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
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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