Let's talk little, let's talk well, let's talk about those whose name we dare to pronounce without being sure of the pronunciation: our casual shirts . False twins of their formal counterparts, these sleeved pieces are to shirts what jeans are to pants, namely the embodiment of versatility and relaxation. Cuts, collars, materials, colors , we will review in this total guide the different parameters taken care of by Hast to offer you the best of casual shirts for men.
How to wear a casual shirt?
"As you wish," we would be tempted to answer. And for good reason, the casual shirt is essentially multifunctional . With jeans or chinos, over a t-shirt or under a suit, against the skin or not, layered like an overshirt or alone, it is comfortable everywhere and all the time. A godsend to bring grain to your style, personality to an overly wise outfit or elegance to a fierce ensemble.
Which cut to choose?
Casual is not confusing: at Hast, we have made it a point of honor to bring the same care to our casual shirts as to our formal shirts. Believe it or not, it takes a lot of seriousness to introduce a little irreverence into our favorite piece. In this register, we have worked primarily on a relaxed cut that combines ease and refinement. Cleverly combining elegance and comfort, you will recognize this one by its rather straight cut, its raw materials and its soft collar. For a subtlety on both sides, we have added a characteristic pleat in the back, guaranteeing absolute freedom of movement. Intended to bring consistency and texture to any look, the casual shirt is generally worn outside the pants, which is why you will find it shorter than the formal shirt
That being said, nothing prevents you from integrating it into a classic composition, for example by betting on the longer and more fitted models that we have imagined to complete the range. You will thus marry the distinction of a dressed ensemble and the nonchalance of a casual shirt to create an elegant outfit without being boring.
Available sizes ? All of them, of course. Our casual shirts range from XS to XL , with different sleeve lengths to suit you.
Several passes on display
In addition to the cut, the type of collar allows you to take the casual shirt to a particular stylistic horizon. In this area, several options are available, from the most sober to the most original.
The essential button-down collar : capable of bringing relaxation by its very presence, the famous "button-down" is the beating heart of the casual shirt, and the favorite of many men. As you can see, this one rhymes with freedom, audacity and modernity.
The officer collar : sometimes intimidating on a dress shirt, the minimalism and stripped-down elegance of this variation works surprisingly well on casual models. As unlikely as it may be, the alliance between a collar with military origins and the most pacifist of shirts works wonders.
The hidden button collar : modesty is the order of the day in this version with its hidden panels. The buttons are hidden under the points to ensure an optimal fit and an impeccable look.
A wide choice of 100% natural fabrics
Even more than the cut or the collar, it is the fabric that makes the difference between formal and casual shirts. While the former tends to require silky and smooth materials, the latter allows for more texture and roughness. At Hast, we didn't need to be asked twice to mark this contrast by working with 100% natural fabrics full of personality, for men who have just as much.
Flannel : fluffy to the eye and soft to the touch, this felted material is renowned for its warmth and insulating properties. Historically made from wool, we also offer lighter versions in cotton for 3-season wear (we'll let you guess which ones).
Corduroy : long (and unfairly) banned for those under 60, this fabric has been making a strong comeback for several years, to our great delight. Made from 100% cotton , we offer several with different rib sizes, to bring thickness and flexibility to your casual wardrobe.
Denim : without insulting you by introducing this legendary serge, we think it is worth reminding you that this material is not reserved for jeans. As proof, we have used it to make more or less casual shirts in more or less raw versions. Authentic cowboy or gentleman farmer, you will definitely find what you are looking for.
Chambray : this fabric is obtained by a weaving operation between a white weft thread and a blue warp, possibly dyed with indigo. Often compared to denim, it is however lighter and less rustic. Its particular texture and its delicately mottled appearance make it a partner of choice, under a suit or in a less formal outfit.
Oxford : equidistant from formal and casual, the modern man's favorite fabric combines the generosity of textured materials and the elegance of classic fabrics. Collar, cut, color, patterns, it's up to you to play on the other parameters of your casual shirt to take it here or there.
Seersucker : recognizable by its small waves and its embossed hand, this incomparable fabric is prized for its lightness and its very pronounced airy side. Rather summery , it is obtained by a difference in tension between the threads at the time of weaving, which gives it its characteristic irregularity. Ideal for bringing an easy twist to an outfit that is too smooth.
Obviously, all these weaving techniques can involve different materials. If cotton and wool are the ones that we have historically favored at Hast, we are now deploying new ones and offering you new alloys. In addition to the inevitable wool flannels and other cotton velvets, unique materials and blends are now available just for you: linen, cotton-linen, hemp-linen, wool-hemp, cotton-hemp, organic cotton flannel, recycled wool, etc.
Colors and patterns for all your desires
Another advantage of the casual shirt: it is much more permissive in terms of colors and patterns. If traditional codes allow (almost) only plain white and blue for the dress shirt, the rules are much more flexible in a casual register. Small checks, medium checks, large checks, fine and less fine stripes, herringbone, you will be spoiled for choice to bring life and variety to your relaxed outfits. Above all, the range of colors available is as rich as it is deep , from fir green to mustard, including rust, camel, burgundy or mottled blues, plain whites and more conventional grays.
The all-purpose shirt
Versatility and versatility are the strong points of the casual shirt. By playing on its cut, its collar, its material, its fabric or even its color and patterns, it is easy to make it your best ally, and this from the most formal to the most casual looks. To inject texture under a suit, to bring grain to a ceremonial outfit, to add panache to a layering with an overshirt or to enhance a workwear ensemble, the casual shirt is simply perfect. As comfortable for special occasions as for everyday wear, on good terms with jeans, chinos and other city pants, you have here a range that is likely to make your life easier (and more beautiful).
Maintaining your casual shirt
Good news, our casual shirts are as easy to wear as they are to care for. To ensure they last as long as possible, here are a few precautions that we recommend you follow:
Washing is done in the washing machine, preferably on a classic program at 30°C with a moderate spin (600 rpm maximum). For wool or wool blend shirts, the wool program will obviously be required. Last point: we recommend that you undo all the buttons (including those on the collar) to avoid tension in the drum.
Drying will take place in the open air , in a well-ventilated area, with your shirt hung on a hanger with the buttons closed. It will be dry in a few hours and almost wrinkle-free, which will make ironing easier.
Ironing , precisely, will differ from one material to another; more or less hot depending on whether it is wool, cotton, linen or hemp. NB: corduroy shirts should not be ironed, at the risk of crushing the ribs and shining the fabric. Hard brushes exist to smooth shirts and trousers made of this material.
Of course, a quick trip to the dry cleaners will do the trick just as well.
We don't joke with the casual shirt
In a global context of softening dress codes, both in the professional and private spheres, the casual shirt continues to gain ground from its formal counterpart. Less strict and more impertinent, it remains nonetheless charming. By composing with the characteristics detailed above, you will easily find the one you need for all occasions and all styles . A slim textured chambray to add boldness under your suit? A button-down corduroy to add roughness to your daily life? A thick straight flannel like an overshirt to soften your weekends? Just ask it: the casual shirt has more than one trick up its sleeves.
