Summer, the season of sun-drenched afternoons, rooftop cocktails, beach road trips, and sweaty regrets about wearing the wrong shirt. When the heat hits, what you wear on your back can either make or break your day. But don’t sweat it—literally. Whether you’re chilling poolside or navigating a city heatwave, this guide will help you find the perfect summer shirt that delivers style and breathability. Bonus? We’re putting the spotlight on Hawaiian shirts—because yes, they’re cool again (and not just ironically). Let’s dive into the fabrics, fits, and features you should look for when shopping for summer shirts—and how to make Hawaiian shirts the MVP of your warm-weather wardrobe.
1. Fabric Is Everything
First things first: if you’re buying a shirt for summer and it’s not breathable, you’re doing it wrong. The right fabric makes all the difference between feeling like a fashion god and a sweaty mess.
Top summer-friendly fabrics:
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Linen: Lightweight, airy, and effortlessly stylish, linen is a summer classic. It absorbs moisture and dries quickly—perfect for hot, humid days.
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Cotton: Especially in looser weaves like poplin or seersucker, cotton stays cool while giving you more structure than linen.
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Rayon: Often used in Hawaiian shirts, rayon drapes beautifully and has a silky feel that’s great in dry heat. Just note—it wrinkles easily.
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Tencel/Lyocell: An eco-friendly, breathable fabric that’s soft and moisture-wicking. Great for those who want style with sustainability.
Avoid: Polyester and other synthetic blends. They trap heat and moisture, leading to odour and discomfort.
2. Fit: Go Easy, Go Breezy
Summer isn’t the time for tight, tailored fits—let your body breathe. Aim for shirts with:
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A relaxed or boxy silhouette: Think short-sleeve camp shirts or Cuban collar shirts.
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Room in the shoulders and chest: A slightly oversized fit not only increases airflow but also gives off a cool, laid-back vibe.
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Shorter sleeves: Ideally hitting a couple inches above the elbow—not too tight, not too loose.
Style tip: Tuck it in for a polished look, or leave it untucked and pair with shorts or cropped trousers for ultimate beach bar energy.
3. Colour & Print: Go Bold or Go Home
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with colour and pattern. Neutrals are safe, sure—but this is your chance to make a statement.
Enter: The Hawaiian Shirt 🌺
Once the go-to of dads on vacation and awkward school teachers, Hawaiian shirts have undergone a serious glow-up. Designers from Prada to Supreme have reimagined them with modern fits, quality materials, and killer prints.
Why we love them:
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Instant personality: One shirt = one full vibe.
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Conversation starters: Tropical flowers, vintage cars, surf scenes—what’s not to love?
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Easy to style: Throw it over a white tank and shorts, or wear it open with swim trunks. Done.
How to choose the right one:
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Print placement matters: Look for symmetry and alignment—good brands pay attention to matching prints across seams.
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Fit and fabric again: Opt for cotton or rayon. Boxy cuts are ideal for that laid-back island feel.
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Colour coordination: Pick shirts with base tones that match pieces you already own (e.g., navy, cream, olive).
Pro move: Layer a Hawaiian shirt over a basic tee or tank. Bonus points if your tee color echoes one of the colors in the print.
4. Button-Ups vs. Tees vs. Polos
Let’s break down your summer shirt options:
Button-Up Shirts (Short Sleeve)
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Best for: Smart-casual events, dates, or daytime outings.
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Style with: Chinos or linen trousers. Add loafers or espadrilles.
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Try: Camp collar, Cuban collar, or resort collar for that vintage cool factor.
T-Shirts
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Best for: Everyday wear, errands, beach days.
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Go for: Lightweight cotton, slub knit, or bamboo blends.
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Keep it fresh with: Pocket tees, subtle prints, or minimalist embroidery.
Polos
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Best for: Dressier casual situations, especially if you’re not a fan of button-ups.
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Look for: Breathable pique cotton, soft collars, and clean lines.
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Avoid: Super tight or overly logo’d polos—they’re more prep-school than street-style.
5. Accessorising Your Summer Shirt Look
A great shirt is the foundation, but the right accessories elevate your summer ‘fit from good to scroll-stopping.
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Sunglasses: Aviators or tortoiseshell frames are classic. Go bold with colored lenses if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Hats: Think bucket hats, straw fedoras, or even a well-worn ball cap.
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Jewellery: A simple chain necklace, a beaded bracelet, or a leather band watch adds texture and interest.
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Footwear: Loafers, minimalist sneakers, or espadrilles will all play nicely.
6. Caring for Your Summer Shirts
You’ve nailed the fit and style—don’t ruin it in the wash.
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Read the tag. Rayon, in particular, often needs gentle care or dry cleaning.
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Wash cold, air dry. Hot water fades colors and damages fibers.
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Steam, don’t iron. Linen loves steam. Invest in a handheld steamer for that crisp, carefree look.
7. Our Summer Shirt Picks (Editor’s Favourites)
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Everlane Linen Short-Sleeve Shirt – Clean, minimal, and sustainably made.
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Gitman Vintage Camp Shirt – Serious retro vibes with high-quality prints.
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Uniqlo Hawaiian-Style Rayon Shirt – Budget-friendly with an impressive fit and finish.
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Rhythm Classic Cuban Shirt – Surf culture meets tailored minimalism
Final Thoughts
When it comes to summer shirts, the goal is simple: look hot, feel cool. Stick to breathable fabrics, easygoing fits, and expressive prints. And don’t be afraid of the Hawaiian shirt. It’s more than a quirky throwback—it’s a certified style weapon when worn right. So go ahead, embrace the season. Wear the shirt. Be the vibe. And don’t forget your SPF.
