The weather is finally warming up (in some places more reluctantly than others), so it’s time to start thinking about what amendments to make to your go-to button down shirts for the spring season. You have your basic office white and blue covered (we hope), but what about Friday through Sunday? Sure, you can wear you business shirts for weekends away, but that’s a quick way to fray cuffs and collars and add a potential pit stain to the mix. Keep them clean and keep them in the closet — spring calls for a shirt that falls somewhere between flannel and linen. These seven spring shirts fill that void with soft, tailored perfection.
The Anywhere-but-the-Office White
Best Made Co. The Lightweight Work Shirt – $128
If you’re like most guys, you have your basic white shirt covered. So get the anything-but-basic Best Made Co. Work Shirt. The only thing it has in common with those nine-to-five whites you have hanging in your closet is the color (or lack thereof). Everything else about this shirt is built for one of the tasks we have the hardest time checking off our to-do lists: relaxing.
The Official Floral Print this Spring
Paul Smith Italian Liberty Print Slim Fit Dress Shirt – $235
If you’re not sure about floral for the season, then a great place to start is with the print that does it best: Liberty. A rich history dating back almost 150 years gives the Liberty solid credibility when it comes to floral designs. Bold, but somehow still understated, this shirt is the perfect way to work a little vibrancy into an otherwise subdued wardrobe.
The Pastel Pink for Every Man
Abercrombie & Fitch Garment Dye Oxford Shirt – $58
Like it or not, pastel is back, and this happens to be a pink shade that looks great on just about everyone (except for those pitiful souls with red-undertoned skin). Abercrombie & Fitch opted for a garment dye to obtain this hue, which allows the highs and lows of wear to look better and better overtime — and the button-down collar means it’s never meant for the boardroom.
The Never-Goes-Out-of-Style Gingham
The Tie Bar Classic Gingham Shirt – $55
Speaking of the boardroom, moving into spring means moving into color, but sometimes it’s just not as appreciated during business hours. This true navy gingham shirt from The Tie Bar pairs perfectly with both a knit tie during the day and a pair of jeans over the weekend. The semi-spread collar looks great unbuttoned too, so wearing it under a lightweight spring sweater is never ruled out.
The Wear-It-Forever Chambray
Bonobos Chambray Button-Down Shirt – $128
Every good man deserves a great chambray shirt. This light wash chambray option from Bonobos is stylish enough to last you season after season. Wear it with jeans and a lightweight jacket for a dressed up spring night out or dig out the shorts and roll up the sleeves for the first warm day that comes your way. There’s always a way to make chambray work.
The Not-Trendy-but-Super-Stylish Vertical Stripe
J. Crew Stretch Secret Wash Stripe Shirt – $36
Vertical stripes are back (yeah it’s a fashion thing, so we won’t bore you with all that). Stay on trend — without screaming “trendy” — with this very versatile vertical stripe shirt from J. Crew. The tiniest touch of spandex keeps this shirt moving with you no matter where the warmer weather takes you.
The Tropical Print For Guys Who Hate Tropical Prints
Tommy Bahama Island Commuter Fronds Shirt – $135
Speaking of trends, for some men, tropical-print shirts are a trend; for Tommy Bahama, they’re a lifestyle. No matter how relaxed they are, they take their easy wear very seriously. Breathable and not overly beachy (you know the type), this shirt stays simple by keeping the color down. Play it safe and stylish by sticking to a neutral color that will still look good with just about everything.
Article originally published by Beau Hayhoe on April 21, 2017. Last update by Barret Wertz on April 11, 2018.