27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
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.
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 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.
Fundamental T-Shirt
The name says it all.
Fundamental T-Shirt
lululemon.com
$58.00
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.
Solid Cotton Polo Shirt
nordstrom.com
$115.00
Italian Cotton Ribbed Polo Sweater
If you want to try a polo with flavor, this guy—with some Italian seasoning—is mighty tasty.
Italian Cotton Ribbed Polo Sweater
toddsnyder.com
$198.00
Linen Shirt
Easy, breezy, lightweight—and under $30.
Linen Shirt
amazon.com
$29.95
Martini Cabana
I mean, doesn't this martini shirt just scream "summer"?
Martini Cabana
tombolocompany.com
$138.00
Regatta Stretch-Cotton Piqué Polo
Take a page out of Kendall Roy's book, and add some Loro Piana to your summer rotation.
Regatta Stretch-Cotton Piqué Polo
mrporter.com
$590.00
Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt
Perfect for a yacht—beer in one hand, canapé in the other.
Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt
bonobos.com
$49.00
Short-Sleeve Pocket T-shirt
A simple summer crew neck, with a pocket for your small essentials.
Short-Sleeve Pocket T-shirt
amazon.com
$16.17
Havana Camp-Collar Striped Linen Shirt
Stripes and linen are a match made in heaven.
Havana Camp-Collar Striped Linen Shirt
mrporter.com
$245.00
Meal Deal Tapestry Cuban Shirt
Meal Deal Tapestry Cuban Shirt
percivalclo.com
£270.00
Men's Tie-Dye Silk-Blend Camp Shirt - Tye Dye - Size XXL
Men's Tie-Dye Silk-Blend Camp Shirt - Tye Dye - Size XXL
saksfifthavenue.com
$695.00
Vuori Seaport Button Down | Desert Sun Heather | XL
Vuori Seaport Button Down | Desert Sun Heather | XL
vuoriclothing.com
$88.00
SG Camp Collar Shirt - Navy Palms
SG Camp Collar Shirt - Navy Palms
s-gents.com
$65.00
Knitted Polo Cream
Knitted Polo Cream
pasunemarqueparis.com
$320.00
Pima Short Classic Tee
Pima Short Classic Tee
buckmason.com
$45.00
Oas Cotton Terry Jacquard Regular Fit Button Down Shirt
Oas Cotton Terry Jacquard Regular Fit Button Down Shirt
bloomingdales.com
$130.00
The Classic Crew
The Classic Crew
Revolve
$80.00
Tennis Players Linen Camp Shirt
Tennis Players Linen Camp Shirt
Bergdorf Goodman
$880.00
Linen French Terry T-Shirt
Linen French Terry T-Shirt
bananarepublic.gap.com
$60.00
Taz Shirt
Taz Shirt
fwrd.com
€205.48
Sun Tee / Dusk
Sun Tee / Dusk
alexcrane.co
$65.00
Short-sleeved shirt in parchment-colored linen
Short-sleeved shirt in parchment-colored linen
goldengoose.com
$435.00
AllSaints Underground Stripe Cotton Graphic T-Shirt in Speckle Grey at Nordstrom, Size X-Small R
AllSaints Underground Stripe Cotton Graphic T-Shirt in Speckle Grey at Nordstrom, Size X-Small R
nordstrom.com
$95.00
MILO S/S UTILITY HENLEY
MILO S/S UTILITY HENLEY
joesjeans.com
$128.00
Gibson Pigment Dyed SS Shirt
Gibson Pigment Dyed SS Shirt
saturdaysnyc.com
$165.00
The Palma Shirt
The Palma Shirt
Dandy Del Mar
$149.00
Afternoon Graphic T-Shirt
Afternoon Graphic T-Shirt
END. Clothing
$115.00
You Might Also Like