The summer 2015 men's shirt guide
Pack up the oxfords and pick up these four summer-ready shirt style
While we’re dutifully substituting the wool suits for cotton or linen alternatives, ditching the denim in favour of chambray, and dusting off the tailored shorts at the first sight of sun, there’s one area of the wardrobe that often gets forgotten: the humble shirt.
Wearing the same cotton long-sleeved styles year-round is the norm for many, especially for those of us who have to suit up most days. But this menswear classic simply isn’t an all-weather piece, and seasonal takes are crucial if you want to stand any chance of beating the heat.
Here’s what you need to know to bring your wardrobe up to speed.
Key Considerations: Fabric & Colour
Naturally, fabric is the key consideration once the balmy days become more frequent. Polyester should already be a rare sighting within in your wardrobe, but come the summer, it’s time to ditch man-made materials altogether. Once that’s out of the way, vacuum pack anything flannel and wool, along with the heavier cottons that served your well throughout the colder months.
Instead, turn your attention towards lightweight shirts crafted from natural, breathable fabrics. Seersucker, cotton, linen and cotton-linen blends are the best options here. For the latter, a fairly typical 45/55 split is a good balance if you want to take advantage of linen’s superior cooling qualities but also keep creases at bay.
Likewise, choosing the right colours can help keep you cool. Prioritise lighter hues, which tend to reflect heat, rather than darker shades that absorb it. We don’t need to plug the merits of the white shirt (again) so why not consider pastels to really get a handle on the seasonal palette? Sky blue, lilac, mint green and sherbet yellow all fit the bill.
The Linen Shirt
The de facto choice for keeping cool in the heat, linen is highly breathable due to a low thread count. It’s also quick to wick away moisture, making it tough to beat come high summer. But these qualities do come with a downside: linen lacks the crisp structure of cotton – hence its propensity to wrinkle – making it less suitable to buttoned-up formal events.
Styling the linen shirt is best done by taking your cues from the Riviera; dress like you’re spending the day on the shores of the South of France or Tuscany and you can’t go too far wrong. Think light neutral colours paired with chinos, tailored shorts, unstructured blazers and tasselled loafers – very Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief (1955) or Alain Delon inPlein Soleil (1960).
Upholding its reputation for fabric innovation, Japanese retailer Uniqlo offers a slew of styles for those on a stricter budget. The brand’s linen line is typically outstanding, and this year it has expanded it to include a wealth of new colourways and cuts.
On the slightly pricier end of the scale, preppy stalwart Ralph Lauren rarely misses a beat when it comes to linen shirts, and neither does American-inspired Parisian label Hartford.
