The overshirt: between shirt and jacket

The overshirt: a mysterious and uncertain history

The overshirt has only been a part of men's wardrobes for a few years, but its origins actually go back further than that. In fact, it's not easy to date its creation with any certainty. The ancestors of modern overshirts were originally military uniforms, an adaptation of the BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) shirts that the US army made its soldiers wear for combat in the 1980s. They may even date back to the Korean War (1950-1953), created to combat the Asian cold and modernise the American army uniform. But historians believe that the overshirt could even date back to the 1930s, when it was used by the US Navy to dress officers. It was a shirt of a certain thickness with pockets on the chest.

Although the inspiration for this shirt came primarily from the military, workers also contributed to the creation of this garment, which resembles the blue overalls worn by these workers. The overshirt was the utilitarian workwear of 19th-century workers. It was practical with its pockets and comfortable for long working days.
The lumberjack shirt came into its own in the 1990s. Today, some consider it to be the epitome of style.

The benefits of overshirts

The overshirt is as stylish as it is comfortable, because at CAFÉ COTON we want our customers to be as comfortable as possible. It's easy to take off and put back on, depending on the temperature outside. What's more, it's also very versatile; it goes with everything. It's a versatile garment that can be worn in a number of ways: closed for a more hipster look, or open for a casual style that lets the garment underneath show through.

How should I wear it?

The overshirt is ideal for layering, as it can be worn over a shirt or a t-shirt. In winter it can even be slipped under a warm jacket with a turtleneck jumper. CAFÉ COTON recommends wearing it oversized for added style. If you want a smart casual look, opt for a t-shirt or shirt underneath with a chino. If you prefer a streetwear look, pair it with cargo trousers and a sweatshirt.

Finally, if you want a little originality, go for the all-black look with a coloured or checked overshirt for a lumberjack effect that's so on-trend.
Whatever your taste, our range of overshirts includes elegant, high-quality pieces in 100% cotton or linen and cotton. The classic collars of these products fit all the shirts, polo shirts or t-shirts you'd like to wear underneath.