The Biggest Trend In Menswear Right Now

The shirt jacket (shacket) has a moment

One of the shifts I’ve seen in menswear is toward a casual, relaxed approach. With so many working from home in the last year, that trend has somewhat accelerated. But the trend towards more casual tailoring has been something that’s been going on for at least the last two years.

I think this is a great development for menswear, in general, for two specific reasons. First, it removes both a stigma and barrier to entry for those interested in getting into menswear but only associate it with coat and tie. People may want a more put together, tailored look- but don’t necessarily have the occasion to wear a suit.

Second, it ‘democratizes’ menswear to a certain extent. By shedding the super buttoned-up connotation, it introduces the power of menswear to a wider variety of people. Even if someone favors a casual style, there are many different approaches to menswear and tailored clothing.

The casual approach is what I’m highlighting here with one specific item: the shirt jacket, or “shacket.”

Shirt Jacket Overview

A shirt jacket, or ‘shacket’, is exactly what it sounds like-a hybrid between a shirt and a jacket. It’s a thicker fabric than a shirt but not as bulky as a true jacket. This makes for an excellent transition piece coming into spring. From a style perspective, it’s less dressy than a blazer. So, if you’re looking for a casual, but still tailored, piece of outerwear, it’s one of the best options out there.

So, what are some good styling options?

Outfit 1: Navy Cotton

Since I’m billing this as menswear trending more casual, let’s start with a super casual look. Light wash jeans and a tan crew neck sweater set the tone for a classic ‘blue and brown’ color palette, and minimalist white leather sneakers give a neutral base.

The navy shirt jacket completes the look for a classic, simple, do-anything kind of outfit. Swap out your tech pullover for one of these, and it’s easy to elevate even a very casual look like this.

SHOP HERE: Navy Blue Heavy Duty Cotton Safari Shirt Jacket

Outfit 2: Khaki Cotton

Moving on to our khaki cotton shirt jacket; it highlights the jacket as a casual alternative to a blazer. The foundation of this look is very classic with a white OCBD up top paired with some navy cotton trousers.

You could easily dress this up with a blazer, yes. But the shacket, on the other hand, makes for a casual, sportier feel. The pleated pocket detail on the jacket gives a little ‘menswear flair,’ too.

SHOP HERE: Khaki Heavy Duty Cotton Safari Shirt Jacket

Outfit 3: Herringbone Linen

This is the dressiest look of the bunch. Again, another way you can use a shacket as a substitute for a blazer to achieve a more casual, sporty feel. I love how such a simple change or substitution can have such a dramatic effect.

The foundation of the outfit here-the striped shirt and navy chinos-is a simple, easy, and classic combo. The club-style tie adds some preppy feel and plays really well off the sportiness of the jacket.

SHOP HERE: Black & White Herringbone Linen Safari Shirt Jacket

Outfit 4: Camel Corduroy

While corduroy may be considered more of a ‘fall’ fabric, the kind we use is more lightweight and perfect for a winter-to-spring transition. From a style standpoint, the rugged vibe the jacket has works really well with both the dark denim and the gingham shirt.

I also really like how the brown tones in the shirt complement the camel color of the shirt jacket. For shoes, the light brown leather derbies make for three different browns working together.

SHOP HERE: Light Brown Stretch Corduroy Safari Shirt Jacket

Outfit 5: Olive Corduroy

For the olive version of the corduroy jacket, I tried to lean into the safari shirt styling details and a color palette that’s more, well, safari-ish. Underneath is a light tan knit polo unique for both the strong collar (so it stands up really well) and the deep, five-button placket.

While white denim is seasonally agnostic, it’s well-suited to spring. The suede boots play into the rugged feel of the corduroy, and a pair of aviators and my pre-Bond Seamaster complete the look.

SHOP HERE: Hunter Green Stretch Corduroy Safari Shirt Jacket

We’ve actually just released all of these in the HSS Shop. All of them are in what I would call a safari style. They’ve got four pleated pockets with a nice detail stitching around the flaps, a camp collar, and single button cuff. All of our shirt jackets are unlined, so they’re a great option for lightweight, spring outerwear.

They are available in off-the-rack sizing or custom sizing.

Which of these looks did you like best?

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style