Not a shirt, not quite a jacket – simultaneously a shirt and a jacket, this outerwear staple combines the visual appeal of a shirt with the warmth of a lightweight jacket. The estranged cousin of the chore coat , the shirt jacket is typically crafted from tough materials like canvas, cotton, tweed, flannel, and wool, with denim being a popular option in modern iterations. The best shirt jackets generally combine button-up Oxford shirt characteristics like breast pockets and a pointed collar, with the functionality of a casual, lightweight jacket.

The best shackets are typically made with material which is heavier and warmer than a traditional shirt. Think twill, denim, flannel, and brushed cotton. The adaptable nature of these allows it to be styled over lighter fare for autumn weather, or layered under a heavier coat during winter.

Nail the always controversial double denim look by abiding by the cardinal rule of dark on top, lighter on the bottom. Pair a button-up indigo shirt jacket with medium rinse jeans, a baby blue oxford, and dark brown brogues or black Chelsea boots. During colder weather, throw a grey button-down sweater over the top to finish off the ensemble.

Whilst the canvas shacket is a perfect Spring/Autumn staple, it also makes a great layering piece for the colder months. Keep things simple by pairing tan over a white t-shirt, dark jeans or chinos, and dark brown leather combat boots. Top the look off with a navy single-breasted woollen coat.

For a classic Autumn look, pair a flannel shirt jacket with a pale blue or white oxford shirt, camel chinos, and suede loafers. If you’re wary of coming across a little too Farmer Wants A Wife, opt for a zip-up version which provides a slimmer silhouette, and look for a variety with black or grey undertones rather than brown. Pair with slim-fitting black trousers or jeans, a white t-shirt, and black leather oxfords.

For a decidedly casual look, opt for a corduroy shacket worn with jeans, a statement t-shirt (logomania optional), and vans.

The beauty of a luxurious wool shirt jacket is the way it sits on your shoulders; almost resembling a blazer more than an overshirt. Select wool in a neutral tone like charcoal, navy or grey, and pair with a button-up shirt, chinos (stone grey for charcoal, beige for navy, and navy for grey), and crisp white sneakers.

For a smart-casual streamlined look perfect for Friday night drinks, go for a monochrome look by pairing an all black button-up shirt jacket with a black t-shirt, black chinos, and black leather brogues. Alternatively, for a relaxed concert style fit, opt for a black over a black jumper, relaxed fit pinstripe trousers, and sneakers.

Once relegated to gear for British hunters, the quilted shirt jacket no longer requires a rifle and a thirst for fresh deer to pull off. Worn over a sweater or button-up cardigan, and slim fit chinos, the quilted shirt jacket can be elevated to smart casual status. Play with textures and neutral tonal palettes by teaming the black quilted layer with a forest green button-up cardigan and a cream oxford shirt, or pair a navy quilted shirt jacket with an argyle sweater and camel slim-fit chinos.

Skirt the boundary between casual and smart casual by donning a khaki green military canvas over a slim fitting charcoal suit, with a button-up shirt, and tan Oxfords.

Read on for our Man of Many approved shirt jacket picks.

Club Monaco gives the classic checked shirt a fresh take by ditching the buttons for a zipper, to provide a sleek silhouette. Cut from soft burgundy and navy cotton-flannel, the Club Monaco iteration works congruously with navy chinos, a pale blue or navy button-up shirt (leave the top couple of buttons undone), and dark brown leather brogues or white leather sneakers.

A traditional take on a military styling, Universal Works’ creation is composed from cotton-twill with a boxy cut, making it easy to layer over sweaters. Deriving inspiration from classic workwear staples, it features four large flap pockets, making the need for a carry-all almost redundant. Pair with camel chinos or slim fit indigo selvedge denim jeans, a white t-shirt, and dark brown leather alpine boots.

A dapper take on the shirt jacket, Séfr’s cotton-corduroy iteration elevates the shacket from workwear staple to smart casual essential. Team with a light wool button-up shirt, navy chinos, and slip on tan suede loafers for the perfect afternoon drinks/yachting with the boys outfit.

One of the most versitle shirt jackets on the market, Proof apparel is designed to have you ready for anything. The new Reversible Shirt Jacket keeps that mission alive with a laundry list of performance features and the ability to transform from outdoor puffy to happy hour layer at the drop of a hat. Style it with a chinos and a tee for that perfect weekend rugby vibe.

Made from thick virgin wool, Filson’s midnight blue shirt jacket cuts a slim silhouette, whilst being able to withstand the elements and provide plenty of wear. Pair the cosy piece with slim fit charcoal denim, a rust orange sweater, and dark brown oxfords or white leather sneakers.

A pared back take on the iconic French workwear jacket, this Alex Mill iteration is composed of lightweight cotton-twill for a durable, trans-seasonal piece. Wear with dark rinse jeans, a cashmere pale blue sweater, and dark brown leather brogues or combat boots.

Made from supple suede, NN07’s sandy-beige garment is straight cut and ideal for layering. Team with olive green chinos or charcoal jeans, a white t-shirt, and brown oxfords or white leather sneakers.

Drawing inspiration from military attire, OrSlow’s Japanese made shirt jacket is replete with large patch pockets and cut from sturdy cotton-canvas in light sage green for a relaxed, oversized fit; ideal for layering underneath. Wear with tan chinos, a cream oxford shirt, a navy sweater, and dark brown combat boots for a casual look.

A streamlined approach to the workwear staple, Norse Projects’ black zip-up is decidedly utilitarian. For a classy casual look, go monochrome by pairing the Jens Zip Overshirt with black chinos, a black button-up shirt, and black leather brogues.

Billy Reid’s steps it up a notch with his take on the shacket, incorporating a leather trim which provides strength and structure to the cotton-blend piece. A key trans-seasonal item, pair with dark charcoal selvedge jeans, a marle grey t-shirt, and black Chelsea boots.