Now we’re entering the transitional season, it’s time for your outfits to acclimatise. We’re talking boots instead of shoes. We’re talking coats instead of jackets. And, above all, we’re talking versatile layers.
One of the easiest best mid-layers to buy is an overshirt. Dating back to 19th century workwear, they often feel utilitarian – think patch pockets and heavyweight fabrics like cotton drill, wool, corduroy or denim. 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.
When you’re hitting the shops in search of a new design, 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. Better yet, styled correctly, you can make it work all year round.
The good news? The range on the market, from high end to high street, means you’re covered no matter what your budget. On the high street, Scandi label Arket’s your best bet. Then there’s mid-range menswear experts like Wax London and Percival or you can invest in responsible brands Asket or Everlane for an eco-friendly choice.
If you’re partial to shopping pre-loved, you could cop an authentic style from vintage stores like Rokit or Goldsmith Vintage. Many of these feature branding from genuine businesses, like builders’ merchants or engineers’ garages, which adds a nice unique touch.
Keep scrolling to discover the best.
Asket The Overshirt
You can’t go wrong with Asket. Not only is the collection designed with a capsule wardrobe mindset, meaning it’s full of staples every guy could use in their wardrobe, but it’s all responsibly designed too. The website details each product’s traceability as well as pricing structure and environmental impact.
Inspired by the classic French ‘Bleu de Travail’ uniforms, this is a useful menswear building block. You could wear it as a jacket in summer or as a little extra insulation when it’s getting colder. A useful piece you’ll wear over and over.
Buy now £150.00, Asket
Wax London Otto Ecru And Red Quilted Overshirt
Wax London’s signature piece, any guy who likes an overshirt should be familiar with the brand. Though the vast majority of the designs are made using an upholstery fabric from a family-run mill in France using organic cotton, this style is new to the lineup for 2024.
Crafted from a quilted ecru, blue, red and blanket jacquard, it’s a little more substantial making it perfect for the upcoming cold season.
Buy now £165.00, Wax London
Arket Cotton Twill Overshirt
In a classic navy, Arket’s take 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 £77.00, Arket
Percival Antique Moquette Shirt
For menswear classics with a twist, Percival’s your best bet. Where the silhouettes are kept simple – think a camp collar shirt, straight leg jeans or a rugby jersey – each and every design is given the brand’s trademark makeover, be it through embroidery, print or colour-combos. This shirt, for example, seems like a simple green cloth but up close you’ll notice the understated textural pattern. Perfect for winter layering.
Buy now £189.00, Percival Clothing
Cos Double-Faced Wool Overshirt
Cos is your best bet for elevated basics. Just look at this overshirt. While, on the face of it, it might just seem like your average design, it’s so much more.
It’s cut to the perfect relaxed fit. It’s made from a premium wool that’s luxuriously heavyweight and soft, not to mention responsibly sourced. Then there’s the finishing details, spread collar and side pockets included, which take it to the next level.
Buy now £135.00, Cos
Rokit Vintage 90's Ralph Lauren Long-sleeve Denim Shirt XL
When it comes to denim shirts, thrift stores are a great place to look – as proven by this vintage Ralph Lauren shirt from Rokit. Where a fresh design by the American house would set you back upwards of £100, this is available for just £50. Better yet, it’s packed with character which can’t be bought brand new.
Buy now £50.00, Rokit
L'Estrange London The 24 Overshirt
The concept behind L’Estrange London is a modular wardrobe. The entire collection is designed to be worn together, whether it’s a plain t-shirt, a sweatshirt or some perfectly slim trousers.
This time, it’s the overshirt on our radar. Perfect for the office or on the weekend, it’s a multi-functional essential that’s worth the investment.
Buy now £139.00, L'Estrange London
A Day’s March Patch Pocket Sturdy Twill Overshirt
Encouraging slow fashion, Swedish label A Day’s March collections are built to last in more ways than one. First of all, the minimal Scandi look transcends trends, meaning anything you buy is an investment piece you’ll wear again and again. Then, the premium fabrics and expert craftsmanship means they’ll still look just as good years later.
This French blue workwear shirt in a sturdy twill is the perfect layering piece come winter. It will add a pop of colour beneath an overcoat or on top of a plain white tee.
Buy now £160.00, A Day’s March
Private White V.C. Suede Studded Overshirt - Bark
Manchester-based label Private White V.C. is Mancunian through and through – and this collection made in collaboration with LS Lowry, the British artist known for his drawings of the city, even furthers its connection to its hometown.
Inspired by the colours in his paintings, the muted colour palette shines through on outerwear, shirting and tailoring, as well as this suede overshirt. It’s hand-cut, unlined, and crafted from a buttery soft goat suede. And, naturally, it’s made in Manchester.
Buy now £995.00, Private White V.C.
Oliver Spencer Treviscoe Shirt Mersey Cord Aubergine
Every guy who’s into menswear will be familiar with Oliver Spencer. Each season, a few pieces by the London-based label find their way onto my wishlist, whether it’s a wear-with-everything overcoat or a super soft lambswool knit.
Now we’re well into corduroy season, this shirt is the next piece I’ve got my eye on. In an autumnal shade of aubergine, this will work with best with indigo jeans and a white tee.
Buy now £159.00, Oliver Spencer
