Living Crafts men's overshirt BEN in organic cotton
Too sturdy for a regular shirt and more supple than a jacket: the BEN overshirt by Living Crafts sits right in the comfortable middle. You can wear it buttoned up as a warm flannel shirt or open over a T-shirt or thin sweater. It’s that one piece of clothing you'll find yourself reaching for almost instinctively in spring and autumn.
BEN is made from 100% organic cotton in a sturdy twill flannel quality. The mottled sand-brown color gives the overshirt a calm, natural look and pairs easily with dark blue, denim, olive green, ecru, and brown.
- Men's overshirt by Living Crafts
- Made from 100% organic cotton
- Sturdy, warming twill flannel quality
- Mottled sand-brown color
- Casual fit
- Two patch chest pockets with flaps
- Buttons with a natural horn look
- Contrasting fabric on the inside of the cuffs and collar
- Small side slits for extra freedom of movement
- GOTS certified
- Vegan
A shirt and light jacket in one
An overshirt is perfect for days when a shirt feels just a bit too thin, but a real jacket isn't quite necessary yet. The fabric of BEN has more body than that of a classic cotton shirt. This helps the design hold its shape well, making it perfect to wear as a light outer layer.
Wear the overshirt buttoned up with chinos or dark jeans for a calm, smart look. Want a more relaxed vibe? Wear it open over a plain T-shirt, long-sleeve, or thin wool sweater. Under a winter coat, BEN works perfectly as an extra warm middle layer.
It is not a lined jacket, nor is it a water- or windproof outer layer. On a dry autumn day, the overshirt can easily serve as a jacket, but in cold, wind, or rain, you will need a real coat over it.
Mottled sand-brown with a subtle texture
The color is not completely solid, but has a subtle, mottled appearance. Depending on the light, the overshirt may look more sand-colored, taupe, or light brown. The diagonal twill structure gives the fabric extra depth without making the garment look busy.
This natural shade is exceptionally easy to combine. Dark blue or black trousers provide contrast, while ecru, beige, and various shades of brown create a calm, tone-on-tone ensemble. It also feels instantly familiar paired with a classic pair of blue jeans.
Colors may appear slightly different on a screen than in natural daylight. The detail photos show the mottled structure and the true color variations of the fabric best.
Practical details without the fuss
On the front, there are two spacious patch chest pockets with flaps and buttons. They give BEN the recognizable look of a classic work shirt, yet the overall style remains clean and understated.
The buttons feature a dark horn look and contrast subtly with the sand-brown fabric. A contrasting cotton fabric is used on the inside of the cuffs, under the collar, and at the back panel. This small detail is especially visible when you roll up your sleeves.
The short slits on both sides ensure the overshirt doesn't pull tight around the hips when sitting or moving. BEN does not have side pockets like a jacket; the two chest pockets are the only ones.
How does the BEN overshirt fit?
Living Crafts describes BEN as a casual fit. The style is relaxed but doesn't look overly baggy. There is plenty of room to wear a T-shirt, long-sleeve, or thin sweater underneath.
If you mainly want to wear the overshirt buttoned up as a shirt, choose your normal size. If you plan to wear it often over a thicker sweater, or if you are between two sizes, be sure to consider the space needed around the chest, shoulders, and arms.
When trying it on, pay close attention to the shoulder seam and button the overshirt all the way up. You should be able to move your arms forward comfortably without the fabric pulling tight across your back or chest. Keep in mind that 100% cotton will become slightly more supple as you wear it, but it does not have any elastic stretch.
Why organic cotton?
BEN is made entirely from organic cotton. No synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilizers are used in organic cotton cultivation. The material feels natural and breathable, and is also completely vegan.
The overshirt is GOTS certified. This certification not only sets requirements for the organic fibers used but also monitors various environmental and social conditions within the production chain. Living Crafts has BEN produced by Fabstract in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Components such as buttons and other accessories also fall under the requirements of the production process and are checked by Living Crafts for harmful substances.
Is cotton flannel warm enough for winter?
The sturdy flannel quality retains more heat than a thin, smooth cotton shirt. However, cotton is not as insulating or temperature-regulating as wool. Therefore, treat BEN primarily as a cozy middle layer rather than a replacement for a thick winter coat or wool sweater.
In early autumn, the overshirt can be worn outdoors as a light jacket. Later in the season, it works perfectly over a long-sleeve and under a coat. Indoors, it’s a great extra layer when a thick sweater feels too warm or heavy.
How to wash your cotton overshirt
Wash BEN only when necessary. Small stains can often be spot-treated, and hanging it out after a day of wear is usually enough. Washing less frequently helps maintain the color, structure, and shape for longer.
According to the care label, the overshirt can be washed at a maximum of 40 degrees. For daily maintenance, we recommend a mild cycle at 30 degrees with a small amount of gentle detergent. Close the buttons, turn the garment inside out, and wash with similar colors.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener, and do not put the overshirt in the dryer. Carefully reshape it after washing and let it air dry. Ironing is allowed at a medium temperature. Because it is 100% cotton, the material may shrink if washed or dried at too high a temperature.
View and try on the BEN overshirt in Rotterdam
Would you like to see the mottled sand color in person, feel the sturdiness of the flannel, or compare different sizes? Come visit our store at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. Our team will be happy to help you decide whether you want to wear BEN primarily as a shirt or as an extra layer.
Can't make it to the store? Please feel free to contact us and tell us what size you normally wear, how you want to style the overshirt, and what you're unsure about. We will be happy to provide honest advice.
