Bring Back Versatile Layering With These 14 Comfy Shackets

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WHEN TRANSITIONAL weather hits in the spring or fall, figuring out how to dress yourself before you go out can be a challenge. And sadly, not all of us live in Hawaii where the daily weather forecast always consists of words like “nice” or “pleasant.” This is when layering comes in—and when you want to layer up but still want to keep it casual, light, and easy instead of puffy or stuffy, men’s shackets—short for shirt jackets—will come in clutch.

Is it a shirt? Is it a jacket? It’s neither and both. AKA overshirts, shackets a deft blend of button-down shirts and jackets in one simple piece of clothing. This type of shirt is designed to be worn as an outer layer and typically constructed with slightly thicker materials and a roomier fit than a regular shirt to provide warmth without being as heavy as a full-fledged jacket, making shackets the perfect choice for transitional weather.

Shackets are also known for their versatility—in fact, some shirt jackets are so versatile that they can even be worn on their own. But the best shackets should not lack in warmth or comfort, which is why the best shackets are often made with insulated materials like fleece or flannel.

Whatever your style—minimalist commuter, hardcore outdoorsman, or legit lumberjack—we’re here to help you find the best men's shackets for this transitional weather.

The Heavyweight Overshirt

The eight-ounce heavy cotton twill in Everlane's aptly named The Heavyweight Overshirt makes this ideal as a shirt, a sweater, or a jacket—your call. It's versatile and ready to help you tackle everything from backyard chores to weekend Netflix binges.

Long-Sleeve Polar Fleece Shirt Jacket

The Long-Sleeve Polar Fleece Shirt Jacket from Amazon Essentials might be the best value shirt-jacket on this list. While not quite as durable as the competition, the 100% polyester construction provides mid-weight warmth and a buttery soft feel. At less than $40, it’s hard to complain.

Standard Navigator Fleece Button Up Shirt

This heavyweight fleece overshirt is as reliable as you can imagine. Sturdy and soft with a perfect length, it’ll keep you warm and comes with a tad of stretch to feel great on the go. The construction is also light, so layering up in it will bring no discomfort, though we love it equally for standalone wear.

Soft Knit Overshirt

Lululemon’s knit shacket is an understated option with a classic silhouette that looks great for any occasion. It’s sweat-wicking and quick-drying, and the four-way stretch-knit design makes for a mid-weight construction that’s perfect for layering or donning as a standalone shirt or jacket—your call.

Blanket Shirt

An icon on its own, Outerknown’s signature Blanket truly feels as cozy as your cuddle blanket against your skin or over an undershirt. Cut from 100% organic cotton, this eco-friendly flannel has a natural and versatile look on its side. Rugged yet smooth and soft, some buyers have dubbed this the coziest shirt of all time.

Fusion Overshirt

The Fusion Overshirt from Ministry of Supply blends soft viscose and polyester with a healthy dose of stretch. The result is a flannel shirt-jacket that’s warm enough to fend off all but the harshest outdoor cold while remaining breathable, motion-friendly, and quick-drying. We love that it’s comfortable right out of the box, and is surprisingly light. Twin chest pockets add even more functionality when your everyday carry demands it.

Campfire Jac-Shirt

With a healthy dose of lumberjack-inspired chic, Carbon2Cobalt’s shirt jacket looks and is ready to tackle your hardest backyard chores. The blend of divinely soft and cozy sherpa on the inside ensures this one is warm enough to wear as a mid-layer or a standalone jacket for transitional weather.

Fleece Shacket

For its fleece shirt jacket, Rhone seriously dialed in the softness. The 100% polyester brushed heavyweight fleece build makes this the perfect choice for lounging around the house or running errands when it’s chilly out. Waist hand pockets add an extra warming option for your digits when the temperature drops. We also love that it has the texture and structure for dressing up.

The Bighorn Waxed Shirt Jacket

As with everything in its hardworking menswear catalog, Flint and Tinder keeps its shackets simple but tough, like its waxed canvas jackets. In a lightweight yet rugged, weather-resistant yet breathable construction, the waxed outer of this shacket keeps the elements at bay and will look better with age. But it’s also lined to feel soft and warm on the inside.

Range Shirt Jacket

With its classic, button-down flannel exterior and a fleece interior construction for added warmth, this shacket is the coziest one by far and versatile enough to wear to dinner dates and for day hikes around the city. With both flannel and fleece protecting you in a classic plaid workwear style, you will get toasted in this shirt jacket throughout the transitional weather.

The Stone Corduroy Workshirt

Cut like a classic Oxford button-down but toughened up with a 14-wale corduroy, this corduroy shirt is elegant and durable. As a shirt jacket nonetheless, it’s crazy soft and smooth for solo wear but also fitted enough to be donned as a jacket. As a work shirt, its fabric is abrasion-resistant and will keep you moving.

WARMKNIT Flannel Shirt

For a shacket that’s slightly more flannel shirt, there’s Mack Weldon’s tech-backed option. It’s simple and sturdy with a straightforward classic aesthetic. Heavy cotton brushed knitting helps keep this one soft yet durable, and the fabric is enhanced with Thermolite® technology to trap heat and wick away sweat without adding weight, keeping you warm and dry while you loaf about the house or run some errands in the cold.

Stretch Thermal Button Down

For hard-charging urban commuters in the winter, there’s Public Roc’s stretchy button-down shirt made with THERMOLITE® CORE technology to be even warmer without adding any bulk. This toasty construction makes it perfect to wear on its own or just over an undershirt. Plus, its flexibility allows you to sport it easily on the go.

Italian CPO Shirt Jacket

The clean lines of this versatile shacket from Todd Snyder belie a luxurious construction of warm boiled wool on the exterior and a vintage CPO jacket style. It’s sleek, surprisingly warm, and infinitely more functional than your go-to flannel shirt. We love that you can wear it like your favorite sweater or layer it for dressing up.

How to Style Men's Shackets?

Start with a classic look by layering your shacket over a plain white t-shirt and dark jeans for a casual, everyday-friendly vibe. For a more polished appearance, opt for a shacket in a neutral color and wear it with chinos and a button-down shirt, then accessorize with leather sneakers or loafers to complete the ensemble.

Don't forget to adjust your shacket styling based on the season. During the fall, add a lightweight sweater or a crewneck sweatshirt under your shacket for extra warmth. In colder months, use your shacket as an outer layer over a cozy hoodie or chunky knit sweater.

And don’t be afraid to play around with different shacket patterns, such as plaid or checks to make your fits look more sophisticated. Various shacket materials like corduroy, denim, or suede will also give extra texture and depth.

Read More About Styles for Transitional Weather

Fall Jackets | Sweaters | Patagonia Jackets | Bomber Jackets | Waxed Canvas Jackets | Hoodies | Leather Jackets | Denim Jackets | Thermal Shirts | Sweatpants

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