Few button-down shirts are as ready-made for summer as the camp-collar shirt. Sometimes called a cabana shirt or Cuban collar shirt, it’s the more casual alternative to a standard button-down and is defined by a relaxed spread collar that lacks a collar stand and lies flat with the top button landing a few inches below the collarbone. Whatever you call it, the vibe is always easy, comfortable, and effortlessly cool.
The true beauty of a camp shirt is its ability to be dressed up or down. Pair it with anything from linen pants to coordinating shorts (Dandy Del Mar has great matching sets). It also has the power to take a look from the beach (thrown over a tank and left unbuttoned) to happy hour (buttons done all the way up, but still showing some chest at the top and welcoming plenty of breeze).
Camp shirts first became popular in the United States in the 1950s. Popularity has faded in and out over the ensuing decades, but there’s no denying that a well-designed camp shirt lends a classic, vacation-ready look.
What to look for in a camp shirt:
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Fit:
Too oversized and it looks like a costume, too fitted and it loses the informal feel. Look for a relaxed fit that doesn’t drown you in fabric. Slimmer silhouettes have a tailored look, while boxier shapes are more casual.
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Fabric:
Silky materials drape, while linen and linen-cotton blends are stiffer and easier to dress down. Avoid shiny satin, which often looks cheap. A high-quality, 100% linen camp shirt easily pairs with trousers and loafers for a summer soiree.
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Length:
A camp shirt should fall a couple inches below your waist, but not past the crotch inseam of your pants. This leaves room to tuck if needed (though definitely not necessary).
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Sleeves:
The seam should hit at your shoulder bone, and the sleeve length should reach down close to your elbow.
Corridor Spring Bouquet SS
Summer resolution: prioritize embroidery. It makes any item look expensive. And it doesn’t have to be over-the-top. Since the stitching on this Corridor favorite is subtle and the base is off-white, it’ll match with pretty much everything and can enhance an otherwise bland outfit.
Buy: $225
OAS Camp Collar Crochet Shirt
An under appreciated category of clothing: patterned but still monochromatic. The textured cotton-blend fabric not only adds visual interest, but also creates airways for maximum breathability. This is resort wear at its finest, both fashionable and functional.
Buy: $170
Sandro Fence Print Short Sleeve Button-Up Shirt
No one does print better than Sandro. Also available in gray and off-white, this luxe pick will infuse pattern into your wardrobe while remaining neutral and slightly understated.
Buy: $295
Bode State Seal Graphic Silk Camp Shirt
If you’re willing to invest in finer materials for your camp shirt, this 100-percent silk option from Bode is the crème de la crème of camp shirts. Pair it with some white linen chinos, and you’ll be the best dressed on every vacation.
Buy: $630
Perte D’ego Palm Forest Half Sleeves Shirt
Nothing says beach quite like a vintage-inspired palm print. Plus, this pick looks way pricier than it actually is. If you’re feeling adventurous, spring for the under-$100 matching shorts. Wear them together or separately for three easy, tropical outfits.
Buy: $125
Dandy Del Mar The Dominica Crochet Shirt
Switch it up with a striped crochet camp shirt that’ll seamlessly take you from day to night. Opt for the burnt sienna stripe if you’re on the warm tone wave.
Buy: $169
Abercrombie & Fitch Camp Collar Linen-Blend Shirt
Look no further than Abercrombie for affordable basics. If you’re trying to bulk up your collection, you’re in luck: This linen-blend short sleeve comes in 13 colors and patterns. The lower price point makes it a solid choice for sandy beach hangs or adventurous day trips.
Buy: $60
AllSaints Roze Relaxed Fit Camp Shirt
Not sure if it’s just a “me” thing, but when I think of camp shirts, I immediately think of AllSaints. It might be because at least 50 percent of the times I compliment a guy on his button down, he tells me it’s from there. They’re just the right mix of dressy and fun.
Buy: $199
Todd Snyder Sea Soft Irish Linen Camp Collar
White linen never goes out of style. Neither does Todd Snyder. And while there’s much to love about a basic tee, swapping it out for a linen button down will instantly elevate any outfit. Plus, once you feel how soft this linen is, there really is no going back.
Buy: $138
Tombolo ‘One-in-a-Billion’ for Billion Oyster Project
Look good while doing good: 15 percent of this shirt’s proceeds are donated to the Billion Oyster Project to restore New York Harbor’s oyster reefs. The light blue with red piping just hits, and the single "pearl” button gives that extra something-something.
Buy: $148
Wax London Didcot Relaxed Fit Camp Shirt
Your classic floral vacay shirt, but with a major upgrade. The embroidered appliques add dimension and the color scheme feels fresh and modern. Crack open a beer and prepare to take boat day to a whole new level.
Buy: $190
