Shackets, or shirt jackets are trending. A shacket is a casual oversized shirt and jacket hybrid. It’s thicker than a top but thinner than a winter coat. Some are lined and quilted, and quite warm. They are collared, boxy, and can range in length, pattern, fabric, colour and thickness. Some of them are as long as coats. As far as patterns go, most of them are plaid or checked. Because a shacket is like a big baggy shirt, scrunching the sleeves looks natural.
Here are some visual examples.
Shackets are an extremely easy throw-on-and-go type of topper. They are unstructured, and hang a bit like a vertical cloak over whatever you are wearing. In a sense, shackets are beyond body type because they do not follow the line of your figure. They conceal your shape and can be worn open or closed.
The idea is to wear a shacket over just about anything, much like you would a puffer jacket, anorak or parka these days. You can layer them over tees, knitted tops, cropped tops, sweatshirts, and sweaters worn with jeans or casual pants. You can wear them with dresses, skirts, athleisure, and shorts. Extra roomy shackets can work well layered over tailored blazers and denim jackets. You can also use a shacket to dress down a look.
Some of my clients and friends like shackets, while others don’t. Some enjoy their ease, warmth, ruggedness, and boxy comfort, while others find them shapeless, unattractive, stiff, and make their chest look larger than they would like. This brings me to their large-scale chest pockets, which turns some people off right away. On the other hand, people are drawn to shackets with side entry pockets.
As far as a good fit goes, you have to be careful with the length, and find your sweet spot. Some like them shorter to temper their boxiness. Some prefer them longer to accentuate vertical integrity. You also have to find the amount of volume that works with your figure-flattering priorities. Versions with high-low hems tend to have a little more structure. The plaids are more of a commitment, so choose a solid if you prefer a subtle vibe that will blend in with your surroundings.
Shackets remind me of the early ‘90s, and yes, I had one then. It was a quilted unisex red plaid from Levi’s. Hubs Greg had the blue version. It was fun to wear them with 501s and Docs, and a bit of lace peeking through from my top. For my own style today, I like shackets longer like a coat, and in a solid colour. Maybe in blush, cream, tan, or light blue to amplify the “soft and pretty”. I haven’t found one I like enough to commit to yet, though.
Shackets are popular on the streets of Seattle both in solids and plaids because they are practical for our weather. They have that ‘90s grunge edge to them, which goes down well around here too. Youngsters tend to wear shackets over cropped tops and casual bottoms, which also remind me of the ‘90s. It’s a fun fashion flashback.
Over to you. What do you think of the shacket trend?
