WHY THE CUBAN COLLAR IS THE SUMMER SEASONS MUST-HAVE

Style Notes

Some shirts aren’t meant to be taken too seriously. The Cuban collar is made for long lunches that quietly drift into the afternoon, a mojito you weren’t planning to order, but it seemed rude not to, and staying out simply because it feels right. It’s the shirt worn when plans are loose, pace is slow, and style feels instinctive rather than considered.

So what gives the Cuban collar its enduring appeal? To understand that, you have to look at where it came from.

A Shirt Born from Leisure

The Cuban collar, also known as the camp collar, has its roots in early 20th-century resort and leisurewear. Designed for warm climates, it emerged in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Southern Europe, where practicality and comfort were essential. The open, notched collar allowed air to circulate freely around the neck, making it ideal for heat and humidity long before air conditioning was commonplace.

By the 1940s and 50s, the style had become synonymous with relaxed sophistication. Think Havana cafés, Mediterranean coastlines, and Italian summer evenings. It was a shirt worn off-duty, yet never careless, paired with pleated trousers, loafers, and an unhurried attitude.

What makes the Cuban collar enduring is that it was never about trend. It was about function, ease, and a certain confidence that comes from dressing appropriately for the environment.

Designed for Heat, Refined for Style

Unlike a traditional point collar that sits high and close to the neck, the Cuban collar lies flat against the chest, creating a natural V-shape. This not only improves airflow but also gives the shirt a relaxed structure that feels intentional rather than undone.

It frames the upper body effortlessly, whether worn buttoned up or left slightly open. The result is a silhouette that feels comfortable in the heat while still holding its shape, cool without crossing into casual indifference.

Effortless Versatility

One of the Cuban collar’s greatest strengths is how easily it moves between settings. It can replace a standard shirt in summer tailoring, worn with trousers and leather shoes, or be dressed down with shorts and sandals without losing its sense of purpose.

It’s equally at home in the city or by the coast, during the day or into the evening. That adaptability is what makes it such a valuable piece, particularly in summer, when fewer garments need to do more work.

The Ideal Canvas for Summer Fabrics

The Cuban collar truly comes into its own when cut from the right cloth. Linen, lightweight cotton, chambray, and textured weaves complement the open neckline and relaxed cut, enhancing breathability without sacrificing structure.

These fabrics reinforce what the shirt is meant to do: feel easy on the body while still looking considered. The better the fabric, the more the collar speaks for itself.

Relaxed Confidence, Defined

Summer style is not about layering or complexity, it’s about restraint. The Cuban collar embodies that philosophy. It communicates taste, confidence, and ease in a single gesture, without relying on excess detail.

It’s the shirt you reach for when you want to look composed without effort. And that is precisely why, decade after decade, it continues to earn its place as a summer essential.

	S	M	L	XL
Collar	40	40.8	41.6	42.4
Shoulder Width	46	47	48	49
Chest Width	52	54	56	58
Back Length	69	70.5	72	73.5
Sleeve Length	24	25	26	27

Vino Camp Collar Shirt

Shirt Measurements