Our Favorite Winter Shirts for Men: 15 Awesome Options For Your Cold Weather Rotation

by Beau Hayhoe  |  in Smart Casual

As a new season beckons, your wardrobe should feel as refreshed as you (hopefully) do. Just as you’d lace up a pair of trusty boots for brisk weather, a rotation of winter shirts for men helps you take on the day.

And warm shirts for winter are about more than just, well, staying warm – you’ll find style points in spades, too.

The best winter shirts for men offer up a worthy way to shake up your seasonal style: Some are wearable at a casual office, but most are plain ol’ toasty, rugged, and yet slightly refined. Dive into our favorite EG-approved selections now.

Our Top Picks From This List

Want the TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) of our list of this season’s favorite men’s winter shirts? Here are our top picks.

Here’s The Full List of EG-Approved Winter Shirts

Each cold weather-friendly shirt has unique characteristics that separate them from your trusty year-round Oxford cloth button-down or chambray shirt.

From fabrics like flannel or brushed cotton twill to details like workshirt-style pockets, an array of long sleeve winter shirts are yours for the taking.

Don’t sleep on the potential to shake up your winter wardrobe with a trusty crewneck base layer, a rugby polo, or a layer-friendly overshirt, either.

Wellen Organic Corduroy Button-Down Shirt

The great thing about refreshing your wardrobe for chilly weather is that you can lean on many of the same fabrics you trust for other parts of your wardrobe.

Wellen Organic Corduroy Button-Down Shirt
$98

"Classic Oxford-style button down cut from organic cotton corduroy. Medium-fine sized wale corduroy that’s soft but durable. Easygoing fit looks great layered over a tee or under a jacket."

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Cotton corduroy is a tried-and-true winter classic in your trouser rotation, but it takes on the same silhouette as a classic OCBD shirt here.

This option from Huckberry’s sustainable Wellen brand even veers into eco-friendly territory with organic material. An array of rich colors should help ring in the season quite nicely, too.

Everlane Relaxed Corduroy Shirt in Cocoa

Those corduroy pants you wore years ago likely felt a little stuffy and decidedly unstylish.

Everlane Relaxed Corduroy Shirt in Cocoa
$88

"Featuring a traditional point collar, relaxed shoulders for a wider, more comfortable fit, and a round hem."

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Everlane brings that material into the 21st century in a relaxed shirt silhouette, the kind that might feel easygoing but looks anything but sloppy.

The looser fit means it can be worn as an overshirt, as Everlane styles this piece. If you’re feeling more adventurous, it could even be layered over a navy turtleneck for a dressy, visually appealing style swerve.

Flint and Tinder Donegal Architect Shirt

Donegal tweed draws its name from the same county in the rolling, rugged hills of Ireland, and while this shirt is more modern than its forebears, it’s got many of the same hallmarks.

Flint and Tinder Donegal Architect Shirt
$138

"The approachable design is reminiscent of a classic Oxford, but FNT added reinforced elbow patches, a split back yoke, and a side vent gusset that’s commonplace in hardwearing workwear pieces."

Shop Flint & Tinder

Namely, the Donegal fabric features textured contrasting flecks that set it apart from other long sleeve winter shirts. Huckberry’s Flint and Tinder line garment-dyed the fabric for a soft, rather than scratchy feel out of the box.

There are even reinforced elbow patches in the tradition of hard-wearing workshirts.

Bonobos Stretch Lightweight Flannel Shirt

Flannel is typically associated with the great outdoors, perhaps as a layer for chilly days in the shop or on the trail.

Bonobos Stretch Lightweight Flannel Shirt
$99

"With a lighter but equally cozy fabric, you can layer this flannel during transitional temps."

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It takes on a unique sense of modern polish in the hands of Bonobos, as the brand has streamlined the fit ever-so-slightly (it comes in Slim and Standard options).

That’s not the only thing the famed chino brand has switched up: They’ve added a hint of stretch for comfort. Oh, and it comes in a vast array of surprisingly polished colors and patterns, along with more traditional plaids.

Schott NYC Buffalo Check Flannel Shirt

The best winter shirts for men are made even better with a bit of heritage behind them, you might say.

Schott NYC Buffalo Check Flannel Shirt
$80

"Flannel and Buffalo checks seem made for each other, so get in on the goodness in this versatile midweight shirt that'll be a reliable choice for years to come."

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Famed moto jacket and outerwear maker Schott has plenty of that history, and this red-and-black plaid flannel is as stylish now as decades ago.

Front button chest pockets give it the utility of a shirt jacket, but pay close attention as it should fit true to size. Beyond that, all your next winter #OOTD is missing is a pair of trusty black jeans and some moto boots.

Proper Cloth Low Twist Twill Shirt

Warm winter shirts for men need not rely solely on bold, outdoors-y plaid patterns (although that’s never a bad option to have in your rotation).

Proper Cloth Low Twist Twill Shirt
$150

"This fabric has a 20s 3-ply construction that helps to tighten the weave and adds weight for warmth and durability."

Shop Proper Cloth

Proper Cloth, makers of excellent dress shirts, puts its own spin on a tried-and-true winter shirt. The trick here is a refined, soft spread collar design, but the real winner might be the rich Japanese twill fabric.

If you’re searching for a winter shirt with some depth and character for holiday gatherings, consider this handsome pick.

J. Crew Brushed Twill Shirt

If you really want to step up your wardrobe for the chillier months in a way that’s decidedly different than your tried-and-true array of shirts, lean fully into the shades of the season.

J. Crew Brushed Twill Shirt

Soft and lightweight, perfect for cold weather temperatures. Many colors and styles available.

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So, have a little fun by scoring an eye-catching fall and winter color, then pairing it with J. Crew’s well-fitting chinos.

As to this shirt, J. Crew gets a lot of the details right, including soft brushed twill fabric and classic button-down shirting details. There are also four fit options and a range of sizes to shop.

Uniqlo HEATTECH Cotton Crew Neck

As useful as it is to have a selection of go-nearly-anywhere button down shirts, functionality is also the cornerstone of a winter #OOTD.

Uniqlo HEATTECH Cotton Crew Neck
$24.90

"With Heat of Absorption, HEAT RETENTION, deodorizing, moisture-wicking, soft texture, and shape-retaining features."

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For a highly agreeable price, Uniqlo delivers standout warmth in a minimal crewneck silhouette. Soft pima cotton on the interior makes this quite soft as a base layer beneath a vest or a trucker jacket.

And if you’re in search of a layer to amp up the warmth beneath a flannel workshirt on blustery days, you’ve found one at the right price here.

L.L. Bean BeanBuilt Waffle Henley

Among all of the winter shirts for men you’ve got at your disposal, the henley reigns supreme when it comes to casually rugged fashion and utility.

L.L. Bean BeanBuilt Waffle Henley
$64.95

"Our durable, workwear-inspired henley shirt is built for serious comfort, in substantial waffle-knit fabric that stands up to just about anything."

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It’s more visually appealing than a crew neck shirt, yet more laidback than a button-down and it can be worn with a chore coat or a waxed jacket (and the list rolls on).

In short, it could be your new must-have weekend layer when worn the right way. L.L. Bean makes its henley with a mix of heritage and modern details, from the warm waffle-knit fabric to the timeless three-button placket.

Everlane Waffle Long-Sleeve Crew

When you can feel winter’s chill deep in your bones, that’s when it’s time to break out the heavy hitters.

Everlane Waffle Long-Sleeve Crew
$60

"Featuring a slim fit and ribbed neckline, and a waffle texture, flat-lock stitched seams add extra detailing."

Shop Everlane

Or rather, that’s when it’s time to layer up with a dependable waffle crewneck. Note that this piece, made from organic waffle-knit cotton, features a trim fit, so shop carefully (or rely on this as a closer-fitting base layer).

It’s a piece you don’t have to think about too much beyond warmth. For instance: It can be styled with a field coat and chinos, or it can be worn even more casually with classic blue jeans and a shawl cardigan.

Taylor Stitch Rugby Shirt

Like the henley, the rugby shirt has an undeniably old-school appeal – it’s got a touch of preppy and a touch of sporting heritage baked right in.

Taylor Stitch Rugby Shirt
$128

"This 100% organic cotton knit jersey fabric is woven tightly to prevent rips and tears, and ringing in at 11-oz, it’s hefty enough to withstand the roughest of handling."

Shop Taylor Stitch

It’s also a solid change of pace from your rotation of warm winter shirts for men, those of the button-down variety. Taylor Stitch outfits its rugby with timeless stripes (naturally), all the while using sturdy-yet-supple organic cotton knit jersey fabric.

Plus, if you love the look of a polo in the warmer months and want to channel that same energy through winter, you’ve found your perfect match.

Everlane Long-Sleeve Pique Polo

Remember what we said about swapping out your warm-weather polo for an option suited as a cold-weather layer? Meet Everlane’s long-sleeve design, available in a range of solid, neutral colors.

Everlane Long-Sleeve Pique Polo
$80

"This versatile works-with-any look polo features a 3-button placket, has a relaxed fit, and flat knit ribbing at the collar and cuffs."

Shop Everlane

If you’re hesitant about this change of pace, know that with a long-sleeve polo, you’ve got options.

You can think of the long-sleeve polo as you would a dress shirt – swap it in underneath a soft-shouldered herringbone blazer – or opt to wear it on its own, perhaps somewhat more casually with dark blue jeans.

Spier & Mackay Long-Sleeve Polo

A long-sleeve polo bridges the gap between laidback and refined – as comfortable as a T-shirt when made from the proper fabric, and as crisp as a polo.

Spier & Mackay Long-Sleeve Polo
$48

"Woven from soft, silky cotton pique, these shirts have a comfortable and luxurious hand."

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Spier & Mackay blurs the lines between the two by finishing its crisp navy polo with a distinctive button-down collar. The four-button placket also frames the face nicely and gives this shirt the ability to work well beneath a winter blazer.

And that soft cotton pique fabric is a pleasing switch-up from winter’s rougher textures, like waffle-knit cotton.

Bonobos Fireside Flannel Overshirt

We talked earlier about a Bonobos flannel overshirt that was well-suited to everyday wear (perhaps even at the office underneath a navy blazer).

Bonobos Fireside Flannel Overshirt
$129

"Heavyweight flannel that's soft & easy to throw on when you need extra warmth."

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The Fireside Flannel, on the other hand, fits more nicely among warm shirts for winter, the kind that’s practically made for a seasonal cabin getaway.

That’s because the Fireside Flannel uses heavier flannel fabric (still infused with comfortable stretch). It’s designed to be layered underneath, and two front-button chest pockets deliver useful everyday carry storage.

Todd Snyder Italian Boucle Overshirt

Winter shirts for men tend to go one of two ways: Dashing and stylish, or else highly functional. Todd Snyder, as with the rest of his award-winning menswear line, tends to bridge the gap between both.

Todd Snyder Italian Boucle Overshirt
$328

"Premium details include twill tape at the placket, collar and cuffs, and an oversized, patch-and-flap, button-through chest pocket."

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This made-in-Italy, 100 percent virgin wool overshirt is the height of a luxe splurge as far as seasonal shirting is concerned.

It still boasts a helpful chest pocket and a relaxed fit for layering, but this is a winter overshirt you opt to wear for apres-ski pursuits, rather than shoveling snow (not a bad thing to have close at hand!).

Stay Warm In These Winter Shirts

It shouldn’t feel overwhelming to look at your wardrobe, especially when you’re focused on both bundling up for winter and looking your very best along the way.

Here are our top picks, once again:

Sometimes, it’s helpful to stick with what you know – if you appreciate the crisp-yet-versatile look of a button-down shirt, yet want one with a decidedly winter-minded feel, then Flint and Tinder’s Donegal Architect Shirt is about as versatile as it gets.

Roll up those sleeves and style it with dark blue jeans or stretch chinos at the office – or on the weekend, no sweat.

On a more casual note, L.L. Bean’s BeanBuilt Henley can pull double or even triple-duty, whether paired with a waxed barn coat or a flannel shirt – it’s a trusty, warm option from a heritage brand you can trust.

And with just those two pieces, you can discover plenty of combinations. However you chose to wear one of the best winter shirts for men, the (style) world is your oyster.