St John’s Bay Long Sleeve Shirts

Discovering Affordable Quality in a Fast-Fashion World

As I sit here typing, I’m comfortably wrapped in my favorite flannel shirt—a burgundy plaid St. John’s Bay that’s seen me through countless coffee shop writing sessions, family gatherings, and casual Friday workdays. It’s this very comfort that inspired me to share my extensive experience with what I consider to be one of the most underrated clothing staples in men’s fashion today.

When I first stumbled upon St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts three years ago, I had no idea they would become such a significant part of my wardrobe rotation. What began as a single impulse purchase during a JCPenney sale has evolved into something of a collection—currently 12 shirts strong and growing with each seasonal release.

There’s something refreshingly unpretentious about these shirts. In a world where fashion brands often charge premium prices for basic essentials, St. John’s Bay offers a welcome respite—quality without breaking the bank. These shirts deliver exceptional value while maintaining impressive durability, making them the perfect foundation for a versatile wardrobe.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these wardrobe workhorses, from their origins to care instructions and everything in between.

What Exactly Are St. John’s Bay Long Sleeve Shirts?

St. John’s Bay is a private label brand exclusive to JCPenney, one of America’s longest-standing department store chains. The brand launched in 1983 and has since become one of JCPenney’s flagship clothing lines, known primarily for producing casual, classic American apparel at accessible price points.

The long sleeve shirt offerings from St. John’s Bay typically fall into several categories:

1. Button-down Oxford shirts
2. Flannel shirts (my personal favorite)
3. Thermal shirts
4. Henley shirts
5. Polo shirts with long sleeves
6. Casual dress shirts

What makes these shirts stand out is their consistency. While fashion trends come and go, St. John’s Bay maintains a steady focus on classic styles that never really fall out of favor. They’re not trying to be the trendiest option—instead, they aim to be reliable, comfortable, and accessible.

I remember my first purchase—a simple navy blue Oxford that I bought for a casual job interview. The interviewer actually commented on my shirt, asking if it was from a much more expensive brand. When I told her it was St. John’s Bay, she seemed genuinely surprised. That moment crystallized what I’ve come to appreciate most about these shirts: they look more expensive than they actually are.

Where to Find St. John’s Bay Long Sleeve Shirts

The most straightforward answer is JCPenney. As the exclusive retailer of the St. John’s Bay brand, you’ll find the most comprehensive selection of styles, sizes, and colors at JCPenney stores nationwide. I’ve noticed that larger JCPenney locations in major shopping malls tend to have the best selection, but even smaller stores carry the core styles.

If you prefer online shopping (as I increasingly do), JCPenney’s website offers the complete St. John’s Bay collection. The site frequently features exclusive online-only colors and patterns that you won’t find in physical stores. I’ve found their website to be particularly useful during seasonal transitions when stores might be clearing out the previous season’s inventory while bringing in new styles.

Beyond the official channels, I’ve occasionally spotted St. John’s Bay shirts at:

• Thrift stores (often in excellent condition)
• Online marketplaces like eBay and Poshmark
• JCPenney outlet stores (though these are becoming increasingly rare)

Last year, I struck gold at a local thrift store, finding three practically unworn flannel shirts for $6 each. Given how well these shirts hold up over time, secondhand options can be an incredible value if you’re patient enough to search for them.

The Price Point: Affordable Quality

One of the most compelling aspects of St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts is their price point. Regular retail prices typically range from $36 to $45 for most styles, with seasonal and specialty items occasionally reaching the $50 mark.

However—and this is important—JCPenney runs frequent sales and promotions that dramatically reduce these prices. In my experience, with a bit of patience and timing, you can regularly find these shirts priced between $15 and $25. During major holiday sales (Black Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day), I’ve seen prices drop as low as $12.99.

My personal strategy has been to wait for these sales before stocking up. Last November, during a pre-Black Friday event, I purchased four flannel shirts for a total of $56—essentially getting them at $14 each, which is roughly 65% off the regular price.

Even at full retail price, these shirts offer excellent value compared to similar styles from brands like L.L.Bean, Eddie Bauer, or Lands’ End, which typically charge $50-70 for comparable items. The quality difference, in my experience, isn’t proportional to the price gap.

Size Matters: Finding Your Perfect Fit

St. John’s Bay offers one of the more inclusive size ranges I’ve encountered in men’s casual wear. Their long sleeve shirts typically come in:

• Regular sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, XXX-Large
• Tall sizes: Medium Tall, Large Tall, X-Large Tall, XX-Large Tall
• Big sizes: 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
• Big & Tall combinations: 2XL Tall, 3XL Tall, 4XL Tall

This extensive range has been a particular blessing for me as someone who stands 6’4″ with long arms. The “Tall” sizing ensures that the sleeves actually reach my wrists and the shirts stay tucked in when I raise my arms—a surprisingly rare feature in affordable shirt brands.

For context, I typically wear a Large Tall in St. John’s Bay shirts. In other brands, I often have to size up to an XL just to get adequate sleeve length, which then leaves the body of the shirt too baggy.

True to Size or Size Surprises?

Based on my experience and conversations with other St. John’s Bay enthusiasts, these shirts generally run true to size, with some minor variations depending on the specific style.

The Oxford and dress shirts tend to have a slightly more generous cut compared to some contemporary brands that favor a slimmer silhouette. This isn’t necessarily a negative—the relaxed fit makes them comfortable for all-day wear and provides room for movement. If you prefer a more tailored look, you might consider sizing down.

Flannel shirts typically have the most generous fit, which is ideal for layering over t-shirts or under jackets and sweaters. The thermal shirts and Henleys tend to fit closer to the body, as you’d expect from these styles.

One issue I’ve encountered is some inconsistency between different shirt styles. My Large Tall fits perfectly in flannel and Oxford styles, but I found the same size in their dress shirts to be slightly baggier than I’d prefer. It’s not a major issue, but something to be aware of if you’re ordering online without the ability to try on first.

I’ve found that checking the customer reviews on JCPenney’s website can be helpful—many reviewers mention sizing details that can guide your decision, especially for newer styles.

Material Matters: What Goes Into These Shirts

The materials used in St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts vary by style, but they consistently prioritize comfort and durability over trendy fabric blends:

• Oxford shirts: Typically 100% cotton or a cotton-polyester blend (usually 60/40)
• Flannel shirts: Cotton flannel, sometimes with a small percentage of polyester for durability
• Thermal shirts: Usually a cotton-polyester blend with a waffle texture
• Henley shirts: Cotton or cotton-polyester blends
• Dress shirts: Cotton-polyester blends designed to reduce wrinkling

What I’ve appreciated most about these fabrics is how they tend to improve with wear. My oldest St. John’s Bay flannel—a blue and green plaid I’ve had for almost three years—has softened beautifully with each wash while maintaining its structure and color.

The weight of the materials also deserves mention. The flannel shirts, in particular, offer substantial heft compared to the paper-thin options from fast-fashion retailers. The Oxford shirts strike a nice balance—heavy enough to drape well, but not so thick as to be uncomfortable in heated indoor environments.

I’ve found that the 100% cotton options require a bit more care (and will likely shrink slightly even with careful washing), while the cotton-polyester blends maintain their shape better but sacrifice a bit of the breathability of pure cotton.

The Comfort Factor: All-Day Wearability

Comfort is subjective, but in my experience, St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts excel in this department. Several factors contribute to their wearability:

1. Breathable fabrics: Even the blended materials allow decent airflow, preventing that clammy feeling that cheaper shirts often develop.
2. Thoughtful construction: The armholes are cut generously, allowing for movement without pulling at the shoulders or restricting motion.
3. Soft collars: Unlike some brands that use excessive stiffening in their collars, St. John’s Bay collars are structured enough to look proper but soft enough to avoid neck irritation.
4. Quality stitching: I’ve experienced minimal issues with scratchy seams or irritating tags (most styles now use printed labels rather than sewn tags).

I particularly appreciate how these shirts perform during long days. Last fall, I wore one of my flannel shirts for a 14-hour day that included both office work and helping a friend move furniture. The shirt remained comfortable throughout, without the bunching or restriction that I’ve experienced with other brands.

For those with sensitive skin, I’d recommend the 100% cotton options, which offer the best breathability and least potential for irritation. After the first wash, these pure cotton shirts become noticeably softer, while maintaining their structural integrity.

A Rainbow of Options: Available Colors and Patterns

One of the strengths of the St. John’s Bay line is the impressive variety of colors and patterns available, particularly when you consider the price point. While the selection rotates seasonally, you can typically find:

Solid Colors:

• Navy, black, white, and various shades of blue (staples that are always available)
• Earth tones (olive, khaki, brown)
• Seasonal colors (burgundy and forest green in fall/winter; pastels and brighter hues in spring/summer)

Patterns:

• Plaids and checks (particularly in the flannel line)
• Subtle stripes
• Small-scale prints
• Textured solids

The plaid flannel shirts deserve special mention—they offer a surprising range of color combinations that go beyond the standard red-and-black lumberjack stereotype. Last season, I picked up a subdued navy and gray plaid that works beautifully for office casual environments.

For Oxford shirts, I’ve found their light blue and white options to be particularly versatile, while the dress shirt line often includes interesting textured solids that add visual interest without being overly flashy.

What I particularly appreciate is how the colors maintain their vibrancy after multiple washes. My oldest shirts have certainly faded slightly, but not to the degree I’ve experienced with other brands in this price range.

Styling Versatility: From Casual to Business Casual

The versatility of St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts is perhaps their most underappreciated quality. These shirts can be styled in numerous ways:

For Casual Wear:

• Flannel or Oxford shirts worn unbuttoned over a simple t-shirt with jeans
• Henley shirts paired with chinos for a relaxed weekend look
• Thermal shirts under a vest for outdoor activities

For Business Casual:

• Oxford shirts tucked into khakis or dress pants
• Dress shirts paired with a blazer (no tie) for meetings
• Solid-colored flannel shirts (more subdued patterns) with dark jeans for “casual Friday”

For Smart Casual:

• Oxford shirts with the sleeves rolled up, paired with chinos and loafers
• Dress shirts under a v-neck sweater with dark jeans
• Solid flannel shirts buttoned all the way up with slim-fit pants

I’ve worn my St. John’s Bay shirts in all these configurations. Just last month, I attended a networking event wearing a light blue Oxford under a navy blazer with khaki pants. Later that same week, I wore a flannel shirt with jeans for a casual dinner with friends. The shirts transition seamlessly between these contexts.

The key to maximizing versatility is choosing the right colors and patterns. Solid colors and subtle patterns offer the most flexibility, while bolder plaids are best reserved for purely casual settings.

Seasonal Suitability: Winter Warriors and Beyond

St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts shine particularly bright during the fall and winter months. The flannel options provide substantial warmth while still being breathable, making them ideal for layering in colder weather.

The weight of the Oxford shirts also makes them suitable year-round in air-conditioned environments. I’ve found them perfectly comfortable in office settings regardless of the season outside.

For the coldest winter days, the thermal shirts make excellent base layers under flannel or Oxford shirts, creating a warm but breathable combination that doesn’t feel bulky.

That said, the brand does offer lighter-weight options more suitable for warmer months:

• Lightweight cotton-blend shirts with short sleeves (technically outside our long-sleeve focus, but worth mentioning)
• Oxford shirts in lighter fabrications for spring and summer
• Long-sleeve polos that work well in transitional weather

In my experience, the flannel shirts are too warm for summer use, but the Oxford shirts can work year-round depending on your local climate. In my area, where summers can reach the high 90s, I typically switch to short sleeves during June-August, but continue wearing the Oxford styles during cooler summer evenings.

The Verdict from Customers: Reviews and Feedback

Based on my observations of online reviews and conversations with fellow St. John’s Bay wearers, the consensus opinion is overwhelmingly positive, especially when considering the price point.

On JCPenney’s website, most styles consistently receive ratings in the 4.3-4.7 out of 5 range, with hundreds of reviews for popular items. Common praise points include:

• Durability and longevity
• Comfort and fit
• Value for money
• Color accuracy compared to online photos
• Consistent sizing across purchases

The most frequent criticisms involve:

• Occasional issues with inconsistent sizing between different styles
• Some complaints about buttons coming loose (though I haven’t experienced this myself)
• Limited availability of certain popular colors and patterns

My own experience aligns with the majority of positive reviews. In my social circle, I’ve actually convinced several friends to try these shirts, and all have been pleasantly surprised by the quality-to-price ratio.

One friend, who typically shops at higher-end retailers, initially scoffed at the idea of wearing a “department store brand,” but has since purchased several Oxford shirts after borrowing one of mine for a camping trip. His exact words were, “I can’t believe these cost less than half what I usually pay.”

Layering Potential: Under and Over

The layering potential of St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts is excellent, making them versatile pieces for building outfits:

As Base Layers:
The Oxford and dress shirts work beautifully under sweaters, providing a polished collar peeking out without adding bulk. I frequently wear mine under both v-neck and crew neck sweaters.

As Mid Layers:
The flannel shirts function perfectly as mid-layers between a t-shirt and a jacket or coat. During winter, my typical outdoor outfit consists of a thermal or t-shirt, flannel shirt, and either a denim jacket or puffer coat, depending on the temperature.

As Outer Layers:
In mild weather, the heavier flannels can serve as light jackets themselves, particularly when worn over a t-shirt. The slightly oversized fit of the flannel styles makes them perfect for this purpose.

What makes these shirts particularly good for layering is their thoughtful construction—the armholes are generous enough that they don’t bind when worn under other garments, and the fabrics are substantial enough to provide warmth without creating excessive bulk.

I’ve found that the tall sizes are particularly advantageous for layering, as they provide extra length that helps shirts stay tucked in even with multiple layers and movement.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Them Looking Their Best

Proper care significantly extends the life of these already durable shirts. Based on my experience, here’s what works best:

Washing Instructions:

• Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
• Turn the shirts inside out before washing to preserve colors and patterns
• Use mild detergent without bleach
• Wash similar colors together (particularly important for the first few washes of darker colors)

Drying Options:

• Line drying is ideal for preserving fabric quality and preventing shrinkage
• If using a dryer, use low heat and remove promptly when slightly damp
• Hanging the shirts on proper hangers while still slightly damp helps reduce wrinkles

Ironing (if needed):

• Iron inside-out on medium heat
• For Oxford and dress shirts, a light spray of water helps achieve a crisp finish
• The flannel shirts rarely need ironing—in fact, a slightly rumpled look is part of their charm

Storage:

• Hang on wooden or padded hangers to maintain shape
• Button the top button to help collars retain their proper form
• Avoid overcrowding in the closet to prevent excessive wrinkling

Following these care instructions, my oldest St. John’s Bay shirts still look remarkably good after years of regular wear. I’ve noticed minimal color fading, no significant shrinkage (using the methods above), and only slight thinning of the fabric at high-friction points like the elbows.

The Shrinkage Question: What to Expect

In my experience, shrinkage varies depending on the material composition and care method:

• 100% cotton shirts (particularly the Oxford styles) will shrink slightly—approximately 3-5% in length and width—even with careful washing. After the first wash, the shrinkage stabilizes.
• Cotton-polyester blends show minimal shrinkage, typically less than 2%.
• Flannel shirts may appear to shrink slightly more due to the napping of the fabric becoming more compressed, but the actual dimensional change is similar to other cotton shirts.

To minimize shrinkage:

1. Wash in cold water
2. Avoid high-heat drying
3. Remove from the dryer while still slightly damp
4. Consider sizing up if you’re between sizes and concerned about shrinkage

For reference, my Large Tall flannel shirts lost approximately half an inch in sleeve length after the first wash, with negligible change thereafter. The body length shortened by about three-quarters of an inch. These changes weren’t enough to affect the wearability of the shirts, and in some cases actually improved the fit.

Finding Deals: Maximizing Value

While St. John’s Bay shirts are already reasonably priced at retail, strategic shopping can yield impressive savings:

Regular Sales Cycles:
JCPenney typically runs major sales during:

• Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents’ Day)
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• End-of-season clearances (January/February and July/August)
• Back-to-school period (August)

During these sales, discounts of 40-60% are common, with some clearance items reaching 70% off.

JCPenney Rewards:
The JCPenney Rewards program offers additional savings through:

• Earning points on purchases that convert to rewards certificates
• Member-only pricing on certain items
• Early access to sales events
• Birthday rewards

Coupons and Stackable Discounts:
JCPenney frequently offers coupons that can be combined with sale prices:

• Percentage-off coupons (often $10 off $25, $15 off $50, etc.)
• “Extra 20% off” coupons that apply even to sale items
• Online-only codes for free shipping

My best deal to date was during a clearance event when I purchased two flannel shirts for $9.99 each, applied a $10 off $25 coupon, and used my rewards points—bringing my total cost to just over $12 for both shirts combined.

The key is patience. If you’re not in immediate need of a new shirt, tracking prices for a few weeks can result in substantial savings.

Plaid Perfection: The Flannel Collection

The plaid flannel shirts deserve special attention as they represent some of the best value in the St. John’s Bay lineup. These shirts have become something of a signature item for the brand.

The plaid selection typically includes:

• Classic buffalo plaids in various color combinations
• Tartan patterns in both traditional and contemporary colors
• Subtle windowpane checks
• Multi-color plaids with interesting accent threads

What sets these flannel shirts apart from budget competitors is the quality of the fabric and printing. The patterns are sharp and well-aligned at the seams, and the colors maintain their vibrancy through multiple washes.

The weight of the flannel is substantial—not heavyweight workwear grade, but certainly robust enough for everyday use in cool weather. The fabric is brushed on both sides, creating a soft hand feel that only improves with washing.

In terms of warmth, these flannels hit a sweet spot—warm enough to serve as a light jacket in fall weather, but not so heavy that they become uncomfortable indoors.

My collection currently includes plaids in:

• Navy and gray (my most versatile option)
• Green and blue (perfect for outdoor activities)
• Red and black (the classic lumberjack style)
• Brown and orange (my favorite for fall)

Each has its place in my rotation, with the more subdued patterns working well for casual office days and the bolder ones reserved for weekends and outdoor activities.

Retail Availability: Where to Find Them

As mentioned earlier, JCPenney is the exclusive retailer for St. John’s Bay merchandise. Their presence varies by region, but you can find these shirts at:

Physical JCPenney Stores:

• Mall locations (typically offer the most comprehensive selection)
• Standalone JCPenney stores
• JCPenney Home Stores (though these focus more on homewares, some carry basic apparel)

Online:

• JCPenney.com (the complete selection)
• JCPenney mobile app (occasionally features app-exclusive deals)

Secondary Markets:

• Resale apps and websites (Poshmark, eBay, ThreadUp)
• Thrift stores (often an excellent source for gently used items)

The availability of specific styles and sizes varies seasonally, with the most comprehensive selection typically available in September/October (fall styles) and February/March (spring styles).

In my experience, the online selection is significantly more extensive than what’s available in physical stores, particularly for Tall sizes and less common colors. The website also offers the advantage of user reviews, which can be helpful when considering a new style or unfamiliar color.

Brand Comparisons: How Do They Stack Up?

Having tried comparable shirts from several other brands, I can offer some perspective on how St. John’s Bay compares:

vs. Croft & Barrow (Kohl’s):
St. John’s Bay offers slightly better fabric quality and more consistent sizing, though prices are similar when on sale.

vs. Arrow (available at various retailers):
St. John’s Bay provides better value, particularly in the flannel category, though Arrow dress shirts sometimes offer more modern cuts.

vs. Amazon Essentials:
St. John’s Bay shirts feature higher-quality fabrics and more substantial construction, though Amazon Essentials may have a slight edge in slim-fit options.

vs. Premium Brands (L.L.Bean, Eddie Bauer, Lands’ End):
The premium brands typically offer marginally better construction and more specialized fabrics, but at a significant price premium (often 2-3 times the cost). The quality difference rarely justifies the price gap for everyday wear.

In terms of specific characteristics:

• Fabric Quality: St. John’s Bay ranks above most store brands and budget options, offering good weight and durability.
• Fit Consistency: Generally good, though with some variation between styles.
• Style Selection: More classic than trendy, with excellent basics but fewer fashion-forward options.
• Durability: Excellent for the price point, with sturdy stitching and buttons.
• Value: Outstanding when purchased on sale, very good even at regular prices.

For my money, St. John’s Bay offers the best balance of quality and value in this market segment, particularly for classic styles that don’t need to be at the cutting edge of fashion trends.

Gender Availability: Men’s and Women’s Options

It’s worth noting that St. John’s Bay produces apparel for both men and women, though this guide focuses primarily on the men’s long sleeve shirt offerings.

The women’s St. John’s Bay line includes:

• Button-front shirts in similar styles to the men’s line
• Tunic-length options
• More varied necklines and silhouettes
• A greater emphasis on prints and patterns

My wife has several St. John’s Bay shirts and reports similar satisfaction with their quality and value. She particularly appreciates their tunic-length options, which she finds more versatile than the shorter shirts offered by many women’s brands.

The sizing in the women’s line tends to be inclusive, with regular, petite, and plus-size options available. Like the men’s line, the fit tends toward classic rather than trendy slim cuts.

Both the men’s and women’s lines maintain a similar aesthetic—classic American casual with an emphasis on wearability and versatility rather than cutting-edge fashion.

Formality Spectrum: From Casual to Dressy

Can St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts work for formal occasions? The answer is nuanced:

Business Casual: Absolutely. The Oxford and dress shirts, particularly in solid colors or subtle patterns, are perfectly appropriate for business casual environments. Paired with khakis or dress pants and perhaps a blazer, they create a polished, professional look suitable for most modern offices.

Smart Casual Events: Yes. The higher-end dress shirts, when properly pressed and paired with appropriate bottoms, work well for restaurants, religious services, or casual evening events.

Truly Formal Events: Not ideal. For events requiring formal attire (weddings, galas, etc.), I would recommend investing in dress shirts specifically designed for such occasions, with higher thread counts and more refined detailing.

I’ve worn St. John’s Bay shirts to:

• Job interviews (business casual positions)
• Office environments
• Religious services
• Casual family celebrations
• Dinner at mid-range restaurants

But would choose other options for:

• Black tie events
• Formal weddings
• High-stakes business meetings
• Upscale restaurants with strict dress codes

The key limitation for formal wear isn’t necessarily the quality, but rather the styling and details. St. John’s Bay shirts typically feature slightly thicker fabrics and more casual detailing than shirts designed specifically for formal wear.

Conclusion: The Underrated Wardrobe Essential

After three years and countless wears, my conclusion is straightforward: St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts represent one of the best values in men’s casual apparel today. They strike a remarkable balance between quality, versatility, and affordability that few other brands can match.

What I appreciate most is their honest, unpretentious approach. These aren’t shirts trying to make a bold fashion statement or leverage artificial exclusivity. They’re simply well-made basics designed to look good, feel comfortable, and last through years of regular wear.

For anyone building or refreshing a wardrobe—particularly on a budget—I wholeheartedly recommend starting with a few St. John’s Bay long sleeve shirts as foundation pieces. Whether you opt for the versatility of Oxford shirts, the comfort of flannels, or the polish of their dress shirts, you’ll be getting exceptional value for your money.

These shirts deliver exceptional value while maintaining impressive durability, making them the perfect foundation for a versatile wardrobe. In a world where clothing is increasingly disposable, it’s refreshing to find products designed to last—and even more refreshing when they don’t come with a premium price tag.

So next time you’re near a JCPenney, I’d encourage you to take a few minutes to browse their St. John’s Bay selection. You might just find, as I did, that these unassuming shirts become some of the most reached-for items in your closet.