What Makes a Camp Collar Shirt, a Camp Collar Shirt
A camp collar shirt is a short-sleeve, button-down shirt that is characterized by its open, unstructured, lay-flat collar (called a camp collar) that creates a lower-cut v-neck; this relaxed collar is part of what distinguishes it from a short-sleeve dress shirt which buttons up higher and sports a stand-up collar. The camp shirt is also defined by its loose-fitting, almost boxy silhouette and straight bottom hem.
Camp shirts come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles.
Because it’s a warm weather top, camp collar shirts typically use light, breezy fabrics to keep you cool. And because of its association with the carefree bliss of summer, camp collar shirts often come in bold colors and patterns. That Hawaiian shirt you wear when you want to show everyone you’re a fun guy? That’s a camp collar shirt. The retro bowling shirt you wore to ska concerts in the late 90s? Camp collar.
How to Rock a Camp Collar Shirt
You can wear a camp collar shirt anytime a polo shirt wouldn’t be out of place, but the event has a laid-back vibe that would make a more casual shirt a better fit. Think pool parties, beach outings, backyard BBQs, patio dinners, and rooftop hangouts. Camp collar shirts are a great choice for most casual outdoor social occasions.
Styling a camp shirt is pretty dang easy because it’s such a casual garment. You can wear it with shorts, khakis, or jeans, or with linen trousers for that full “I’m on vacation” look.
The key is to keep whatever bottom you’re wearing simple, especially if your camp collar shirt has a bold pattern (like an aloha print). Madras shorts don’t look good with a camp collar shirt. But solid-colored khakis or linen shorts do.
Miles Teller in a floral camp shirt, tucked into white linen trousers, and paired with tassel loafers. Notice the vintage Omega watch too; a few cool-guy accessories can complete your camp shirt get-up (Teller was also wearing a signet ring), but since you may already have a lot going on with the pattern of your top, keep them simple and sharp. An all-around bold look here? Sure. But fly as heck. Good work, Goose, Jr.
For a relaxed look, keep your camp collar shirt untucked. For a more refined (yet still-casual) look, tuck in your camp collar shirt.
If you’re feeling particularly bold, you can even dress up a camp collar shirt by wearing it with a suit. If you look like you’re headed to Palm Springs to hang out with Frank Sinatra, you pulled this look off; if you look like a stereotypical 1980s used car salesman, you failed. Abort mission.
It’s hard to pull off the camp shirt + suit look, but if you can, you can. Consider this option for a beach wedding.
In the footwear department, pair a casual camp shirt get-up with canvas sneakers (worn sockless), boat shoes, or Mohinders. If you’re dressing the shirt up a little, couple it with nicer leather loafers.
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