We don’t need to tell you why the overshirt is such an attractive item of clothing. Here is a piece that can transcend dress codes and social boundaries and can be worn with everything from jeans or even shorts, through to tailored trousers. It can work as a blazer replacement, or be thrown on at a moment’s notice on the way out the door. You don’t have to think about it. But, to create the perfect one, we’ve thought about it a lot. From the topstitching to the pockets, and of course the fabrics, every inch of our Patch Pocket Overshirt has been meticulously designed and engineered. So much so that we’re confident you won’t find a better one anywhere in the world.

This is a garment that embodies all that we stand for. It’s versatile, it’s easy and it’s exceptionally well made. It’s got handy pockets that’ll keep your essentials secure, yet its collar and shirt sleeve cuffs ensure it’s smart and can be effortlessly dressed up. It’s built to last, both in its timeless design but also the construction, which has been overseen by our talented team here in our Manchester factory. It’s the glue your wardrobe can always rely on, whether you intend to layer it under heavier outerwear, or wear it on its own above a T-shirt.

There are, in true Private White V.C. fashion, more pockets though, two of which are stitched along the side seams. These almost hidden side entry pockets give the overshirt a more jacket-like feel, and allow plenty of room with their dropped design and large 15cm height. The curved topstitching is visible on the jacket’s exterior for a subtle design flourish, signalling at the handiwork that’s going on underneath. A final pocket can be found inside, completing the overshirt’s functional potential. A large patch, it can comfortably hold a phone or tablet, and it looks smart too, given that it’s finished in the same fabric as the shirt’s outer.

Speaking of which, we’ve essentially designed this overshirt to be as adaptable as possible. This is achieved through its detailing and the garment’s regular fit, but also the fabrics it’s available in. There’s a spring-friendly corduroy; a super soft moleskin, and a lightweight seersucker, each of which infuse the overshirt with their own distinct look and feel.

However you choose to wear it, the Patch Pocket Overshirt won’t disappoint. Few bits of clothing are as easy to wear, and thanks to our range of fabrics, you can make use of its practical design from spring through to high summer and beyond. What other garment, after all, is a year-round staple that’s as useful for travelling as it is for the office?

This is a garment that embodies all that we stand for. It’s versatile, it’s easy and it’s exceptionally well made. It’s got handy pockets that’ll keep your essentials secure, yet its collar and shirt sleeve cuffs ensure it’s smart and can be effortlessly dressed up. It’s built to last, both in its timeless design but also the construction, which has been overseen by our talented team here in our Manchester factory. It’s the glue your wardrobe can always rely on, whether you intend to layer it under heavier outerwear, or wear it on its own above a T-shirt.

But where does its design come from? The overshirt has its roots in a couple of sub genres we know a thing or two about: military clothing and workwear. The US Navy started issuing heavy duty shirts to chief petty officers as early as the 1930s, usually made from thick wool and coming with twin chest pockets. On the other hand, factory workers have long relied on overshirts as part of their uniform. The pockets were handy for tools, important documents and anything else that needed carrying so that work could be conducted hands-free. We have, over the years, become known for our own interpretations of these classic shirt styles, often incorporating features from both classic military-issued CPO shirts as well as the more utilitarian workwear designs.

For this particular overshirt, we’ve taken elements from our previous models while combining design details from sharper, smart casual shirts. There’s only one chest pocket for starters, which smartens things up slightly and has less of a utilitarian feel. It gives the shirt a more streamlined look, ensuring it’s better suited to wearing formally versus the more rugged feeling, twin pocket CPO style. The single pocket comes with a buttoned flap, with subtle angled points both on the flap and the pocket itself. It measures 6 cm across, ensuring it’s plenty big enough to store your phone or wallet, while the button closure will keep whatever’s inside secure.

There are, in true Private White V.C. fashion, more pockets though, two of which are stitched along the side seams. These almost hidden side entry pockets give the overshirt a more jacket-like feel, and allow plenty of room with their dropped design and large 15cm height. The curved topstitching is visible on the jacket’s exterior for a subtle design flourish, signalling at the handiwork that’s going on underneath.

A final pocket can be found inside, completing the overshirt’s functional potential. A large patch, it can comfortably hold a phone or tablet, and it looks smart too, given that it’s finished in the same fabric as the shirt’s outer.

Speaking of which, we’ve essentially designed this overshirt to be as adaptable as possible. This is achieved through its detailing and the garment’s regular fit, but also the fabrics it’s available in.

There’s a spring-friendly corduroy; a super soft moleskin, and a lightweight seersucker, each of which infuse the overshirt with their own distinct look and feel.

For all out versatility, the corduroy might be for you. While usually reserved for autumn and winter, we’ve gone with this extra fine, thin wale take which combines the textural, velvety benefits of cord with the breathability of lightweight cotton. It’ll instantly add a tactile feel to your warm weather look while taking to colour especially well. It’s available in stone and grey, but also a blush pink, which is a great way of introducing a pop of colour to a look without going overboard.

Then there’s the moleskin. Here is a fabric typically associated with traditional workwear, making it an obvious choice for this utilitarian-inspired overshirt. We’re experts in working with the fabric, having done so for generations in our factory, while also producing our class-leading Moleskin Bomber. For this design, we’ve opted for a lighter weight than usual, resulting in a uniquely soft fabric that’s perfect for transitional weather and cool spring days.

The lightest of all though is the seersucker. This is a fabric that’s built for summer, with its featherweight, open weave and puckered texture making it exceptionally comfortable on the hottest of days. It transforms the overshirt, ensuring it’s a garment you can actually wear in hot weather, enjoying all the function and practicality of its design without overheating.

So how should you wear the Patch Pocket Overshirt? In short, you can’t really go wrong. Its simple, classic design and comfortable regular fit ensure it can be combined with everything, from jeans, tees and trainers through to Oxford shirts, chinos and leather shoes. Regardless of which fabric you go for, this is a piece that will quickly become one of your wardrobe’s most worn items, thanks to its versatility and easy styling.

There are a couple of key ways you can wear it though, if you’re stuck. The first is by going for a darker coloured overshirt, like the blue moleskin, and combining it with a stonewash jeans, white trainers and a more colourful short sleeve vacation shirt underneath. Wear the overshirt open, allowing the mid layer to pop. Alternatively, you could let it be the focal point, buttoning it up over a pair of off-white jeans or chinos for a sharper, smart casual office look.

However you choose to wear it, the Patch Pocket Overshirt won’t disappoint. Few bits of clothing are as easy to wear, and thanks to our range of fabrics, you can make use of its practical design from spring through to high summer and beyond. What other garment, after all, is a year-round staple that’s as useful for travelling as it is for the office?