Agri Shirts: A Popular Casual & Outdoor Workwear Style

The Popularity of Agri Shirts

Agri shirts, sometimes called farm shirts or agricultural shirts, have become an extremely popular type of casual and workwear shirt in recent years. Their popularity extends beyond just farmers and agricultural workers to a wider audience who appreciates their rugged, durable qualities and outdoorsy aesthetic.

What Are Agri Shirts?

Agri shirts are long sleeve button-up shirts designed specifically for agricultural work and outdoor activities. They are usually made from hardy fabrics such as cotton, linen, or poly-cotton blends. These fabrics are chosen for breathability, ease of movement, and durability.

The defining features of most agri shirts include two front chest pockets for storing small tools or other items, and elbow patches to protect against wear and tear. Many also have button down collars that can be fastened against the elements. They come in a variety of solid colors as well as classic plaid or checked patterns.

Why Are They So Popular?

Beyond their functionality for farm work and the outdoors, agri shirts have gained wider fashion appeal for many reasons:

• Their durability makes them a longer lasting garment than many casual shirt styles
• The neutral earth tone colors and classic plaid patterns fit with many aesthetics from rugged and outdoorsy to heritage and vintage looks
• They are comfortable, breathable, and allow ease of movement for active lifestyles
• The cotton, linen, and blend materials often soften well over time
• The casual button up style looks great layered over t-shirts, paired with jeans, chinos, etc. for a smart casual look

Popular Agri Shirt Styles and Features

While individual agri shirt designs can vary wildly, here are some of the most popular general styles and features on the market:

• Plaid flannel shirts - These soft, warm cotton shirts feature classic buffalo check or tartan patterns. Great for layering against chill while still looking smart.
• Denim shirts - Rugged 100% cotton denim fabric gives these shirts a classic workwear look. Often features two chest pockets.
• Chambray shirts - Woven from cotton in a lightweight, breathable chambray fabric. Gives a very soft, comfortable feel.
• Elbow patches - Cotton, suede, corduroy or denim elbow patches protect the elbows from wear and tear during farm work.
• Button down collars - Keep the collar neatly in place when worn as an outer layer. Can also be buttoned up to the neck for extra protection from sun, wind, or dirt.
• Vented backs - Extra fabric panels and mesh inserts allow airflow to keep you cooler.
• Roll up sleeve tabs - Let you securely roll and fix sleeves at different lengths.
• Utility pockets & loops - Extra pockets and tool loops on the chest or shoulders provide handy storage options.

How to Wear an Agri Shirt in Style

While agri shirts are designed as practical workwear for farming and outdoor adventures, they also have a cool, rugged style that fashion conscious guys can easily incorporate into a variety of modern looks:

Smart Casual & Heritage Aesthetics

An agri shirt brings an effortlessly cool, slightly rugged edge to smart casual and contemporary heritage style outfits. Pair with dark wash jeans, chino pants, or corduroys along with boots or leather sneakers for a great look whether you're in the countryside or the city.

Layering

Agri shirts make for fantastic layered looks. Wear underneath a crew neck sweater, casual blazer, waxed cotton jacket, or workwear inspired chore coat for warmth and variable styling options.

Streetwear & Skater Influences

Oversize or longline agri shirts can also nail modern streetwear and skater aesthetics. Just wear loose and long over tapered pants or shorts with a beanie and sneakers for an on trend look.

Festival & Bohemian Vibes

Pair checked or denim agri shirts with black jeans, boots, and accessories like leather bracelets or beads for a stylish festival or bohemian vibe.

The Best Agri Shirt Brands

Many mainstream and independent clothing brands now offer their own takes on the classic agri shirt. Some of the most popular high quality brands to look out for include:

• Filson - Premium American outfitters making durable agri shirts since 1897.
• Carhartt - Workwear experts renowned for rugged quality and heritage style.
• Patagonia - Leaders in ethical, sustainable outdoors apparel with great agri shirt options.
• Flint and Tinder - Contemporary makers who blend farmwear pragmatism with modern style.
• Duckworth - Specialists in durable yet comfortable woolen agri shirts.
• Howler Brothers - Texan brand fusing agricultural heritage with laid back coastal lifestyle vibes.
• Faherty - Combine coastal comfort with outdoors functionality in their agri shirts.
• Iron & Resin - California lifestyle brand make uniquely stylish checked flannel agri shirts.

It's also worth checking out specialist heritage, Americana, or workwear stores in your local area for independent labels creating agri shirts. Supporting smaller brands can help you find unique stylish additions to your wardrobe while getting fantastic quality.

FAQs

What fabrics are agri shirts usually made from?

Most agri shirts are constructed from durable, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton, linen, poly-cotton blends, or wool blends. These fabrics stand up well to outdoor work while allowing airflow.

Why do many agri shirts feature elbow patches?

Elbow patches made from materials like denim, corduroy, or sueded cotton help protect the elbows from excessive wear when doing manual outdoor labor like farming, helping the shirt last longer.

What sleeve lengths typically are agri shirts available in?

Agri shirts predominantly come in long sleeve versions, however some brands offer short sleeve and 3/4 sleeve versions for warmer weather wear. Long sleeve shirts often have buttoned sleeve tabs allowing you to secure rolled up sleeves.

Should agri shirts be washed differently than other shirts?

Most 100% cotton or cotton blend agri shirts can be machine washed and dried just like regular casual button up shirts. Some delicate materials like wool blends may require hand washing or dry cleaning to preserve their integrity over repeated wears and launderings.