Summer brings with it images of t-shirts, shorts and sandals. A chance to strip down to your undies as you lie around the house caked in sweat, or to don your swim shorts for a dip in the pool or the ocean. Basically, you spend the majority of the summer season semi-naked. But, in accordance with public decency laws, you do need to put clothes on from time to time. And while you could easily slip on a simple, plain white tee, you can instantly upgrade your outfit with the addition of a men’s summer shirt.
Whilst you won’t necessarily find a category for men’s summer shirts on clothing websites, you will find that materials and fits change compared to the colder seasons. Summer-friendly shirt materials include linen, hemp, rayon, cotton and silk, which many of the very best men’s clothing brands adopt for their collections.
Fit is also important, and you’ll most likely come across looser fits that encourage airflow around the body while giving off a laidback-yet-still-style-conscious attitude. That’s not to say tailored and slim fits won’t make the cut, and these will work wonders for evening outfits when heading out to dinner or on a date.
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Fortunately, there are a plethora of men’s clothing brands committed to keeping you looking and feeling fresh with men’s summer shirts, and we’ve compiled this definitive list of the best men’s summer shirts.
Bonobos

Price: From $79
Sizes: XS-XXL
Bonobos was born because founders, Andy Dunn & Brian Spaly, couldn’t find men’s pants that fit (they were either too tight or too boxy) and wanted to fix this common problem men face while shopping. They fixed it with their not-so-secret secret: all Bonobos’ pants have a curved waistband that conforms to the natural shape of men’s waists. Bonobos then expanded into producing awesome shirts, suits, swimwear; you name a piece of men’s clothing, they do it!
Bonobos shirts are perfect for summer as they come in a huge variety of colours and patterns that are bold and fresh for warmer weather. Available in a wide range of fits, Bonobos’ men’s summer shirts are made from either a cotton blend or a nylon blend, both very breathable and lightweight.
Everlane

Price: From $70
Sizes: XS-XXL
Is there anything Everlane can’t do? We can’t think of much. The US retailer consistently smashes it out of the park when it comes to menswear, utilising premium fabrics, cutting them to perfect dimensions and selling them for affordable prices. The fact they’re a sustainable and ethical brand only adds to their appeal.
For your men’s summer shirts needs, Everlane has adopted linen for its shirt collection. Calling it the “official fabric of summer”, Everlane’s linen shirt comes in a standard fit, which means it won’t hug you tightly, which is ideal. Well-fitting and well-priced, it’s a truly versatile piece for summer.
Outerknown

Price: From $125
Sizes: S-XXL
With beachside vibes and a chilled lifestyle running through its veins, Outerknown definitely knows how to outfit guys for summer. The brand, from surfer Kelly Slater, is incredibly sustainable in its approach to clothing, using recycled materials across virtually all collections. The idea being to help rid the ocean of plastic, and to turn it into some fashionable garments.
For all your summer needs, Outerknown has a thoughtfully designed selection of men’s summer shirts, which are made from a blend of modal and polyester. Modal is derived from beech tree pulp, furthering Outerknown’s commitment to sustainability. It’s incredibly breathable too and absorbs sweat far better than cotton. A win-win, if you ask us.
Reiss

Price: From $180
Sizes: XS-XXL
For quick and easy style upgrades that won’t break the bank, point your attention to Reiss. The British menswear brand regularly puts out clothing collections that just work, no questions asked. Using on-trend fabrics and employing of-the-moment silhouettes, Reiss is a brand you need in your wardrobe.
With a penchant for suiting and sartorial, qualities of these areas carry over to the men’s summer shirts collection, so expect to find slim, tailored fits. Short-sleeve shirts can be had in either patterned or single-block colour options, and given Cuban-style collars for the perfect summer look. Pair with slim-fit chinos and and some summer shoes and you’re good to go.
Vilebrequin

Price: From $225
Sizes: S-XXXL
Purveyors of some of the finest swim shorts known to man, French brand Vilebrequin is one that really gets summer fashion. While it’s true you’ll predominantly seek out the brand for their range of swimming trunks, much is to be said of the company’s other clothing collections too.
Linen, naturally, is the order of the day when it comes to men’s summer shirts, which can be had in a range of summer-friendly colours. As you should expect, it’s incredibly luxurious, super soft and super comfortable, the winning combination for summer.
Frescobol Carioca

Price: From $255
Sizes: S-XXXL
Equally at home on the beach and in the heat is Brazilian brand Frescobol Carioca. Named after a classic beach bat and ball game, the brand is all about fun. Of course, looking your best also comes into play, and that’s exactly what you’ll get from the brand’s shirt collection.
With short-sleeve and long-sleeve options both available in summer-ready fabrics such as linen and Tencel, along with a range of quirky patterns that will have you standing out from the crowd, Frescobol Carioca is a premium brand to rely upon for your men’s summer shirts.
Eton Shirts

Price: From $239
Sizes: XS-XXL
Eton Shirts is a specialist when it comes to all things collars, sleeves and buttons. Catering to all needs and seasons, Eton Shirts really does has something for everybody, but it’s the men’s summer shirts collection that has really caught our attention.
That is primarily because of the brand’s linen overshirt. Taking a classically winter piece but making it from a summery fabric is a genius move in our eyes. It can function as standalone shirt in its own right, or work as the perfect layering piece, so you can leave you thick, warm jacket at home. You’ll also find other shirts made from silk and lightweight denim, to complete your casual looks.
Onia

Price: From $125
Sizes: S-XXL
New York-based clothing brand Onia was founded to bring premium versions of menswear essentials to the wider public. A strong focus is placed on sourcing high-quality fabrics so that you can genuinely notice a difference between these and the fabrics used by the high-street brands. Even though clothing for all seasons is looked after, we’re particularly enamoured with the company’s men’s summer shirts range.
With breathable cotton, linen, Chambray and towel Terry fabrics to choose from, you’re practically spoilt for choice when it comes to summer shirt options.
James Perse

Price: From $189
Sizes: XS-XXL
Los Angeles-based menswear designer James Perse had been subjected to menswear and style from a young age, so has decades of experience and knowledge with regards to what makes a guy look good.
That is perfectly exemplified in James’ men’s summer shirts collection, which employs heavy use of linen to keep guys cool during summer. Super soft and super comfortable, and not to mention effortlessly good looking, the James Perse summer shit collection is one you should certainly check out.
Todd Snyder

Price: From $188
Sizes: XS-XXL
Another New York-based designer – and firm favourite here at DMARGE – is Todd Snyder. The menswear designer is always at the forefront of the fashion industry, giving us pieces that further allow us to express our individuality to a greater degree. If you’ve never checked out the brand before, we seriously implore you to do so.
Todd Snyder’s men’s summer shirts are made from fabrics including Japanese Rayon and cotton, but cut to slightly looser fits and given Cuban collars for the quintessential summery look. A range of patterns and colours means you’ll be able to create new outfits to your heart’s content.
Club Monaco

Price: From $90
Sizes: XS-XXL
Founded in Canada but now based in New York, Club Monaco took the idea of developing menswear essentials from slightly more premium fabrics to create a brand that has genuine appeal to pretty much everybody.
The brand’s shirt collection is a little more refined than some others on this list but with a few perfectly suitable options for summer, including men’s summer shirts with plenty of pockets for storing the essential summer accessories.
Casablanca

Price: From $950
Sizes: S-XXL
We’ll admit, we came to Parisian clothing brand Casablanca a little late, but boy are we glad we stumbled upon it. If it’s outright luxury you’re after, look no further.
Casablanca’s men’s summer shirts collection is made from premium silk, so will feel cool to the touch throughout the day, no matter the heat. Oversized fits work to encourage airflow and with light, pastel colours reflecting the sun’s rays, you’ll be feeling as cool as you look.
Double Rainbouu

Price: From $195
Sizes: XS-XXL
Founded by former Ksubi alumni, the Australian brand Double Rainbouu has cemented itself with a solid reputation for shirts in particular.
And it’s easy to see why, with a range of eclectic patterns, non-conforming colours, but perfect fits, Double Rainbouu pushes the boat in terms of creativity. We encourage you to check their men’s summer shirts out.
Abercrombie & Fitch

Price: From $60
Sizes: XS-XXL
We’re pretty bowled over by the change in brand identity Abercrombie has put itself through. Skinny and slim fits were once put front and centre, and only those with six-pack abs need apply. That has all gone, and in its place is a refreshingly stylish collection of clothing that can appeal to guys from all walks of life.
The summer shirt collection embodies that well, with linen and cotton/viscose blend fabrics replacing the heavyweight cotton of old. Floral prints, neutral and pastel colours, and loose fits – coupled with seriously affordable prices – makes Abercrombie a dark horse in the menswear game.
Orlebar Brown

Price: From $375
Sizes: XS-XXL
If it’s a tailored fit that can carry you from beach to bar you seek, look no further than Orlebar Brown. Another brand famed for its swim short collection, Orlebar Brown has some great capsule collections that will have looking damn fine when the temperature rises.
Linen features across many of the men’s summer shirts, many of which are emblazoned with quirky designs that scream summer vibes, but for the more reserved gent you will also find block colour shirts made from breathable cotton.
Buck Mason

Price: From $98
Sizes: XS-XXL
With a tough, rugged true American image, you may not expect Buck Mason to be one to offer stylish summer shirts for men. But you’d be dead wrong. The brand, another to take menswear essentials and fashion them from high-quality fabrics, seeks to overturn every item in a man’s wardrobe, and summer shirts most certainly get a look in.
With a lightweight cotton-blend fabric being used for its short-sleeve shirts, you can be assured they’ll survive the summer heat. Available in natural colours for easy pairing, Buck Mason’s men’s summer shirts represent affordable style.
Venroy

Price: From $316
Sizes: XXXS-4XL
Australian menswear brand Venroy is a serious lover of linen, which in turn means it’s a go-to brand for summer. And if it’s not made from linen, it’s likely going to be made from a linen blend, but either way, materials are sourced in sustainable ways wherever possible.
Venroy’s men’s summer shirts collection is a mixture of linen or linen-blend, with long-sleeves being the main attraction. Roll them up, leave them down, it matters not, as the fabrics are ready to tackle the searing heat.
Tommy Bahama

Price: From $37
Sizes: XS-XXXL
For one of the largest ranges of shirts, you’ll likely come across, head to Tommy Bahama. The brand name alone should give away what to expect, tropical-inspired designs, loose fits and summer-friendly colours.
And that’s exactly what you get. Much of the men’s summer shirts collection is made from a blend of cotton and Tencel, one of the best defences against the summer sun, and even though the shirt designs are slightly more appropriate for your dad, we can be confident you’ll find something to add to your own collection.
Deus ex Machina

Price: From $119
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Australian clothing brand Deus is one with motorcycle heritage at its very core. But, being Australian, it’s all about spending time outdoors and soaking up the sun and letting the good times roll.
Therefore, expect to find some slightly more out-there designs, many of which scream summer festival. With Rayon fabric being the main component too, you can be sure of quality and comfort.
Mizzen & Main

Price: From $108
Sizes: S-XXL
Mizzen & Main has made it their mission to combine comfort and flexibility with fit and style for the modern man on the move. They persistently aim to blend a legacy of tradition, respect, and classic style into their menswear while embracing the technology that gives garments moisture-wicking, stretch, and wrinkle-resistant properties.
Mizzen & Main have a huge range of men’s short sleeve shirts that’ll keep you comfortable in style all summer long. Their men’s summer shirts have a more crisp, traditional look and depending on which style you go for, feature some amazing technologies such as superior quick dry properties, wrinkle resistance, unparalleled high stretch, and more.