The Safari Shirt

Several years ago, I was in Atlanta at my friends Sid and Ann Mashburn’s store for a book signing that Matt was doing. I picked up a safari shirt in a light khaki—it was my first safari shirt ever—and it was an epiphany for me. It felt rugged but also chic—a bit like Sigourney Weaver in The Year of Living Dangerously. I got so many compliments on it and I wanted it in more colors, but they stopped making it. Then this spring, Ann texted me that they were making it again, but in a better fabric. Still that stiff-ish cotton, which means that it sort of stands up on its own and doesn’t hug the body (great if it’s super hot out, or you’ve overindulged), but also now has a tiny bit of stretch in it, so it’s very comfortable and you can even sleep in it on an overnight flight. It’s also so versatile—dresses up and down, perfect with jeans or a tailored trouser. Ann’s shirt was definitely my gateway to this style, and now I seek it out in vintage markets and also other brands who do it well. Below are my favorites:

1. This is the Ann Mashburn Safari Shirt I love! I can’t wait to wear it in the fall and winter, when I can either put a turtleneck underneath it, or a sweater over it. I might also pick it up in this camo (#10) version.  When I was buying the above shirt, I also picked up this short sleeve one because I just wanted something new for our vacation in Greece. It’s super light, works casually with shorts, but also under a linen blazer if you need something a bit more dressed up. 

2. Our friends at Giuliva Heritage always have a good safari shirt or jacket in their collection. This linen belted version is very cute for summer, especially in stripes. 

3. Love this very chic option by Courrèges, which happens to also be very much on sale.

4. This Boden version is easy and a great price. 

5. This cotton and wool safari shirt by Tod’s leans well-tailored men’s shirt (also on sale!).

6. A heavier option in wool from Giuliva Heritage for the colder months, which can be dressed up or down.

7. This Ralph Lauren cotton safari shirt is super chic.

8. For an elegant Italian option, we love this one by Aspesi. 

9. Drake’s makes a more versatile and androgynous option in a linen short sleeve. 

10. The Ann Mashburn Safari Shirt in camo.