A knitted shirt might just be exactly what's missing from your summer wardrobe. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it has a texture, a weight, a soft-spoken elegance that separates it from the rest of the usual warm-weather shirting suspects. If a traditional cotton poplin shirt feels a bit stiff, and a pique polo feels like it’s missing something, the knitted shirt sits comfortably in the middle. Sharp yet relaxed.
It’s also more versatile than it lets on. Pair it with pleated trousers and loafers for the kind of Riviera-adjacent look that works just as well in Hackney as it does in Sorrento. Or throw it on with shorts and sandals to tackle everyday duties. Either way, it earns its place.
Here’s what you need to know and the brands making the best knitted shirts right now.
What is a knitted shirt?
A knitted shirt, as the name suggests, is made using a knitting technique – which means the fabric is looped rather than woven. This gives it a softer handle, more natural stretch, and a subtle texture that feels closer to a luxury tee or a fine-gauge jumper than a classic button-down.
They usually come with open collars, ribbed hems, and short sleeves – although long-sleeved versions exist too – and they’re typically made from breathable yarns like cotton, merino, or TENCEL. The result? Something that wears like loungewear but looks far more pulled together. Ideal for transitional weather, travel, or anything that calls for comfort without compromise.
Why you need one
The knitted shirt is one of those pieces that makes your wardrobe work harder. It can lean smart or casual depending on what you pair it with, which makes it perfect for trips, weddings, evenings out, or any time you’re not quite sure how dressed-up is too dressed-up.
It’s got polish without starch, and a certain confidence that comes from not trying too hard. Unlike crisp shirting, it doesn’t crease at the first sign of heat. Unlike a basic polo, it has real presence. And unlike anything synthetic or overly structured, it actually breathes – a rare treat in summer.
The best knitted shirt brands for men
David Gandy Wellwear
There’s a softness to everything David Gandy Wellwear does, both literally and in attitude. The brand’s approach to off-duty style is built on tactile fabrics, classic silhouettes and a sense of ease that works from the bedroom to the boarding gate. Its knitted shirts tap into that same philosophy – understated, comfortable and quietly elevated, with the kind of easy elegance you’d expect from a man who’s made a career out of looking good without looking try-hard.
Wax London
Wax London sits in that sweet spot between trend-aware and timeless. The brand knows how to play with silhouette and texture without losing the plot, and that shows in its approach to knitwear. Expect knitted shirts (and plenty onf them – this is a Wax staple!) with a bit of bite – slightly boxier fits, interesting stitch details, and a sense that someone in the design studio actually thought about how men want to dress in July. A solid choice for those who like their classics with a little character.
Luca Faloni
Luca Faloni doesn’t do loud. It does linen. Cashmere. Italian craftsmanship. And it does them very, very well. Its take on the knitted shirt leans more towards low-profile polos than eye-grabbing crochet – the kind of thing that looks effortless with tailored trousers and a deep tan. If your holiday wardrobe trends towards Amalfi rather than all-inclusive, this is where you start.
WAHTS
WAHTS operates in that elusive zone between activewear and luxury casual – the kind of brand that makes sense whether you’re boarding a long-haul flight or just grabbing a coffee in peace. Based in Amsterdam, it brings a typically Dutch sense of refinement to its wardrobe staples, and the knitted shirts are no exception. Clean, minimal and cut for movement, they’re the sort of pieces that work just as well under a linen blazer as they do on their own, sleeves slightly rolled and sunglasses firmly on. Quiet confidence, well executed.
Auralee
Japanese brand Auralee has a thing for fabrics – not just how they feel, but how they fall, fade, and improve with wear. Its knitted shirts are often cut in airy, almost weightless cottons and designed with a kind of studied nonchalance that’s hard to replicate. These aren’t crowd-pleasers. They’re the kind of pieces that make people ask, quietly, where you got it.
Sunspel
Sunspel is one of those rare British brands that does basics with genuine depth. Best known for its underwear and T-shirts, it’s also quietly excellent at warm-weather knitwear. Its knitted shirts tend to favour clean lines, fine-gauge cottons and fits that sit close without clinging – the kind of thing you can wear with a suit or swim shorts and look equally at home.
Percival
Percival has always specialised in familiar silhouettes with a twist – whether that’s in the fabric, the fit, or the detailing. Its knitted shirts are no different: a little retro, a little tongue-in-cheek, but always wearable. Expect texture, bold colours and the occasional embroidered flourish – a good option if you want something that feels summery without resorting to florals.
Mr P.
Mr P. is Mr Porter’s in-house label, and it benefits from the same eye for quality and editability. Everything is designed to sit neatly alongside the best of modern menswear, and its knitted shirts are quietly confident. Clean, premium-feeling, and just left-of-centre enough to feel interesting – a reliable choice if your tastes lean toward grown-up but modern.
NN07
Copenhagen’s NN07 does effortless, grown-up casualwear better than most. Its approach to knitwear is clean, tactile and just structured enough – no fuss, no logos, just good cuts and good fabrics. If your ideal summer shirt doesn’t try too hard and pairs well with literally everything in your wardrobe, you’re probably looking for this.
Next up: The complete guide to summer business casual attire.
