What is a Camp Collar Shirt?
Last updated 2026-05-25
A camp collar—also known as a Cuban collar, revere collar, or bowling shirt collar—is a shirt collar style characterized by its flat, notched lapel that lies against the chest rather than standing up around the neck. Unlike a traditional button-down or spread collar that relies on a stiffened collar band, the camp collar has no stand. It simply folds open, creating a relaxed V-neckline that is inherently casual and easy-wearing. The style traces its origins to 1950s American bowling shirts and Cuban guayabera shirts, and it has been a resort-wear staple for decades. Camp collar shirts experienced a massive resurgence starting in the late 2010s and have remained a dominant warm-weather style through 2026. The relaxed silhouette aligns with broader trends toward comfort-driven dressing and the decline of rigid formality in menswear and womenswear alike. Fashion brands at every price point now produce camp collar shirts in fabrics ranging from printed rayon and silk to linen, cotton, and even knit terrycloth. Printed camp collar shirts (florals, geometric patterns, scenic prints) have become summer statement pieces, while solid-color linen camp collars serve as versatile warm-weather basics. The camp collar works because the open neckline is flattering and comfortable. It elongates the neck, does not require a decision about top-button-open-or-closed, and eliminates the fussiness of collar stays and ironing collar points. The style bridges casual and smart casual naturally—a solid linen camp collar with tailored trousers is appropriate for many restaurants, summer events, and creative workplaces, while a printed version over swim trunks works for a pool day.
A navy linen camp collar shirt tucked into cream pleated trousers with tan suede loafers and no socks—an effortless smart-casual outfit for a summer dinner or a day exploring a Mediterranean town.
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Questions, answered.
Is a camp collar shirt formal enough for a restaurant or event?
In most cases, yes. A solid-color camp collar shirt in linen, cotton, or silk, tucked into tailored trousers with leather shoes, meets the dress code at the vast majority of restaurants, summer weddings (non-black-tie), and smart casual events. The key is fabric and fit—a crisp linen camp collar reads very differently from a wrinkled polyester one. For more formal settings, choose a solid color over a print and tuck it in.
How should a camp collar shirt fit?
Slightly relaxed is ideal. The shoulder seam should sit on or just past your shoulder bone. The body should have enough room to drape without pulling at the buttons—if the placket gaps, size up. Length should hit mid-fly if wearing untucked. Camp collar shirts are not meant to fit like slim-cut dress shirts; their appeal is in the relaxed, easy drape. Too tight and the collar puckers; too baggy and it looks like a costume.
Can women wear camp collar shirts?
Absolutely. Camp collar shirts are not gendered—they work beautifully on everyone. Women often style them knotted at the waist over high-waisted bottoms, open over a tank top or bralette as a light layer, or tucked into a midi skirt. Oversized men's camp collar shirts worn as a beach cover-up or open over a swimsuit is a classic vacation look.
What is the difference between a camp collar and a bowling shirt?
A bowling shirt is a type of camp collar shirt, but not all camp collar shirts are bowling shirts. The collar style is the same—flat, notched, no stand. Bowling shirts specifically refer to the boxy, often two-toned or panel-printed shirts associated with 1950s American bowling culture. A solid linen camp collar is the same collar construction in a more refined, resort-friendly context.