Listen up: for all of the gents out there who loathe the dress code diktat ‘smart-casual’, you’re not alone.
But there’s an easy solution to solve all your summer outfit woes, may we introduce you to the humble casual shirt. At once relaxed and elevated, it will become your go-to sartorial saviour for all of those 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 inherently sharper than a t-shirt so you instantly look as though you’ve made an effort - with none required.
The best styles will have relaxed silhouettes, interesting textures or laid back design details - camp or revere collars, we’re looking at you. During the warmer weather, it’s best to go for colourful styles in lightweight fabrics like silk or linen, and, of course, it’s when the short sleeve really comes into its own.
For the colder months, a long sleeve is a layering hero. You could wear it beneath a coat or jumper or over a roll neck or a simple t-shirt - the reality is, the styling possibilities are endless. To up the wintry ante, look for corduroy or denim for extra warmth.
The good news is that the options are far ranging and ever growing. From Parisian cult favourite Jacquemus, who offers a fresh wave of designs season after season, to high street hero Cos, who you can count on for contemporary yet wallet-friendly styles, there’s something for every preferences and price point.
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.
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Best men’s shirt brands for 2023: Smart and casual shirts to refresh your wardrobe
Jacquemus Printed Poplin Shirt
When the warmer months arrive, my go-to is a Jacquemus shirt.
Every season, creative director Simone Porte Jacquemus refreshes the aesthetic with fun, stylish graphics and colours which never fail to impress.
For SS23, the inspiration was ‘Solar’, as you can see from the summery leaves, flowers and sun print - and this shirt is going straight in my basket.
Buy now £365.00, Mr. Porter
Casablanca L’Arche Fleure graphic-print relaxed-fit silk shirt
Casablanca offers an unrivalled selection of silk shirts that are coveted by fashion editors and celebrities alike - and they’re all on our wishlist.
In the label’s signature aesthetic, this short-sleeved design features an all-over upbeat print which, this time, is a delicate web of blooming flowers. Pair with the matching shorts to fully commit to florals.
Buy now £715.00, Casablanca
Arket Oversized Short-Sleeve Denim Shirt
Canadian tuxedos are a hot topic right now - but what about when things start to heat up? Enter Arket, with this oversized light-wash denim shirt which comes with matching shorts to complete the look.
Pair with socks and your favourite leather sandals for a cool, city-break outfit.
Buy now £69.00, Arket
L.E.J Daffodil-print cotton-blend habotai shirt
L.E.J’s speciality is lightweight shirts crafted using luxury fabrics in contemporary silhouettes - as proven by this spring-ready daffodil-print design.
Cut to a straight fit from a cotton-silk-blend habotai, you can dress it up or down depending on the vibe - especially thanks to the versatile tonal colourway.
Buy now £295.00, MatchesFashion
Uniqlo X JW Anderson Oversized Shirt
You can count on Uniqlo for a quality designer collaboration. This shirt is part of the Japanese high street hero’s on-going partnership with London-based designer JW Anderson that always serves up a capsule of fashion-forward pieces available at wallet-friendly prices.
Oversized, with contrast sleeves and subtle logo embroidery, we want all three colourways that this piece comes in.
Buy now £34.90, Uniqlo
ASOS DESIGN relaxed revere crochet shirt with sunflower embroidery
Flea-market chic, ASOS’ crochet shirt looks as though it could have been plucked from a stall in a far-flung destination.
From the openwork knit to the floral embroidery and revere collar, it exudes an easy-going sunny feel - all you need now is the pearl necklace to match.
Buy now £45.00, ASOS
Percival Blue Willow Long Sleeve Cuban Shirt
What’s not to love about Percival’s willow shirt? Featuring a casual cuban collar and a free-spirited willow tree print, you’ll breeze through holiday season with this in your suitcase, whatever the destination.
Style it with blues and neutrals - not forgetting the all-important sunglasses, of course.
Buy now £159.00, Percival
Holzweiler Clip Stripe Shirt Green Mix
Oslo-based label Holzweiler stays true to its minimal Scandi heritage with its collections that are full of stylish, easy-to-wear pieces.
A classic Oxford, this button-down is a versatile wardrobe staple perfect for year-round wear. Whether you wear it solo or layer it over a t-shirt, it’s sure to make an appearance season after season.
Buy now £235.00, Holzweiler
Samsøe Samsøe Avan JJ shirt 14685
With a textured feel and a boxy fit, Samsøe Samsøe’s shirt would look equally slick worn for a picnic in the park as it would on a sundrenched beach.
Our favourite is the poppy red, but if it’s not your style, there are three other colours to choose from, too.
Buy now £125.00, Samsøe Samsøe
Cos Camp-Collar Seersucker Shirt
An ultra-lightweight fabric that even looks great when it’s creased, seersucker is ideal if you’re looking for something to throw-on-and-go when the sun’s shining.
Better yet, Cos’ design features an all-over 70s-inspired tie dye that’s brings the summer spirit even if the weather’s not playing ball.
Buy now £59.00, Cos
Nanushka Ayaan Knitted camp shirt Coffee bean
Known for its premium fabrics and contemporary silhouettes, Nanushka’s menswear offering is equal parts eclectic and luxury - given the option, I’d wear it head to toe on the daily.
Whether you’re mooching around a balmy European town or relaxing poolside, it will elevate your warm weather wardrobe to new heights.
Buy now £365.00, Nanushka
