Listen up: for all of the guys out there who loathe the dress code diktat ‘smart-casual’, you’re not alone.
But there’s an easy solution to solve all your outfit qualms. May we introduce you to the casual shirt? At once relaxed and smart, it will become your go-to sartorial saviour for the occasions when you have no idea what to wear.
Whether you choose to dress it up with with loafers and trousers or down with sports shorts and trainers, it’s sharper than a t-shirt so you look as though you’ve made an effort - even if you haven’t. The best styles will have relaxed silhouettes, interesting textures or laidback design details - camp or revere collars, we’re looking at you.
During the warmer weather, it’s best to go for lightweight fabrics like silk or linen, and, of course, it’s when the short sleeve comes into its own. For the colder months, though, a long sleeve is a layering hero. You could wear it beneath a coat or jumper or over a roll neck or t-shirt - the reality is, the styling possibilities are endless. To up the wintry ante, look for corduroy or denim for extra warmth.
There are many options to choose from. From hyped-up Parisian label Jacquemus which offers a fresh wave of designs season after season to the contemporary classics at high street hero Arket, there’s a strong range across the board.
The good news? We’ve taken the liberty of searching for the best styles available to buy now, so you don’t have to.
Keep scrolling for our top pick.
Long-sleeved
Arket Denim Shirt
Now the Canadian tuxedo is back, a denim shirt is a wardrobe staple every guy needs. Enter: Arket’s classic button-up. It’s lightweight, relaxed and the perfect mid-wash blue.
Buy now £69.00, Arket
Samsøe Samsøe Saliam FX shirt 15365
Sometimes a plain white shirt feels a little, well, plain. Luckily, though, Samsøe Samsøe’s offering takes the classic up a notch with an understated stripe and curved hem. Our top tip? Size up if you like a relaxed fit.
Buy now £120.00, Samsøe Samsøe
Uniqlo Broadcloth Shirt Button-Down Collar
You can count on Uniqlo for strong menswear – especially when it comes to shirting. From Oxfords to linen, the Japanese label covers all of the key silhouettes. Our favourite? This relaxed blue striped button-down.
Buy now £34.90, Uniqlo
Jacquemus La Chemise Simon Arty Paint Shirt
When the warmer months arrive, my go-to is always a Jacquemus shirt. Every season, creative director Simone Porte Jacquemus updates his collection with a fresh wave of graphics and colours which never miss. This year, our favourite is this Matisse-coded print.
Buy now £205.00, Flannels
Gant Regular Fit Striped Archive Oxford Shirt
If you’re into the preppy look, chances are you have a couple of shirts by Gant in your wardrobe. Crafted using a fabric from the Swedish label’s archives, this is a timeless Oxford you’ll have in your collection for years.
Buy now £60.00, Gant
Short-sleeved
Topman short sleeve relaxed striped crochet shirt in red
Whether you’re heading to the beach or have a festival planned, there’s always room for a crochet shirt in your wardrobe. Topman has you covered with this affordable option which doesn’t compromise on quality.
Buy now £40.00, ASOS
Percival Tapestry Cuban Shirt
For classics with a twist, Percival’s your best bet - as is expertly shown by this Grecian-inspired Cuban collar shirt. One of the London-based label’s key silhouettes, it’s available in a wide range of prints and colourways. A suitcase essential when temperatures are hotting up.
Buy now £107.40, Percival
SCRT Charlotte Cuban
If you’re a movie buff, SCRT’s an independent label you should know about. Every year, the London-based brand drops collections inspired by cult classics, from American Psycho to Clockwork Orange. Our top pick is the shirt pictured that takes its cues from Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation.
Buy now £120.00, SCRT
Casablanca Vase Camp-Collar Printed Silk-Twill Shirt
Casablanca offers an unrivalled selection of silk shirts that are coveted by fashion editors and celebrities alike. This short-sleeved take features a Miami Vice-coded pastel print which is perfect for summer.
Buy now £765.00, Mr. Porter
Gap Textured Resort Short Sleeve Shirt
Since Zac Posen took the helm at American heavyweight Gap back in February, the brand has gone from strength to strength. Once a label reserved for basics alone, it’s now a go-to for statement pieces too. From the textured fabric to the print, this shirt is a prime example.
Buy now £35.00, Gap
