Let’s get straight to the point and talk about the ones whose name we readily use without always agreeing on how to say it: our casual shirts. Fraternal twins of their formal counterparts, these sleeved pieces are to shirtmaking what jeans are to trousers: the very embodiment of versatility and ease. Fits, collars, fabrics, colours—in this comprehensive guide, we will review the various details perfected by Hast to bring you the very best in men’s casual shirts.
How to wear a casual shirt?
“Any way you like,” we would be tempted to say. That is because the casual shirt is versatile by nature. With jeans or chinos, over a T-shirt or under a suit, straight against the skin, layered as an overshirt, or worn on its own, it feels right anywhere, anytime. A great way to add texture to your style, character to an understated outfit, or subtle polish to a casual look.
Which fit to choose?
Relaxed style does not mean casual standards: at Hast, we make a point of applying the same exacting care to our casual shirts as to our dress shirts. Believe it or not, it takes real precision to bring a touch of nonchalance to our signature piece. In this spirit, we primarily developed a relaxed fit that balances ease with refinement. Skillfully combining elegance and comfort, it features a straighter cut, rich natural textures, and a soft collar. For a thoughtful touch from every angle, we added a signature box pleat at the back, ensuring total freedom of movement. Designed to bring substance and texture to any look, the casual shirt is generally worn untucked from trousers, which is why you will find it slightly shorter than our formal shirts.
That being said, nothing prevents you from incorporating it into a classic tailoring look, for instance by choosing the longer and more fitted models we designed to complement the range. You will effortlessly blend the sophistication of a tailored ensemble with the relaxed charm of a casual shirt, creating an outfit that is sharp without ever feeling dull.
Available sizes? All of them, naturally. Our casual shirts range from XS to XL, with various sleeve lengths to ensure the perfect fit.
A wide range of collars
Complementing the fit, the choice of collar allows you to take the casual shirt in any stylistic direction. Several options are available, from the most understated to the most distinctive.
The essential button-down collar
Capable of bringing an effortless feel all on its own, the famous button-down is the beating heart of the casual shirt, and a favourite among many men. As you might expect, it goes hand in hand with freedom, confidence, and modern style.
The band collar
Sometimes intimidating on a formal shirt, the clean minimalism and understated elegance of this band collar work remarkably well on casual styles. However unexpected, the pairing of a collar with military heritage and the most relaxed of shirts creates an effortless look.
The hidden-button collar
Understatement is the order of the day with this hidden button collar version. Tucked away under the collar points, the buttons remain completely out of sight to ensure a flawless roll and a sharp, impeccable look.
A wide choice of 100% natural fabrics
Even more than cut or collar, it is the fabric that sets formal and casual shirts apart. While the former calls for smooth, silky weaves, the latter embraces richer textures and tactile character. At Hast, we have embraced this contrast by working with 100% natural fabrics full of personality, designed for men who appreciate the same.
Flannel
Soft to the eye and brushed to the touch, felted flannel is renowned for its warmth and insulating qualities. Traditionally crafted from wool, we also offer lighter cotton versions suited for three-season wear (we will let you guess which ones).
Corduroy
Long (and unfairly) reserved for the over-60s, corduroy has been making a strong comeback for several years, much to our delight. Crafted from 100% cotton, we offer several varieties with different wale widths, adding texture and suppleness to your casual wardrobe.
Denim
Without insulting your intelligence by introducing this legendary twill, it is worth remembering that denim is not reserved exclusively for jeans. Proof being, we have turned to it to craft shirts ranging from subtly relaxed to more rugged, raw styles. Whether you lean towards authentic western or modern tailoring, you are sure to find the right piece.
Chambray
This fabric is woven from a white weft thread and a bluish warp, often dyed with indigo. Frequently compared to denim, it is nonetheless lighter and less rustic. The distinctive texture and subtly mottled look of chambray make it a choice partner, whether under a suit or in a more relaxed ensemble.
Oxford
Midway between formal and casual, Oxford cloth is the modern man’s go-to fabric, combining the rich texture of casual weaves with the elegance of classic shirting. Collar, cut, colour, patterns: the choice is yours to tailor every detail of your casual shirt to suit your personal style.
Seersucker
Seersucker is recognisable by its puckered texture and crinkled feel. This distinctive fabric is prized for its lightness and airy quality. Perfectly suited for summer, it is created through alternating yarn tensions during weaving, which gives it its characteristic texture. Ideal for adding an effortless twist to an otherwise simple outfit.
Naturally, these weaving techniques can incorporate a variety of fibres. While cotton and wool have historically been our favourites at Hast, we are constantly exploring new possibilities with original blends. Alongside essential wool flannels and cotton corduroys, unique fabrics and blends are now available just for you: linen, cotton-linen, hemp-linen, wool-hemp, cotton-hemp, organic cotton flannel, recycled wool, and more.
Colours and patterns for every style
Another benefit of the casual shirt: it offers far more freedom when it comes to colours and patterns. While traditional dress codes limit formal shirts almost exclusively to plain white and light blue, the rules are much more flexible in a casual wardrobe. Gingham, tattersall, bold checks, fine or wider stripes, herringbone—you are spoiled for choice when it comes to bringing character and variety to your relaxed outfits. Above all, the colour palette is as rich as it is nuanced, from forest green and mustard to rust, camel, burgundy, or more understated heather blues, plain whites, and greys.
The go-anywhere shirt
Adaptability and versatility are the greatest strengths of the casual shirt. By playing with its cut, collar, fabric, weave, colour, or pattern, it effortlessly becomes your most reliable piece, suited to everything from the most formal to the most laid-back looks. Whether adding texture under a suit, bringing depth to occasionwear, elevating an overshirt layering look, or enhancing a workwear ensemble, the casual shirt is simply perfect. Just as comfortable for special events as for everyday wear, pairing seamlessly with jeans, chinos, and tailored trousers, this is a range crafted to simplify (and elevate) your wardrobe.
Caring for your casual shirt
Good news: our casual shirts are just as easy to care for as they are to wear. To ensure they stay with you for years to come, here are a few care tips we recommend following:
- Washing is done in the machine, preferably on a regular cycle at 30°C with a gentle spin (600 rpm maximum). For wool or wool-blend shirts, the wool cycle is naturally essential. One last tip: we recommend unbuttoning all buttons (including the collar) to avoid strain in the drum.
- Drying should be done naturally in the open air, in a well-ventilated space, with your shirt hung on a hanger and fully buttoned up. It will dry in a few hours with hardly any creases, making ironing much easier.
- Ironing, in fact, will vary from one fabric to another; warmer or cooler depending on whether it is wool, cotton, linen, or hemp. Note: corduroy shirts should not be ironed, as this risks crushing the ribs and making the fabric shiny. Stiff brushes exist to smooth shirts and trousers crafted from this material.
Of course, a quick visit to the dry cleaner will do just as well.
Casual shirts are serious business
Amid a broader shift towards more relaxed dress codes, both at work and in everyday life, the casual shirt continues to gain ground over its formal counterpart. Less rigid and more versatile, it retains all of its sartorial charm. With the distinct features detailed above, you will easily find the ideal piece for every occasion and style. A textured slim-fit chambray to bring character under your suit? A button-down corduroy shirt for everyday texture? A substantial straight-cut flannel worn like an overshirt to soften your weekend wardrobe? Whatever you need, the casual shirt has plenty of versatility to offer.
