27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (2024)

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.

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.

Want essential shopping tips on the regular? Sign up for Esquire Select.

When it comes to polos, it doesn’t get any more classic than the brand with "polo" right there in the name.

best basic t-shirt

Lululemon Fundamental T-Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (12)

best basic t-shirt

Lululemon Fundamental T-Shirt

The name says it all.

best casual shirt

Bonobos Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (13)

best casual shirt

Bonobos Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt

Now 42% Off

Perfect for a yacht—beer in one hand, canapé in the other.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

best performance shirt

Vuori Seaport Button Down

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (14)

best performance shirt

Vuori Seaport Button Down

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.

best cabana shirt

Alexis Zambrano x Tombolo Martini Cabana Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (15)

best cabana shirt

Alexis Zambrano x Tombolo Martini Cabana Shirt

I mean, doesn't this martini shirt just scream "summer"?

best everyday t-shirt

Nautica Short-Sleeve Pocket T-shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (16)

best everyday t-shirt

Nautica Short-Sleeve Pocket T-shirt

A simple summer crew neck, with a pocket for little extra fun.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

best simple T-shirt

Buck Mason Pima Short Classic Tee

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (17)

best simple T-shirt

Buck Mason Pima Short Classic Tee

Ah, yes. The classic T-shirt. A true summer staple.

best boxy shirt

Golden Goose Short-Sleeved Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (18)

best boxy shirt

Golden Goose Short-Sleeved Shirt

A boxy fit and camp collar create a retro vibe. And where is the iconic Golden Goose star you might ask? Two gold-tone stars adorn the back, just below the nape of the neck.

best moisture-wicking shirt

Everlane The No-Sweat Polo

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (19)

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.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

best terry shirt

OAS Cotton Terry Jacquard Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (20)

best terry shirt

OAS Cotton Terry Jacquard Shirt

Why carry around a beach towel when you can just wear one? This terry shirt is functional and fashionable.

best sustainable shirt

Fair Harbor The Ravello Terry Polo

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (21)

best sustainable shirt

Fair Harbor The Ravello Terry Polo

With sustainability at its core, Fair Harbor goes off to create a terry polo that's just as sophisticated as it is practical. And it's made from four recycled water bottles.

Suitsupply Crochet Buttonless Polo Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (22)

Suitsupply Crochet Buttonless Polo Shirt

The neutral sand hue of this perforated shirt will go with just about any color of chinos you could imagine. Yes, even burnt umber.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

best knitted polo

Todd Snyder Italian Cotton Ribbed Polo Sweater

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (23)

best knitted polo

Todd Snyder Italian Cotton Ribbed Polo Sweater

If you want to try a polo with flavor, this guy—with some Italian seasoning—is mighty tasty.

best striped linen shirt

Oliver Spencer Havana Camp-Collar Striped Linen Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (24)

best striped linen shirt

Oliver Spencer Havana Camp-Collar Striped Linen Shirt

Stripes and linen are a match made in heaven.

best embroidered camp shirt

Percival Meal Deal Tapestry Cuban Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (25)

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.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

best terry T-shirt

Banana Republic Linen French Terry T-Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (26)

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.

best quality shirt

Alex Crane Sun Tee

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (27)

best quality shirt

Alex Crane Sun Tee

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.

best summer work shirt

Saturdays NYC Gibson Pigment Dyed Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (28)

best summer work shirt

Saturdays NYC Gibson Pigment Dyed Shirt

Rugged, but summery. A combination that'll make a whole lot of guys very happy.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

best colorful shirt

Drake's Striped Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (29)

best colorful shirt

Drake's Striped Shirt

Now 25% Off

Good luck finding a shirt that feels more like summertime than this. We'll wait.

best printed shirt

Ben Sherman Signature Resort Print Shirt

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (30)

best printed shirt

Ben Sherman Signature Resort Print Shirt

If it says "resort print," then you must book a trip to a resort and wear it there. It's basically an order.

27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terrell Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6668

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terrell Hackett

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Suite 453 459 Gibson Squares, East Adriane, AK 71925-5692

Phone: +21811810803470

Job: Chief Representative

Hobby: Board games, Rock climbing, Ghost hunting, Origami, Kabaddi, Mushroom hunting, Gaming

Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.