AUTOMET Plaid Shacket Review: Worth the Hype?

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The “Shacket”—part shirt, part jacket—has completely taken over fall fashion feeds for the last few years. It’s supposed to be the ultimate transition piece: warmer than a tee, but not as bulky as a puffer coat. I kept seeing this specific AUTOMET plaid button-down popping up on “Amazon Must-Haves” lists, so I decided to grab one to see if it lives up to the heavy rotation status influencers claim it deserves.

I’ve been wearing it for about ten days now, through fluctuating temperatures and a few wash cycles. Is it actually a jacket, or just a glorified oversized shirt? Here is what I found.

The ‘Truth’ Test

Let’s clear up the biggest question first: Is this a jacket? No.

Despite the “shacket” label in the name, this is firmly a flannel shirt. It does not have a lining, it does not have insulation, and it does not have the structure of a coat. If you wear this out in 45-degree weather expecting warmth, you will freeze. However, as an oversized layering piece, it nails the aesthetic perfectly. It drapes well, it covers the bum (crucial for legging outfits), and it gives that effortless “I stole my boyfriend’s shirt” vibe without the boxy shoulders that actual men’s shirts usually have.

️ Build & Design Audit

The Fabric: The tag says it’s a polyester blend (usually nylon/spandex/poly mix). It mimics the feel of wool flannel without the itchiness. The exterior is brushed, meaning it feels fuzzy and soft to the touch. The interior is smoother but unlined. It’s medium-weight—heavier than a dress shirt but lighter than a denim jacket.

The Buttons: I noticed the buttons are a faux-tortoiseshell plastic. They look nice from a distance, but up close, they feel a bit flimsy. When I shake the shirt, they rattle slightly. They are functional, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I have to sew one back on in a few months.

The Pattern Matching: This is a pet peeve of mine with budget fashion. On the shirt I received, the plaid lines on the side seams didn’t match up perfectly. It’s not a dealbreaker for a casual shirt, but it’s a tell-tale sign of mass production. If you are OCD about your plaid lines aligning perfectly across the pocket and placket, this might bother you.

⚙️ Real-World Performance

I tested this shirt in a few common scenarios to see how it handled daily life.

The “Coffee Run” Layering: I threw this on over a tank top to run errands. It’s incredibly easy to style. Because the fabric is soft and pliable, you can do the “half-tuck” into jeans easily, or tie it around your waist without it looking like a bulky tire. It adds a nice pop of color to an otherwise boring all-black outfit.

The Friction Test: I wore this while driving and working at my desk. One issue with brushed synthetic fabrics is pilling. After about three days of wearing it while sitting in an office chair, I started to notice very minor fuzzing on the lower back area where it rubbed against the chair. It hasn’t turned into full pilling balls yet, but I suspect that after a season of heavy wear, the high-friction areas (under arms, lower back) will start to look rough.

Washing: I washed it on a cold cycle and hung it to dry. Do not put this in the dryer on high heat. Synthetic flannels like this tend to shrink weirdly or lose their softness if blasted with heat. Air drying kept it soft, though it did come out of the washing machine fairly wrinkled. You’ll need a steamer unless you don’t mind the rumpled look.

The Downsides (Critical)

While I like the look, there are functionality issues that I can’t ignore.

1. No Hand Pockets: This is the biggest failure of the “Shacket” claim. If you call something a jacket, I expect places to put my hands. This shirt has two chest pockets (which are buttoned and mostly decorative), but no side seam pockets. When I was standing outside waiting for an Uber, I instinctively went to put my hands in my pockets and was left awkwardly grabbing the hem of the shirt.

2. Static Cling City: Because it’s synthetic, this thing generates static electricity like a science experiment. When I took it off, my hair stood on end. It also clings to your legs if you wear certain leggings. You will absolutely need anti-static spray or dryer sheets if you live in a dry climate.

3. Collar Collapse: The collar lacks stiff interfacing. It tends to flop flat rather than stand up nicely. If you want a popped collar look, you won’t get it here. It lays very flat against the clavicle, which can sometimes look a bit messy if you have layers underneath.

Pros/Cons Table

Head-to-Head

AUTOMET vs. Traditional Flannels (e.g., L.L. Bean)

A traditional flannel is usually 100% cotton. Cotton breathes better and is more durable long-term, but it’s often stiffer and thicker. The AUTOMET is synthetic, which means it drapes better and feels softer initially, but it won’t regulate your body temperature as well. You’ll sweat in this if you move around too much because the polyester traps moisture.

AUTOMET vs. Zara/H&M Shackets

I’ve bought similar items from Zara, and honestly, the quality is comparable. The main difference is the cut. The AUTOMET leans more towards the “oversized boyfriend” fit, whereas high-street brands often crop their shirts or make them boxy. For the price, the Amazon option is easier to return if the fit is off.

Expert Verdict

The AUTOMET Plaid Button Down is a fantastic fashion item, but a mediocre utility item. If you want something to throw over a crop top for a cute Instagram photo or a casual brunch, this is perfect. It’s soft, slouchy, and stylish.

Who is this for? People who want the “fall vibes” look for layering over activewear or jeans. It’s strictly for mild autumn days.

Who should avoid it? If you are looking for actual warmth or functional outerwear with pockets, skip this. Also, if you have pets that shed, the brushed fabric is a magnet for fur—you have been warned.