Hot weather has a way of turning even the most stylish men into minimalists. The urge to throw on a T-shirt and call it a day is strong, and sometimes, fair enough. But summer shirts are a smarter move. Pick wisely and it'll breathe better, look sharper, and suggest you’ve made an effort without actually trying very hard.
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a long lunch, or just tackling the weekly shop in 30-degree heat, the right shirt can keep you cool and vaguely respectable at the same time. Here are ten summer shirt styles that strike the balance. Some subtle, some characterful, all of them easy to wear.
Loose linen long-sleeve
The closest thing to air conditioning you can wear. A loose-fitting, long-sleeve linen shirt does the heavy lifting when the sun’s out but sleeves are still required – be it for dinner, a flight, or pretending to care about your SPF. Roll the cuffs, leave it untucked, and let the fabric do its thing. The looser the cut, the less it sticks.
Floral camp-collar
Camp-collars and florals go together like Aperol and ice. If you’re going to go loud, this is the way to do it: short sleeves, open collar, soft shoulders. Just steer clear of anything too novelty (no flamingos, no pineapples) and keep the rest of the outfit quiet. Think holidaying film director, not lost tourist.
Loose knit
A summer shirt, yes, but also a secret weapon. The loose knit shirt – usually cotton or viscose – adds texture to your warm-weather rotation without feeling heavy. Buttoned up, it’s got a mid-century feel; worn open, it’s one step from a breezy cardigan. Ideal for cool evenings or anywhere with overzealous air con.
Minimalist short-sleeve
No collar quirks, no patterns, no fuss. Just a boxy cut, a clean hem, and fabric that breathes. A minimalist short-sleeve shirt is what you wear when you don’t want to look like you tried, but still want to look like you know what you’re doing. Goes with anything, offends no one, quietly gets the job done.
Striped Oxford
In a loose fit, the striped Oxford shirt becomes a go-to summer staple – especially in washed-out blues or sun-faded pinks. Button it over a white tee, or wear it solo with swim shorts and loafers. A gateway to grown-up summer dressing.
Statement short-sleeve
When you’re ready to bring a bit of theatre to your wardrobe. Whether it’s a bold print, contrast piping, or just a slightly exaggerated silhouette, the statement short-sleeve isn’t about blending in. But it’s not about peacocking either – wear it like it’s no big deal and suddenly it isn’t.
Classic polo
Still undefeated. The polo shirt works because it’s everything at once: casual, presentable, low-maintenance. Go for a soft cotton or pique knit in a neutral colour and you’ll never go wrong. Looks sharp with tailored shorts, trousers, even a swimsuit. Still the easiest way to clean up without buttoning up.
Towelling polo
An off-duty indulgence that’s become an on-trend staple. The towelling polo is soft, slightly retro, and ideal when it’s hot enough to fry an egg on your forearms. It suggests poolside living even if you’re just heading to the pub. Keep it slimish, tuck it loosely, and don’t overthink it.
Linen short-sleeve
If the long-sleeve linen shirt is for the Amalfi evenings, the short-sleeve version is for everything before that. Light, loose, and barely there, it’s the most breathable shirt in your summer lineup. Go with natural tones and Cuban collars, and let the fabric crumple – it’s part of the charm.
Geometric-print short-sleeve
Louder than a stripe, subtler than a floral. The geometric-print short-sleeve shirt lives in that sweet spot between bold and wearable. Ideal for when you want to show some personality without looking like you’re doing stand-up. Works best when the colours are muted and the pattern feels vintage rather than novelty.
The best linen shirts in 2025.
