There are certain shirts that you will reach for time and time again because they are really versatile. A camp collar shirt can be one of those.
It can be a perfect shirt to wear on a Saturday afternoon in Mumbai when you’re meeting up with friends or having lunch. It gives you a relaxed look without looking too lazy. You can easily dress it up or down.
The best thing about this shirt is that you can easily wear it with a good pair of jeans, chinos or smart shorts.
What Is a Camp Collar Shirt?
A camp collar shirt has an open collar that sits flat on the top of your chest. It has a rounded collar instead of a pointed collar like you would find on a traditional smart shirt. This gives it a relaxed feel.
You may have seen these shirts in photos from your holidays or if you are wearing vintage inspired outfits. However, they can be worn throughout the year if you choose the right colour and fit.
Most people will opt for a short sleeve camp collar shirt but they can come in a range of sleeve lengths.
To keep things simple, pick a plain shirt and wear with jeans or chinos. Once you are confident with the look, you can try some textured fabric and patterned shirts.
5 Ways to Style a Camp Collar Shirt
You don’t need to do anything complicated to style a camp collar shirt. Usually the simplest options will look best.
1. Pair It With Jeans
Probably the easiest way to style this shirt. It will give you a relaxed look and will be perfect for any plans you have.
A white or oatmeal camp collar shirt will look great with blue jeans. If you prefer darker colours a leaf green shirt will work well with black or dark blue denim.
Pair with clean trainers or canvas shoes. You can also add a watch.
If the shirt is a relaxed fit then straight cut jeans will work well to keep the look balanced. You don’t need to wear skinny jeans or very baggy denim.
This is an easy outfit to wear when meeting friends, going shopping or having a casual lunch.
2. Wear It With Chinos
Sometimes jeans won’t be the right choice for your outfit. Maybe you are going out for dinner or to an informal meeting. Chinos will work well to give you a slightly smarter look.
An oatmeal shirt will look great with beige chinos. White shirts will work well with olive chinos for more contrast.
Finish the look with some loafers or minimal trainers.
If you are looking for smart casual shirts for men then this is a great option. You get a casual shirt but it looks a bit smarter.
3. Style It With Smart Trousers
Although camp collar shirts can give you a relaxed look, you can pair it with smart trousers to create a different look.
Start with a plain shirt in white, navy or any colour that you are comfortable wearing. Pair with charcoal, beige or dark trousers and keep your shoes simple.
Don’t make the outfit too smart. Camp collars give you a relaxed look so you don’t need to wear a tie or overly smart accessories.
Be mindful of how long the shirt is. If you are wearing it untucked then make sure the hem sits nicely with your trousers. If you prefer it tucked in then make sure the shirt has the right cut.
This is a great option to wear when going out for dinner, evenings out or when you want to look smart without wearing a traditional smart shirt.
4. Keep It Casual With Shorts
Camp collar shirts naturally work well with warmer weather. Pair with shorts to create a relaxed look.
For a simple holiday look wear a chalk white or patterned camp collar shirt with neutral shorts and trainers or sandals. If you prefer a more muted look then an oatmeal shirt will work well with beige shorts.
You can also wear this with lightweight trousers when going out in the evening. This makes it more versatile.
Although the collar will give you a relaxed look, the fabric, weave and fit will all impact how comfortable you feel wearing it. Make sure to check the product details.
5. Wear It Open Over a Plain T-Shirt
If you like to wear t shirts but want to try something different then wear your camp collar shirt open over a plain t shirt.
A simple white t shirt will work well with a leaf green shirt. Pair with blue jeans or chinos for a relaxed look.
This will work best if the shirt has a relaxed fit to sit nicely over your t shirt. If the fabric rides up on your chest or the buttons are tight then try a different cut.
Keep the rest of your outfit simple.
Which Fabric Should You Choose?
When buying high quality casual shirts for men in India it is easy to focus on the colour and design. However, the fabric can make a big difference. If you are going to wear it regularly then make sure you pick the right fabric.
Cotton Shirts
Cotton is a classic choice. Depending on the weave and construction it can work well for simple casual shirts or more structured casual shirts.
A cotton camp collar shirt will work well with jeans, chinos and shorts. If you are building a new wardrobe then a plain cotton shirt is a good place to start.
However, not all cotton shirts will feel the same. The weight, weave, finish and cut will all impact how it feels to wear. If breathability is important to you then make sure to check the fabric details.
Cotton Tencel Blends
Cotton tencel blends will have a mix of cotton and Tencel branded fibres. Depending on the blend and how it has been made the shirt will have a different feel and drape.
If you like a shirt that has a more relaxed drape then this could be a good option for you.
One option to consider is the Cabana Cotton Tencel Camp Collar Shirt in Oatmeal. The neutral colour will make it easy to picture wearing with blue jeans, beige chinos or other casual items.
Make sure to check the product page for the exact fabric details.
Linen
Linen has a unique texture and will give you a relaxed look. However it will also tend to crease more. Make sure you like the look.
A linen shirt will work well with chinos, smart shorts and lightweight trousers. Neutral colours will be easy to pair with the rest of your wardrobe.
If you are looking for linen shirts for men in India then make sure to check the fabric details. Just because it looks like linen doesn’t mean it actually is.
Textured Fabrics
Sometimes plain shirts can feel too simple. However you may not want to wear a bold pattern. Textured fabrics can be a great option.
Shirts with a seersucker or dobby weave will give you some interest. This can give you a unique look without needing bright colours.
If you like a lighter coloured shirt with some texture then the Cabana Seersucker Camp Collar Shirt in Chalk White could be a good option. If you want some more pattern in your wardrobe then the Cabana Printed Dobby Camp Collar Shirt in Leaf Green.
Which Colour Should You Choose?
If you want to wear your shirt regularly then start with some colours that will work with your trousers. There is no point in buying a bold shirt if you can’t find anything to pair it with.
Some options to try:
-
White/Chalk White – Pair with blue jeans, beige chinos or dark trousers.
-
Off White/Oatmeal – These colours will work well with blue denim, olive chinos and other earthy colours.
-
Leaf Green – Pair with white, beige or dark blue bottoms.
How to Style Patterned Camp Collar Shirts
Patterned shirts can be fun to wear. However you don’t need to make an entire outfit around the pattern.
Pair with plain jeans, chinos or shorts. If the shirt has a pattern with a few colours then choose a colour for your trousers that will match one of the colours.
A leaf green patterned shirt can work well with beige trousers or dark denim. The rest of your outfit doesn’t need to be too busy.
If you are new to patterned casual shirts for men then start with a design that you can picture wearing with at least 2 or 3 items you already own.
How Should You Choose the Right Fit?
Sometimes a shirt can look great on the product page but not feel right when you wear it. Make sure to check the fit.
The shoulders should fit the style of the shirt and you should have enough room to move without the fabric riding up. The sleeves should sit comfortably on your arms and the body should have the right shape.
Sometimes the length can be overlooked. If you are going to wear it untucked then make sure it isn’t too long and will throw the proportions.
A regular fit shirt could be a good option if you want a balanced look. However different brands will use different terms so make sure to check the sizing details.
If you are ordering online then check the photos of the garment and sizing. Don’t assume your usual size will fit.
Common Styling Mistakes to Avoid
Camp collar shirts are easy to style but there are a few things to consider.
-
Trousers that don’t balance the shirt – A relaxed shirt will look great with straight cut jeans/chinos. However if both the shirt and trousers are very oversized then make sure the proportions work for you.
-
Too many patterns – If your shirt has a noticeable pattern then let it stand out. Keep your trousers plain and shoes simple.
-
Only wearing it for holidays – A camp collar shirt can work well for a regular weekend. Try wearing it with jeans or chinos.
-
Not considering the fabric – Just because it has a camp collar doesn’t mean it will be comfortable to wear. Make sure to check the fabric, weave, fit and care instructions.
-
Picking a colour that is difficult to wear – Although a bold colour may attract you, think about what trousers and shoes you already own. A shirt that will fit in with your existing wardrobe is more likely to be worn regularly.
What to Check Before Buying Shirts Online
There are lots of options when buying casual shirts for men in India. However the photos won’t tell you everything.
Check the fabric, fit, sleeve length and sizing. If there are photos from different angles then check these. Also check the care instructions.
Consider where you are going to wear it. If you want something to wear regularly then maybe a versatile colour would be better. If your wardrobe is mostly neutral then a textured or patterned shirt could work well.
The aim isn’t to own lots of shirts but to find a few that will work with what you already own.
Explore Camp Collar Shirts From ORIN
If you like the relaxed look of camp collar shirts, ORIN offers a range of shirts in different colours, textures, and fabrics to suit your personal style.
Three options to consider:
Cabana Cotton Tencel Camp Collar Shirt in Oatmeal
This is a great option if you like neutral colours. Pair with blue jeans or beige chinos for an easy casual look.
Cabana Printed Dobby Camp Collar Shirt in Leaf Green
If you usually wear plain shirts then this could be a good option to add some colour and pattern. Keep the rest of your outfit simple.
Cabana Seersucker Camp Collar Shirt in Chalk White
If you like a lighter coloured shirt but don’t want it to look too plain then a textured shirt could be a good option. Pair with denim, chinos or smart shorts.
Browse our men’s shirts to see what is available.
Final Thoughts
A camp collar shirt doesn’t need to be saved for a holiday or special occasion. With the right fit and a few simple combinations it can become a go to in your wardrobe.
Wear with jeans when going out, chinos for dinner or smart trousers for a slightly smarter look. Start with colours you know you will wear and try different fabrics or patterns.
You don’t need to wear a complicated outfit to look smart. Sometimes a good shirt, comfortable trousers and shoes that fit the occasion are enough.
Browse our shirts to find a style that will fit naturally into your everyday wardrobe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should Men Style a Camp Collar Shirt?
Start with jeans or chinos and a colour that will work with your existing wardrobe. Keep your shoes simple and accessories minimal. If you want a more relaxed look then wear with shorts or layer over a plain t shirt.
Can I Wear a Camp Collar Shirt Every Day?
Yes! A camp collar shirt can work well as a daily wear. Choose a versatile colour and comfortable fit. Pair with jeans for a casual look or chinos for a slightly smarter look.
Are Camp Collar Shirts Good for Indian Summers?
They can be a useful option for warm weather. However the fabric, weave, weight and fit will all impact how comfortable you feel. Make sure to check the product details.
Can I Wear a Camp Collar Shirt With Jeans?
Yes! Blue and black jeans will work well with most plain coloured camp collar shirts. If the shirt has a bold pattern then plain denim will help to keep the outfit balanced.
Can I Wear a Camp Collar Shirt to the Office?
This will depend on your workplace. A plain coloured camp collar shirt with chinos or smart trousers may work well in a relaxed or creative office. However if your workplace requires you to wear smart business attire then a traditional collared shirt may be more appropriate.
Should I Tuck In My Camp Collar Shirt?
This will depend on how it is cut and what you are wearing. Untucked will work well for casual outfits if the hem is the right length. Tucked in can give you a cleaner look with smart trousers.
What Colour Should I Choose First?
Start with white, off white, oatmeal and navy. These colours will be easy to pair with jeans and chinos. Once you have a few versatile options you can try leaf green and patterned.
What Is the Difference Between a Camp Collar and a Traditional Shirt Collar?
A camp collar is open and sits flat on the top of your chest. This gives it a relaxed look. A traditional pointed collar has a more structured look and is commonly found on smart and business casual shirts.
