Maintaining a low profile while carrying concealed can be particularly challenging during warmer months. Hot-weather clothing often focuses on comfort over concealment, making it harder to balance practicality and discretion. Fortunately, camp collar shirts strike the perfect balance, combining comfort, functionality, and style.
They’re inherently casual and perfect for relaxed, warm weather looks. With an untucked, loose silhouette, this summer staple offers optimal comfort while supporting effective concealed carry.
The camp collar shirt effortlessly balances comfort, functionality, and style—perfect for warm-weather days. (Photo: Vertx)
ORIGINS OF THE CAMP COLLAR SHIRT
The camp collar shirt, also known as a camp shirt or Cuban collar shirt, was originally designed to provide comfort in tropical climates. Its history traces back to traditional 19th-century Filipino, Mexican, and Cuban shirt styles.
After World War II, the camp collar shirt gained widespread appeal in the United States. Soldiers returning from the Pacific introduced these lightweight garments to American wardrobes. Later, the Cuban exodus of 1959 further cemented its place in fashion, as immigrants brought their own interpretations of the breezy and functional design.
Over the decades, camp collar shirts have become icons of warm-weather style, celebrated for their easygoing yet sophisticated aesthetic. They evoke nostalgia and rebellion, having been worn by cultural icons such as Elvis Presley, Ernest Hemingway, Ian Fleming’s James Bond, and Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I. Today, their vibrant patterns and relaxed cuts continue to resonate, offering both character and comfort.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
Camp collar shirts are recognized for their unique design elements:
- Soft, notched collar: Lays flat and relaxed for a casual appearance.
- Straight or slightly rounded hem: Designed for untucked wear.
- Boxy, loose fit: Allows for maximum airflow and comfort.
- Short sleeves: Perfect for warm-weather styling.
Variations like Hawaiian aloha shirts and bowling shirts fall into the camp collar shirt category. They are typically made from breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, or silk and are often adorned with colorful prints that celebrate their tropical roots. Their timeless versatility suits casual gatherings, outdoor adventures, or summer vacations, blending seamlessly with modern trends while retaining their charm.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHIRT
When choosing a camp collar shirt for concealed carry, selecting the right fit and features is essential:
- Fit: Ensure a loose fit that isn’t overly baggy. Shoulder seams should align properly, and sleeves should end at mid-bicep. The shirt should button without straining or gaping.
- Length: Opt for a shirt long enough to cover your holster, even when bending or reaching. A quick test is to raise your arms—if your firearm or holster is exposed, the shirt is too short.
Darker colors and patterns are recommended for effective concealment. They help minimize visual printing by breaking up bulges and shadows. Lightweight, stretchy fabrics enhance comfort, especially during extended wear.
Darker colors and patterns minimize visual printing by breaking up bulges and shadows. (Photo: Vertx)
WARDROBE STYLING
The camp collar shirt’s adaptability makes it a warm-weather wardrobe essential.
- Casual Outfits: Pair with shorts and sneakers for a relaxed look.
- Refined Looks: Dress it up with tailored trousers and loafers for sophisticated summer style.
- Vacation Vibes: Team with linen pants and sandals for a breezy, tropical-inspired ensemble.
- Layering Options: Leave it unbuttoned over a T-shirt for a laid-back layered aesthetic. Women can tie it at the waist or pair it with skirts for a chic twist.
Camp collar shirts are all about embracing fun and the carefree essence of summer. Experiment with colors, prints, and accessories to showcase your personality.
VERTX DADELAND CCW SHIRT
Some brands have elevated the classic camp collar shirt to cater specifically to concealed carry needs, and the Vertx Dadeland CCW Shirt stands out as an exceptional example. Designed to meet the needs of armed professionals, it has become one of my go-to warm-weather casual shirts.
Vertx Dadeland CCW Shirt was designed with End-USER INPUT TO meet the needs of armed professionals. (Photol Vertx)
Designed for discretion and mobility, the Vertx Dadeland CCW Shirt features CCW-compatible construction with added coverage. A relaxed fit, underarm gussets, and a back yoke ensure unrestricted motion, while its soft, breathable fabric blend offers optimal comfort.
Key features
- Lay-flat camp collar: Includes pockets for collar stays or small tools, along with a comms loop on the inside of the back of the collar for cord management of comms wires and earpiece. The shirt comes with removable plastic collar stays.
- Low-profile snap placket: Allows for breakaway and easy clearing of the garment to access your gun. The snaps are designed to look like standard buttons.
- Four hidden mini stash pockets: Located in the collar and placket, these pockets can store tools like handcuff keys, or the mini stash pockets may be employed for stashing handcuff keys and/or keeping other small tools hidden when operating in hostile areas or non-permissive environments. I keep a couple of coins in the placket pockets, not just as spare change, but as added weight that helps to swing the shirt clear of my weapon when I’ve initiated my draw.
- Two chest patch pockets with wallet traps: The wallet trap is an internal flap that provides added security for documents and sensitive items.
The shirt is crafted from a lightweight 3 oz. stretch twill fabric consisting of 97% cotton and 3% Spandex. It undergoes enzyme washing for enhanced softness and is treated for anti-wrinkle and moisture-wicking performance. Stress points are reinforced with double stitching to ensure durability.
Presently available in three colorways—Guillotine Black, Slaycation, and Tiger Palm—the Dadeland CCW Shirt seamlessly blends functionality with a sleek, polished look. Two additional colorways will be launching launching Summer 2025—Tropic Palm and Dead Sea Blue. MSRP is $62.99.
Final Thoughts
With their rich heritage, iconic design, and unmatched comfort, camp collar shirts are far more than just summer staples. Whether you’re drawn to their retro charm, tropical flair, or practicality, there’s a camp collar shirt for every occasion.
