A plaid shirt was the uniform of Californian surfers in the 1960s looking to warm up after a few hours out on the ocean, mods adopted gingham shirts as part of their smarter vibe. And flannel had a renaissance when grunge hit in the ’90s. Considering this storied history, you’d be hard pressed not to find a checked shirt that will fit your style. Here are 12 of our current favourites.
Evoking a shirt worn by the mods in the 1960s, this button-down lives on the smarter end of the check spectrum. £137.50, buy on gymphlex.co.uk
Similar in style to the Oxford shirt, this patchwork design made from different fabrics in the Gant archive will make you stand out even during casual occasions. You’d better be quick if you want to get your hands on one – only 150 are being sold worldwide. £125, buy on gant.co.uk
The instantly recognizable Burberry check can feel a bit full-on on a shirt, so let it peek out from under a jacket. £215, buy on mrporter.com
Beams Plus is one of the finest Japanese labels recreating American-inspired clothing, and this slim-fit, rugged number with a bold check is a prime example of its style chops. £125, buy on mrporter.com
The Gitman brand was established in 1978 but the Gitman brothers trace their roots in the American shirt-making business much further back, making this contemporary take on the traditional lumberjack shirt the real deal. £175, buy on mrporter.com
A great addition to any summer wardrobe, with cool blue-on-blue tones that will look great with denim or chinos. £110, buy on matchesfashion.com
A timeless linen check shirt in turquoise and white. £35, buy on marksandspencer.com
This lightweight but rugged-looking flannel shirt comes in a darker check than usual, meaning it’ll work outside of the warmer months. £94.95, buy on scotch-soda.com
The distinctive check on this regular-fit shirt will look great with a pair of dark denim jeans. £85 (reduced to £42), buy on jigsaw-online.com
American label Faherty’s take harks back to the style of Californian surfers. Sling one over a white T-shirt after a long day out on the ocean – or when it’s a bit nippy out. £122, buy on matchesfashion.com
This slim-fit shirt in a multicolour Madras check will help you get in a summery mood, whatever the weather. £125, buy on mrporter.com
This British label is a great source of for affordable casual clothing and this model is softer than the usual thanks to its peached texture. £40 (reduced to £22), buy on whitestuff.com
