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 shirtmaking what jeans are to trousers, namely the embodiment of versatility and relaxation. Cuts, collars, materials, colors, we will review in this comprehensive 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 see fit," we'd be tempted to reply. 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 on its own, it's comfortable everywhere and all the time. A godsend for adding some character to your style, personality to an overly conservative outfit, or elegance to a fierce ensemble.
Which cut should I choose?
Casual isn't confusing: at Hast, we've made it a point of honor to bring the same care to our casual shirts as we do 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. Expertly 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 trousers , which is why you will find it shorter than the formal shirt.
That being said, there's nothing stopping you from incorporating it into a classic outfit, for example by opting for the longer, fitted styles we've designed to complement the range. This way, you'll combine the distinction of a smart outfit with the casualness of a casual shirt to create an outfit that's elegant 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 collar style allows you to take your casual shirt to a particular stylistic horizon. There are several options available, from the most understated to the most original.
The essential button-down collar
Capable of bringing a relaxed feel by its mere presence, the famous " button-down " is the beating heart of the casual shirt, and a favorite of many men. As you can see, this one rhymes with freedom, boldness, and modernity.
The officer collar
Sometimes intimidating on a dress shirt, the minimalism and understated elegance of this officer collar work surprisingly well on casual styles. However unlikely it may be, the combination of a collar with military origins and the most pacifist of shirts works wonders.
The collar with hidden buttons
Modesty is key in this version with a hidden button-down collar and hidden panels. The buttons are hidden under the points to ensure optimal fit and impeccable style.
A wide choice of 100% natural fabrics
Even more than on the cut or the collar, it is on the fabric This is where the difference between formal and casual shirts comes in. While the former tends to be made from silky, smooth materials, the latter allows for more texture and roughness. At Hast, we didn't need to be asked twice to highlight 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, felted flannel is renowned for its warmth and insulating properties. Historically made from wool, we also offer lighter cotton versions for 3-season wear (we'll let you guess which ones).
Corduroy
Long (and unfairly) banned for those under 60, corduroy 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's worth reminding you that denim isn't just for jeans . As proof, we've used it to make more or less casual shirts in more or less raw versions. Whether you're an authentic cowboy or a gentleman farmer, you'll definitely find what you're looking for.
Chambray
This fabric is made by weaving a white weft thread with a blue warp, possibly dyed with indigo. Often compared to denim, it is lighter and less rustic. Chambray 's distinctive texture and delicately mottled appearance make it a great partner for both suits and less formal attire.
The Oxford
Equidistant between formal and casual, Oxford : the modern man's favorite fabric combines the generosity of textured materials with the elegance of classic fabrics. Collar, cut, color, patterns, it's up to you to play with the other parameters of your casual shirt to take it here or there.
Seersucker
Seersucker is 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 adding an easy twist to an outfit that is too smooth.
Of course, all these weaving techniques can involve different materials. While cotton and wool are the ones we have historically favored at Hast, we are now rolling out new ones and offering you new combinations. 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 more conventional heather blues, plain whites and grays.
The all-purpose shirt
Versatility and versatility are the strengths of the casual shirt. By playing with its cut, collar, material, fabric, or even its color and patterns, it's easy to make it your best ally, from the most formal to the most casual looks. To inject texture under a suit, to bring grain to a formal outfit, to add panache to a layering with an overshirt or to enhance a workwear ensemble, the casual shirt is simply perfect. Equally comfortable for special occasions as for everyday wear, paired well with jeans, chinos , and other city pants, you have a range that's likely to make your life easier (and more beautiful).
Caring for your casual shirt
The good news is that 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 we recommend you follow:
- Machine wash , preferably on a standard cycle at 30°C with a moderate spin (maximum 600 rpm). For wool or wool-blend shirts, the wool cycle will obviously be required. Last point: we recommend undoing all 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 , in fact, will vary 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, as this may flatten the ribs and make the fabric shiny. Hard brushes are available for smoothing shirts and trousers made from 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 no less 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 everyday life? A thick straight flannel overshirt style to soften your weekends? Just ask: the casual shirt has more than one trick up its sleeves.
