How to Wear a Board Shirt — And Why It Becomes Your Go-To Piece

"How to Wear a Board Shirt"

The board shirt is one of those rare pieces that genuinely works in multiple contexts — but knowing how to wear it makes the difference between looking intentional and just looking like you grabbed something off a rack.

The Classic Way: Unbuttoned Over a Tee

This is how it started, and it still works. Wear the board shirt open over a white or heather grey crewneck tee, untucked, with straight-leg jeans or chinos. It reads casual but considered. The wool adds visual weight and texture that elevates the whole outfit without trying too hard.

For this look, ombre colorways — tan, blue-grey, or the classic brown ombre — tend to be the most versatile. They're neutral enough to pair with almost anything but have enough visual interest to carry the outfit on their own.

Browse our current board shirt collection — from classic plaids to archive ombre colorways.

Buttoned Up

The board shirt works equally well buttoned fully. This is a cleaner, more put-together look — good for casual Fridays, dinners, or anywhere you want to look polished without being formal. The soft collar means no tie needed, and the wool drapes well enough to hold its shape throughout the day.

As a Light Jacket

In Southern California's mild climate, a board shirt often replaces a jacket entirely. Wear it over a lightweight long-sleeve or tee when the evening cools down. It's warm enough for coastal temperatures without the bulk of a coat, and it looks intentional in a way that a hoodie doesn't.

Layering for Cooler Weather

When it gets colder, the board shirt becomes a mid-layer. Wear it under a denim jacket, a canvas chore coat, or even a light puffer. The slim profile of most Pendleton fits means it layers cleanly without adding bulk at the shoulders.

The Lowrider and Chicano Tradition

In Southern California, there's another way to wear a board shirt that deserves its own mention. The Chicano and lowrider tradition pairs a buttoned Pendleton with pressed khakis, a white tee underneath, and clean leather shoes — a look rooted in the South Bay and East LA communities that have been part of Pendleton culture for decades. It's one of the most iconic regional styles in American fashion, and McKenna's has been part of that community since we opened in 1986.

If you're building that look, the bold plaid colorways and traditional patterns are the right starting point. Check out our archive-inspired styles for patterns that honor that heritage.

The One Rule

Don't overthink it. The board shirt was designed to be worn, not preserved. The more you wear it, the better the wool softens and settles into your body. It's a piece that gets better with time — which is exactly what makes it worth the investment.