They're the solution to every transitional weather problem.
Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
At first glance, overshirts don't seem all that complicated. I mean, it's all in the name, right? It's a shirt that goes over whatever you're wearing as your base layer. It's really that simple. But I'm telling you, man: There are layers to this sh*t. (Or there should be, if you're doing it right.) Overshirts are so endlessly versatile figuring out how to wear one can be like solving one of those tricky math problems where you're asked to figure out how many permutations of "X" you can make with "Y." If Jack and Jill both own 15 overshirts (because they're two broken souls trying to solve their extensive, deeply rooted personal issues by buying their way to happiness—together) how many fits can they get off between them? Sheesh. I'm not touching that one. When I signed up for this gig they swore there'd be no math.
Why not skip the impromptu mental calculus (or is it algebra?!) and rest easy knowing no matter how you choose to wear your very own overshirt, you'll still be miles ahead of the swagless pack, much like the one kid in your class who started prepping for the SATs in the beginning of eighth grade. All that's to say, "overshirt" might, in fact, be a bit of a misnomer. Because sure, you could wear it over a tee or a sweater or what have you. But you could also wear it under a coat. Or, hell, over a shirt and under a coat—at the same time! The possibilities are endless.
So the next time you're about to head outside and can't decide what lightweight layer to reach for, don't panic. Make like you're stuck in one of those particularly haunting high school scenarios involving a long, meandering prompt and less than a minute left to fill in that final bubble. Take a deep breath. Concentrate on the problem at hand. Then grab the closest overshirt in sight and head out the door.
For minimalists looking to hop on the trend without breaking the bank,Topman's no-frills take is a no-brainer.
Ditto this one.
The brand behind the most beloved chamois button-down in the business also makes a mean fleece overshirt.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
The DTC darling is no slouch in the overshirt space.
Garment-dyed? Check. Welt pockets!? You bet. Contrasting drawcords at the hem!?!? Hell yes. Sold—to the man with too many overshirts.
Outerknown'sbest-selling style, now on sale for close to half off.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
You're damn rightDickies makesovershirts, too.
I'm already dreaming of a corduroy-filled Christmas.
Although, honestly, I wouldn't turn down this sweet denim number either.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Layer it under any of the brand's belovedcoats and then throw on a pair of proper pantsand somethrashed loafersfor a look that skews preppy in all the right ways.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
The heavyweight cotton-flannel version you should reach for when you need the type ofprotection only a strong, able twill can provide.
Speaking of flannel, Beams has officially entered the chat. And promptly dropped the mic. Goddamn.
Woolrich has been keeping people warm through the worst of winter for almost two centuries now, and it's showing no signs of letting up anytime soon. Its padded overshirt—in a tweaked buffalo check near synonymous with the brand—might not be the last one you'll ever want, but it's sure as hellthe last one you'll ever need.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
The plush version you'll catch your roommate involuntarily massaging even as it sits on top of your laundry heap.
Made in the UK from a sustainable denim and expertly cut to fit big and boxy, no matter how many slices of pie you go back for.
A handsome, viscose-linedstylethat looks more like something a deep-pocketed Agam fan would have hanging in the living room.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pockets Galore: finally, a complicated, fully fleshed-outanti-hero we can all rally behind.