10 best men’s summer shirts UK 2023, including Uniqlo and Boden
It might not seem like it, but summer is around the corner.
That means out with the knitwear, layering and overcoats and in with lightweight, breezy fabrics and (hopefully) short sleeves.
Investing in summer shirts is one of the easiest ways to brighten up your wardrobe and make the most of the warmer weather.
Whether you go for something made from linen, cotton, pique or tencel, summer shirts are essential for the morning commute or your poolside holiday.
From what to look out for, which styles to buy and the best men’s summer shirts around, you’re in the right place.
What to look for when buying men’s summer shirts
Fabric
Summer shirts are all about the fabric, but which one you go for will drastically change the look.
There’s linen, of course. This lightweight, loosely woven fibre is extremely breathable and has a distinct texture, making it instantly recognisable.
There’s cotton as well, which is slightly denser but still soft against the skin and perfect for patterned or striped shirts.
Other fabrics like pique cotton are slightly more technical and designed to keep the wearer dry. Regardless of which you go for, just make sure the fabric is lightweight so it won’t weigh you down.
Style
As you can imagine, there are numerous shirt styles available for summer. Go for a regular point collar for something smarter, or aim for a button-down for a smart casual staple that can be dressed up or down.
Try short sleeves for ultra-warm days, or mix things up with a Cuban or revere collar, which comes with a vintage-style open neck that makes it great for holidays in the sun.
The best men’s summer shirts, at a glance
- Best Cuban collar shirt – Coofandy Linen Button-Down Shirt
- Best work shirt – Amazon Essentials Wrinkle-Resistant Work Shirt
- Best linen-blend shirt – Uniqlo Linen Blend Short-Sleeved Shirt
- Best patterned shirt – Wax London Didcot Shirt
- Best polo shirt for summer – Toast Half-Placket Linen Shirt
Coofandy Linen Button-Down Shirt
- (AD) Coofandy Linen Button-Down Shirt, £26.99 from Amazon – buy here
If you’re going to buy just one summer shirt style, make it a Cuban collar. The relaxed, open-neck collar defines the style, and gives it a mid-century feel that’s just perfect for the warmer weather.
An excellent alternative to regular or button-down collars, this is a shirt you can wear to the pub with mates, or to a first date. Incredibly versatile and easy to wear, try it with shorts, chinos or jeans and you can’t go wrong.
This one is finished in a linen blend fabric and comes with a regular fit for maximum adaptability.
Amazon Essentials Wrinkle-Resistant Work Shirt
- (AD) Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeved Wrinkle-Resistant Work Shirt, £19 from Amazon – buy here
This work shirt might not be the first style you think of when you imagine a summer shirt, but it should be.
With two button-down chest pockets and a relaxed, boxy cut, it’s comfortable, practical and surprisingly easy to style.
Taking inspiration from workshop attire, this shirt is made from a lightweight cotton blend fabric that’s both breathable and stain resistant.
Try wearing yours with pleated stone chinos and canvas high tops for a laid-back summer look that’s ideal for weekends out and about.
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Uniqlo Linen Blend Short-Sleeved Shirt
- Linen Blend Short-Sleeved Shirt, £29.90 from Uniqlo – buy here
Uniqlo’s linen range has been a summer staple for years now.
Fairly new to the lineup, this Cuban collar design is cut from the brand’s lightweight, durable fibre and comes with a relaxed, comfortable fit.
Available in a range of colours, it combines well with drawstring shorts and leather sandals.
Wax London Didcot Pastel Blossom Shirt
- Didcot Shirt (Pastel Blossom), £95 from Wax London – buy here
If you can’t wear colour in summer, then when can you?
This Wax London shirt makes the case for pastel shades with its abstract pattern of pink, blue, yellow and orange tones.
Made from a silky viscose and with a Cuban collar, short sleeves and a boxy cut, it would make for a playful addition to your wardrobe.
Toast Half Placket Linen Shirt
- Half Placket Linen Shirt, £135 from Toast – buy here
Coming with a half placket and finished in a deep indigo shade, this linen shirt has a well-dressed fisherman feel to it.
With a relaxed fit and finished with contrasting buttons, it’s easy, comfortable and effortlessly stylish.
Boden Knitted Short Sleeve Shirt
- Knitted Short Sleeve Shirt, £75 from Boden – buy here
When it comes to summer dressing, knitted polo shirts should never be overlooked.
This one comes with a button-through design and a soft, textured cotton fabric, which will feel great against the skin with its light, breathable weave.
Suit Supply Sand Slim Fit Shirt
- Suit Sand Slim Fit Shirt, £99 from Suit Supply – buy here
For something a little smarter, try Suit Supply.
Although normally known for its Italian-inspired tailoring, the brand’s shirts are well-made from some of the world’s finest fabrics.
This one is cut from 100% linen from Alibini in Italy and comes with a cutaway collar and single button cuffs.
Jam Industries Condesa Shirt
- Condesa Shirt, £65 from Jam Industries – buy here
If subtlety is more your bag, this striped shirt by Jam Industries is for you.
Its soft cotton linen fabric comes with light brown stripes, ensuring it can be combined with all manner of shades, from navy and stone to black, grey or green.
Beaufort & Blake Upton Sherbert Garment Dye Linen Shirt
- Upton Sherbert Garment Dye Linen Shirt, £85 from Beaufort & Blake – buy here
If you want to introduce a bit of colour to your summer wardrobe, why not try pink?
This light sherbert tone is easier to wear than you might first think, given that it can be combined with navy or stone trousers and your favourite pair of trainers.
P&Co Take It Easy Bowling Shirt
- Take It Easy Bowling Shirt, £90 from P&Co – buy here
Inspired by ‘50s and ‘60s Americana, this P & Co shirt comes with tasteful embroidery and chain stitching, attesting to its quality.
With a relaxed fit and handy chest pockets, it’s as practical as it is cool.