What is a Shacket? And How to Style Our Favorites

Do you ever feel like it's too cold for a jacket but too warm for a stuffy shirt? Well, we have the perfect solution: The Shacket! This versatile all-season piece of clothing has been around since the 19th century and is quickly becoming one of the hottest trends in fashion.

With its unique combination of a chunky shirt that also doubles as a jacket, the shacket can be dressed up or down depending on the weather conditions and occasion. Now that we’re in the throes of fall, it’s customary to choose layering pieces that will keep you warm on chillier days while also staying chic and true to your unique style.

The shacket that we know and love today is extremely different than the ones from the 19th century. Back then, the shacket was referred to as an “overshirt” and was worn by workmen, military men, and around the house. It wasn’t a fashion statement — it was a matter of practicality.

When people wore these shirts over their t-shirts or typical clothing, they protected themselves from stains, spills, and other messes on the job. Plus, because of its versatility, they were easily able to take it off and on depending on the weather. The material often consisted of canvas in a khaki color (great for camouflage!). They were very similar to utility jackets used in the military. Additionally, they had two chest pockets and bigger buttons than a dress shirt. Today, shackets hold a similar concept but they’re trendier and often include various fabrics and styles.

Read on to learn more about style tips for the shacket and everything else you need to know about this fall wardrobe staple.

What is a Shacket?

19th century shackets on workmen

A shacket looks like a light jacket and shirt combined into one garment. It can be worn as a long-sleeve oversized button-down shirt or it can be worn open with a shirt underneath. The point of a shacket is to easily button up when it’s chillier and unbutton when it’s warmer. It’s great for in-between seasons like fall and spring when the weather is versatile. Aside from practicality, shackets are also on-trend and a great, easy fashion choice.

As winter comes around, it's time to start thinking about layering up to stay warm and cozy. But what if you could combine the style of a shirt with the warmth of a jacket? That's where the shacket comes in. A shacket is essentially a shirt that's been thickened up to give it the insulation of a jacket. It's a versatile piece of outerwear that's perfect for transitioning between seasons or for those days when you're not sure if you'll need a jacket or not.

With a shacket, you get the best of both worlds: the casual, relaxed look of a shirt and the practicality of a jacket. Some shackets come with typical buttons while others come with snap buttons, which are way easier to button and unbutton throughout the day when the weather is constantly changing.

What are Some Different Types of Shackets?

The shacket is not one size fits all. There are many styles to choose from! Here are the most popular and our personal favorites.

Plaid Shacket

You've probably seen this style on the streets or Instagram. As an OG shacket staple, the plaid shacket is so easy to throw on as an oversized shirt or left open with a white tee underneath. You'll live in this shirt!

Shop this plaid shacket for kids here

Corduroy Shacket

Corduroy can seem like winter weather material, but you can also find lightweight corduroy meant for the fall season. You can wear it very similarly to a plaid shacket — they both have a casual, laid-back pattern and style. 

Fleece Shacket

We love that the shacket is unisex and a style that can be worn on women, men, and kids. This fleece shacket comes in many neutral colors, including the cream color pictured here. Wear it closed or opened with a tee underneath! The buttons are snap buttons, so you don't need to worry about buttoning in a rush.

Shop the fleece jacket here 

Thermal Shacket

 Thermal gets a bad rep for being too warm, but this thermal material is actually quite lightweight and soft. Think about is an oversized, cozy cardigan!

Shop the thermal shacket here. 

Denim Shacket

OK, so we know that this looks like. It appears to be a shirt or a jean jacket but it's really a shacket! What's the difference? A denim shacket has a less rigid material than a jacket and it's more oversized than a typical button down shirt. We love the distressed look 

Shop the Denim Shacket here 

How Do You Style a Shacket?

Cella Jane Blog 

Shackets can be styled with leggings and sneakers, with mom jeans and a white tee, and with trousers and knee-high boots.

Here are some of our favorite ways to style the shacket, below.

• The Plaid Shacket with White JeansThe Shacket Unbuttoned with a White Tee
• The Shacket with Athleisure Leggings
• The Shacket with Mom Jeans
• The Shacket with Joggers

This is the fun part, where everything comes together! As we mentioned, shackets are versatile. So they can really be put together with lots of pieces you probably already have in your fall fashion wardrobe.

Part shirt and part jacket, the shacket can be worn in a myriad of different ways. For a casual look, try pairing your shacket with a basic t-shirt, a pair of mom jeans, and sneakers. If you're looking to dress it up a bit, consider wearing your shacket over a pretty blouse, trousers, and knee-high boots.

How to Shop For a Shacket

If you're in the market for a shacket, AKA a shirt-jacket hybrid, there are a few factors you'll want to consider before making your purchase. First and foremost, think about the color. Do you want something neutral that will go with everything in your wardrobe? Or are you looking to make a statement with a pop of color that’s bold?

Once you've settled on a color, consider the pattern. Plaid is a classic shacket choice, but there are plenty of other options out there, from stripes to florals. Finally, pay attention to the fabric weight. If you're buying a shacket for fall or winter, you'll want something that's warm and sturdy, whereas a lighter-weight option will work better in the spring and summer. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect shacket to add to your collection.

Shacket Outfit Ideas from Celebrities

From Alexa Chung to Jennifer Lopez, find inspo from these celebs wearing fall 2023's hottest fashion trend.

Jennifer Lopez 

The shacket is an essential wardrobe item that can be styled to fit any occasion. With its versatile look, simple design, and cozy feel, the shacket is the perfect hybrid piece of clothing for transitioning between seasons. Remember to consider color and fabric weight when shopping for your perfect shacket and don't forget to have fun styling different outfits featuring your new favorite wardrobe staple! Lastly, be sure to get inspired by celebrities who always manage to pull off the perfect shacket looks.