8 best men’s summer shirts to rock on any occasion, from the beach to a family BBQ

Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda is known for its playful take on classic, wearable fashion. This organic cotton shirt from the brand is a great example of this with a subtly eye-catching pattern that carries universal appeal paired with a fit and feel that’s precisely what you would want from a summer shirt  — flattering yet roomy and comfy to avoid the risk of overheating.

The flashes of neon green and pink in the inner stitching are a tad jarring but are Scotch & Soda trademarks and a customary part of the brand’s off-kilter style. They’re also unseen when wearing, so don’t let them put you off what is a stylish, high-quality summer shirt.

Best: For evenings

Rating: 10/10

The menswear side of Spanish high street giant Mango often gets left in the shade of its womenswear offering, but for those in the know, it’s a real treasure trove and a dab hand when it comes to linen. This is a perfect summer fabric, thanks to its extremely breathable and moisture-absorbing properties.

This shirt is just as cool on a hot summer’s day as its short-sleeved competitors on the list, and the versatility of longer sleeves will stand you well when the sun goes down. The hazy colour palette is also prime summer holiday vibes – we’re getting sangrias on the beach with this one.

Best: Patterned shirt

Rating: 9.5/10

The patterned shirt has become a menswear staple in recent years and a must-have in your summer wardrobe. As such, there are plenty of fantastic options out there, but arguably some of the best are coming off the factory floor at London menswear spot Sirplus.

The intricate Japanese-inspired pattern on this summer shirt is hypnotic, while the feel of the viscose material is smooth and luxurious. The fit is noticeably roomy on the sides, so those looking for a neater, sharper silhouette may need to tuck, but there’s a versatility here that’ll mean it’ll look just as good paired with an all-black suit as it would with some thigh-skimming shorts.

Best: Knit

Rating: 9/10

Made by King & Tuckfield, another brilliant independent British menswear brand, this summer shirt is a mid-century beauty. Knitted from moisture-wicking merino wool, it is remarkably light and airy, while the look is part Talented Mr Ripley, part Edwardian cricketer.

The long sleeves might distract some, but they look great when pushed up, and the fit and feel tread the line between relaxed and dapper exceedingly well. The price tag might raise eyebrows, but you’re paying for timeless style here and the sort of shirt that’ll never not look sophisticated and stylish.

Best: For post-pool lounging

Rating: 9/10

Made from the absorbent cotton used in towels and robes, a terry cloth shirt is a stylish, practical solution to a common summer problem and offers poolside salvation when needed most.

This shirt from Weekday allows you to dip your toes in the style without breaking the bank. It is offered in an attractive off-white that evokes images of sandy beaches, and the oversized fit is nicely proportioned, especially if you have big shoulders. This is a summer shirt primed and ready to help you dry off after a cooling dip, and it still slots in nicely to an evening look.

Best: On the high street

Rating: 9/10

The bastion of the great British high street that is Marks & Spencer is always a failsafe source of summer wear, and this season’s summer shirt roster is notably stylish and easy to wear.

The knitted polo selection is eye-catching, but you can’t go wrong with this geometric patterned effort for a stand-out summer shirt that will cover several social occasions. It is made from breezy Tencel in a flattering slim fit that is especially well-cut around the sleeves, showing off just the right amount of bicep without threatening to cut off circulation.

Best: For a slimmer fit

Rating: 9/10

The summer shirt style certainly seems to be boxy and casual this season, leaving those looking for a slimmer, sharper fit at a bit of a loss. Luckily, there’s Reiss to the rescue, and this tidy Cuban collar shirt, crafted from a slightly stretchy mercerised jersey.

While rather slim and nicely tapered, the fit isn’t constricting, even if the sleeves might sit a little too high for some, and the extensive choice of colours makes this a real summer outfit foundation – the sort of piece that can be worn easily again and again.

Best: For skatewear style

Rating: 8/10

Like fellow workwear-meets-skatewear brands Carhartt, WIP and Stan Ray, Dickies is known for making comfortable and hard-wearing pieces, and this short-sleeve shirt from the American brand is no exception.

Made from extremely crisp cotton that is noticeably more substantial than other patterned shirts on this list, the fit is boxy and casual. And the subtle use of the Dickies name within the sun pattern is a nice touch, even if the lime green colourway might not be to everyone’s taste.