A bowling shirt is a men's shirt that resembles a camp shirt shirt in construction, but not appearance, typically being more color blocked and the contrast of solid colors. They are loose-fitting, collared, short sleeved, buttoned shirts, with a straight hem designed to be worn not tucked into the pants. The fabric, color and design vary greatly, but frequently incorporate contrasting colors and simple designs, with more expensive ones often made of silk blends. They may have a generally have single "left chest pocket sometimes with a button closure. Team logos or monogram initials are also common options on the in or on the area of the left chest pocket as well as the left sleeve

The bowling shirt is a specific style of shirt that is associated with the game of bowling. It is box-cut and short-sleeved with a button-up front, pocket, and has a small lay-flat collar and split side tabs. The bowling shirt was first created in 1946 by kansas City manufacturer Nat Nast. What sometimes distinguishes a bowling shirt from all other box-cut shirts is the "Action Back" which allows for full freedom movement for the bowler wearing the action back bowling shirt. Bowling shirts are also well know for the use of contarst color panels, stripes, collars and cuffs. This look is associated with style of the retro fifties and has recently returned to main stream fashion recreated in better fabrics such as silk blends.

The classic bowling shirt is a a solid color shirt with a contrasting color front panel and collar. The back of the shirt might also be a solid color, with shoulder piping; the shoulders themselves and sleeves, contrasting colors. The shirt might have contrasting side and back.