Style tip: The overshirt | Oscar Jacobson

The overshirt is a classic and timeless garment, worn since the early 20th Century. The classic version, with lapels, a wide look and three pockets, stems from work wear used during the construction of the French railways.

Meanwhile, the British created a design for the army, with a classic collar and four pockets, made from wool, flannel and khaki-linen, made to fit different climates. The overshirt was produced as a wear resistant garment, made for different uses, where the sewn-on pockets were perfect for carrying workers’ tools.

An overshirt is a perfect mix between jacket and shirt, and a more relaxed and stylish option when you don’t want to wear a blazer or a cardigan. You can wear it over a t-shirt, a shirt or heavier sweater, or why not dress it up with a tie? The choice is yours and there is an overshirt for every occasion.

To find the right fit for your overshirt, it is important that you try a couple of different sizes to know exactly which one fits your body shape the best. Then you can also take the opportunity to try different styles and see which one you feel most comfortable and handsome in.

When you can’t wear anything other than a t-shirt underneath your overshirt, that’s when you know it’s too small, and when it looks like it just hangs on your shoulder, it’s too big. Try and find that perfect middle ground, where you can wear a heavier sweater underneath your overshirt and at the same time just a t-shirt without the overshirt looking too loose fitting.