Live Action Getup: Neutral Territory

Live Action Getup: Neutral Territory

As temperatures become less extreme, we turn to one of our favorite (and commonly underutilized) layering options: The CPO-style shirt jacket.

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Why a Shirt Jacket

A shirt jacket may seem like one of those unnecessary, one-job kitchen gadgets that are a waste, but they're actually quite useful. Shirt jackets have the shape of a shirt – the collar, the full button placket, the curved hem, chest pockets – but the weight of a sweater. Perfect for those times when wearing a pullover sweater would be too cumbersome to take on and off, and a cardigan isn't what you're going for, or, like with this Getup, over a sweater where sweater-on-sweater would be a bit…too sweater-y? Not only that, they can often be found in all-day-lazy comfortable materials like fleece, giving you that hoodie snug without the chore-day vibe.

More rugged than a sweater, and you can keep it on all day unlike a light jacket.

arrow

Why a Shirt Jacket

A shirt jacket may seem like one of those unnecessary, one-job kitchen gadgets that are a waste, but they're actually quite useful. Shirt jackets have the shape of a shirt – the collar, the full button placket, the curved hem, chest pockets – but the weight of a sweater. Perfect for those times when wearing a pullover sweater would be too cumbersome to take on and off, and a cardigan isn't what you're going for, or, like with this Getup, over a sweater where sweater-on-sweater would be a bit…too sweater-y? Not only that, they can often be found in all-day-lazy comfortable materials like fleece, giving you that hoodie snug without the chore-day vibe.

More rugged than a sweater, and you can keep it on all day unlike a light jacket.

The CPO Shirt

Shirt jackets like this can often be found under the moniker “CPO shirt”. An acronym for Chief Petty Officer, this style of heavy shirt was originally produced as  a deck shirt for those serving in the US Navy and Coast Guard. It was created as outerwear for moderate conditions, but also to be thin enough to use as a warm layer under N1-Deck jackets.

Find out the other fascinating examples of how the military has influenced everyday fashion without visual timeline.

See another way to wear this CPO shirt jacket from Fall Getup Week.

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Shirt Jacket Picks

For a range of budgets

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Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.