Quick, look at what you’re wearing. And if it’s not a stylish shirt for summer, I don’t know what to tell ya. Luckily, we here at The Style Guide can help today. While we’ve talked about the best transitional jackets for men, we haven’t quite gotten around to talking about what to pair with that jacket on breezy summer nights or rainy summer days — yet, we’re checking off that box today. After all, what are you going to wear when hauling your daily everyday carry in a stylish messenger bag? A great summer shirt, that’s what. Yes indeed, simply designed, subtly stylish and well-made shirting is the way to go. Whether you go with a vibrant patterned shirt or a laidback classic Oxford, you really can’t go wrong. You’ll absolutely recognize the brands on this list, from Abercrombie and Fitch to Mott and Bow (they make shirts now!) and classic brands like Grayers. It’s a full set of tried-and-true brands that can easily go just about anywhere you want this season — be that planning for a Memorial Day weekend trip or picking out to gear to wear to the beach this summer. If it’s easygoing versatility you seek, look no further. See how I style my own favorite spring shirts over on Instagram, and keep up with my writing on Twitter in the meantime. Now, onto the picks!
#1. Outerknown Shibui Short-Sleeve Essential Shirt — $175
A unique shirt with head-turning style and sustainability in mind.
If at first you found yourself balking at that price, bear with me here. Outerknown is the brain child of pro surfer Kelly Slater — a legend in the water who’s shown a knack for successfully launching a standout brand. Outerknown proves that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand — it’s a premium approach that results in the price tag you see above, but the Outerknown Shibui Short-Sleeve Essential Shirt really is too good to pass up when it comes to unique-yet-versatile style. Wear this shirt with stylish shorts or slim swim trunks and definitely team it with slim light wash denim on weekends galore.
#2.Abercrombie & Fitch Garment-Dyed Oxford — $39
A shirt that calls to mind the Oxfords of years past, made with excellent fabric.
Ladies and gentlemen, you might recognize this shirt from my Instagram or indeed, from my Spring Style Wish List. The folks at Abercrombie and Fitch were kind enough to send it along as a gift, and I can certainly recommend it to you in good faith. This one calls to mind a well-worn favorite shirt, what with its garment-dyed fabrication. The colorway is just different enough from a plain white Oxford, and that makes it the type of shirt that works just as well with black denim at a rock concert as it does with grey chinos at the office.
#3. Mott and Bow Graham Slim Buttondown Shirt — $79.98
A pleasing color and slim fit make this new Mott and Bow shirt a must-have.
Entry number three on our list of the best men’s shirts for summer comes at you via Mott and Bow — lest you thought they only made your favorite pair of classic blue denim, they recently introduced a line of soft, premium and well-constructed denim shirts. The Mott and Bow Graham Slim Buttondown Shirt in particular features a pleasing dark blue wash, exceptionally soft and breathable fabric, and the type of casual style that would work well for exploring Brooklyn (among other pursuits).
#4. Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt — $79.98
A reliable upgrade to your classic Oxford, with plenty of style points and exceptional quality built in.
Everyone needs a reliable Oxford in their closet, even in the summer — yes? It’s the type of shirt to pair with everything from a classic pocket tee to your favorite lightweight navy blazer, and you can wear it in all style situations. That goes for casual Friday and that certainly rings true for a weekend coffee date. So, why the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt? Well, folks — Grayers uses some of the best fabric in the business, and that means the Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt is a reliable layer on breezy beach nights and early mornings alike.
Because it wouldn’t be summer without a smattering of classic polos in the mix, I’m pleased to present to you not one, but two slim and well-made polo shirts for the season. The
Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy upgrades the brand’s classic Player’s Shirt with a sharp silhouette and soft fabric — as you might recall from this #OOTD on
how to wear light wash jean. And as to the
La Paz Leao Polo? Well, my loyal Style Guide readers … it features French terry construction, a reliable fit and Portuguese-made construction. Not bad at all, ehh?
Alright, thanks for the applause. Wait, you are cheering, right? When picking out a summer shirt, the same exact keys apply as they do the rest of the year — start with quality and comfort, plus a great fit. That’s where reliable polo options like the Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy and the La Paz Leao Polo perform so admirably. And if it’s sustainability and eco-friendly style that you see, the Outerknown Shibui Short-Sleeve Essential Shirt is going to be your best friend for barbecues and beyond. And for seasonal versatility — and again, great quality — the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt is the way to go. Of course, don’t rule out a classic Abercrombie and Fitch Oxford, either. It’s certainly tough to narrow any list down to just five, so let me know of any picks I missed via the comments section. Excited to see what y’all come up with!
And as always — stay stylish.
-Beau