The Shirt Jac

I’m a layerer.  It’s a great way to keep comfortable during these weird Winter months here in the South. One day it’ll be 65, then the next it’ll be 35.  Fun.

The Shirt Jac has come a long way over the years.  They used to be relegated to hardcore ourdoorsmen or turbo Hipsters that loved buffalo plaid, skin tight jeans, and giant Red Wing boots in urban environments.  I think the hipsters still wear them.  I know the outdoorsmen do.

The fit for shirt jacs has become a lot more favorable, the fabrics, while still tough, are a bit more ‘stylish’ (I hate that word), and most importantly: the arms are cut just a little longer.  There is nothing that annoys me more than sleeves that are too short.  I prefer to wear these jacs just like a jacket.  I wear it over a sweater or a button down and leave it untucked.  While they aren’t dressy, they are perfect for fishing, camp fires, lunching, and dive bars.  There are a lot of great options available; here are a few that I like:

From top left:

1. Ball and Buck Mariners Overshirt 2.0:  Probably the most technically sound of the Shirt Jacs, the buttons are covered and the fit is conducive to heavy action (higher arm holes).  This is a good one.
2. Edgevale North Coast Shirt Jacket:  My guys in Oakland are doing good work, and their shirt jac is no exception.  A little on the rugged side, but that’s OK with us.
3. Kuhl Joyrydr Shirt Jacket:  More on the ‘shirt’ side (vs. the Jac), but a great option for milder winters.  This would work instead of a sweatshirt.
4. Over Under Smoothbore Shooting Shirt Jacket:  The perfect shirt for those trips where you are carrying around a shotgun or a .22.  Complete with the shoulder padding and a little extra on the elbows.
5. Pladra Leon Overshirt:  Not familiar with Pladra (you will be soon)?  They make GREAT flannels and outdoor gear.  Their overshirt is a dressier version of their flannels…very #lodgewear.
6. Duxbak Original Sportsman Shirt:  A heavier shirt, but cut like a shirt jac, it’s a great option for cool mornings.  The available vintage color selection is top shelf.
7. Buffalo Jackson Gunner Shirt Jac:  Almost a shirt, but better as a jacket.  This works as an errand shirt on Saturday or an ‘in the woods’ shirt on Sunday.
8. LL Bean Primaloft Lined Shirt Jac:  Don’t mess with the classic. Bean’s is lined, so you’ll be good in colder weather.
9. Carhartt Weather Canvas Shirt Jac:  Come on, it’s Carhartt.  You know what you are getting.  Tough as nails, and only looks better with age.

Which Shirt Jac do you prefer?

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