Though camp collar shirts have been a surefire summer-style piece for years, you could argue that our current preoccupation with how to handle pandemic dressing has cemented the shirt as a definite menswear must-have. The shirt (some know it as a Cuban collar, revere collar, or simply a vacation shirt) is believed to have its origins in the traditional guayabera — usually constructed of cotton, linen, or silk — that’s designed to beat the hot and muggy climes of the Caribbean. Their more recent fashionable return is mostly credited to Miuccia Prada, who for her fall-winter 2016 menswear collection sent a sensational camp collar down the runway, ultimately leading to the modern versions that we’re so drawn to today.
- Club Monaco Short-Sleeved Camp Collar Shirt
- Allsaints Venice Short-Sleeved Shirt
- Treasure & Bond Short-Sleeved Linen and Cotton Button-Up Camp Shirt
- Dries Van Noten Camp-Collar Cassi Printed Satin Shirt
- French Connection Slim Fit Tie Dye Short-Sleeved Button-Up Camp Shirt
- Everlane The Linen Camp Shirt
- Alex Mill Camp Shirt in Garment Dyed Seersucker
- Saturdays NYC Colorblocked York Camp Collar SS Shirt
- BP. Men’s Camp Utility Button-Up Shirt
- MCQ Breathe Camp-Collar Printed Crepe Shirt
- Reiss Uptown Geo Print Short-Sleeved Button-Up Camp Shirt
Camp collars have undergone several aesthetic and functional changes since their invention, but one crucial element has prevailed over the years: the flat, open collar. Along with the most common fabrics they’re crafted in, it’s this feature that makes them naturally airy and ideal for the sweltering heat. Style-wise, there’s a touch of refinement to camp collars due to their overall shape and structure, but these shirts are inherently casual. It’s this fine balance that give them a step up, if you must, from your basic T-shirt, allowing them to work wonders in the age of pandemic fashion when the uncertainty around dressing up or down has come to a head.
Maximal airflow that also takes any fit up a notch? Sign us up. Take your pick of the best camp collars we want to own right now.
Club Monaco Short-Sleeved Camp Collar Shirt
This drapey yet slim-fit number in a dreamy Sargasso Sea-blue will keep you cool in every sense of the word, whether it’s on the beach or (sadly still) via Zoom.
Allsaints Venice Short-Sleeved Shirt
The British fashion retailer’s take on the camp collar is crafted from sustainable viscose and features the distinguishable ram skull logo emblazoned on the chest. It also makes a damn good case for looking pretty in pink.
Treasure & Bond Short-Sleeved Linen and Cotton Button-Up Camp Shirt
Nordstrom-made brand Treasure and Bond’s approach to the menswear staple is simple and straightforward, but that doesn’t make it any less stylish.
Dries Van Noten Camp-Collar Cassi Printed Satin Shirt
The Belgian designer gifts us with a boxy-cut camp collar full of colorful energy. The eye-catching piece is crafted from satin in an all-over geometric pattern.
French Connection Slim Fit Tie Dye Short-Sleeved Button-Up Camp Shirt
Elevate your OOTD with a trendy tie-dye that looks as wistful as it is refreshing to wear. Picture this piece at the pool or paired with a more off-duty suit.
Everlane The Linen Camp Shirt
Set your favorite all-season looks on fire without any of the stuffiness by nabbing a camp collar in a built-to-last and breathable linen. This piece in an olive hue gives off an easy-to-wear safari feel that doesn’t border on the touristy.
Alex Mill Camp Shirt in Garment Dyed Seersucker
Busting out an achromatic camp collar in white gives a clever nod to the old-school guayabera, which is conventionally popular in the neutral color. Grab it in a lightweight seersucker and you couldn’t embody all-season living any better.
Saturdays NYC Colorblocked York Camp Collar SS Shirt
The masterminds behind Saturdays NYC have quite the knack for creating some high-quality grail. Their take on the menswear item? Slick Cubmaster meets chic camp counselor vibes, resulting in numerous outfit options to be reckoned with.
BP. Men’s Camp Utility Button-Up Shirt
A camp collar in black offers so much wardrobe versatility, you’ll be tempted to stock up on a couple of them. Investing in quality pieces don’t have to break the bank, either.
MCQ Breathe Camp-Collar Printed Crepe Shirt
Designed in a loose fit and featuring an absolutely out-there paint splatter print, this camp collar is not for the faint of heart. For the bold dresser, it’s guaranteed to make a splendid splash.
Reiss Uptown Geo Print Short-Sleeved Button-Up Camp Shirt
British brand Reiss is inspired by London-living, evident in its white with navy geometric prints offering that nails the more refined style that the right camp collar can introduce to your outfit options.