Ah, the annual quest for the perfect summer shirt. Proof, if ever it were needed, that the dark days are finally drawing to a close. As we bid farewell to our winter layers for another year and begin to dabble in lighter attire again, fresh shirting options should be at the top of every style-conscious gent’s spring/summer shopping list.
Picking the right shirt to see you through the milder months can be tricky. From choosing fabrics that won’t cling too aggressively to your clammy skin to selecting garments versatile enough to be layered with ease should the clear skies turn cloudy, there are many things to consider before parting with your cash.
To streamline the process for you, we’ve listed the key shirt styles we think you should be looking at for spring/summer 2024. These aren’t necessarily the hottest pieces being paraded down this year’s Fashion Week runways (although some of them are bang on trend), but they’re the shirts that have proven their worth in warm weather, cementing their status as wardrobe staples year after year.
Twill Overshirt
We could write all day about the merits of a classic twill overshirt, but as we have a few styles to get through, a quick paragraph or two will have to do. Suffice to say this is one of the most versatile garments any man can have in his wardrobe.
Not only is it perfect for slinging on over a hoodie in spring or wearing open on top of a T-shirt in summer, it’ll also have your back when the days grow colder, and you can use it as a layering piece under a big coat.
To get the most out of your overshirt, we suggest going for an adaptable neutral like navy, khaki or beige. That being said, punchy, bold colours can work well, too. Yellow and burnt orange are excellent options for the warmer months, or you could take inspiration from classic French workwear and go for a rich royal blue.
Just keep the rest of your outfit’s palette fairly subtle so that nothing else is competing for attention.
Knitted Shirt
It can be difficult to find suitable ways to incorporate texture into your summer wardrobe. As a result, your warm-weather outfits might feel a little lacklustre. If that’s the case, you may be able to pull yourself out of this particular sartorial hole by purchasing a knitted shirt.
Knitted shirts are great because they offer a good blend of smart and casual, which means they can be dressed up or down with ease depending on the setting. This is a garment you can wear open with swim shorts and sandals at a beach bar on vacation, but just as easily rock with tailored pants, loafers and a blazer to a summer wedding.
We recommend going for a short-sleeve version with a classic collar.Â
Camp Collar Shirt
Glossy fashion-mag editors have been heralding the demise of the camp-collar shirt for some time. And while it’s true that classic collars have become the default summer option once again in fashion circles, we still firmly believe that its more laid-back cousin, the camp (also known as a ‘Cuban’, ‘revere’ or ‘open’) collar, has its place in most men’s summer shirt rotations.
With its open design, the camp collar brings a slightly more relaxed feel to summer outfits. It’s great on its own or layered over a plain tee or a vest, and it works well in light, breezy fabrics like linen and seersucker.
A solid vacation piece, but equally at home dressed up with a tailored jacket and pants for a summery spin on a classic wedding-guest outfit.
Chambray Shirt
A denim shirt is a menswear classic that can bring a bit of texture and colour to a wide range of outfits. The trouble is, denim is characteristically thick and heavy, which means it’s not necessarily the best fabric to wear when the weather is warm out.
This is where chambray comes in. It’s a close relative of the heavier stuff, but it’s lighter, thinner and more breathable while retaining much of the aesthetic that makes denim such a hit.
Use a chambray shirt to add colour to summery soft tailoring like light-coloured linen suits, or wear one open over a plain tee with shorts and loafers for an effortless off-duty look.
Linen Shirt
Linen shirts are the unsung heroes of spring and summer attire – as close as you’re ever likely to get to a wearable air conditioner. Crafted from the flax plant, this fabric is the MVP of hot-weather wardrobes, boasting breathability that could rival a beachside hammock. Its loose weave lets the breeze in, sparing you from the dreaded back sweat and soggy underarms.
Strolling along the beach in a white linen shirt, worn with shorts and boat shoes, you’ll be comfortable and cool with just a hint of ‘I woke up like this’ nonchalance, thanks to linen’s signature wrinkles.
From beach to bar, this shirt effortlessly adapts to your summer escapades, keeping you cool, sweat-free and looking great throughout.
Striped Oxford Shirt
The Oxford shirt is a bedrock of modern menswear. They’re never out, but they are having a bit of a fashion moment right now, which is all the more reason to wear one this spring and summer.
Any Oxford will do, but we’re particularly fond of those with a subtle stripe pattern to give warm-weather outfits some added oomph. They’re equal parts casual and smart, with a lightly textured finish that lends itself well to anything from shorts and sneakers to a fitted two-piece suit.
To nail the trend, we’d advise opting for something slightly slouchy and loose-fitting. Wear it loosely buttoned up with the sleeves cuffed and pair it with light-wash jeans in a straight-leg cut and a pair of suede loafers.
Statement Short-Sleeve
It’s good to have lots of subtle, versatile pieces that can be worn with anything and everything, but where’s the fun in an entirely beige wardrobe? For balance, it’s a good idea to have the odd statement piece you can use to add a splash of colour to your summer looks. A vibrant statement short-sleeve shirt is one of the most effective vehicles for achieving this.
Whether you go for a camp collar or a classic one, a statement short-sleeve should be bright and eye-catching yet tasteful. Avoid anything overly busy and opt for simple two-tone patterns, florals or blocky geometric prints.
The key to pulling it off is not wearing anything else heavily patterned at the same time, or you risk them clashing and spoiling your outfit.
