How to wear a short sleeve shirt

Some of fashion’s most fierce debates rear their head in the warmer months. Should men over the age of 12 ever wear flip flops? Is it OK to don shorts when you’re not on holiday? And what about the short sleeve shirt – how can one feasibly wear such an item? 

The short sleeve shirt is among the once-popular trends that have come back into today’s style rotation, along with the utility vest, the bulky, 1990s-esque dad trainer, and the penchant for double denim. The short sleeve shirt is spring and summer’s answer to autumn’s Oxford shirt, the smarter version of the much-loved polo shirt and a very easy piece to throw on to instantly upgrade a drab outfit. Read on to find out how best to wear it. 

Slow and steady wins the race. Opt for a solid tone in a simple colour that won’t overwhelm you or your everyday wardrobe – navy blue, dark green, black or white are all good options. Fit is key, too. Too big can end up flapping around like a smock. Too small, and you’ll look like you’re cramming into something that’s been sitting in the back of your wardrobe for decades. The perfect fit should sit exactly on your belt line – no higher, no lower.

It might seem intense at first, but when worn tucked in, almost entirely undone and in a daring pattern, the short sleeve shirt really comes into its own. Styling it like this takes confidence, but don’t be afraid to really go hard on standout colour and print. It’s probably best to pair it with a white T-shirt or vest – too much bare chest might take this trend a little too far.

If you don’t quite fancy either of the above options, try this. An eye-catching print can be the perfect piece to add to your summer wardrobe and it looks great when paired with everyday items in simple and wearable tones. A shirt like the one above might initially seem out-there, but works really well when worn with the right pieces.