27 Summer Shirts That'll Keep You Cool in More Ways Than One

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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.

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Fundamental T-Shirt

The name says it all.

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.

Italian Cotton Ribbed Polo Sweater

If you want to try a polo with flavor, this guy—with some Italian seasoning—is mighty tasty.

Linen Shirt

Easy, breezy, lightweight—and under $30.

Martini Cabana

I mean, doesn't this martini shirt just scream "summer"?

Regatta Stretch-Cotton Piqué Polo

Take a page out of Kendall Roy's book, and add some Loro Piana to your summer rotation.

Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt

Perfect for a yacht—beer in one hand, canapé in the other.

Short-Sleeve Pocket T-shirt

A simple summer crew neck, with a pocket for your small essentials.

Havana Camp-Collar Striped Linen Shirt

Stripes and linen are a match made in heaven.

Meal Deal Tapestry Cuban Shirt

Men's Tie-Dye Silk-Blend Camp Shirt - Tye Dye - Size XXL

Vuori Seaport Button Down | Desert Sun Heather | XL

SG Camp Collar Shirt - Navy Palms

Knitted Polo Cream

Pima Short Classic Tee

Oas Cotton Terry Jacquard Regular Fit Button Down Shirt

The Classic Crew

Tennis Players Linen Camp Shirt

Linen French Terry T-Shirt

Taz Shirt

Sun Tee / Dusk

Short-sleeved shirt in parchment-colored linen

AllSaints Underground Stripe Cotton Graphic T-Shirt in Speckle Grey at Nordstrom, Size X-Small R

MILO S/S UTILITY HENLEY

Gibson Pigment Dyed SS Shirt

The Palma Shirt

Afternoon Graphic T-Shirt

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