Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Nerdy No More: 12 great short sleeve button-ups

By

Once considered a fashion “don’t” in menswear circles because of their association with dweeby accountant types and Lewis and Gilbert in “Revenge of the Nerds,” short sleeve button-ups  have shed their F-grade stylistic reputation in recent years and emerged as current and fresh summer must-haves. Designers and tastemakers overturned the old longstanding fashion rule of “if you want short sleeves just roll up your long ones” several seasons ago and these arm-revealing tops are now considered key pieces for today’s sharply dressed man. As designer Robert James of By Robert James recently told me: “I would say that if you don’t have a short-sleeved shirt in your wardrobe, get it done. A few years ago it had to be rolled up but now, no.”

Just like their long-sleeved brothers, those with slimmer fits tend to be most flattering and they can be worn tucked or untucked or with a proportionally apt necktie. It really just depends what looks best with the bottoms you pair them with and how you tend to roll (or not roll in this case).

Recommended Videos

Here are a dozen smart short sleeve collared options that are currently available for sale online. Pick one or a few to add some instant cool to your warm weather wardrobe.

Marl Shirt by Ben Sherman, $70.99

Ben-sherman short sleeve button-up, chambray
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Non-Iron Regent Fit Framed Short-Sleeve Dress Shirt by Brooks Brothers, $59

Brooks brothers button up, short sleeve button up
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Matty Green Print Shirt by By Robert James, $128

Robert-j short sleeve button-up
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Matty Grey Stripe Shirt by By Robert James, $128

Rob j woz, button up, short sleeve, collared shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Short Sleeve Button-Down in Clear Sky Cotton by DDugofff, $175

DDUG short sleeve button up
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Azteca Print Shirt by Descendant of Thieves, $89

Descendent collared button up
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Shades of Blue Plaid Shirt by Descendant of Thieves, $89

short sleeve button-ups, blue, descendant of theives
Image used with permission by copyright holder

High Boy Short Sleeve Shirt in Steel by Kennington, $54

Kennington
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Naked Truth Short Sleeve Shirt by Kennington, $54

Kennington-naked
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Slim Fit Shirt with Fish Print by Michael Stars, $138

Michael-stars
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Oxford One Short-Sleeve Shirt in White by Schnayderman’s, $189

Schna
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Wenlock Chambray Shirt by United By Blue, $72

United
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Christopher Blomquist
Christopher Blomquist
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Christopher is a native New Yorker who lives and works (mostly) in Manhattan. A longtime fashion journalist, he served as…
Ulysse Nardin opens Silicon Valley flagship, brings Swiss innovation to tech hub
This Swiss watchmaker found the perfect home for its silicon-infused timepieces
Ulysse nardins tore unveilsing silicon valley

Ulysse Nardin, a Swiss firm specializing in luxury since 1846, is famous for its leadership in using silicon tech for watches. Ulysse Nardin has now launched its U.S. store at The Villa Menlo Park, which becomes the only independent retail spot for the business in North America.

Last week, a grand opening event occurred. Watch lovers and sector experts walked a blue carpet. This Silicon Valley location augments Ulysse Nardin's group of worldwide brand stores; those are in Geneva, Dubai, and next to Shanghai.

Read more
New Balance unveils newest Made in USA collection with nine new styles
New Balance announces new collection
image of new balance sneaker collection

While it’s not surprising that New Balance’s Spring/Summer lineup would include a variety of colorways and silhouettes, it’s shocking that the collection comes with nine styles to pick from. With three different shapes, the Spring/Summer collection is made to cater to just about any New Balance fan. As part of the brand’s Made in USA line, each design was created by Aime Leon Dore’s Teddy Santis. As with the brand’s Made in UK and Made in Japan lines, the Made in USA collection is known for its construction, of which 70 percent of its domestic value is made in the United States. While the entire collection will be released in segments, each colorway and model is worth exploring. 
New Balance ‘Made in USA’ Spring/Summer 2025

In the first release, New Balance will reimagine their 997 and 992 models with brand-new colorways that celebrate the season. For their new 997 design, the brand has opted for a ‘Light Mushroom’ colorway, which is comprised of a brown and grey tonal mix. Unlike the other silhouettes, the 997 will have a gridded pattern on the vamp. The grey-brown tone takes over the suede uppers, while the tongue and paneling don a textured brown hue. Also seeing a soon release is the brand’s 992 design. This design has been reimagined in a ‘Moonrock’ color combination, which sees an assortment of grey shades. Composed of hairy suede, mesh, and leather uppers, the 992 silhouette rocks a neutral aesthetic. These designs will be released on March 27 and retail for $190 and $200, respectively. 

Read more
These sold-out Nike shoes are coming back- and in new colorways
Nike announces new sneakers
nike light brown sneaker product photo

Using current footwear trends, Nike re-enters its soccer era with chic retro designs. While similar silhouettes like the adidas Samba and Gazelles have taken over the trends list for the last seasons, Nike is finally getting ready to tap into its archives. With three new colorways, the athletic brand is re-releasing one of its most iconic soccer-inspired styles in three bold and vibrant colorways that’ll stand out with your summer looks. Although the design was already released last month in a ‘Metallic Silver,’ the sold-out silhouette is ready for another round. Having previously teased the model, Nike’s retro design is part of the brand’s bigger mission to reestablish itself as a trendsetter. 
Nike’s bold Total 90 III SP summer collection

Following a sell-out release last month, Nike again takes to the Total 90 III SP style to equip your summer wardrobe. In their next drop, the brand unveils three new colorways for the retro design. As a more subtle option, the new collection will feature a ‘Light Orewood Brown/Black/Black’ color combination with a light brown-beige upper with black branding and soles. Nike also releases a ‘Mean Green’ hue to those yearning for a bolder hue. This glistening bold option has a shimmery neon green upper accented by black and white midsoles and outsoles. Rounding out the new collection is the ‘Safety Orange’ design. Donning a bright orange upper and a gum sole, this color combination is equally captivating. While the official release date is still unknown, the retail price for each new colorway will be $100.

Read more