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Chill Out in the Best Summer T-Shirts for Men

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There’s no question you’re likely reaching into your T-shirt drawer quite a bit this summer. But are you reaching for the right T-shirt for summer? The best kind of T-shirt can spruce up simple outfits, complement classic basics, and layer up with any piece of shirting or outerwear. It should also feature a tailored fit and subtly stylish fabric.

Make no mistake, there’s a substantial difference between an average T-shirt and the tees on our list of favorites below. These shirts are made in exceptional fabrics and quality cuts, with breathability, style, and durability top of mind. Sounds too good to be true, right? Nope. Just real, comfortable shirts. 

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Best T-Shirts for Summer

Buy at Jason Scott
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The best summer T-shirts are, at times,the most simple tees. Take this expertly crafted Jason Scott tee, made to wear with slim chinos and white sneakers or even with your best khaki cotton suit. The pima cotton is soft and breathable. Sounds like summer to us.

Buy at Jason Scott

Buy at Taylor Stitch
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What’s not to love about the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee? After all, it’s made with upcycled material in a substantial fit and feel, and it has been recently updated with a fun pocket graphic. Wear this tee all on its own with slim light wash denim and Chelsea boots to the bar.

Buy at Taylor Stitch

Buy at Sol Angeles
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There are times when you need a breezy, fun T-shirt (say, when wearing your favorite pair of swim trunks to the beach), and this Flag Waves Crew from Sol Angeles is the way to go.

Buy at Sol Angeles

Buy at Huckberry

 

Related: 
The best men’s sandals for every summer plan — from beach days to date nights

Made from a lightweight, breathable fabric blend and available in a variety of of sun-washed colors, this tee is perfect for your next BBQ or weekend coffee run, or really, anything you can think of. That’s high praise, but it’s absolutely one of the best summer T-shirts out there.

Buy at Huckberry

Buy at Buck Mason
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Buck Mason has long been lauded for its T-shirts and for good reason. They’re exceptionally well-made, soft, slim-fitting … in short, easily among the best summer T-shirts for men. The curved hem and slub fabric set this tee apart from the other crews out there. Wear it with black jeans and suede chukka boots for the ultimate casual look.

Buy at Buck Mason

Buy at Uniqlo
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Your summer T-shirt shouldn’t be super expensive or overdone. So go with an affordable, easy-to-wear number from Uniqlo, and pick up this particular tee in any color you can think of. Then wear it with slim jeans and high-top sneakers.

Buy at Uniqlo

Buy at ToddSnyder
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If ever you want to upgrade your summer T-shirt game immediately, turn toward Todd Snyder & Champion – the ongoing partnership between the heritage sportswear brand and the lauded American designer continues to yield fruitful results, like this bold striped tee.

Buy at ToddSnyder

Buy at Wellen
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Hemp is the hot new fabric in town, and with good reason – it’s ridiculously sustainable and it also results in some stylish gear (case in point, this striped T-shirt from the new in-house brand at Huckberry).

Buy at Wellen

For more options in the T-shirt world, check out our pics for best undershirts.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe
Former Contributor
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
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