Buying guide for best shackets
A shacket is a piece of transitional outerwear that you may know better as an oversized shirt or shirt jacket. Shackets are wonderfully versatile, keeping you warm in cold seasons while offering a light cover during the transitional ones. And, like shirts and jackets, shackets are available in a dizzying array of sizes, fits, and colors.
Before you add a shacket or two to your cart, there are some key factors to consider. First, assess your current wardrobe to figure out which shacket colors would go best with your existing clothes. Neutral colors like black, white, and gray are often the most versatile, but you might also want a more unique shacket color to accentuate your style. You’ll also want to think about shacket length: Do you want something that hits you at the waist, the hips, the thighs, or even the knees?
Other things to keep in mind are shacket pattern, whether the garment has pockets or buttons, and the material (or materials) with which the garment is made.
Where did shackets come from?
The word shacket is a portmanteau of “shirt” and “jacket”. The term is somewhat new, but the garment certainly isn’t.
As is the case with many, if not most, fashion trends, the shacket’s origins are utilitarian. They can be traced back to the bleu de travail, or “working blues” in English. These were oversized indigo shirts that French factory workers wore in the 1800s during the Industrial Revolution.
A similarly constructed garment is the U.S. Navy CPO (“Chief Petty Officer”) jacket, which debuted in the 1930s. Both the bleu de travail and the CPO jacket were designed to be comfortable, durable, and easily mendable.
Today, shackets have spread from working-class origins to the wider fashion vernacular. The typical oversized fit lends them a casual look, which works well for running errands. You can also pair a shacket with something more structured, like a button-down shirt or a slip dress, for an interesting contrast.
In general, a shacket can be styled the same way you’d style a normal jacket. Pair it with a hat, scarf, and ankle boots for a weather-ready winter look.
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How to buy the best shackets
Fit
Shackets are typically oversized with a boxy silhouette. Because of this, there’s usually no reason to size up with shackets.
That said, some people prefer a shacket with a less boxy style. Perhaps you want a more figure-flattering style or a closer fit. In that case, consider sizing down.
Another good option is a shacket that’s knee-length or longer. This length creates a streamlined look and doesn’t appear as boxy as a waist-length shacket.
Warmth
The amount of warmth provided by a shacket varies. For cold weather, consider a shacket with a lining. Some shackets have a thin layer of shearling or faux fur on the inside. Shearling-lined shackets are perfect for fall or for winter layering. A quilted shacket may not be layered, but it will be insulated with a bit of down or synthetic fibers.
For warmer weather, consider a shacket without a lining. In fact, a regular oversized button-up shacket often does the trick. Summer shackets are perfect for chilly evenings, and they don’t take up too much space in a tote or over your arm.
A shacket can also work well as an impromptu swimsuit cover-up.
Material
A shacket’s material dictates its warmth and feel. Here are some of the more common shacket fabrics:
- Denim: Shackets made of denim are direct descendants of the French bleu de travail. A lightweight alternative to denim jackets, a denim shacket will match pretty much anything in your closet. You might consider a darker wash in the cooler months and a lighter wash in the summer. Pair it with a T-shirt and some denim shorts or jeans, and you’re good to go.
- Flannel is the quintessential fall fabric. It’s no surprise, then, that many popular shackets are flannel ones. In fact, you might even have an oversized flannel shirt in your closet that could pass as a shacket. Flannel is woven from wool, cotton, or a blend of the two. It’s bound to keep you warm and is best worn in colder weather. Though quite a few flannel shirts are plaid-patterned, note that flannel refers to the material. Not all plaid shirts will be flannel ones.
- Corduroy is another tough fabric that’s well-suited to cooler temperatures. It’s not as hefty as flannel, which means it’s great for transitional seasons. Most corduroy shackets don’t come with a lining, though a few include a thin shearling layer.
The materials listed above are closely aligned to the shacket’s industrial origins. Additionally, there are shackets made from suede and vegan and animal leathers. These tend to be on the pricier side.
DID YOU KNOW?
A heavily embellished shacket should be turned inside out before a machine wash. Otherwise, any decals or buttons may accidentally come off.
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What features do shackets have?
Pockets
One of the big benefits of wearing a shacket is pocket storage. Many shackets have large square pockets at the top toward the chest or down at the waist.
Lower pockets are useful for keeping your hands warm. More often than not, these pockets are big enough for your phone and possibly a wallet.
A few shackets, particularly those with a lining, may include an inner pocket or two.
Color and embellishments
If you want your shacket to serve as a wardrobe staple, less is more. Stick with neutrals or earth tones and classic silhouettes. That said, there are additional options for the more adventurous dressers. For example, you can find shackets decked out with sequins, rhinestones, and multicolored patterns.
If you opt for a bold shacket, we recommend toning down the rest of your outfit to balance it out. When in doubt, match at least two colors across your outfit.
How much do shackets cost?
Inexpensive
Fortunately, shackets don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Overall, the cost of a shacket depends on the fabric quality and the manufacturer. In the $12 to $20 range, most shackets are lightweight cotton or a blend of cotton and polyester. These may be simple in design but still include the essentials, such as an oversized fit and oversized pockets.
Mid-range
The shacket sweet spot sits between $20 and $40. Here, you’ll find better-quality fabrics, including 100% cotton and flannel. A few of these shackets may have minimal insulation or a thin lining, which means they’ll be well-suited for cooler temps. This is also the price range where you’ll see more shackets that go past the knee.
Expensive
If you have a bit extra and want to invest in a quality shacket, your options are wide open at the $40+ range. In addition to shackets in a great range of materials and lengths, you’ll also come across shackets with embellishments and extras. Plenty of luxury brands make shackets, too. You might consider a shacket from a high-quality brand if you plan to integrate one as a wardrobe staple.
Cotton, rayon, chambray, and linen are your best bets for summer evening shackets. These materials are lightweight and breathable, so you won’t get too sweaty.
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Tips
- Switch it up. Shackets are wonderfully versatile, and most of them have buttons. You can wear one as a button-up shirt. You can also try tucking one or both of the tails into your bottoms for a put-together-yet-casual look.
- Keep everything else tapered. Your shacket may be oversized, but your other clothes don’t have to be. You can counter the bagginess of a shacket by wearing a fitted shirt and tapered pants or a well-fitting dress.
- Pay attention to the sleeves. Ideally, shacket sleeves should be oversized. Read the product description closely to see if the sleeves tend to run short or run long.
FAQ
Q. Are shackets flattering?
A. They certainly can be! The great thing about shackets is that they’re available in different fits and lengths, each customizable to your own body proportions. We recommend wearing what makes you feel good when you look in the mirror. You might consider consulting a few guides on dressing for your body type.
Q. Can a shacket be laundered?
A. It depends on the material. Many shackets are machine washable, particularly those made from denim and corduroy. For longevity, we recommend using the low-heat setting on the dryer or hanging it to dry.
Q. Will shackets stay in style?
A. Given their long history, shackets are here to stay. The name might be a very “twentieth century,” but these overcoats have endured for over a century. You may have one in your closet without even knowing it.
