Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.
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.
![a red printed shirt from Wellen on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Wellen-Camp-Collar-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a multi-patterned blue shirt from Alex Mill on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Alex-Mill-Mill-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a model wearing an all white riviera shirt from Bonobos on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Bonobos-Riviera-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a tiger printed shirt from Corridor on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Corridor-Jungle-Camo-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
Corridor Jungle Hypnosis Camo Short Sleeve Shirt
See the jungle. Be the jungle.
![a red striped bowling shirt from Abercrombie on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Abercrombie-Bowling-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
Abercrombie & Fitch 90s Bowling Shirt
An Abercrombie & Fitch designer raided their grandpa’s closet and we’re here for it.
![a orange, white and yellow gradient shirt from Lacoste on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Lacoste-Gradient-Button-Up.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a red checked shirt with ant graphics from Tombolo on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Tombolo.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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*.
![a blue printed shirt on a model from Uniqlo on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Uniqlo-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
Uniqlo Printed Open Collar Short-Sleeve Shirt
Nothing to see here; just a quality printed camp collar shirt for only $40.
![a white, yellow, pink and green striped shirt from Ralph Lauren on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Polo-Ralph-Lauren-Button-Up.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a brown and white patterned shirt from Taylor Stitch on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Taylor-Stitch-Hawthorne-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a black shirt with flower prints from Séfr on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Sefr-Overshirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a patchwork seersucker shirt from J.Crew on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/J.Crew-Seersucker-Patckwork-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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?
![a green floral shirt from Levi's on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Levis-Sunset-Camp-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
Levi’s Sunset Camp Shirt
Loud pattern? Check. Camp Collar? Check. Yup…Levi’s Sunset Top is a party shirt alright.
![a black and yellow striped flower printed shirt from Marni on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Marni-Button-Down-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a short-sleeve blue dot button up shirt from Land's End on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Lands-End-Dot-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
![a habro printed shirt from Todd Snyder on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Todd-Snyder-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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!
![a patchwork madras shirt from Brooks Brothers on a grey background](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Brooks-Borthers-Madras-Shirt.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500%2C1000)
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.
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.