How to Wear Camp Collar Shirts: Style Tips Every Guy Should Know

Look, I don’t want to call everything I cover on this blog the best this or the best that — but camp collars might be the best summer shirts.

Camp collar shirts are one of the easiest ways to look put together while staying comfortable in the summer heat. Some guys are uncomfortable with short-sleeved button-ups, untucked shirts, looser fits, and wild patterns, but the camp collar shirt is your green light: they’re supposed to be worn like that.

So ditch your tank tops and workout shorts, you’ve got a new go-to when it’s hot out.

To help explore this contentious topic, I met up with Peter from Peter’s Prism, an excellent YouTube channel about style from a Gen X lens. Below, we’ll walk through how to wear camp collar shirts and what makes them so unique.

This content is sponsored by Huckberry, who sell camp collar shirts from dozens of brands. Like, not just their own brands — a ton of crowd favorites are on offer!

What’s a Camp Collar Shirt?

• Unstructured collar that lays flush with the shirt instead of being propped up by a band
• Typically worn with the top button undone
• Often short-sleeved
• Looser fitting
• Usually made to be worn untucked; look for a straight hem

“A camp collar shirt is characterized by its open collar that lays flat, as opposed to something like a dress shirt that has a more rigid collar that you can button up to the top,” says Peter. “Camp collars don’t have a collar band that props the collar up.”

Camp-collar shirts trace their roots to tropical workwear, evolving from 19th-century Latin American styles like the four-pocket Cuban guayabera that kept laborers cool in the heat. The workwear origins are why camp collar shirts usually have looser fits and are unbuttoned at the neck.

“The reason is that you want there to be freedom of movement,” says Peter. “You want there to be air circulation.”

So at first, the breezy design was for simple practicality, but it produced a perfect canvas for summer style.

Should You Tuck In a Camp Collar Shirt?

• Nah
• The hem is straight, which means it’s not meant to be tucked
• And the short, boxy cut doesn’t stay tucked in
• Plus they often have pockets and/or ornamentation by the hem that’s intended to be visible

These days, no one knows when they’re meant to tuck in shirts. Kids in their twenties are tucking t-shirts into jeans for goodness’ sake. All the old rules are up for debate, but there’s one constant: you don’t tuck in a camp collar shirt. It’s pretty much official.

“The way that most camp collared shirts are cut is that they have a squared-off hem,” says Peter. “If you have a squared-off hem, that’s not meant to be tucked in. It’s also typically a little bit shorter than typical shirts, so you’d be struggling to keep it tucked in even if you wanted to.”

Also, there are a lot of camp collared shirts that have extra details, like patterns that extend to the hem or pockets that sit close to the hem, which you’ll find on some guayabera shirts.

So, unless you’re wearing one with a suit, you can be comfortable in the knowledge that you can leave your camp collar shirt untucked.

Patterns vs Solid Camp Collar Shirts

• Camp color shirts are likely to come in a range of bold patterns
• Avoid clashing by making sure the bold patterns are offset by solid, neutral-colored pants, shoes, and accessories

For many guys, camp collar shirts are the one time they embrace bold, unconventional patterns. Just as this is the one time a guy might let himself wear a short-sleeved button-up, or the one time he won’t feel compelled to tuck in his shirt, the camp collar is a safe space for bold patterns.

“That’s part of the appeal: variety and playfulness,” notes Peter. “Camp collar shirts encourage stepping outside a minimalist wardrobe and embracing pattern and color. That’s their spirit.”

And while these shirts are sort of all about being relaxed and playful, it’s nonetheless a good idea to avoid busy patterns on your pants or something. That’s too much variety — you want a splash of interest, not a sensory assault!

What to Wear with Camp Collar Shirts

Camp collar shirts are built for comfort, so the rest of your outfit should reflect that same relaxed look. The casual nature works perfectly for summer and warm weather, breathable fabrics.

Linen and shorts

In warm weather, the most obvious choice is shorts. Linen pants are another excellent option — they’re breathable, lightweight, and align perfectly with the camp collar’s casual aesthetic. Whether you’re going for a beachy look or just aiming to stay cool, both of these choices complement the shirt’s laid-back nature.

Jeans with camp collar shirts?

Jeans actually have a little controversy: they’re casual too, sure, but a different kind of casual. Jeans are made from a stiff fabric designed to take a beating, with a distinct visual language rooted in durability and workwear, complete with rivets.

But also, it’s fine. No one will care. But try to wear looser, more worn-in jeans.

“Faded or broken-in denim pairs much better with camp collar shirts. The softened fabric and worn-in aesthetic feel more in step with the shirt’s breezy personality,” explains Peter. “Light-wash, distressed, or vintage-style jeans can help bridge the gap between workwear toughness and relaxed resort wear.”

Peter and I disagreed on wearing jeans and camp collar shirts, though we agreed that loose-fitting and lighter colored jeans work best. Ultimately, camp collar shirts shine when styled with pieces that echo their casual nature, whether that’s linen, cotton, or well-worn denim.

Which Pants to Wear with Camp Collar Shirts

• Stick to looser fits
• Avoid stiff or dressy materials, like worsted wool or burly canvas
• Few other pants are off limits, just make sure it’s casual, simple, and doesn’t clash with the shirt’s pattern

Slim and tapered pants don’t always complement the relaxed silhouette of a camp collar shirt. Looser pants — particularly linen or other soft, flowing fabrics — enhance the laid-back aesthetic that defines camp collar styling.

“Skinny or slim pants can look too sharp and narrow, creating a visual imbalance where the shirt appears wider than the pants,” says Peter. “That imbalance disrupts the ease and fluidity that camp collar shirts are known for. If your goal is comfort and a breezy summer look, looser fits are the better choice.”

Camp Collar Shirts and Shorts

• Camp collars are the easiest button-up shirts to wear with shorts
• They’re “allowed” on practically anything casual, even swimwear and flip-flops

Camp collar shirts can also elevate otherwise casual pieces — they’re welcome on anything casual, even swim shorts and flip flops.

“Unlike most button-up shirts, which clash with board shorts or athletic wear, the camp collar shirt works because of its unstructured, easygoing design,” says Peter. “It can turn a poolside outfit into something more intentional without feeling overdressed.”

Many guys are hesitant about any kind of short-sleeve button-up shirt, but camp collar shirts are the loophole they’ve been seeking: they’re short-sleeved, but they don’t carry the same associations as typical business-casual summer shirts.

Dressing Up Camp Collar Shirts

• Only attempt this with a more laid-back, warm-weather suit; think linen or tropical wool

Camp collar shirts also have a long-standing connection to classic Hollywood style. In mid-century films, actors often wore camp collars or “lounge shirts” with lightweight suits, even placing the collar over the lapels of the jacket for added flair.

“Paired with a linen or tropical wool suit, a camp collar shirt creates a casual yet polished look that feels both retro and contemporary,” Peter explains. “It’s an ideal summer alternative to the standard dress shirt and tie: cool, comfortable, and undeniably stylish.”

What to Avoid Wearing with a Camp Collar

While camp collar shirts are casual, not all casual clothing pairs well with them. Stiff wool trousers, for example, feel too structured and formal. The goal is to maintain a cohesive, easygoing look from top to bottom.

Don’t Wear: Work Boots

“A work boot connotes rigor and structure, and even formality to a certain extent,” says Peter.” Many boots are not congruent with like the vibe of a camp collared shirt. To ruin that laid-back look with something like a work boot or a stiff raw denim does not congeal in a way that will make your overall look cohesive.”

Don’t Wear: Workout Shoes

Minimalist sneakers — sneakers made for casual wear, not sport — are great, here. Running shoes are not.

What Are Camp Collar Shirts Made Of?

One of the great things about camp collar shirts is their range of fabrics. There’s no one material, and in the photos here we’ve worn camp collar shirts made of linen, polyester, cotton, even a terry towel fabric.

“Linen is a common choice, ideal for its breathability and lightweight feel, perfect for warm weather,” Peter says. “But camp collar shirts aren’t limited to traditional summer fabrics. Some versions are made from terry cloth, offering a soft, towel-like texture that feels plush and casual at the same time.”

There are even camp collar shirts made from unconventional performance fabrics. One example is a fully polyester shirt from the athletic brand Wellen. While polyester typically traps heat, this particular shirt was designed with ventilation holes throughout, making it surprisingly breezy. It’s also treated with anti-odor technology, fitting, since Wellen is primarily known for workout apparel. The result is a shirt that’s stretchy, breathable, and far more comfortable than most polyester garments.

What Shoes Go With Camp Collar Shirts

One of the best things about camp collar shirts is their versatility — they pair well with a wide range of footwear, making it easy to build relaxed yet intentional summer outfits.

Loafers

I’m all about boots in winter, and in summer, I am all about the loafers. While they have a reputation for being stuffy, the right model can be perfect.

I recommend loafers with wider, rounder toes that are ideally suede — or at least, not black. Favorites are Astorflex’s Dartflex, Grant Stone’s Traveler Loafer, and Oak Street Bootmakers’ Beefroll Penny Loafer. I did this whole article on casual summer loafers.

Sneakers and Casual Footwear

Minimalist sneakers are a natural match. Clean, low-profile designs — think plain white leather or canvas — complement the shirt’s casual vibe without drawing too much attention.

Sandals, Espadrilles, and Flip-Flops

Camp collar shirts also pair effortlessly with sandals, flip-flops, and espadrilles. These combinations work especially well in hot weather or beach settings.

Espadrilles, in particular, strike a nice balance between laid-back and stylish, offering a breathable slip-on that elevates the outfit more than basic flip-flops would.

The Case for Huaraches

Huaraches are an underrated yet excellent summer shoe. They’re breathable, stylish, and one of the few shoes that look and feel great without socks. (Come on, we all know we just pretend to be comfortable without socks in other shoes.)

Their woven leather construction keeps the shoes open air and your feet cool while maintaining a look cohesive with the relaxed nature of camp collar shirts.

Our Top Brands for Camp Collar Shirts

Here’s a selection of our favorite camp collar shirts.

Flint and Tinder Camp Collar Shirts

Flint and Tinder — Huckberry’s in-house brand — offers an impressive range of camp collar shirts in various fabrics, colors, and prints. Whether you’re after a classic cotton, breathable linen, or bold hand block prints, there’s something here for every style.

Faherty Cabana Shirts

Faherty is best known for producing shirts that are incredibly soft and comfortable. If you’re looking for luxury-level comfort in a relaxed silhouette with beachy vibes, this is your go-to. All of my first expensive board shorts were from this brand, and they were all I wore for a while.

Wellen’s Airweave Shirts

Wellen, another Huckberry-exclusive brand, is known for their affordable and functional fabrics. What’s funny is that they’re a workout clothing brand, so it was surprising to see them come out with a shirt like this — but they made it of a stretchy, odor-resistant fabric designed for extra breathable, lightweight workout clothes. It’s perfect.

OAS Camp Collar Shirt

A classic Portuguese brand that fully embraces the beach-to-bar lifestyle. OAS makes camp collar shirts with loud, joyful prints and lightweight fabrics that are perfect for summer. Peter’s is viscose, an interesting example of a semisynthetic material well known for its hot-weather wearability.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re pairing them with shorts, linen trousers, or even swimwear, these shirts help you stay cool without compromising on style. If you haven’t tried one yet, now’s the time.