If I had to pick one style of shirt to wear in the summer, it would be the camp collar shirt.
The loose cut and open collar not only keeps you cool when it’s hot and humid, it creates the perfect relaxed vacation vibes you want.
Camp collars come in everything from solid white, subtle stripes, to bolder floral print styles you’ve probably seen.
Don’t be intimidated though – camp collar shirts are one of the easiest styles to pull off (even the floral prints!).
Here are 4 ways to get your outfit juices flowing:
P.S. Buying your first camp collar shirt this season? Make sure it fits right! Check out my guide on “How a camp collar shirt should fit a man”
Look 1: Bright & Casual
The trick: Contrast the camp collar shirt with light colored pants.
Nothing instantly says summer vibes like light colored pants. Create contrast by going lighter with your pants, whether you grab a light beige chino, grey dress pant, or light wash pair of denim.
Our take breakdown:
- Shirt: Printed camp collar shirt by Oas, $110
- Pants: Drawstring easy chinos by Save Khaki, $138
- Sunglasses: Lemtosh sunglasses by Moscot, $320
- Ring: Cardinal sterling silver ring by Miansai, $155
- Watch: Hi-Beat 36000 SBGH279 by Grand Seiko, $6,100
- Socks: Lightweight no-show socks by Bombas, $12.50
- Shoes: Slip-on sneakers by Vans, $55
Look 2: Dark & Edgy
The trick: Go dark with your pants
Want to look a bit edgier? Flip Look 1’s advice and go with darker pants instead of light.
Our take breakdown:
- Shirt: Printed camp collar shirt by Rag & Bone, $225
- Tank Top: Classic white tank top by Zimmerli, $85
- Pants: Linen pleated pants by Suitsupply, $199
- Beaded Bracelet: Multi-colored beaded bracelet by M. Cohen, $188
- Metal Bracelet: Sterling silver bracelet by Miansai, $85
- Necklace: Sterling silver token necklace by Miansai, $155
- Watch: Marlin watch by Timex, $199
- Shoes: Suede espadrilles by Anderson & Sheppard, $215
Look 3: The Camp Collar Shirt & Shorts
Camp collar shirts are like peanut butter and jelly. Chips and guac. Weed and Taco Bell!
A perfect combo.
Because camp collar shirts are designed to fit more relaxed and oversized, you want to make sure your shorts fit correctly to balance it all out. Read my guide on how shorts should fit a man here.
The trick: Play up the accessories
Your accessories can drastically change the vibe of your look.
A baseball cap and minimal white sneakers are perfect for running out for some iced coffee.
Throw on some sunglasses. Swap in a panama hat, sandals, and towel stuffed in a tote bag if you’re heading to the beach.
Our take breakdown:
- Shirt: Textured stripe camp collar shirt by Todd Snyder, $178
- Shorts: Drawstring corduroy easy short by Save Khaki, $110
City Accessories
- Hat: New York Yankees baseball cap by Kith & New Era, $70
- Bag: Reversible checked tote bag by A.P.C., $155
- Socks: Lightweight no-show socks by Bombas, $12.50
- Shoes: Original Achilles leather sneakers by Common Projects, $410
Beach Accessories
- Hat: Toquilla straw hat by Goorin Bros., $180
- Sunglasses: Round acetate sunglasses by Mr P. + Cubitts Cromer, $180
- Bag: Cotton-canvas tote bag by Museum of Peace & Quiet, $60
- Shoes: Suede sandals by Mr P., $325
Look 4: Date Night
The trick: Let the shirt be the star
A suit and camp collar shirt combo is, surprisingly, the easiest one to pull off. The key is to let the shirt be the start. Don’t do a flashy suit or over accessorize with brooches, keep it simple.
You can even use the tips from previous looks. For a bright and casual occasion, like a beach wedding, go for a lighter colored suit. Want to look dark and edgy for date night? Go darker.
If you do want to accessorize, don’t go more than a pocket square, sunglasses, and thin jewelry. This combo is already quite bold, so less is more here.
Our take breakdown:
- Suit: Lazio suit by Suitsupply, $648
- Shirt: Printed camp collar shirt by Karu Research, $275
- Sunglasses: Zulu Sun sunglasses by Moscot, $330
- Watch: Tank Louis watch by Cartier, $12,800
- Socks: Dress no-show socks by Bombas, $12.50
- Shoes: Penny loafers by Morjas, $295
Buying a camp collar shirt this season? Make sure you read this!
Even though they look similar, a camp collar shirt should fit differently than your standard short-sleeved shirt.
Make sure you know how a camp collar shirt should fit before you invest in one this season. Check out my guide on how a camp collar shirt should fit you here!
