mr P. Cotton and Cashmere-Blend Corduroy Overshirt
Mr. Porter’s own brand, Mr P, offers collections that are full of classics any man would be lucky to have in their closet - and this overshirt is a case in point.
Made by an expert Italian shirtmaker, the cotton and cashmere blend corduroy means it will be warm on days when there’s a nip in the air.
Buy now £295.00, Mr. Porter
A Day’s March Original Overshirt - Herringbone - Regular Fit
Encouraging slow fashion, Swedish label A Day’s March only produces pieces that are sure to stand the test of time. With contrast buttons, patch pockets and a double topstitch at the placket, this shirt is equal parts stylish, functional and enduring.
Buy now £120.00, A Day’s March
Nanushka Duco Shirt
Budapest-based label Nanushka’s menswear offering is at once luxe, thoughtful and ecelctic. On the more lightweight end of the spectrum, this embroidered cotton button-down would look great worn over a T-shirt in the slightly warmer months.
Buy now, Nanushka
Ami Paris Embroidery Overshirt
If you want to ooze Parisian-chic, Ami should be on your radar. Offering a range of classics that you’d wear year after year, the French brand’s designs are worth the investment.
In a subtle beige cotton garbadine with tonal engraved buttons and logo embroidery to the chest, it’s a masterclass in luxury.
Buy now £270.00, Ami
Uniqlo Utility Jacket
Uniqlo’s utility shirt is a vintage inspired design that won’t break the bank. In a neutral khaki green, it will slot effortlessly in with almost any casual outfit.
Buy now £49.90, Uniqlo
