The Cuban collar shirt, also known as a camp collar, bowling shirt, or cabana shirt is the most relaxed version of all shirt styles. That’s probably also why it’s my favourite shirt style. It’s also likely the most versatile of all shirt styles; it can be worn to the beach with swim trunks or to a summer wedding with a suit. Besides, it’s the only shirt style acceptable with short sleeves. It’s a perfect choice for hot summer days. It’s designed with an unstructured collar, a wider fit, and a lower placement of the top button, which allows for better ventilation - very important in summer heat. So be ready to show some chest. It looks good on most body shapes because the collar makes your upper body look broader and the casual style shows off prints and bold colours better than most other shirts. It comes in many different materials, each offering varied textures and finishes—linen, seersucker, cotton, tencel, cupro or rayon.

The origin of the Cuban shirt is a bit of a mystery, with a few different versions of its history. You can decide which one you think is the most believable. Firstly, the proper name for a Cuban shirt is a guayabera. One version of its origin story tells of a poor countryside seamstress who sewed large pockets onto her husband’s shirt so he could carry guavas. Another version is that it came to Cuba from Mexico via the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade route between 1565 and 1815. The design looks very similar to a traditional Filipino shirt called a barong tagalog.

If you are not really sure how you can wear your cuban shirt, I will share a few very different options:

Shorts

Since Cuban shirts are usually short-sleeved, they are mainly worn in the summer. So most shorts should work, but the best choice are those with looser fit. Always keep the length of your shorts above the knee. Try to wear the shirt untucked. You can even wear them with your swim trunks when you go to the beach or if you’re relaxing by the pool, like Sean Connery as James Bond in Thunderball. This outfit pairs well with deck shoes, espadrilles, casual loafers or boat shoes.

Trousers

A Cuban shirt works perfectly with long trousers as well. Since it’s a summer shirt, I imagine it mostly with white trousers—again, like Sean Connery as James Bond in Thunderball. But there are no limits when it comes to colours, you can really express yourself here. You can pair this outfit with deck shoes, espadrilles, casual loafers or boat shoes, it really depends on the colour palette and materials of the outfit.

With a Tank Top

For an even more relaxed aesthetic, wear the Cuban shirt over a white tank top. This works if the shirt is completely open or just partially closed, with the top of the tank top still visible.

Suit

A Cuban shirt works great with a suit as well. It might be just the style you are looking for when you want a more relaxed version of a suit for casual summer events or even weddings with a more relaxed dress code.

Jeans

In the right material and colour combination, it can work with jeans as well. So don’t be afraid to try it, if you want to play it safe white always works with jeans.

Jacket

This style can be worn with a tailored jacket or more casual jackets as well. It can be paired with jeans or contrasting trousers for a more relaxed look.

How do you style your Cuban shirt? Do you prefer it with trousers, shorts or layered?

If you are currently looking for a nice cuban shirt, I made list of my favourites in this article.