How to Wear a Cuban Shirt?

Once associated with mid-century leisure and Caribbean charm, the Cuban shirt—also known as the camp collar shirt—has made a major comeback in modern fashion. With its signature open collar, boxy fit, and relaxed vibe, it’s a wardrobe essential that effortlessly blends retro appeal with contemporary style. Whether you're heading to a summer party, planning a vacation, or just elevating your everyday look, the Cuban shirt offers endless versatility for the style-conscious. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose, pair, and layer this iconic piece for every occasion.

What Is a Cuban Shirt and Why It's Back in Style

The Cuban shirt—also called a camp collar shirt—is defined by its open, notched collar, short sleeves, a straight hem, and often a slightly boxy silhouette. Traditionally made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon, it’s designed for maximum comfort in warm weather. Its roots can be traced to Latin American and Caribbean menswear, where it became a symbol of relaxed elegance.

Why It’s Trending Again:

Retro Revival: The resurgence of vintage style has brought classic pieces like the Cuban shirt back into the spotlight. Fashion icons and celebrities are embracing its old-school charm.

Versatility: It can easily be dressed up or down—paired with shorts for the beach, or slacks for a dinner date. Its simple structure makes it easy to style.

Seasonal Staple: Especially popular in spring and summer, the Cuban shirt has become a go-to for modern wardrobes looking to mix comfort and class.

Unisex Appeal: Though historically a menswear item, Cuban shirts are now loved across genders for their relaxed fit and adaptable look.

Whether you choose a bold printed version or a classic white or neutral tone, this shirt is a timeless piece that continues to evolve with today’s trends.

Best Bottoms to Pair with a Cuban Shirt

Pairing the right bottoms with your Cuban shirt helps define the overall mood—whether relaxed, polished, or edgy. The key is to maintain balance with the shirt’s laid-back silhouette and slightly vintage flair.

1. Tailored Trousers

For a more elevated, smart-casual outfit, pair your Cuban shirt with high-waisted or tapered tailored trousers. Opt for neutrals like beige, navy, or charcoal to keep things chic. Finish with loafers or leather sandals for a refined finish.

2. Linen or Cotton Shorts

For warm-weather styling, structured or relaxed shorts made of natural fibers work best. Aim for mid-thigh to just-above-the-knee lengths to balance the Cuban shirt’s retro feel. Printed shirts pair well with solid-color shorts, and vice versa.

3. Straight-Leg Jeans

To dress the Cuban shirt down, go for classic denim. A light or medium wash pairs well with plain shirts, while black jeans can give patterned Cuban shirts a more grounded, urban edge. Slightly cropped or cuffed hems add a modern touch.

4. Wide-Leg or Pleated Pants

For a fashion-forward twist, try loose-fitting pleated or wide-leg pants. This silhouette plays well with the Cuban shirt’s boxy shape, especially when tucked in slightly or fully for definition.

5. Midi or Maxi Skirts (for Women)

For a feminine and breezy ensemble, flowy skirts are a great choice. Tuck the shirt in, knot it at the waist, or leave it loose over a slim-fitting maxi skirt. Add minimal sandals or espadrilles to keep it effortless yet polished.

How to Layer a Cuban Shirt for Different Seasons

Cuban shirts are surprisingly versatile year-round when styled with thoughtful layering. With their relaxed cut and open collar, they can seamlessly adapt to spring breezes, summer heat, fall chills, and even mild winters.

Spring

In transitional weather, layer your Cuban shirt over a lightweight tee or tank top. Unbuttoned or half-buttoned looks add a casual feel while offering flexibility with temperature changes. Pair with jeans and a trench coat for a fresh, breezy outfit.

Summer

This is the Cuban shirt’s time to shine. Wear it solo—fully buttoned or open over swimwear or a bralette. For extra sun protection and texture, toss on a linen overshirt or lightweight cotton jacket in the evenings.

Fall

To make your Cuban shirt autumn-ready, layer it beneath a chunky cardigan, bomber jacket, or corduroy blazer. Choose muted or earthy tones (like rust, olive, or camel) to match the season. Pair with tailored trousers or dark denim for a cozy yet put-together look.

Winter

In milder winters, you can still wear a Cuban shirt under a heavier coat—think wool overcoats or shearling jackets. Choose thicker fabrics like brushed cotton or flannel Cuban shirts, and layer them over a thermal top or lightweight knit. Complete the outfit with boots and structured bottoms to keep the look grounded and warm.

Patterned vs. Plain: Choosing the Right Cuban Shirt

Cuban shirts come in a wide variety of styles, and one of the first choices you’ll face is whether to go with a patterned or plain version. Each offers its own styling potential depending on your mood, the occasion, and your overall aesthetic.

Patterned Cuban Shirts

Patterns—especially florals, stripes, geometric prints, or tropical motifs—are a staple of Cuban shirt culture. They project a laid-back, bold, and summery vibe, perfect for casual outings, vacations, or beach events.

When to wear: Day trips, festivals, beach days, rooftop parties, or relaxed weekends.

How to style: Pair with solid-colored bottoms (like beige chinos, white shorts, or dark jeans) to let the shirt stand out. Avoid competing prints unless you’re intentionally going for a statement look.

Style tip: Go for patterns in muted tones (like navy with off-white, or olive with tan) if you want a more wearable and versatile version for everyday looks.

Plain Cuban Shirts

Solid-colored Cuban shirts tend to look more refined and are easier to dress up or down. They're the ideal choice for smart-casual settings, evening dinners, or events where you want to appear polished without being too formal.

When to wear: Dinner dates, creative work environments, casual weddings, or city sightseeing.

How to style: Choose neutral tones (white, black, olive, navy) for maximum versatility. These pair well with tailored trousers, denim, or even suit-style shorts in warmer months.

Style tip: For added interest, select shirts with textured fabrics like linen or seersucker. These elevate even plain colors and provide a luxe touch.

Cuban Shirt Outfit Ideas: From Beach to Smart-Casual

The Cuban shirt is the ultimate blend of retro cool and effortless charm. Its relaxed silhouette, open notched collar, and breathable fabrics make it a versatile piece that transitions seamlessly from beachside lounging to smart-casual occasions. Here’s how to style it for different settings—without sacrificing polish or comfort.

For a beach-ready look, opt for a lightweight linen Cuban shirt in a pastel or tropical print. Pair it with drawstring shorts or chino shorts—preferably in light neutrals or warm tones—and finish the outfit with espadrilles or leather sandals. Roll up the sleeves, unbutton the collar slightly, and you're set for effortless vacation vibes.

On a casual weekend, a neutral-toned or subtly striped Cuban shirt works perfectly with straight-leg jeans, relaxed chinos, or drawstring trousers. Wear it untucked for a relaxed silhouette, and pair with clean white sneakers or slip-ons. The key here is comfort with just enough structure to look put-together.

To elevate your look for a smart-casual daytime event, go for a solid-colored Cuban shirt—think navy, olive, or deep burgundy—and tuck it into tailored chinos or pleated trousers. A leather belt and loafers add instant polish, while a lightweight blazer can take the outfit a step further for dinners or creative work settings.

For summer evening occasions, consider a Cuban shirt in a luxe fabric like viscose or silk with a subtle sheen. Dark, moody hues like black, deep green, or jewel tones pair beautifully with slim black trousers or crisp white pants. Finish with sleek leather loafers or dressy sandals for a refined and confident look.

If you're on vacation and headed to a stylish dinner spot or rooftop bar, choose a bold patterned Cuban shirt—think oversized florals or geometric prints—and wear it with white linen trousers or beige cotton pants. Keep the shirt untucked with the top few buttons undone for an effortless yet intentional feel.

From day to night, and from beach to city, the Cuban shirt adapts to your style and setting with ease. Focus on fit, fabric, and a thoughtful balance between relaxed and refined elements to get the most out of this wardrobe classic.

Styling Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing a Cuban Shirt

Cuban shirts offer a unique mix of casual charm and retro flair—but only when styled thoughtfully. To help you avoid common pitfalls, here are the key mistakes to steer clear of when wearing one:

1. Wearing It Too Tight

Cuban shirts are designed to be slightly relaxed in fit. Opting for a slim or tight version can ruin the effortless drape that defines this shirt style. A tailored yet airy cut flatters most body types and enhances comfort.

Tip: Choose a size that gives you some room in the torso and sleeves without appearing oversized or boxy.

2. Overloading Patterns

While Cuban shirts come in fun prints and bold designs, pairing them with equally loud bottoms or accessories can make your outfit look cluttered. Let the shirt be the statement piece.

Tip: Balance a bold Cuban shirt with neutral bottoms—think beige chinos, black trousers, or denim in classic washes.

3. Misjudging the Occasion

Cuban shirts can be dressed up, but not every one is suitable for formal events. Wearing a bright floral version to a semi-formal dinner may come off too casual.

Tip: Choose plain or dark-colored Cuban shirts in luxe fabrics like silk blends when dressing for more polished settings.

4. Ignoring Seasonal Fabrics

Wearing a thick cotton Cuban shirt in hot weather—or a sheer linen one in cooler months—will either look off-season or leave you uncomfortable.

Tip: Stick to lightweight linen or rayon in summer and heavier cotton or blends in spring and autumn. Layer appropriately in colder weather.

5. Forgetting the Collar

The open, camp-style collar is one of the Cuban shirt's key features. Wearing it fully buttoned defeats its style purpose and can look stiff.

Tip: Leave the top one or two buttons undone to let the collar lay flat and create that signature relaxed aesthetic.

Mastering the Cuban shirt is less about strict rules and more about avoiding extremes. Keep the fit relaxed, the styling intentional, and the mood confident—and it’ll quickly become one of the most versatile shirts in your wardrobe.