Oversized shirts are trending this season, as they are every season – and for good reason. An easy-breezy style that can be dressed up or down, it doesn't get more versatile than an oversized poplin shirt – and with the current warm weather here to stay (fingers crossed!) you'll be glad you invested in one.
For me personally, I rely on one throughout spring, summer and let's face it, those warm autumnal days we always end up having. I took one on recent a family summer holiday, wearing it with denim cut-off shorts and smart sandals to ward off the evening chill - and I can confirm that even though it got a bit stuffy in the kids' disco, it kept me cool. Plus, I love the look of a big, flouncy shirt tucked into something more fitted.
I even packed one to throw on over swimsuits, and while I might not replicate that back in the local splash park, it's a handy cover-up to take out and about to pop on over a summery vest or strappy dress. In my opinion? The bigger the better - it isn't OTT oversized, I don't know want to know.
Celebrities wearing oversized shirts
Jeans and an oversized shirt? It's a celebrity staple. Smart yet casual, the likes of Frankie Bridge and Gigi Hadid have an abundance of oversized shirts in their wardrobe for their off-duty lewks.
Gigi layers her oversized shirt with a tank top and wears it open, but you can follow Frankie Bridge and Louise Redknapp who wear theirs buttoned up and tucked in. That's my vibe too.
How to wear an oversized shirt
There's not really an art to making an oversized shirt look stylish - it's larger nature immediately makes it cool. You can wear it worn loose, or tucked into one side of your jeans or shorts and the alternative side hanging out. Or, try a French tuck - tuck the shirt in at the front and let it drape artfully at the back.
One of the most popular ways to wear one right now is worn over a simple grey, black or white tank, with one or two of the lower buttons done up.
Try it with smarter wide leg trousers, or tapered chinos, if denim isn't for you. I also love the look of one worn over a summer dress and left open, or tied in a knot at the waist.
How I chose the best oversized shirts
- Fit: All of the shirts listed are cut to be oversized. It won't always work to buy a fitted shirt in a larger size, so I've stuck to those specifically designed to be worn big and baggy. 'Oversized', 'boyfriend fit' and 'girlfriend fit' are the ones to look for.
- Variety: H&M, ASOS, River Island and more high street brands are selling them in a wide variety of colours right now – from bright green to bubblegum pink to classic stripes - and I've featured a variety of designs. For 2023, the trend is gearing towards pinstripe and stripes, but there's still those plain classic colours available too.
- Sleeve length: It's got to have a long sleeve that you can casually roll up or wear long; I've only featured long-sleeved varieties.
- Material: I've found most oversized shirts come in poplin, a cotton type fabric that has a 'weave' making it a more crisp, structured shirt than pure cotton. As well as poplin, I've included linen oversized shirts, because they fall on the body fabulously, and cotton too.
Shop the best oversized shirts
Nobody's Child Oversized Poplin Shirt
Editor's note: "Pink pinstripe and oversized? It's a dream combination, especially with dark denim - the contrast between the colours is ideal for transitioning into autumn."
Dubbed the 'Sunday' shirt, Nobody's Child oversized poplin shirt is not only cut to be a relaxed fit, but has dropped shoulders and a rounded hem to lean into the oversized look.
Frankie Shop Oversized Poplin Shirt
Editor's note: "This is the one I, and hoards others, lust after - Frankie Shop's, dare I say it, iconic oversized poplin shirt. Spurring a million lookalikes in 'island green', it's casual and relaxed as it is bright and chic."
Cut from organic poplin cotton, Frankie Shop's oversized shirt comes in green or pink and is designed to be worn oversized. Available in sizes XS to Large.
H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt
Editor's note: "Cut to look smart yet baggy, this cotton shirt is the one for going back to the office in. The exaggerated cuffs add a smart touch and it's gloriously oversized."
H&M's oversized shirt features long, wide sleeves, concealed buttons and pleats at the back to make it look even more oversized.
Reviews suggest to size up.
Marks & Spencer Oversized Shirt
Editor's note: "I'd wear this M&S shirt with denim shorts, or over a white boyfriend tank top and jeans. It's a classic buy, a bargain at £25 and proving popular on the M&S website - it's selling in its droves."
Made from pure cotton, this M&S oversized shirt is the one to buy if you want to try the trend without too much investment.
As well as being cut to a relaxed, oversized fit, it has a longer length to make it ideal for layering. Size up.
New Look Oversized Shirt
Editor's note: "This New Look oversized shirt is made from a woven material, so adds a point of difference to the standard cotton or poplin versions available on the high street. I like this one for summer vacations."
Daisy Street Oversized Shirt
Editor's note: "Bubblegum pink is here to stay thanks to Barbie and I love the shade of Daisy Street's oversized shirt."
This Daisy Street shirt is available in sizes 8-26, and has that longed-for oversized fit. Dropped shoulders add extra relaxation to the non-fitted fit and the pink shade is on trend for 2023.
Cos Oversized Shirt
Editor's note: "This tailored oversized shirt fits the bill as a smarter alternative to what's traditionally a casual fit. Wear with oversized trousers for a cool office fit."
Soaked In Luxury Oversized Denim Shirt
Editor's note: "I absolutely love this denim oversized shirt, in a soft grey. I'd wear with blue or white jeans."
Why you should trust me
As a seasoned fashion editor, I've cruised along trends and tried them through the years but always know a classic wardrobe staple when I see one. I shop for a living for HELLO!, so am always keeping an eye out on what's a fad and what's going to last.
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