Now that the weather doesn’t warrant a coat, we’re looking for new ways to add a final layer to our fits. A lightweight summer jacket can be a great answer, but even a lightweight jacket can get a bit toasty, and nobody wants to be carrying a coat around all afternoon just in case the temperature drops in the evening. A great solution is an overshirt. Somewhere between shirt and jacket, the overshirt acts as a warm top layer when the sun drops behind the clouds, but won’t burden you when it’s not being worn.
We’re on a mission to upgrade your summer looks, so we’ve put together the best of the best top layers. Look to Acne Studios and Issey Miyake for understated options while Jacquemus and ERL offer a louder take on the seasonal essential.
Keep scrolling for your solution to chilly summer evenings.
Sacai x KAWS Camo Shirt
KAWS Camo Shirt
Sacai
Sacai's recent collaboration with KAWS forgoes many of the tropes that we associate with the two entities. There are no crossed eyes or combined silhouettes here, just a good, old-fashioned overshirt.
A-COLD-WALL* Denim Shirt
Denim Shirt
A-COLD-WALL*
A-COLD-WALL* caters to utility as much as it does to style. This hard-wearing denim shirt is ideal for the seasonal transition, acting as a top layer now and becoming a layering item when the temperature drops.
Issey Miyake Packable Shirt
Packable Shirt
Issey Miyake
Even the word overshirt suggests that these pieces should be used for layered outfits. This simple, white number from Issey Miyake is a strong, understated foundation to build on.
Stone Island Blue Corduroy Shirt
Blue Corduroy Shirt
Stone Island
Stone Island's love of fabric makes it a contender for the best shirt maker. This pure cotton corduroy is both wildly soft and hard-wearing. Garment dyed to a deep blue color, it's a stunning finishing touch to your fits, too.
ERL Corduroy Shirt
Corduroy Shirt
ERL
If you're looking for minimalism, look away now. ERL never shies away from a bold colorway and this highlighter-green overshirt proves it.
Doublet Doll Flannel Shirt
Doll Flannel Shirt
Doublet
Doublet's latest collection reiterates the label's priority: having fun. The heavyweight flannel shirt comes complete with a little doll as your breast-pocket buddy.
JW Anderson Relaxed Patchwork Shirt
Relaxed Patchwork Shirt
JW Anderson
JW Anderson is nourishing our need for patchwork this season. Made up of classic oxford canvases, the patchwork overshirt becomes more than the sum of its parts.
Loewe Checkered Shirt
Checkered Shirt
Loewe
Jonathan Anderson also had a hand in this Loewe number and you can tell. Once again, clashing patterns form an alternating color-block finish with the Loewe monogram to the chest as the cherry on top.
Jacquemus Floral Appliqué Shirt
Floral Appliqué Shirt
Jacquemus
Cut to a boxy silhouette, Jacquemus ensures that you can fit layers under this effortless shirt. A cute floral appliqué to the chest finishes off the summery look.
Acne Studios Topstitched Overshirt
Topstitched Overshirt
Acne Studios
While many Acne Studios pieces are positioned well outside the box, this overshirt is relatively conservative. Sometimes that's exactly what you need from a top layer, though. This understated piece is a solid full stop to your outfit.
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