How to Style Cuban Collar Shirts: The Complete Guide

Cuban collar shirts (also called camp collar shirts) have quietly become one of the most versatile pieces in modern menswear. That open, relaxed collar gives off effortless vacation energy — but worn right, it works just as well for everyday outings as it does for a beach holiday. Here's how to actually style one.

What Makes a Cuban Collar Different

Unlike a regular button-down collar, the Cuban collar sits flat and open, usually without a top button. It's designed to be worn loose at the neck — no tie, no buttoning all the way up. The relaxed structure is what gives it that laid-back, breezy look.

1. The Classic Casual Look

Pair a solid or subtly printed Cuban collar shirt with straight fit jeans and white sneakers. Keep the shirt untucked, sleeves at full length or rolled once. This is your go-to for daytime outings, casual meetups, or weekend brunches.

2. The Smart-Casual Upgrade

Tuck the shirt into tapered or straight fit trousers (chinos work great) and add loafers or clean leather sneakers. This works surprisingly well for semi-formal occasions — dinner with friends, a casual work event, or a date — without looking like you're trying too hard.

3. The Layered Look

Wear it open over a plain white or black t-shirt, left unbuttoned like an outer layer. This works especially well with a printed or patterned Cuban collar shirt, since the plain tee underneath balances out the print. Great for cooler evenings or transitional weather.

4. Beach & Resort Styling

This is where the Cuban collar shirt was born to shine. Pair with shorts and slides, leave it fully unbuttoned or loosely buttoned over a tee. Linen or rayon fabrics work best here since they breathe well in heat and humidity.

What Fabric Should You Choose

• Rayon: Lightweight, drapes well, ideal for warm Indian weather — great for prints.
• Cotton: More structured, slightly more formal-friendly, easy to maintain.
• Linen: The most breathable option, best for peak summer and beach settings, but wrinkles easily.

Common Styling Mistakes to Avoid

• Buttoning it all the way up — defeats the entire point of the collar style.
• Pairing with very tight pants — the relaxed top works best with straight or relaxed fit bottoms, not skinny fits.
• Over-tucking — a half-tuck or fully untucked look usually suits this shirt style better than a full tuck.

Shop the Edit

Explore men's casual shirts online at Color Hunt — printed, checked and solid styles in cotton and rayon, with COD and easy returns across India.