Our European compatriots might be rugging up in the coming days, but for denizens of the southern hemisphere, it’s again that time of year when every man and his dog breaks out the silk, linen and other warm-weather essentials – all with a view to dressing like Miles Teller in Top Gun: Maverick.
To assist in this not-always-straightforward exercise – the goal is to dress well rather than be overdressed – we’ve compiled half a dozen of the best summer shirts on the internet: from easy breezy resort wear styles to big-baller silk joints (with the price tag to match), these layers will see you through hot days and balmy nights. That is, of course, unless La Niña drowns us all.
‘Sunset’ Cuban Shirt by The Anthology
Sartorial savants are likely to have come across the name, ‘The Anthology’ at some point or other and for good reason. With presences in London and Taiwan, the HK-based clothier, whose main hustle is tailored clothing with “a relevant and contemporary” edge, also makes one hell of a resort shirt.
For instance, the ‘Sunset’ style features a moderately sized high-buttoning camp collar – allowing for it to be worn with more dressy kit, alongside more casual staples like a crisp white tee and swim shorts. Fabric too is carefully considered: woven in a singed orange cotton-silk blend that comes from one of The Anthology’s specialist clothmakers in Japan.
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‘Orbite Au Tour’ Silk Shirt By Casablanca
Somewhere between your grandfather’s ‘lucky’ bowling shirt and the kind of kit you’d imagine draped over a cartel enforcer, Casablanca’s ‘Orbite Au Tour’ is for those who want to make a splash this summer beyond the confines of the pool.
The Parisian brand is well-regarded for its bombastic, slightly billowy print tops – and this season is no different. This pure silk number features retro-inspired aviation graphics on the chest and back. Best when paired with a couple of simple wardrobe staples, such as drawstring shorts or your comfiest pair of loafers.
Sunset Beach Shirt by Haulier
Designer Jeremy Hershan’s jet-set-inspired unisex brand has taken a creative tact to summer shirts this year, eschewing the usual morass of blue and yellow in favour of a simple, blacked-out approach. The ‘Sunset’ is Haulier’s answer to the ubiquitous polo: instead of cotton piqué, it’s cut in an airy Japanese mesh that has been reinforced with faintly orange top-stitching – lending the overall design a somewhat denim-esque appeal.
In addition, functional details abound: the one-piece collar can be converted into the more summery camp style, and the hips are finished with flapped pockets – the perfect repository for your phone and shades.
‘Roberto’ Leaf Print Shirt by Frescobol Carioca
Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant carioca culture, it’s no stretch to imagine that Frescobol Carioca makes some of the punchiest summer attire around. The brand’s camp collar shirting has always proven an effective canvas for showcasing the city’s sights and scenes, with the ‘Roberto’ being a recurrent bestseller. For 2022, we really enjoy the sand linen version – charming, gauzy and in keeping with the flora theme of the leaf print (a subtle nod to the tropical greenery that surrounds the city’s world-famous beaches).
Cream ‘Sundial’ Camp Collar Shirt by Commas
No BH-approved list of the best summer shirts would be complete without a dash of local love, which brings us to the very top-shelf resort wear of Sydney brand COMMAS. Its cream ‘sundial’ shirt, cut to a boxy proportion in nearly equal parts silk/cotton, actually features a hand-painted depiction of the titular print, giving this a rustic quality that immediately sets it apart from slicker, arguably less interesting designer fare. We recommend embracing a tone-on-tone aesthetic, and wearing this with some very simple chino shorts – think shades of ecru, taupe and sand.
‘Paraiso’ Shirt in Pink by SMR Days
Taking inspiration from the relaxed, wandering lifestyle of co-founder Gautam Rajani, SMR Days is a brand that knows a thing or two about making summer shirts that feel comfortable and flatter you quietly. Its ‘Paraiso’ camp collar may be removed, in name, from other styles that more clearly reflect Rajani’s love of traditional Indian clothing, yet it still possesses the lightness and slightly roomy fit that many of us would crave for a trip through the Subcontinent. The washed pink colourway is alarmingly easy on the eyes, making this a shoo-in when you’re hightailing it to the coast on weekends.
