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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 wool, cashmere, and any heavy, insulating knits; 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 basic linen shirt
Everlane Linen Short-Sleeve Standard Fit Shirt
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best stylish t-shirt
Scotch & Soda Embroidered Jersey Artwork T-Shirt
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best stylish polo
Todd Snyder Italian Cotton Ribbed Polo Sweater
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chicest linen shirt
Banana Republic Castelleto Untucked Linen Shirt
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best go-to shirt
Saturdays NYC York Camp Collar Short Sleeve 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 attract 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 best shirt to wear in this post-pandemic world is yours for the picking. If you need some help (I mean, you clearly do; you found this story), we got a nifty variety for ya. From the of-the-moment camp shirt to the classic polo, nothing on this list will steer you wrong this summer.
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best basic linen shirt
Everlane Linen Short-Sleeve Standard Fit Shirt
best basic linen shirt
Everlane Linen Short-Sleeve Standard Fit Shirt
Light, easy, and breathable, linen is the perfect material for too-hot-to-handle days.
best basic t-shirt
Lululemon Fundamental T-Shirt
best basic t-shirt
Lululemon Fundamental T-Shirt
The name says it all.
best stylish t-shirt
Scotch & Soda Embroidered Jersey Artwork T-Shirt
A regular T-shirt is a must-have for hot weather. An embroidered T-shirt as cool as this one? Well, that's a must-have in general.
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best casual shirt
Bonobos Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt
best casual shirt
Bonobos Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt
Perfect for a yacht—beer in one hand, canapé in the other.
best basic polo
Polo Ralph Lauren Solid Cotton Polo Shirt
best basic polo
Polo Ralph Lauren Solid Cotton Polo Shirt
When it comes to polos, it doesn’t get any more classic than the brand with "polo" right there in the name.
best stylish polo
Todd Snyder Italian Cotton Ribbed Polo Sweater
best stylish 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.
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best minimalist linen shirt
Ben Sherman Linen Shirt
best minimalist linen shirt
Ben Sherman Linen Shirt
Easy, breezy, lightweight—and under $30.
chicest linen shirt
Banana Republic Castelleto Untucked Linen Shirt
Banana Republic makes a shirt that's simultaneously relaxed and classy, breezy and polished.
best go-to shirt
Saturdays NYC York Camp Collar Short Sleeve Shirt
best go-to shirt
Saturdays NYC York Camp Collar Short Sleeve Shirt
With shorts or jeans, this is your summertime staple.
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best printed shirt
Uniqlo Open Collar Short Sleeve Shirt
best printed shirt
Uniqlo Open Collar Short Sleeve Shirt
Breathable and stylish, Uniqlo puts their best foot forward with this easy basic.
best seersucker shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch Camp Collar Seersucker Shirt
best seersucker shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch Camp Collar Seersucker Shirt
Seersucker! For summer! A classic!
best summery shirt
Alexis Zambrano x Tombolo Martini Cabana
best summery shirt
Alexis Zambrano x Tombolo Martini Cabana
I mean, doesn't this martini shirt just scream "summer"?
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best elevated shirt
AMI Paris Bicolor Ami de Cœur T-shirt
best elevated shirt
AMI Paris Bicolor Ami de Cœur T-shirt
In a light rib knit, AMI takes a ringer tee up a notch in both style and construction.
best luxury shirt
Loro Piana Regatta Stretch-Cotton Piqué Polo
best luxury shirt
Loro Piana Regatta Stretch-Cotton Piqué Polo
Take a page out of Kendall Roy's book, and add some Loro Piana to your summer rotation.
best sweat-wicking shirt
Cos Toweling Polo Shirt
best sweat-wicking shirt
Cos Toweling Polo Shirt
This summery polo is made from absorbent organic cotton, so when you sweat, it wicks it away for you. Exactly what the season calls for.
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coolest shirt
J.Crew Wallace & Barnes Camp-Collar Shirt
coolest shirt
J.Crew Wallace & Barnes Camp-Collar Shirt
In a groovy as hell patchwork print, this shirt will have you feeling as cool as you look.
best everyday t-shirt
Nautica Short-Sleeve Pocket T-shirt
A simple summer crew neck, with a pocket for your small essentials.
best simple linen shirt
Wellen Easy Linen Short Sleeve Shirt
Linen is a staple for hot weather. This relaxed short sleeve button-up does it with a simple chicness.
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best breezy linen shirt
Lucky Brand Short Sleeve Linen Camp Shirt
best breezy linen shirt
Lucky Brand Short Sleeve Linen Camp Shirt
Your khakis' new best friend.
best striped linen shirt
Oliver Spencer Havana Camp-Collar Striped Linen Shirt
best striped linen shirt
Oliver Spencer Havana Camp-Collar Striped Linen Shirt
Stripes and linen are a match made in heaven.
