Lustrous, louche and luxurious - the silk shirt is the sophisticated summer staple every man needs in their wardrobe.
One of the strongest natural fibres on the planet that’s also crease-resistant, fire retardent and insulating in winter yet cooling in summer - is there anything the magical fabric can’t do? Even better, it’s a textile that effortlessly straddles the worlds of casualwear and formality, making it a sultry smart-casual saviour that will make you feel at once elegant and nonchalant - think Al Pacino in Scarface minus the three-piece-suit.
Just look at this year’s Cannes Film Festival to see how it’s done. The star-studded cast of Pedro Almodovar’s Strange Way Of Life are all the motivation you’ll need to add something silky to your collection. Troye Sivan and Moses Sumney have also been spotted flowing down the red carpet in their own silk shirts, cementing it as an essential for the season ahead.
Whether you up the formal ante by teaming with trousers, pair with short shorts for a casual look or even with denim and loafers to lean into the country-club aeshtetic, it’s a versatile investment that will see you through the warmer months and beyond.
Now, we’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news; the options on offer mean every man will find a slinky button-up to add to their arsenal. From Casablanca’s bold statement designs to Commas’ premium understated resortwear, Bode’s vintage-inspired pieces that could have been plucked from a bygone era to Gant’s effortlessly preppy style, there’s no one-size-fits-all policy.
The bad news; the rarity of the fibre and the lengthy manufacturing process means the price is considerably higher than more widespread fabrics. But, thanks to its durable credentials, any 100 per cent silk shirt is an investment that will certainly stand the test of time - and will make an appearance in your ‘fits for years to come.
If you’re in the market for a vegan and more wallet-friendly alternative, you should be on the lookout for viscose, tencel or rammie which are plant-based substitues that offer a similar free-flowing easy-going aesthetic.
The one rule? Unless a camp collar is involved, always have at least two buttons undone.
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S.S.Daley Giles floral-portrait striped silk shirt
S.S.Daley’s silk shirt is picture perfect. Straight from the London designer’s spring/summer 2023 show, it features a 1930s-inspired floral portrait that’s complimented with tonal stripes.
Buy now £570.00, Matches
Frescobol Carioca Treliça Roberto Silk Shirt
Taking cues from 1920s Art Deco prints, Frescobol Carioca’s lustrous shirt is a laid-back number that’s ideal for vacay-season. Wear it with tailored shorts during the day and swap them with smart casual trousers for the evening.
Buy now £295.00, Frescobol Carioca
Bode Coral Bells Printed Silk Shirt
New York-based label Bode’s collections are brimming with vintage appeal - and this lightweight silk design is no exception. Featuring an ornate pattern inspired by 19th century silk bandanas, it will deliver a sense of old world charm to any summer outfit.
Buy now £460.00, Mr. Porter
Commas Fade-stripe silk shirt
Resortwear at its finest, Commas range of silk separates and co-ords are some of the best in the business. The faded stripe on this long sleeved shirt only bolsters the summer appeal - now all you need is the matching trousers.
Buy now £515.00, Matches
Casablanca Tennis Club printed silk-twill shirt
You’re sure to have seen Casablanca Paris’ chi-chi silk shirts gracing your IG feeds on celebs and influencers alike - even French Montana and J Balvin have been spotted wearing the brand.
Famous for their vibrant colourways, statement prints and private country club aeshtetics, its ideal for gents who like to make a sophisticated fashion statement - which is exactly what this shirt would do. As soon as you slip into the luxurious, sleek fabric, you’ll never want to take it off.
Buy now £750.00, Casablanca
Gant Oversized Sailing Print Silk Shirt
If you’re into the Casablanca look but not the price point, Gant’s oversized shirt has the vibrancy to match. Another purveyor of the preppy aeshtetic, it would look best worn with slacks or denim paired with loafers.
Buy now £270.00, Gant
Valentino Garavani Bandana floral-print silk shirt
Italian designer Valentino is known for its quality shirting - and its silk collection is elite. Featuring a two-tone floral print, it’s a maximal take on the trend that wouldn’t look out of place on Leonardo Di Caprio in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Go big or go home.
Buy now £1250.00, Matches
L.E.J Drawstring-front silk shirt
Menswear designer Luke Walker, alumnus of Paul Smith, Dunhill and Drake’s, founded his own label in 2020 out of a desire to create premium casualwear with a new perspective - and he’s certainly succeeded.
Offering a unique selection of shirting, the brand balances utilitarian silhouettes with artisanal details, like hand-printed labels and delicate drawstring fastenings, resulting in considered designs perfect for the modern man. What’s not to love?
Buy now £375.00, Matches
Nanushka Bodil Printed twill silk shirt Lumen
Every menswear afficionado should have Nanushka firmly on their wishlist. From the overshirts to the trousers, the denim to the co-ords, the Hungarian label hits the mark season after season.
Float from the beach to the bar in this luxuriously-textured silk shirt which features a painterly print, a coordinating patch pocket and a relaxed open collar.
Buy now £265.00, Nanushka
