Guide: The Overshirt for Men

Introduction

I found some of Kyle Hynick‘s photos where he was wearing a big flannel shirt that had an embroidered logo and design on it. I discovered that the jacket is an overshirt.

Is the overshirt a good piece to add to a guy’s wardrobe or is it just a passing fad? The overshirt is a versatile part of a guy’s wardrobe. I can see why the garment has many fans.

The Cardigan Sweater

Way back, I loved cardigan sweaters with designs like some overshirts; sadly, this type of cardigan faded away. The overshirt could fill the place of the cardigan, at least for me.

What is an Overshirt?

According to the EQVVS website, an overshirt is a jacket with the design of a shirt. The overshirt comes in various styles (zip front, button front, with pockets or without pockets) and fabrics (cotton or nylon). The style is casual, but some of the overshirts have great colors making those pieces more polished. The overshirt is versatile to wear in all seasons, which is great for the Washington, D.C., area weather pattern.

In selecting an overshirt, it should be big enough to fit a sweater underneath the overshirt, but not supersized (unless that is the look you are going for).

How to Style the Overshirt

The overshirt provides many options for creating an outfit. I am still learning how to create a great look. I look to YouTube videos to see what fashion bloggers recommend.

The first video is by Style by Dillan, who provides advice on creating a two to three-layered outfit.

In the second video, Devan on Deck styles overshirts for use in warmer climates or a transition from cold to warm weather. Devan also discusses how to use overshirts to introduce color to your outfit.

YouTuber Marcel Floruss, in the third video, demonstrates several overshirts, in a variety of fabrics.

Examples

Kyle Hynick

Instagram influencer, Kyle Hynick, started a page where he wears different outfits. In the photos with overshirts, Kyle wears flannel shirts with customized embroidery and plaid jackets. He wears an overshirt with a graphic tee and cargo pants or jeans. It is a well-styled, relaxed rugged combination, perfect for weeknights or weekends.

Celestial City

Celestial City is a small business located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Celestial City’s owner lives in Halifax.

The brand sells embroidered sweatshirts, as Kyle is wearing one. The brand also provides for custom embroidery requests. (Check the website for more details.)

Represent

Represent is a luxury streetwear brand based in Great Britain. George and Michael Heaton, brothers, own Represent.

Several of Kyle’s outfits have a graphic t-shirt, jacket, hoodie, overshirt, and cargo pants from the brand.

Overshirt Brands

In researching this article, I became interested in the style, as I used to love cardigans with a design on them. While looking on Pinterest for Overshirt examples, I found a great-looking overshirt from Percival. I liked the overshirt’s look (flannel work shirt, hazel mini hound), but I wanted to learn more about the company.

Percival

Percival is a Great Britain brand located in Hackney. The brand strives to combine a “British sense of understated style and rare, internationally-sourced fabrics and materials.” A group of five operates the business.

I emailed the company with a sizing question about another coat and received a reply. (I decided to look for an overshirt because I have several coats already. The size information was valuable.)

I found a wool work shirt (midnight and espresso windowpane). I decided to buy it. (Note: this style may not be available; other styles are.)

The order process was smooth. I will update the post with details about the delivery and fit.

Order Review

My order was mailed on January 25 from the United Kingdom and arrived at my home in the United States (through DHL (20 GBP)) on January 27. The shipping is pricey, but I appreciate more the delivery speed.

I am impressed with how neatly the order was packed in the mail bag. The order arrived in a black mail bag. Inside the work shirt was within a cloth bag with the Percival logo. There was an envelope with return information if needed.

The work shirt is made of wool but is not overly heavy. (I love my cashmere overcoat–warm and light–so I pay attention to a jacket’s weight.) There is a lining in the sleeves.

I am happy with my purchase, and I will keep looking on the website for other pieces to buy.

Conclusion

The overshirt is a versatile part of a guy’s wardrobe. I hope that this article is also a benefit for you, the reader. (I will update this post with further examples.)

Would you consider buying an overshirt? Let me know your thoughts in the comments or by email.