Beach shirts for men have come a long way since the days of oversized hibiscus prints and boardwalk clichés. Today, they’re less about dressing like a caricature and more about looking relaxed without looking sloppy. Lightweight, low-maintenance, and often surprisingly versatile, the right beach shirt earns its place in your summer rotation.
From crisp linen shirts to bold graphics, here are the key styles worth knowing – and why they deserve space in your suitcase.
Two-tone
Simple but not boring. A two-tone beach shirt strikes the balance between minimal and eye-catching, using contrast colours – think navy and white, green and cream – to create definition without overcomplicating things. Best worn open over a tank or tee, or buttoned up with shorts and espadrilles. Bonus: they go with almost anything in your suitcase.
Plain pastel
There’s something very relaxing about pastels. Pale yellow, powder blue, dusty pink – they all look better with a tan and don’t scream for attention. A plain pastel beach shirt works hard in the heat: breathable, soft on the eyes, and easy to throw over swim shorts, linen trousers or even boardies. Choose slightly washed or garment-dyed versions for that sun-faded feel.
Floral
A classic move – as long as you avoid the cartoonish end of the spectrum. Look for floral prints that feel vintage or botanical rather than garish: watercolour hibiscus, tonal palms, moody wildflowers. Pair with tailored shorts and sandals, and you’re good to go. Floral beach shirts for men work best when they look like they’ve been around since 1972.
Geometric print
If florals feel too soft and pastels aren’t your thing, geometric prints are a sharp alternative. Think repeating squares, zig-zags, abstract lines – more ‘70s motel wallpaper than club shirt. The trick is in the tones: stick to muted shades or two-colour combos and let the pattern do the work. Easy to wear with wide-leg shorts, leather sandals and not much else.
Off-white linen
Possibly the king of beach shirts. A crisp off-white linen shirt is a guaranteed style upgrade, whether you’re on a boat or just pretending to be. It’s light, clean, breathable and always looks good half-unbuttoned. Pair with navy swim shorts, loose chinos or even jeans if you must. The crumples are part of the charm – lean into it.
Classic Hawaiian
The original beach shirt. The classic Hawaiian style is bold but good-humoured, usually featuring palm trees, sunsets or oversized flowers in saturated colours. Yes, it’s a statement, but it doesn’t have to be tacky. Look for vintage-inspired versions with camp collars, boxy cuts and slightly toned-down prints. Worn open with shorts and slides, it still works.
Next up: The best beachwear for men in 2025.
