It’s Short Sleeve Button Down Season
This go-to summer shirt can make or break your entire outfit. Let’s take a deep dive in how to navigate the sometimes classy, sometimes casual and sometimes straight-up Dwight Schrute-styled shirt.
These shirts are a fantastic staple to have in your closet, which makes them practical but dangerous. There are a few crucial aspects of the shirt to think about when buying a short sleeve button-down: The collar, sleeve width, length of the shirttail, pattern and shirt material. Each can impact the situation you where it in, but some also more versatile.
Collar
The collar is a versatile piece, and typically hard to mess up. Especially with the resurgence of the camp collar (a collar that lays flat and has no button at the top of the neck). I prefer the Oxford style button down collars, but a semi-spread or point collar works great. Just make sure the collar isn’t too large or you can start to look like you live in the 70’s. More stores are also offering the band or no-collar option, which works great with layering over a t-shirt or on its own.
Sleeves
Sleeves are tricky because you don’t want them too long or too baggy. Unless the sleeve is meant to have a sleek rolled cuff (Check some of the buying options below), try to find a sleeve that hits in the dead center of your bicep. You obviously don’t want a sleeve that’s too tight, but it should definitely highlight the gains you’ve seen at the gym, not make it look like you have skinnier arms.
Shirt Tail
It always confuses me that brands still make short sleeve shirts have such long front and back tails to their shirts. There are very few instances when you’ll tuck in this shirt and when you do, it doesn’t need that much extra fabric. My best assumption is this is to compensate for people who have a slightly bigger gut, but at the end of the day, it makes the person wearing the shirt look a little funny. Make sure the curved hems on sides of the shirt don’t contrast too much with the front and back.
Patterns
Compared to long sleeve shirts, there is a lot more freedom in how wild the patterns can get. Stripes, floral patterns, pin dots, you name it and there’s a good option to go with. This all depends on how comfortable you are with patterns, but this is the perfect opportunity to push the envelope and try something that you’re not used to.
Material
The key is to not have any fabric that’s too heavy. Oxford cloth is great for long sleeve shirts in winter but can get very warm during the summer. Even the “light-weight” versions of this fabric retain a lot of heat. Stick to cotton-linen blends and seersucker if possible.
Buying Options
Nordstrom Rack
- Original Penguin, Mini Palm Tree Print Slim Fit Shirt | $29.97
- TAVIK, Miner Short Sleeve Signature Fit Woven Shirt | $24.97
- Micros, White Cuffed Short Sleeve Shirt | $24.97
- Micros, Grey Cuffed Short Sleeve Shirt | $24.97
Bonobos
- White Seersucker Duane Flower Riviera Shirt | $88
- Red Whitecap Floral Riviera Shirt | $88
- Blue Polpis Stripe Beach Shirt | $98
- Chambray Light Wash Red Whitecap Floral Riviera Shirt | $88
Old Navy/Gap
- White Beach Print Slim-Fit Built-In Flex Getaway Shirt | $24.00
- Navy Slim-Fit Linen-Blend Shirt | $16.00
- Print Poplin Short Sleeve Shirt in Stretch | $36.99
- Oxford Short Sleeve Shirt in Stretch | $49.95
J. Crew
While these shirts are a staple for the summer, they can transition into your fall wardrobe by simply adding a layer or two. A t-shirt underneath with the shirt unbuttoned is a great casual look, or wear a light jacket or sweater over it to give a more sophisticated look.
Depending on your work environment, you may or may not be able to pull these off in the office. If your office does put more emphasis on the business portion of business-casual, wear a slim fit linen blazer or lightweight bomber jacket. While you can still roll up the sleeves it gives a more professional vibe since your arms are fully covered.
What’s your favorite store to get short-sleeve button downs from?
