The Best Men’s T-Shirts to Stay Cool All Summer

If you’re eager to make the most of what feels like the first genuine summer in roughly two years, remember that the sun veering its way out of the clouds often calls for a wardrobe change. While there are still a few weeks until the season truly kicks off, we figured we’d get a head start on beating the forecasts with a roundup of the best t-shirts to rock throughout the summer.

what Makes them summer tees?

There is perhaps no garment more necessary in the summertime than a simple T-shirt. However, different tees boast different materials, weights, shapes, and so on. With all that in mind, how do you designate the perfect top to tackle the tepid summer heat? For the most part, you can narrow down the perfect tee to a lightweight, easy-going choice that fits your style best. Whether it’s slim-fitting or oversized, boxy or wide, keep an eye out for just how breathable the shirt is when looking for the best summer t-shirt.

what to look for

Material: Sometimes you just want a comfy tee that won’t suffocate you in warm weather, for that, go with cotton or linen, as they’re soft, breathable, and durable. But summer isn’t all about relaxing, so if you’re going to be getting active, a shirt with some synthetic material in the blend (like polyester) can help with wicking moisture and drying faster.

Weight: Obviously, a mid to lightweight shirt is going to be more comfortable in the heat, but you do (usually) lose some durability as weight goes down. For layers, a lightweight shirt will likely be the most comfortable, and if you’re rocking it solo, then a midweight shirt is the perfect balance. There are also some breathable heavyweight options out there if you’re a fan of the feel and durability.

Fit: Some dislike snug-fitting clothes, especially in the summer heat, but it’s really a personal preference when it comes down to fit. Again, if you’re layering your tee (or just like the style), a slim fit might be up your alley, but for going solo, it’s nice to have something with at least a standard fit so you’re not feeling constricted.

Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve

The Starter Pick: UNIQLO’s new top is a perfect way to kick off this easy-going list. The Japanese label implements its AIRism fabric to provide you with optimum performance and a lightweight feel that works as well on a walk down the shore as it does a hardcore workout. Available in six different minimalist colors, you can never go wrong with a blend of comfort and variety.

Taylor Stitch The Cotton Hemp Tee

The Best Hemp Shirt: As one of our favorite brands, Taylor Stitch delivers quality pieces to both its buyers and the planet, and its Cotton Hemp Tee is a great example of its eco-cognizance. The garment-washed top is composed of a blend of organic cotton and hemp, rounded out with fully-taped shoulder seams and featuring a tailored fit suitable for a somewhat-formal occasion.

Buck Mason Pima Classic Tee

The Best Supima Shirt: Buck Mason’s Pima Classic Tee is arguably the boutique label’s flagship product, as it’s been touted as a go-to choice by the likes of Tom Brady and Ryan Gosling. While getting recognition from a single t-shirt may seem hard to believe, this really is some t-shirt. It’s crafted from a sturdy, USA-grown 140 GSM jersey-knit Supima cotton and comes available in a trio of different lengths, so you can go for the exact look you want for no additional cost.

Iron & Resin Stock Tee

The Best Heavyweight Shirt: Like the rest of Iron & Resin’s products, this top was made in the USA from premium Supima cotton, with the entire handcrafting process coming to shape in Southern California. Built for everyday wear, the true-to-size tee comes rounded out with a handy pocket for added function, and it’s durably built to last.

Jungmaven Jung Pocket Tee

The Best Pocket Shirt: Simplicity takes the crown in the summertime, which is a quality that Jungmaven knows like the back of its hand. The eco-friendly brand cuts and sews its signature pocket tee from globally-sourced materials, like hemp and organic cotton. The garment-dyed top comes available in a myriad of shades and is finished off with a pocket to keep your gear accessible in any color.

Lady White Co. Lite Jersey

The Best White Shirt: Lady White Co.’s claim to fame comes courtesy of this very shirt, so keep that in mind when draping it over your shoulders. The fully-combed cotton tee boasts taped shoulder seams and a snug, pre-shrunk fit. With one glance at its unmistakable 1960s-inspired silhouette, one would argue that this is what a prime Marlon Brando would be wearing if he were around right now.

Nudie Jeans Roger Slub

The Best Relaxed-Fit Shirt: The minimalist label’s Roger t-shirt is made from a Fair Trade-Certified, organic slub cotton jersey, going to show that the brand’s adherence to sustainability is as admirable as its versatile design. With its lax neckline and rolled edges, this easy-going tee would go perfectly alongside, you guessed it, a pair of Nudie Jeans.

Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt

The Most Durable Shirt: Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Tee is tailored toward the traveler, capable of withstanding up to three days’ worth of wear with no odorous consequences. Thanks to its breathable merino wool makeup bolstered by nylon reinforcement, this lightweight top is moisture-wicking and built to regulate temperature. Plus, it’s available in a whopping 21 colors, so there is no excuse for any man not to find the right shirt.

Todd Snyder Linen Jersey T-Shirt

The Best Linen Shirt: Todd Snyder has mastered elevating essential wardrobe pieces into stylish and functional menswear that continues to push American style forward. And although this shirt looks very subtle, the breathability and comfort it provides is certainly not. It’s made entirely of linen, one of the best summer fabrics (if not the best), with side seam vents along the waist, and a pocket on the left chest.

The Best Summer Pants for Hotter Weather

Now that you’ve got your top half sorted for summer, it’s time to outfit your bottom half. And since you can’t wear shorts everywhere (or you shouldn’t, anyway), we’ve rounded up the best summer pants for you to pull on this summer.