The lumberjack shirt, a classic checked style, has made a strong comeback as a street style essential for 2025. Once a staple of men's wardrobes, it is now being embraced by fashion-forward women as a versatile and quirky cover-up. The trend favours oversized, slouchy fits that pair effortlessly with jeans, cut-off shorts, leggings, or even dresses.
Retailers are responding to the demand with a wide range of plaid shirts. Urban Outfitters offers an oversized check flannel in turquoise and red for £38, while Topshop's purple and navy long-sleeve shirt (£28) taps into the autumn obsession with plum tones. For those seeking a retro edge, Aertex provides brushed cotton styles, with a classic red and grey option available for £50 at aertex.com.
Colour choices have expanded beyond traditional red, white, and blue. Shoppers can now find shirts in berry, yellow, turquoise, jade, coral, grey, and pink. Styling options are equally varied: wear the shirt loose and undone as a jacket alternative, or belt it, knot it, or do it up for a sexier look that accentuates the waist.
For the best oversized fits, experts recommend raiding the boys' department as well as the girls'. Topman, for instance, offers a green and black check shirt (£28) and a flamingo check style (£39). Whether layered over a dress or paired with leggings, the lumberjack shirt proves its versatility as a must-have item for the season.
