Camp Shirts: The Ultimate Guide to Styling Summer's Most Versatile Piece

A camp shirt is a loose-fitting, short-sleeved button-up with a relaxed collar, originally designed for tropical climates but now the epitome of effortless summer style. As someone who's spent years helping women navigate the often overwhelming world of fashion, I can confidently say that mastering the camp shirt is like unlocking a style superpower—it's the piece that bridges the gap between looking put-together and feeling completely comfortable.

What Exactly Is a Camp Shirt?

The camp shirt, also known as a Cuban collar shirt or bowling shirt, originated in the 1950s as leisurewear for men but has evolved into a unisex wardrobe staple. Characterised by its boxy cut, notched collar that lies flat against the chest, and typically worn untucked, it's the antithesis of a fitted business shirt. The beauty lies in its simplicity—no fussy details, just pure, uncomplicated elegance.

Why Every Woman Needs a Camp Shirt

After years of styling clients, I've noticed something remarkable: women who embrace the camp shirt instantly look more relaxed and confident. It's forgiving on various body types, incredibly versatile, and gives off that coveted "I didn't try too hard" vibe that's actually quite difficult to achieve.

The loose fit skims rather than clings, making it perfect for those days when you want to look polished without feeling restricted. Plus, it's practically foolproof—throw it on with anything from tailored trousers to a flowing midi skirt, and you'll look effortlessly chic.

How to Style Your Camp Shirt

The Office-Appropriate Look

Pair a crisp white or navy camp shirt with high-waisted trousers and pointed-toe flats. The key is choosing one in a structured fabric like cotton poplin rather than silk, which can look too casual for corporate environments. Add a sleek blazer if your office leans more formal.

Weekend Chic

This is where camp shirts truly shine. Try a printed version with high-waisted jeans and white trainers for that perfect "running errands but make it fashion" look. The oversized fit pairs beautifully with more fitted bottoms—it's all about balance.

Evening Elegance

Don't underestimate the camp shirt's evening potential. A silk version in a rich jewel tone, tucked into a sleek pencil skirt with heeled mules, creates an unexpectedly sophisticated look that's perfect for dinner dates or gallery openings.

Fabric and Fit Guidelines

The beauty of a camp shirt lies in its relaxed fit, but there's a fine line between slouchy and sloppy. The shoulder seams should sit just at your natural shoulder point—any wider and you'll look like you're swimming in fabric. The hem typically hits around the hip bone, perfect for wearing untucked.

For fabric, cotton and linen are your best friends for day-to-day wear, whilst silk elevates the piece for more special occasions. Avoid anything too stiff or structured, as it defeats the whole purpose of the camp shirt's easy-going nature.

Brand Recommendations: Where to Shop

High Street Heroes

Zara consistently delivers on-trend camp shirts with interesting prints and colours at accessible prices. Their summer collections always feature several variations, from classic stripes to bold florals.

Cos offers beautifully minimalist versions in premium cotton blends, perfect for those who prefer clean lines and neutral tones. Their oversized fits are particularly flattering.

Mango excels at silk camp shirts that look far more expensive than their price point suggests. Their seasonal prints are often inspired by high-end designers.

H&M provides excellent basics in sustainable cotton blends, ideal for building a capsule wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Whistles creates sophisticated camp shirts with subtle details like mother-of-pearl buttons and refined prints that work beautifully for smart-casual occasions.

Reiss offers elevated versions in luxurious fabrics with impeccable tailoring that justifies the slightly higher price point.

M&S has surprised me recently with their range of camp shirts featuring classic prints and excellent cotton quality at remarkably reasonable prices.

Premium Picks

For those willing to invest more, consider brands like Sézane for their Parisian-inspired prints and flattering cuts, or Ganni for their playful take on the classic camp shirt with contemporary prints and eco-friendly fabrics.

Luxury Options

At the luxury end, Equipment remains the gold standard for silk camp shirts, whilst The Row offers minimalist perfection in the finest fabrics. For those seeking something special, Staud creates contemporary versions with unique details that feel both classic and modern.

Independent Brands Worth Discovering

Paloma Wool creates artistic camp shirts with hand-painted prints that feel like wearable art pieces, perfect for adding personality to your wardrobe.

Sleeper offers luxurious linen camp shirts with a romantic twist, featuring beautiful embroidery and thoughtful details that elevate the everyday piece into something special.

Seasonal Styling Tips

Spring calls for lighter fabrics and subtle prints—think delicate florals or classic stripes. Summer is when you can embrace bold patterns and breathable linens. As we move into autumn, layer your camp shirt under a structured blazer or over a fitted turtleneck for unexpected styling.

The key to year-round camp shirt wearing is treating it as a layering piece rather than a standalone item when temperatures drop. It works beautifully under cardigans, over slip dresses, or even tied at the waist over a midi dress for that effortless layered look.

Perfect Your Camp Shirt Fit with Tellar.co.uk

Finding the perfect camp shirt fit across different brands can be frustrating—what's a medium in one brand might be a large in another. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes invaluable.

As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. Never look at a size guide again! Plus, their Fashion Hub library offers free posts covering every fashion query—always honest, always unbiased, always free.

How Tellar Works:

Measure once using bust, waist, hip, or your existing brand size
Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket & more
Always free, no downloads needed—works in-browser

The Tellar Fashion Hub is a library stacked with free posts from top stylists. Honest. Unbiased. Independent and Always Free. Style Advice, Top picks, Best brands.

Related Style Guides:

Final Thoughts

The camp shirt represents everything I love about great style—it's democratic, comfortable, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're building a capsule wardrobe or simply looking to add some effortless elegance to your summer rotation, investing in a few quality camp shirts will serve you well season after season.

Remember, the best camp shirt is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don't get too caught up in rules—fashion should be fun, and the camp shirt is the perfect vehicle for experimenting with your personal style whilst maintaining that all-important element of ease.