Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
If you are anything like me, you get attached to your favorite articles of clothing. Unfortunately, some of my favorite pieces can only be worn at certain times of the year, which is why I like work shirts so much. Whether I’m wearing them as a regular shirt or as a way to add additional warmth to another outfit, work shirts offer a lot of versatility regardless of the time of year.
1) Nine Lives: Work Shirt
If there is one brand that has taken this particular niche of the fashion world by storm in the last few years, it’s Nine Lives. While they have a lot of great pieces, their Work Shirts really exemplify what makes them popular: beautiful fabrics, great construction, and designs that are just slightly off the beaten path. This piece is available in several colors and fabrics, allowing you to find the perfect piece to match the rest of your wardrobe.
Available from $325 at Division Road.
2) Filson: Beartooth Jac-Shirt
Filson’s Beartooth Jac-Shirt is a heavyweight work shirt that has everything you could possibly want. It’s made from a 15.5oz. brushed cotton fabric and features front hand pockets, an interior storage pocket, as well as snapped closures throughout. If you aren’t used to spending this much on a shirt, just remember this: you’re buying both a shirt and a jacket. Whether you wear this piece as a daily overshirt or only pull it out on the coldest winter days, you’ll be happy it’s a part of your rotation.
Available for $175 at Context.
3) Left Field NYC: Neppy Loose Weave Denim Dust Bowl Work Shirt
While I like flannel work shirts as much as the next guy, would this list really be complete without a denim work shirt or two? Left Field NYC’s Neppy Loose Weave Denim Dust Bowl Work Shirt is made from a gorgeous, 12oz. denim with contrasting white stitching throughout. The design is based on old-school 1940’s work shirts and if that’s your style then look no further. This piece is finished with triple-stitched construction and metal buttons.
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Available for $210 at Left Field NYC.
4) Kato: Anvil Melton Wool Shirt
Kato’s Anvil Melton Wool Shirt is another great option if you intend to wear your work shirts both as a piece of outerwear and another layer. With its thick wool material and front hand-warmer pockets, this piece will keep you seriously warm regardless of the weather. This shirt is finished with two button chest pockets and features a slim cut, a rarer silhouette among work shirts.
Available for $195 at Stag Provisions.
5) Freenote Cloth: Alta Work Shirt
If you are looking for a solid work shirt in a classic, plaid pattern, then take a gander at Freenote Cloth’s Alta Work Shirt. It’s made in the USA from top-notch Japanese wool flannel and features custom horn buttons and a partial satin lining to set it apart from the competition. The fit is a bit fuller than many people would like, but if you enjoy some room in your shirts, then this piece is a perfect choice.
Available for $380 at Freenote.
Plus One – Indigofera: Eagle Rising “Jacket”
Even though Indigofera’s Eagle Rising Jacket is called a jacket, it certainly has all the details of a classic work shirt. It features heavy-duty fabric, snapped closures, and front hand pockets, making it an ideal overshirt, jacket, or plain old button up shirt. What sets this work shirt apart from most other is the leather accents on the shoulders and yoke. The style is certainly a bit of an acquired taste. But once you’ve acquired it, I guarantee you’ll be reaching for this shirt as often as you can.
Available for $379 at Standard & Strange.
