If you’ve completed your rotation – or at least, tried to complete your rotation – of the best short-sleeved shirts for summer, it’s time to take the next step. Which means, it’s time to go beyond the basics and spice up your wardrobe with a dash of retro style.
The camp collar shirt, also known as the Cuban collar shirt, has made waves on the runways and beyond in recent years, and is now part of many summer style collections by your favorite menswear brands.
Cuban collared shirts date back (in modern times, at least) to the 1950s, and were first known as the Guayabera shirt – a style worn by workers.
In today’s world of menswear, it’s cool, comes in many colors and changes things up from the traditional polo. In my experience, it’s a great shirt for cool summer style.
Why did I choose it?
Not sure about your personal wardrobe, but I just can’t get enough Buck Mason in my life. The brand nods to retro and heritage styles – in this case, a camp collar shirt – and uses expertly crafted fabrics. This option is a breezy summer favorite that I wear often, and I appreciate the brand’s use of classic colors.
Buck Mason Draped Linen Short-Sleeve Camp Shirt
There’s a lot to love about this Buck Mason shirt, from the cute contrast buttons to the large patch flap pockets.
Crafted from soft yarn-dyed linen, it should be incredibly comfortable to wear over a cloth-dyed Buck Mason tee for casual summer soirees.
Flint and Tinder Dobby Camp Shirt
While they’re best known for their hooded trucker jackets and fall flannel shirts, Flint and Tinder aim for timeless summer style with a timeless camp collar shirt.
The Dobby Camp Shirt takes its cue from the classic collared camp shirts, first worn for airflow in the heat and later made iconic in the ’50s and ’60s. Crafted from cool cotton with a breezy camp collar, a single breast pocket, a locker loop, and a straight hem, it’s built for long, hot days and easy summer wear.
Bather Trunk Co. Beach Camp Collar Shirt
Bather Trunk Co. has almost cornered the market on simple, clean swim trunks, and this eye-catching camp collar shirt is a great way to make a style statement for the season.
This product even uses highly breathable, soft rayon fabric for a comfortable finish.
Roark Gonzo Short Sleeve Button Up
Roark is all about embracing the adventure and possibilities that the open road brings, and nothing says summer style like a traditional Cuban collar shirt.
Organic cotton and the option to choose from subtle prints deliver a one-two punch in terms of style and sustainability.
Taylor Stitch Hawthorne Short Sleeve Shirt
Taylor Stitch takes the best of long-sleeve Oxford shirts – in terms of fit, fabric and style – and translates that into a timeless cotton and linen shirt.
Cool and cool enough for cocktail hour, without a doubt.
Known Outside of the BBQ Shirt
Outerknown’s take on the classic camp collar shirt is another great option that lives up to its name.
It’s stylish enough for a backyard BBQ and chic enough to wear under a lightweight linen blazer.
And with its organic cotton construction and stylish vibe, you’ll want to wear it in both situations (and then some).
Todd Snyder Linen Camp Collar Shirt
Go ultra-luxe and stylish with your camp collar shirt, all thanks to one of the country’s top menswear designers.
This is a light piece made to be worn with cream colored linen trousers and leather loafers this summer.
Bonobos Riviera Cabana Shirt
There’s no better way to show off a refined yet simple summer style than with a camp collar shirt, at least in my experience.
Bonobos’ take on the Cuban collar shirt lives up to its name, and is perfect for wearing by the pool, beach or pool.
Faherty Cabana Towel Terry Shirt
Another great way to perfectly complete the summer style? Sweep the power of Sean Connery, who wore shirts made of terry towel fabric as James Bond.
Faherty brings style into the 21st century with plenty of great appeal.