In the summer season, the sun and intense heat tend to banish shirts to the back of our wardrobes. Too warm, too heavy, barely breathable: countless misconceptions sadly contribute to this forced hibernation. For us, having celebrated our silk anniversary with this essential piece, it is hard to stand by and watch this groundless dismissal.
In this article, we come to the rescue with a clear message: yes, it is entirely possible to wear a shirt in summer. Here is the proof.
Stop taking off your shirt once it passes 20°C
It is a universal reflex: as soon as the mercury rises, it is tempting to slip into a T-shirt (and stay in one until early autumn). Yet many alternatives exist, and lightweight shirts are certainly among the most elegant of them all.
Moreover, most summer shirts are more pleasant to wear than heavy 100% cotton tops, depending on their fabric and fit. Let us now take a closer look at these parameters to define what makes a true summer shirt.
The importance of the raw material
Often overlooked, the choice of raw material is essential when investing in clothing. This is especially true above 20°C, temperatures beyond which unsuitable fabrics quickly become stifling (and uncomfortable).
To be truly summer-ready—that is, genuinely wearable in hot weather without overheating—a shirt should be crafted from the following fibres, either pure or blended: organic cotton, wool, linen, hemp or ramie.
Unlike synthetic materials, these natural fibres offer vital summer properties: softness, breathability, thermoregulation, moisture absorption and hypoallergenic qualities.
At Hast, where the wardrobe is made from 100% natural or recycled raw materials, you will have no trouble finding the perfect fit, especially amongst our linen shirt collection.
Fabric type and weight
In summer, we recommend opting for loose, open weaves that enhance lightness and ventilation. Set aside twills and satins for a few weeks, and focus on airy fabrics designed for optimal airflow.
Likewise, steer clear of heavier fabrics (weighing over 260–280 g/m²) in favour of lighter weaves, ideally between 100 and 250 g/m².
At Hast, you will find this information in the "Details" section of each product page, as shown here with our featherlight beige linen shirt.
Light poplin, open Oxford, seersucker and its iconic puckered texture, Giro Inglese with its honeycomb structure, pure linen and linen blends: you will be spoilt for choice when picking the shirts to see you right through to the end of the Indian summer.
The role of the cut
Naturally, a straight or relaxed-cut shirt promotes comfort and airflow. To beat the heat, opting for a relaxed-fit shirt will feel far more comfortable than wearing a slim-fit one tucked into your trousers. Between these two cuts, there are plenty of options, starting with classic fits that suit casual or smarter looks, tucked in or left out.
As a rule, we strongly recommend embracing more generous silhouettes in summer: nothing feels worse than fabric clinging to warm skin.
The short-sleeved option
Long frowned upon, the short-sleeved shirt has made a welcome comeback in recent years, and that is excellent news. The ultimate summer shirt, it gives your arms breathing room without fading into the anonymity of a T-shirt, making it both a distinctive and effortless piece.
This year, we have crafted a select few in keeping with the heritage of this misunderstood classic: relaxed fit, Cuban collar and generous sleeves, expertly crafted in Portugal from exceptionally lightweight fabrics. Take the plunge—you will not look back.
Wearing a summer shirt
As you will have gathered, not all summer shirts are created equal. From patterned short-sleeved shirts to light poplin shirts, the spectrum is broad. And that is a good thing. You will easily find one for every occasion, from the most relaxed settings to the most formal gatherings.
In ascending order of formality, here is a selection of our summer shirts, accompanied by pieces that will pair seamlessly with them:
- A short-sleeved shirt with stripes, layered casually over a colourful T-shirt alongside cotton-linen shorts. Ideal for strolling around town (or curling up with a book at home).
- A two-tone fun shirt in métis fabric, paired with light-coloured wide-leg trousers. A delightful way to bring originality to an outfit, which is always welcome during the sunny season.
- A sage band collar shirt, crafted from a 55% cotton and 45% linen fabric. To complement it, a striped T-shirt and earth-toned trousers will fit the bill perfectly. The ideal outfit for heading into the office in the height of August.
- A 100% linen white shirt, naturally. The epitome of effortless elegance, it instantly evokes Riviera style and nonchalant charm. Truly versatile, it pairs just as well with swim shorts for reading by the pool as with Fresco trousers for a summer wedding. For further inspiration, you can also explore our dedicated article.
- A light poplin dress shirt. The official fabric of formal wear, poplin is a smooth and silky cloth that is especially distinguished. Generally tight-woven (hence its subtle sheen), we have created much more open summer versions, such as this lightweight 110 g/m² reference.
Final words
If you thought the T-shirt was the only garment capable of helping you brave the heat of summer, think again. The shirt is just as capable (and perhaps more so), provided you choose it wisely. Natural materials, generous cuts, light and airy fabrics, and optionally short sleeves: these are the secrets to navigating the summer in effortless style.