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Somehow, it’s already August, and that lofty goal of “best summer ever” you set way back in June is perhaps not looking so hot. This summer may not, in fact, have been one for the short kings, hot girls, or anyone willing to put a two-word phrase in front of the season. What happened?
As it turns out, the reason your summer has sucked (so far) is that you’re not adhering to the proper uniform. Funky patterned shirts should be the only choice for any social event this summer, from beach days to backyard barbecues. We’re talking loud prints and chunky camp collars, something straight out of Magnum P.I. or the recently reopened disco club down the block. A breezy button-up pairs well with jeans, spices up short shorts and even plays nicely with an easy summer suit — making it the defacto champion of summer shirting.
Below, we have the 17 best patterned shirts to salvage your summer. We have everything from Todd Synder to Levi’s to Marni.
Wellen Camp Collar Short Sleeve Shirt
Wellen’s Camp Collar Shirts are constantly sold out for a reason; lightweight, ultra-fun and under $100, they’re the platonic ideal of a proper party shirt.
Alex Mill Mixed Striped Portuguese Poplin Mill Shirt
Patterning doesn’t have to mandate silly graphics or loud prints; Alex Mill’s handsome Striped Mill Shirt — woven from a flexible Portuguese poplin — adds a touch of sophistication to your summer shirt rotation.
Bonobos Riviera Cabana Shirt
Sometimes, less is more; at least, this seems to be the case with Bonobos’ Riviera Seersucker Shirt. The charming Cabana top’s side vents, camp collar and straight hem all lend themselves to a summer well spent.
Corridor Jungle Hypnosis Camo Short Sleeve Shirt
See the jungle. Be the jungle.
Abercrombie & Fitch 90s Bowling Shirt
An Abercrombie & Fitch designer raided their grandpa’s closet and we’re here for it.
Lacoste LIVE Relaxed Fit Gradated Print Shirt
If one sunset a day isn’t good enough for you, try out Lacoste’s summery gradient print top. It’s soft and flowy Javanese fabric is key to beating the magic hour heat.
Tombolo “Bougie Catered Picnics” Cabana Shirt
You may know Tombolo for their terry polos, but the brand dabbles in some very swanky button-ups as well. We’ll be the first to acknowledge that their Cabana Shirts are *chef’s kiss*.
Uniqlo Printed Open Collar Short-Sleeve Shirt
Nothing to see here; just a quality printed camp collar shirt for only $40.
Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Striped Oxford Shirt
The office deserves to know that you are serious about summer, too. Enter Polo Ralph Lauren’s Classic Fit Oxford. Crisp enough for the business-causal dress code and striped for warm-weather perfection.
Taylor Stitch The Short Sleeve Hawthrone Shirt
The Hawthorne Shirt’s linen-cotton blend means all that breathability with none of the wrinkle, a fact you’ll surely appreciate on date night.
Séfr Halva Embroidered Velvet Overshirt
Séfr is on a tear as of late, with retro tailoring and chic cuts winning the style game for the the Swedish label. The Halva overshirt doesn’t disappoint; woven from a buttery velvet that’s light enough to wear on its own, you’ll be the most interesting shirt in the room.
J.Crew Short-Sleeve Yarn-Dyed Seersucker Shirt
How would we survive summer without a poppy seersucker shirt? How would our wardrobes survive summer without J.Crew?
Levi’s Sunset Camp Shirt
Loud pattern? Check. Camp Collar? Check. Yup…Levi’s Sunset Top is a party shirt alright.
Marni Button-Down Floral Shirt
Most people would say that doubling up on prints and patterns is a recipe for disaster. Marni’s Floral Button-Down — preferably worn with some huge linen pants — is undeniable proof that most people don’t know what they’re talking about.
Land’s End Traditional Fit Short Sleeve Essential Lightweight Poplin Shirt
Maybe “funky” or “wild” feels a bit out of your wheelhouse? Land’s End Essential Poplin Button-Up is an easier pattern to pull off that most, on account of the styles clean cut and flattering polka-dot print.
Todd Snyder x John Derian Habor Camp Collar Shirt
Todd Synder and John Derian’s fire collab unlocked a new summer aesthetic we didn’t know we needed. Hello, harbor-core!
Brooks Brothers Regular-Fit Short-Sleeve Patchwork Madras Sports Shirt
The year is 1959. You are cruising around Cape Cod in your Brooks Brothers Madras Patchwork Shirt. Life is good.
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