Let’s be clear: the short-sleeved shirt is one of our summer essentials. Why? Quite simply because, far from the old clichés, it offers a casual chic look that is more laid-back than a classic shirt. Because—naturally—it is much cooler than its long-sleeved counterpart. But also because there are so many variations, we are certain you will find one tailored to your style. A camp collar? Stripes? Linen? A chest pocket detail? This season, we are going short.
The short-sleeved shirt: back in style
This summer will be warm. Facing this fact, there are two reactions. The first is to leap for joy thinking of the sweet summer leisure ahead. The second is to start wondering straight away: “Yes, but what will I wear?”. As the first warm days approach, the same dilemma always returns: how to wear lighter pieces for daily life without looking like you are on holiday. To achieve an effortless, airy silhouette, the short-sleeved shirt is the ideal solution, provided you choose it well.
For an elegant, effortless look reminiscent of Alain Delon in Purple Noon, we recommend steering clear of overly busy prints or loud colours. Opt instead for a clean shirt in a timeless, light shade or with stripes, crafted from a fine, high-quality fabric that keeps you cool all day long.
A little history
The short-sleeved shirt had its heyday in the 1920s, when tennis players began wearing it for greater ease of movement. Many artists, notably painters such as Picasso and Matisse, embraced it in their studios. With its more relaxed feel, an unbuttoned short-sleeved shirt instantly lends an effortless ease to any look. From the 1980s onwards, corporate culture and open-plan offices brought a renewed interest in the short-sleeved shirt, adopted by office workers looking to stay cool. Today, the short-sleeved shirt has earned its place in casual wear, paired effortlessly with jeans or shorts in summer. For more formal occasions, we recommend opting for a long-sleeved shirt with rolled-up sleeves.
Which fabrics to choose for your short-sleeved shirt?
Staying cool when the mercury rises is a delicate balance. Choosing a lightweight, high-quality fabric is essential to avoid overheating or feeling uncomfortable. Most fabrics used to make shirts are cotton. However, the weave also opens up a wide range of possibilities.
Blending fibres is also a great option to enhance the fabric's texture. This season, we offer a striped design in a blend of cotton and linen. A winning combination: cotton brings durability while linen gains structure from the cotton. For our relaxed mustard striped shirt, we also introduced a touch of ramie—a remarkably lightweight Japanese fabric—to the linen and cotton blend, making it even easier to wear.
Sartorial peak
Style-wise, we love playing with different contexts, wearing it just as easily for a relaxed day at the beach as for everyday wear, in a casual mood.
On rare occasions, it is welcome in more formal settings—such as a relaxed summer wedding—if you master the art of pairing it with sharp, tailored pieces and want a subtle touch of originality. Our seersucker short-sleeved shirt pairs perfectly with trousers in the same fabric. Its refined puckered texture and Cuban collar ensure a distinctive, elegant style. Needless to say, the groom should opt for a more traditional long-sleeved shirt.
For everyday wear, the short-sleeved shirt can be tucked into chinos with trainers, or worn open over a white cotton T-shirt for a more laid-back feel. Finished with a pair of sunglasses, it will be the stylish staple of your summer.
