A Cuban Collar Shirt for Men has a personality that most shirts don’t. The collar sits flat, the neckline stays open, and the whole shirt feels built for warm air and sunlight. It doesn’t belong to boardrooms or formal meetings. Instead, it lives in that space between casual and refined, where style feels natural rather than forced.
Also known as a camp collar shirt or revere collar shirt, this design has existed for decades and continues to return every summer in modern menswear collections. Designers revisit it, brands reintroduce it and men keep searching for it because it offers something most shirts don’t: ease with intention.
If you’re wondering how to style a Cuban collar shirt for men, the answer is not about trends. It’s about balance, proportion and understanding how this shirt changes the shape of your outfit.
What Is a Cuban Collar Shirt
A Cuban collar shirt is a short sleeve button up shirt with a flat, open collar that lies against the chest. Unlike a regular button-down shirt, the collar does not stand up or require structure. It is designed to sit open, creating a relaxed neckline.
This style is also known as:
Camp collar shirt
Revere collar shirt
Cuban style shirt
Flat collar shirt for men
Most Cuban collar shirts are made from breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, which makes them popular in men’s summer fashion. You’ll often see them in solid colors, stripes or tropical prints.
Cuban Collar Shirt for Men vs Regular Shirt (Key Differences)
| Feature | Cuban Collar Shirt | Regular Button-Down Shirt |
|---|---|---|
| Collar Style | Flat, open collar (camp collar / revere collar) | Standing collar with pointed tips |
| Neckline | Always open by design | Can be buttoned up or worn with a tie |
| Formality Level | Casual to smart casual | Casual to formal depending on fabric |
| Best Season | Summer and warm weather | All seasons |
| Common Fabrics | Linen, cotton, silk blends | Oxford, poplin, twill, flannel |
| Sleeve Length | Mostly short sleeve | Short sleeve and long sleeve |
| Best Styling | Chinos, trousers, shorts, summer outfits | Suits, office wear, casual outfits |
| Tie Compatibility | Not designed for ties | Designed for ties |
| Overall Look | Vacation, resort, modern casual | Classic, business, everyday wear |
The main difference between a Cuban collar shirt men and a regular shirt is the collar structure. Cuban collar shirts are built for casual wear and warm weather, while regular shirts are designed to work in formal and business environments.
A Brief History of the Cuban Collar Shirt
The Cuban collar shirt became popular in the mid-20th century, especially in warm climates like the Caribbean, Latin America and Southern Europe. It was designed for comfort in heat, using lightweight fabrics and open collars.
In the 1950s and 1960s, this shirt was associated with resort wear, leisure and relaxed menswear. Over the years, it has been adopted by fashion designers and street wear brands, making it a recurring seasonal trend rather than a passing fad.
Today, Cuban collar shirts appear in luxury fashion collections, high street brands and everyday menswear stores.
Best Pants to Wear with a Cuban Collar Shirt
The shirt already has character, so the pants should keep the outfit balanced and grounded.
Cuban Collar Shirt with Trousers
Pairing a Cuban collar shirt with trousers creates a smart casual look. Light grey, beige, navy and white trousers work especially well.
This combination is great for:
Smart casual events
Evening dinners
Casual office settings
Search interest for Cuban collar shirt with trousers is high because this pairing feels polished without being formal.
Cuban Collar Shirt with Chinos
Chinos are one of the easiest choices. Khaki, olive, cream and navy chinos pair naturally with this shirt style.
This is one of the most searched Cuban collar shirt outfit men combinations because it works for daily wear, travel and casual offices. Chinos keep the outfit simple and wearable.
Cuban Collar Shirt with Shorts
Cuban collar shirts are strongly linked with summer outfits. Tailored shorts that sit above the knee work best.
If the shirt has a bold print, keep the shorts plain. This look is popular for vacations, beach trips and casual outdoor events. Many men search Cuban collar shirt with shorts for summer outfit ideas.
Cuban Collar Shirt with Jeans
Jeans also work when kept simple. Straight or slim jeans in dark or light wash pair well. Avoid heavily distressed denim or very wide jeans, which can make the outfit look messy.
Dark denim with a light Cuban collar shirt is one of the easiest modern casual outfits for men.
Shoes to Wear with a Cuban Collar Shirt
Shoes change the entire mood of the outfit.
White sneakers or canvas shoes for casual looks
Loafers or suede shoes for smart casual outfits
Espadrilles for summer and resort outfits
Minimal sandals for beach settings
Simple footwear works best with this shirt style. Loud or bulky shoes can overpower the clean lines of the shirt.
Fabric Guide: Linen vs Cotton Cuban Collar Shirts
Choosing the right fabric changes how the shirt feels and looks.
Linen Cuban Collar Shirt
Linen is lightweight, breathable and ideal for hot climates. It wrinkles naturally, which adds to its casual appeal. Linen Cuban collar shirts are perfect for summer travel, beach trips and outdoor events.
Cotton Cuban Collar Shirt
Cotton is more structured and versatile. It works for both casual and smart casual outfits. Cotton Cuban collar shirts are easier to maintain and suitable for daily wear.
Silk or Blended Fabrics
Some Cuban collar shirts use silk or cotton silk blends for a smoother finish. These are often used in designer collections and evening wear.
Fit Guide for Men’s Cuban Collar Shirts
Fit plays a major role in how the shirt looks.
Shoulders: The seam should sit exactly at your shoulder edge
Body: The shirt should follow your torso without clinging or hanging loose
Length: The hem should fall around mid zipper
Many men prefer a slim fit Cuban collar shirt, but comfort and proportion matter more than tightness. The shirt should feel easy to move in.
Cuban Collar Shirt Outfit Ideas for Men
A white Cuban collar shirt with beige chinos is simple and versatile. Add white sneakers for an easy everyday outfit that works almost anywhere.
Linen Cuban Collar Shirt with Light Trousers
A linen Cuban collar shirt with light trousers feels breathable and polished. This is ideal for warm climates and summer evenings.
Printed Cuban Collar Shirt with Plain Shorts
Printed Cuban collar shirts stand out best when paired with plain shorts and neutral shoes. Let the shirt be the main focus.
Solid Cuban Collar Shirt with Dark Jeans
A navy, beige or white Cuban collar shirt with dark jeans creates a clean casual look for social outings and casual dinners.
Cuban Collar Shirt with Cropped Trousers and Loafers
Cropped trousers and loafers create a modern silhouette. This outfit looks stylish without feeling formal.
Cuban Collar Shirts by Body Type (Most Men Ignore This)
For Short Men
Choose shorter length shirts and avoid very long hems. Light colors and vertical stripes help create a taller appearance.
For Tall Men
Tall men can wear longer hems and bold prints easily. Cropped trousers with a Cuban collar shirt also look good.
For Muscular Men
Stretch cotton or linen blends work best. Avoid very tight shirts that pull across the chest.
For Slim Men
Printed or textured Cuban collar shirts add visual width and interest to the upper body.
Common Cuban Collar Shirt Mistakes Men Make
Many men struggle with this shirt because of these mistakes:
Wearing shirts that are too loose
Buttoning the collar all the way up
Pairing with very wide pants
Using too many bold prints
Ignoring shoulder and body fit
The shirt already has character, so keep everything else simple.
When to Wear a Cuban Collar Shirt
Cuban collar shirts are perfect for:
Summer outfits
Vacations and resorts
Casual dinners
Weekend wear
Smart casual settings
They are not meant for formal business meetings, but they work well in relaxed professional environments.
Are Cuban Collar Shirts in Style for Men
Yes. Cuban collar shirts are trending again and continue to appear in men’s fashion collections every summer. In neutral colors, they feel classic. In prints, they feel seasonal and expressive.
Styling Formulas You Can Follow
If you want simple formulas, use these:
Formula 1: Cuban collar shirt + chinos + white sneakers
Formula 2: Linen Cuban collar shirt + light trousers + loafers
Formula 3: Printed Cuban collar shirt + plain shorts + canvas shoes
Formula 4: Solid Cuban collar shirt + dark jeans + sneakers
These formulas work for most men and occasions.
Final Styling Advice
A Cuban collar shirt looks best when paired with clean pants and simple shoes. Focus on fabric, fit and proportion. Linen and cotton fabrics are ideal for warm weather and neutral colors make the shirt easy to style.
When styled correctly, a Cuban collar shirt looks modern, confident and easy to wear.