Cuban Collar Shirts: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering This Effortlessly Chic Style

Cuban collar shirts are the epitome of relaxed sophistication—a short-sleeved, open-collar style that originated in the Caribbean and has become a wardrobe staple for those who understand the power of effortless elegance. As a stylist who's dressed countless clients, I can tell you that mastering the Cuban collar shirt is like having a secret weapon in your wardrobe: it's versatile enough for everything from beach holidays to city brunches, yet sophisticated enough to elevate any casual ensemble.

What Makes a Cuban Collar Shirt Special?

The Cuban collar shirt, also known as a camp collar or resort shirt, features a distinctive flat, open collar that lies against the chest without folding over. Unlike traditional button-down shirts, there's no collar band, creating that signature laid-back silhouette that's become synonymous with vacation dressing and modern minimalism.

What I love most about advising clients on Cuban collars is their ability to bridge the gap between smart and casual. The structured yet relaxed design means you can pair them with tailored trousers for a polished look or throw one over a swimsuit for instant beach glamour.

How to Style Your Cuban Collar Shirt

The Effortlessly Chic Method

For daytime sophistication, I always recommend tucking your Cuban collar into high-waisted trousers or a midi skirt. The clean lines of the collar create a flattering neckline that works beautifully with statement earrings or layered necklaces.

The Modern Minimalist Approach

Leave it untucked over straight-leg jeans or tailored shorts. This styling is perfect for weekend errands or casual dinners where you want to look put-together without trying too hard.

The Layering Game

During transitional seasons, Cuban collars work brilliantly under blazers or cardigans. The flat collar doesn't create bulk, so you maintain a sleek silhouette whilst adding warmth.

Where to Shop: My Brand Recommendations

High Street Heroes

COS excels at minimalist Cuban collar designs in premium fabrics that feel more expensive than their price point suggests. Their attention to cut and proportion is exceptional.

Mango offers trend-led variations in beautiful prints and colours, perfect for building a capsule holiday wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Whistles delivers sophisticated takes on the Cuban collar with luxe fabrications and contemporary cuts that transition seamlessly from day to evening.

Reiss provides polished, work-appropriate versions that maintain the relaxed feel whilst being suitable for more formal environments.

Jigsaw specialises in unique prints and premium cotton blends that age beautifully and become wardrobe staples.

Me&Em creates elevated basics with perfect proportions—their Cuban collars are cut to flatter every body type.

LK Bennett offers feminine takes on the classic style, often incorporating delicate details like mother-of-pearl buttons or subtle embroidery.

Premium Picks

For those willing to invest in quality, Everlane creates timeless Cuban collar shirts in organic cotton with impeccable construction that improves with each wash.

Luxury Options

Equipment remains the gold standard for silk Cuban collar shirts—their craftsmanship and fit are unparalleled, making them worth every penny for special occasions.

Independent Discoveries

Kotn, an Egyptian cotton specialist, creates incredibly soft Cuban collar shirts that support sustainable farming practices whilst delivering exceptional quality.

Armedangels offers sustainable, GOTS-certified organic cotton options for conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on style.

Fabric and Fit: What to Look For

When shopping for Cuban collar shirts, fabric choice is crucial. I always recommend natural fibres—cotton for versatility, linen for summer holidays, and silk for evening elegance. The key is ensuring the fabric has enough structure to maintain the collar's shape without being too stiff.

Fit-wise, you want enough room through the shoulders and chest without the shirt looking oversized. The hemline should hit at your hip bone when worn untucked, creating the most flattering silhouette.

Seasonal Styling

Spring/Summer

Pair with white jeans and espadrilles for a French Riviera vibe, or layer over a slip dress for effortless evening elegance.

Autumn/Winter

Style under a wool blazer with tailored trousers and ankle boots for a contemporary take on office dressing.

Perfect Your Fit with Tellar.co.uk

Finding the right size in Cuban collar shirts can be tricky, as different brands have varying interpretations of this relaxed style. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes invaluable—it's the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

How Tellar Works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or existing brand size
Use their Store Size Lookup tool at https://tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/ to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket & more
Always free, no downloads needed—works in-browser

Never look at a size guide again! Whether you're shopping for that perfect Cuban collar at Whistles or investing in a luxury silk version, Tellar ensures you get the fit right first time.

Explore the Tellar Fashion Hub

The Tellar Fashion Hub is a library stacked with free posts from top stylists. Honest. Unbiased. Independent and always free. For more style advice and best brand recommendations, explore:

Final Styling Tips

The beauty of Cuban collar shirts lies in their versatility and timeless appeal. Whether you're building a capsule wardrobe or simply adding a fresh piece to your collection, remember that quality trumps quantity. Invest in one perfectly fitted Cuban collar shirt in a neutral colour, and you'll find yourself reaching for it season after season.

The key to mastering this style is confidence—Cuban collar shirts are designed to look effortless, so embrace their relaxed sophistication and let your personal style shine through.