The best summer shirts aren't one size fits all. They come in a range of cuts, prints, fabrics—what have you. It really depends on what you’re going to be doing, where you’re going, and who you’re going with. To wit: If date night for two is in the cards, you might want to bypass a white tee. In the same vein, playing ball in the park need not require a designer short-sleeve button-up. Not even A-Rod would do that. Like all things, the right shirt for the sunny months is all relative.
Still, every ideal summer shirt should have certain qualities. First and foremost is a lightweight material. Avoid anything heavy or non-breathable; that’s a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Think cotton, linen, and even terrycloth. Natural fibers are best, because they allow for maximum breathability and feel better on the skin in the sweltering heat.
best cabana shirt
Alexis Zambrano x Tombolo Martini Cabana Shirt
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best terry shirt
OAS Cotton Terry Jacquard Shirt
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Next on the docket is the sleeve length. What characterizes a summer shirt over, say, a shirt for any other season is the fact that the sleeves are short. Sure, you can opt for something that offers full coverage—and if you choose to roll it up, great—but a shirt for summer it is not. It’s really about showing off your forearms and, let’s be real, the new watch that has been lying dormant underneath your cuff for longer than it should. It’s time to let that bad boy shine.
Last is color. Dark hues absorb light and, by extension, heat, which is why it is best to stick to a lighter palette. A great tropical or floral pattern will also help you get into the summer spirit. (More about that here.)
Once you factor in these three essential traits, the world is your oyster. From the camp shirt to the classic polo, we've rounded up the 27 best summer shirts that are going to bring the heat. Or beat it. Your choice.
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best basic polo
Polo Ralph Lauren Solid Cotton Polo Shirt
best basic polo
Polo Ralph Lauren Solid Cotton Polo Shirt
$115 at Nordstrom$115 at Zappos$119 at Amazon
When it comes to polos, it doesn’t get any more classic than the brand with "polo" right there in the name.
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Like everything else from Vuori, the performance fabric makes for comfortable wear in all conditions. This moisture-wicking and quick-drying shirt is going to prevent you from racking up the sweat stains on those extra-hot days.
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best moisture-wicking shirt
Everlane The No-Sweat Polo
best moisture-wicking shirt
Everlane The No-Sweat Polo
There's a reason this shirt got its name, and we think it's pretty obvious. But just in case you're a little out of it today, the moisture-wicking material is going to keep you dry all summer long.
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The neutral sand hue of this perforated shirt will go with just about any color of chinos you could imagine. Yes, even burnt umber.
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best embroidered camp shirt
Percival Meal Deal Tapestry Cuban Shirt
best embroidered camp shirt
Percival Meal Deal Tapestry Cuban Shirt
This is one of the coolest shirts around town, and it's to no surprise that it's from Percival. The all-over graphic embroidery takes this linen button-down into a whole new world.
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best terry T-shirt
Banana Republic Linen French Terry T-Shirt
best terry T-shirt
Banana Republic Linen French Terry T-Shirt
Banana Republic takes French terry and adds a summery spin to it. The flat-loop texture and linen blend create a material that holds its shape while keeping you cool. Plus, you never know when a chest pocket will come in handy.
Aptly named, this T-shirt is designed specifically for hot, summer days. Made in Portugal, the European linen is even pre-shrunk, so you don't need to worry about it creeping up on you after each wash.
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