Tested: The Best Shirt Jackets & Overshirts for Men to Layer All Year Long (2024)

The menswear world’s largest brands are well aware of the difficulties surrounding inter-season adornment, and to answer our cry for capable, middle-weight clothing that could be utilized on a whim, they took to the drawing board to create the shirt jacket – a versatile style piece that would act as a simple but obvious solution to the shortcomings oftraditional outerwear. Below, we take a closer look at some of the best shirt jackets with favorites from around the space, focusing primarily on capability, comfort, and compatibility with other items in our wardrobe, including shirts,button-ups, and lighter garments. So, without further adieu, let’s dive right into our hands-on guide.

How We Tested

Flannels and shirt jackets get confused a lot (more on that later), which is why we made sure to curate a list that has plenty of variety, without stepping on the toes of our favorite plaid pieces. The lovably dubbed “shacket” is an underrated piece of menswear that’s perfect for transitional seasons, and we got our hands on some high-quality picks from our favorite brands.

To begin our testing, I wear each shacket with the same white tee which serves as the unbiased base for both style and function purposes. While shackets aren’t traditionally winter garments on their own, they can serve as solid layers, and we were able to get out into the California cold to put them to the test. Comfort is another huge factor when it comes to shirt jackets, from the skin feel to how it drapes, so we made sure to test how comfortable each pick is on its own and how they compare to the rest. Build quality is also put to the test by inspecting stitching and seams and looking for any loose threads. I also threw on multiple layers underneath each pick, including sweatshirts, tees, and flannels, to get a better idea of the layering opportunities.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants – each shirt jacket you see me wearing on the guide is a size XL. Similarly to jackets, I’m in between sizes here (L and XL), so my opinions on fit will sometimes be more personal and I’ll make sure to point that out.

What to Look for

Material:First off, decide if you want an extra warm shirt jacket (as they’re already warm) or if you care more about the style. If warmth is what you’re after, then you’ll want a jacket with a warm lining and thick material construction. The most common materials will be cotton, polyester, and wool for the outer shell, with materials like polyester, fleece, and nylon commonly used for lining.

Fit:Again, if warmth is the goal, then a thicker/bigger shirt jacket is obviously the best choice. But if you’re planning on layering it more often than not, make sure that it can still be worn comfortably under the jackets and over the shirts you wear regularly. Do keep in mind that most shirt jackets are designed to have a more relaxed fit to make layering easier, and will often have a bit of extra room in the sleeves and chest.

Style:The timeless CPO-style jackets are always a safe bet (check out ourbest overshirtsguide for some more history), but there are plenty of modern options available with their own twist. Also, keep in mind that shirt jackets are still layers and aren’t meant to replace garments for especially cold weather.

Lining: A lined jacket can offer both warmth and a softer skin feel, and it’s a good idea to grab one that’s lined if you live in a colder climate. Polyester and cotton are two common choices, and if you want extra softness, go for something that’s brushed.

Fill: If you want to double down on the warmth, go for a jacket that’s filled with something like polyester or PrimaLoft to keep you insulated. This is especially important for those planning on wearing these in cold weather.

Carhartt Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Canvas Fleece-Lined Shirt Jac

Best Starter Shacket: While Carhartt’s gear continues to grow in popularity in the fashion scene, the label’s apparel remains affordable and reliable. This shirt jacket is no exception, made with 8.5 oz of cotton canvas with just a touch of spandex for added stretch. Designed for warmth, it’s lined with fleece and comes with handwarmer pockets for extra protection.

While we’ve named this as our “Best Starter Shacket”, Carhartt’s build quality and style are truly second to none, especially compared to other overshirts in this price range. This is also the most rugged pick on the guide, and surprisingly hardwearing for a shirt jacket (which are usually focused on comfort). It starts with a tough canvas shell for abrasion resistance, and it’s lined with an incredibly soft (almost blanket-like) and warm fleece that makes this a very worthy winter layer. Speaking of layers, the relaxed fit here is perfect for adding thicker layers underneath, like a hoodie or sweater (which fit perfectly underneath). For storage, you get two chest pockets, an inner media pocket, and two hand warmer pockets (lined with fleece, which is super nice for winter). The Rugged Flex tech is definitely felt here, too, as the shacket doesn’t feel nearly as stiff as other canvas jackets, and offers enough stretch for better movement.

This is admittedly a nit-picky gripe, but I noticed that the snaps make a jingling sound whenever I was walking around. Given the relaxed fit, the shacket also ran a bit long on me and felt big in the chest, so if you’re looking for something more true to size, then I recommend sizing down.

Verdict: It should come as no surprise that this pick is great for working men, and the fleece lining makes it an ideal winter candidate (with a relaxed fit offering room for layers). Given that it’s Carhartt, you can trust that it’ll last a while, too.

Material: 8.5oz of 98% cotton and 2% spandex stretch canvas
Lining: Fleece
Fit: Relaxed
Sizes: Regular (S – 4XL), Tall (L – 3XL) (Featured: Basil, XL)
Manufacturing Origin: India

L.L.Bean 1912 Heritage Lined Shirt Jac, Corduroy

Best Corduroy Shacket: L.L.Bean’s apparel is perfectly classic, with a variety of tried and true styles to choose from, and over a century of experience to back them up. So it’s no surprise that the label’s heritage gear, like this corduroy shirt jacket, is full of old-school class. It starts with this beautiful washed corduroy (elevating its softness), and it’s lined with even softer fleece for warmth and comfort.

Hailing from an absolute legend in the outdoor menswear scene, this shirt jacket is part of the Bean’s BeanBuilt collection, which leans on rugged apparel with broken-in comfort and timeless style. You’re getting exactly that with this beautiful, Western-inspired pick, boasting a washed corduroy construction that’s lined with warm polyester fleece. This is one of the coziest picks here, and you can definitely feel the extra softness that the washed corduroy has (and the fleece lining is just to die for). The sleeves are lined with taffeta, which is nice for keeping your layers from bunching up, but it’s not quite as warm as the fleece. It’s not all about comfort, though – you get triple-needle stitched details throughout for durability, two chest pockets (with the left featuring a small compartment for pens and such), and two handwarmer pockets. The fit here is straddling the line between true to size and relaxed, but the length (which is on the longer side) has me leaning towards relaxed (although it was a little difficult to layer anything thicker than a lightweight crewneck underneath).

It would’ve been nice to have another snap on the sleeves for a tighter fit, but they didn’t feel big on me personally. It also would’ve been nice to have some internal pockets for more storage, as the chest pockets aren’t that big, but at the end of the day, this piece is leaning towards fashion, and you should go for something more hard-wearing (like Carhartt’s shacket) if you’re looking to get your hands dirty.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a cozy overshirt that’s more rugged than it looks, then this pick is definitely for you. The washed corduroy is stylish yet soft, and the Berber fleece lining compliments it perfectly.

Material: 100% cotton corduroy
Lining: 100% polyester fleece
Fit: Traditional
Sizes: S – 3XL (Featured: Walnut, XL)
Manufacturing Origin: Sri Lanka

Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt

Best Stretchy Shacket: Faherty is steeped in surf culture and started by a family that’s passionate about high-quality apparel. Much of this apparel conjures warm feelings of the beach and late summer nights, leaning on a laid-back look and feel. The label is also dedicated to sustainability, partnering with Native communities, and using recycled materials/packaging to reduce environmental impact. We went with their Legend Sweater Shirt for the guide, and it’s made with a stretchy, silk-like material blend that just feels incredible, and fits like your favorite sweater.

“Sweater shirt” is honestly the best way to describe this piece, but if I had to describe it another way, I’d say it fits and feels a lot like a cardigan. Using a proprietary blend of polyester and viscose (AKA rayon, an artificial silk-like material), Faherty pulled out all the stops to create a luxurious shirt jacket that feels like an heirloom sweater. Immediately after putting this shirt on, it felt familiar and lived-in, and it’s honestly one of the softest/comfiest polyester shirts I’ve worn. The material blend here is not only super soft but also very stretchy, making this a worthy mid-layer as well. You’re getting a button front and two buttoned pockets on the chest for storage, and it’s finished with a shirttail hem. While this is on the thinner side compared to other picks, it still felt warm enough to wear at around 65°F, and the layering opportunities make up for it.

The sleeves here are just too long and came down to my knuckles while I was standing up – luckily, it’s easy to roll them up, and the style of the piece lends itself to a more laid-back look anyway. Also, given how thin this thing is and the lack of a liner, I wouldn’t recommend that anyone living somewhere especially cold use this as a winter shacket (although it would make a great mid-layer).

Verdict: Combining the comfort and drape of a sweater with the style of an overshirt, this unique take is ideal for anyone who wants a laid-back look and/or a stretchy layer.

Material: 65% REPREVE Recycled Polyester, 30% LENZING ECOVERO Viscose, 5% Elastane
Lining: None
Fit:Relaxed through the chest with a slight taper at the waist, and relaxed tapered sleeves
Sizes: Standard (XS – 2XL), Tall (M – XXL) (Featured: Navy Twill, XL)
Manufacturing Origin: Turkey

Outerknown The Origin Shacket

Best Sustainable Shacket: Outerknown’s apparel is known for its sustainability and prides itself on being radically transparent. Much like Faherty, Outerknown’s apparel is inspired by the coast, and leans on laid-back silhouettes. It was started by the legendary surfer Kelly Slater and remains a fan favorite among surfers and beachgoers around the country. We’re big fans of the Origin Shacket, as it offers something unique with a lightweight polyester construction, and it’s full of beachy style.

As a California publication, Outerknown’s blend of sustainability, surf culture, and style is a perfect match for our tastes. This shacket, in particular, was a personal favorite of mine and another Cali-friendly piece that’s lightweight yet warm and full of coastal swag. It’s made with recycled polyester, and lined with an insulating polyester layer (also recycled) for warmth. Compared to heavyweight picks like Carhartt’s, this is definitely on the lighter side, and more ideal for milder cold weather. However, the fit lends itself to layering and feels more relaxed than anything. This relaxed fit, coupled with the insulating material, makes this an ideal layer for wearing under and over other cold-weather apparel, but I personally found it perfect to wear over just a tee in the California winter (which is cold to us!). I was also impressed by the inclusion of YKK snaps, a small detail that shows Outerknown cares and doesn’t just use any old plastic buttons.

Sleeve cuffs here were a little baggy for me, and like L.L.Beans shacket, I would’ve liked some extra snaps for adjustments. The back is also a bitbaggy, but seeing as this is built for layering, that’s not a big deal for me. I was able to wear a thick sweatshirt underneath this one pretty easily, which makes me confident that others should be able to do the same.

Verdict: Anyone living by a coast that has a milder winter should definitely consider this pick – it’s laid-back yet still very useful, with a relaxed feel that’s easy to layer with.

Material: 100% recycled polyester
Lining: 100% recycled polyester
Fit: Classic
Sizes: S – XXL (Featured: Flint Grey, XL)
Manufacturing Origin: Tunisia

Taylor Stitch The Miller Shirt Jacket

Best Quilted Shacket: Taylor Stitch is a site favorite over here at HICONSUMPTION because they strike the perfect balance between utility and timeless style. And they’ve done it again with this quilted shacket, made with recycled nylon and finished with a DWR coating to keep water at bay.

Much like Outerknown’s shacket, this pick from Taylor Stitch opts for lightweight warmth using a nylon shell, nylon lining, and polyester fill for insulation (all recycled). On top of that, it’s coated with a durable water-repellent finish and features a diamond quilt for extra warmth, making this a dependable pick for inclement weather. For storage, you get a surprising amount of options with two buttoned chest pockets, two handwarmer pockets, two large internal pockets, and a buttoned media pocket. It’s finished with YKK snaps and has a fit that’s by far the most tailored/true to size on this guide. Even with this closer fit, however, I found that it was still easy to layer with, and you could easily fit something thick like a sweater underneath. Also, like Outerknown’s shacket, this pick is perfect for those who live somewhere that has milder winter weather.

I really don’t have any criticisms for this jacket, other than the fact that Taylor Stitch’s apparel tends to be sold for a limited time (unless it’s part of their core collection), so it can be hard to get the exact color or style you want.It’s also a bit form-fitting for a relaxed cut, meaning it might be a bit difficult for larger people to use thicker layers underneath (something I had a slight struggle with).

Verdict: Combining the lightweight warmth of nylon and warm polyester insulation, Taylor Stitch’s quilted shacket is flattering, easy to layer with, and waterproof to boot.

Material: 1.5oz of 100% recycled nylon shell with DWR finish
Lining: 1.5oz of 100% recycled nylon
Fill: 100% recycled polyester
Fit: Relaxed
Sizes: XS – XXL (Featured: Burgundy, XL)
Manufacturing Origin: China

Buck Mason Wool CPO Jacket

Best Wool Shacket: If you’re looking for a classic shirt jacket inspired by the original CPO models, then there are few brands better than Buck Mason to do the classic American garment justice, and put a modern spin on it. Like they’ve done with this CPO jacket that’s made with yarn-dyed wool and insulated with PrimaLoft. This warm jacket has a relaxed fit, corozo buttons, and two chest pockets.

For those who want a more traditional-looking shirt jacket but still enjoy the weight and warmth of bulkier picks, this Buck Mason CPO jacket is for you. Inspired by the CPO shirt that the U.S. Navy used in the ‘30s, this is arguably the most classic shirt jacket silhouette – but given Buck Mason’s penchant for elevating old-school style with modern design, you’re getting a blend of past and present with this one. On the outside, you get yarn-dyed woolen twill that’s brushed for softness and PrimaLoft insulation on the inside to keep you insulated. The fit is relaxed, but it didn’t feel too baggy, with enough room to layer up underneath (I will say that there’s quite a bit of extra room in the sleeves and chest, however, which is nice for layering, but could run big on some). You get two chest pockets up top, and it’s finished with corozo buttons throughout.

My only complaint here is that I would’ve liked to see more storage options/hand pockets, but this is definitely a stylistic choice on Buck Mason’s part and gives the shirt a more streamlined silhouette.I also would’ve liked to see at least one other extra button on the cuffs, as they ran a bit large on me. For layering, this was more than capable of pairing with a thick sweatshirt, and complemented the look nicely.

Verdict: Inspired by the most classic shirt jacket there is, Buck Mason’s Wool CPO is warm, stylish, and absolutely timeless. The PrimaLoft insulation also makes this a worthy cold-weather piece.

Material: 7.5 oz of yarn-dyed woolen twill with a brushed face
Lining: PrimaLoft
Fit: Relaxed
Sizes: XS – XXL (Featured: Golden Brown, XL)
Manufacturing Origin: Indonesia

Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket

Best Waxed Shacket: These days, Flint and Tinder may be better known for its iconic waxed trucker jacket that Pedro Pascal wore in The Last of Us, but don’t let that distract you from the rest of the label’s apparel. Take this shirt jacket, for example; it uses the same waxed canvas from the label’s iconic trucker, and it’s insulated with PrimaLoft to keep you warm on cold winter days.

Using the same waxed shell that’s featured on the famous waxed canvas trucker jacket, this pick from Flint and Tinder is a hardwearing shirt jacket that’ll give plenty of workwear a run for its money. The shell is made of British Millerain waxed canvas, with PrimaLoft insulation on the inside for warmth and Japanese polyester lining. This is definitely the most rugged pick in the guide, thanks to the waxed canvas shell and insulation, but the overall weight and fit make it feel more like a jacket than a shirt jacket. For storage, you get two buttoned chest pockets, two handwarmer pockets, a media pocket, and a zipped chest pocket on the inside. Much like Buck Mason’s CPO Jacket, this pick has a fit that’s leaning towards relaxed with room for layering, but doesn’t look baggy.

My only gripe here is the same as the one I had with the trucker jacket: I wish the media pocket had some sort of closure, because you’re usually storing a valuable smartphone in there, and for workwear-leaning picks like this, it can go a long way.

Verdict: For anyone planning on doing serious outdoor work, I highly recommend this pick from Flint and Tinder. It uses the same waxed material that’s used in the iconic trucker jacket from the legendary British Millerain, and insulted with PrimaLoft for warmth.

Material: 100% British Millerain Tekwax Evolution 6 waxed canvas
Lining: 100% Japanese polyester
Fill: 100% recycled PrimaLoft
Fit: Relaxed
Sizes: XS – 3XL (Featured: Brown with Orange Lining, XL)
Manufacturing Origin: Indonesia

Shirt Jacket Comparison Chart

SHIRT JACKETS VS. OVERSHIRTS

Both variants are pretty similar, but shirt jackets are often thicker than overshirts. Keep in mind that brands often use the terms interchangeably, so pay close attention to the material makeup and size to make your own decision. In this guide, we’ve used both terms as you can probably tell, but it’s ultimately a personal preference.

Shirt jackets vs. Flannels

While many shirt jackets look a lot like flannels, they’re really a beefy older brother that’s taken the silhouette and opted for thicker material, warm lining, and sometimes coming with extra pockets. At the end of the day, flannel is just a material, and while we colloquially associate the term with a certain style (lightweight plaid button-ups).

HOW TO STYLE A SHIRT JACKET

Shirt jackets are great for throwing on over a shirt or wearing under a beefier jacket. Apair of jeanswill always be a great complement, and you can elevate it with some nice footwear (maybe some Chelsea boots). Shirt jackets are also more of a fall/early winter garment, so try to pair them with season-appropriate clothing (but there’s no rule saying you can’t rock some shorts and sandals with a lighter shirt jacket).

Honorable Mentions

Todd Snyder’s Italian Velvet Overshirt is a luxurious take on the shirt jacket that serves as a more formal option that could be used like a dinner jacket. Made in Portugal with premium velvet from Italy, it’s finished with workwear detailing and a relaxed fit.

We’re big fans of Percival over here, and the label’s Blanket Overshirt is a beautiful wool pick that’s great for winter. It’s made in London with an Italian wool blend, and it’s incredibly stylish.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get our hands on Wax London’s Whiting Overshirt, but it’s sustainably made with recycled cotton from a French mill and environmentally friendly Corozo nut buttons.

Gap’s basics have been a menswear staple for years, and the label’s Denim Utility Overshirt serves as a stripped-back yet still stylish pick. The denim construction also means it’ll develop a nice patina over time.