Checkered Flag: How to Win the Spring Shirt Grand Prix
Spring is here, so we're on the hunt for lightweight top layers that make layering easy. Along with other basics like shell jackets, and new denim jackets, checkered shirts have become synonymous with the changing of the seasons and very well might be the ultimate spring clothing item.
The history of checkered print is a long one, dating back to nearly the sixth century when chess was invented. Since then, it has seen countless iterations, from being adapted through various parts of Americana to Burberry even trading its own tartan check.
Typically short sleeved checkered shirts are geared towards spring and summer as you'd expect. Flannels, on the other hand, have carved their way into being an essential garment that can be worn just about any time and still remain in style year after year. These shirts are generally thicker and come in a variety of options that work well for layering too.
While there are countless ways to approach styling your checkered shirt outfit from pairing with workwear pants to sizing up and wearing a hoodie under it à la A$AP Rocky. Any way you choose to style it you can count on it being your go to shirt this season.
Check out our roundup of the best checkered shirts with luxury options from Isabel Marant and Burberry to essentials by Norse Projects and Oliver Spencer.
Cop the Best Checkered Shirts for Men Below
Celine HOMME
Testament to how far the checkered shirt has come is its popularity in the luxury sphere. Labels like Celine have run with the style, bringing in bolder colors like this impactful yellow and black iteration.
NEIGHBORHOOD.
Japanese streetwear specialist NEIGHBORHOOD. keeps things traditional with this neutral color palette. The white backdrop is joined by graded black and brown checks for a finish that's super easy to style.
Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant looks to two contrasting checks to give the Pilou Shirt its irreverent character. The design is in keeping with classic workwear checked shirts, but the pastel checks bring a more modern, spring-aligned finish.
Norse Projects
When you're looking for staple pieces like a checkered shirt, Norse Projects is a guaranteed win. Offering high-quality staples at reasonable prices, the brand revolves around a sense of functionality and Scandi minimalism.
Oliver Spencer
One of the beautiful things about checkered shirts is the variety within the category. This Oliver Spencer iteration features a fine check which stands in contrast to the bolder, more traditional checks of the other options.
Burberry
Arguably fashion's most recognizable check pattern comes from Burberry. The British label has made this Vintage Check a callsign for its universally loved, classic collections.
Thom Browne
From the archetypal British brand to an archetypal American brand, we move to Thom Browne. New York's favorite tailor is famed for his perfectly fitted oxford shirts and this grey check version is a nice casual touch for the spring/summer wardrobe.
Diesel
Glenn Martens' Diesel has been a revelation in the fashion world. Since taking over in 2020, Martens has upped the brand's profile by riding the Y2K wave. This orange checked shirt fits that mold. It's definitely giving Ashton Kutcher circa 2002 energy.
Corneliani
Checks on checks on checks. This checkered shirt by Corneliani is enough to make your head go fuzzy. Seemingly layering several check patterns over each other, the finish is an intricate and vaguely hypnotic pattern that will turn heads.
ERL
ERL keeps things simple, avoiding complicated checks or tartans for a toned-down checkerboard in neutral green and brown.
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