How to style a Cuban collar shirt (without looking like a drug baron)
Undo that top button and lose the tie — it's time to embrace the summer's hottest trend...
Words: Anna Galbraith
Spring has well and truly sprung. The sun is shining and the mercury is rising — the distant dream of lazy evenings sat around a beer garden that seemed so far away last month, are finally starting to feel within reach. Ties are being loosened around the office, and the great British tradition of donning a pair of shorts at the first sight of sunlight is making its annual comeback.
With all this in mind, it’s time to embrace a more laid-back approach to tailoring. Introducing: the Cuban collar shirt. This divisive garment has been dividing sartorial opinions for generations, but is now being firmly embraced by some of the world’s most stylish men — from Harry Styles to Jude Law.
If you’re curious but cautious, never fear. Read on for our definitive guide of the Cuban collar shirts that will get your outfit starting all the right conversations.
Layer-up with long sleeves
Keen to embrace the laid back look, but feeling reluctant to take the full, flamboyant plunge? A long-sleeved Cuban collar shirt is your new hero garment. Throw any of these over a plain T-shirt for the perfect smart-casual pairing, and roll the sleeves for a more relaxed look.
Play with patterns
Feeling brave? A patterned, box-cut Cuban collar shirt is no longer an item reserved exclusively for British dads abroad or 1950s. Team with jeans or plain chinos and your favourite smart sneakers for your new weekend uniform.
We love this selection of prints from some of our favourite designers — just remember to keep everything else muted so that your shirt does the talking.
If in doubt: opt for stripes
It is hard to call to mind a time when stripes haven’t been in fashion. As well as adding an understated elegance to any outfit, they also serve to make the wearer look a little slimmer (not that we’re insinuating anything, you understand…)
Bring a little Riviera chic to your wardrobe with one of these minimalistic designs — these boxier fits are great news for your shoulders, too.
Looking for more style inspiration? We’re on hand to give your spring wardrobe a revamp…
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