Consider, if you will, shirts.
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How’d that go? The considering. Was it the best?
Let me guess. You thought about obscenely soft cashmere button-ups, breezy linen shirts with floral accents, and fall-friendly tops so cozy that “blanket” is in the name. If so, congratulations, you’re well on your way to discovering the best casual shirts for men that are at your disposal right this very moment.
As for the rest, I’ve ever so gingerly plopped them below for your perusal and consideration. While their materials and styles vary widely, there’s a throughline of general wearability and a universally agreeable aesthetic. Even my more niche picks don’t stray too far left of center—they’re just solid, handsome, versatile, and intentional everyday shirts.
Now, did I say “plopped” back there? Of course I did. It’s a fun, tragically underutilized word. Anyway, shirts…
Key Takeaways
Putting the best casual shirts for men in a one-size-fits-all bucket is a tricky proposition. But while the definition of casual is highly subjective, those of comfort and versatility aren’t. Comfort and versatility barely scratch the surface when it comes to the outstanding features of my top pick, Relwen’s Loopback Longsleeve Polo. Meanwhile, Uniqlo’s Premium Linen Shirt is the one to beat in the budget category.
One man’s casual shirt is another man’s dress shirt. One man’s dress shirt is another man’s garage rag. Point is, proclaiming the best casual shirts for men is anything but a one-size-fits-all proposition. But if there’s one thing I hope we can all agree on, it’s that this cloud-soft French terry take on a polo by Relwen is reaching for perfection.
The Ohio-based brand has been elevating workwear since 2007, and its Loopback Longsleeve Polo is as fine an example of its quality as any. The four-button placket is just deep and wide enough to give the traditional polo an update, and its solid construction means this shirt was designed to take a beating. Pair it up with some pants, jeans, or joggers and you’re good to go.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 4 | Sizes: S-XXL
Plenty of luxury casual shirts for men have hefty price tags. But does that really make them luxurious? To me, luxury is how something makes you feel. And last time I checked, cashmere felt pretty damn good.
And with that, this clean, crisp, cashmere-cotton shirt from Luca Faloni would like to make your torso’s acquaintance. Stitched together in Northern Italy, the shirt’s deftly blended fabric is ideal for year-round use. The extra-long cotton is breathable and sturdy, while the cashmere does its super-soft cashmere thing. Yes, this is a casual shirt. But not too casual. More like business casual, happy-hour casual, and cruising-the-waters-of-Lake-Como-in-a-Riva-boat casual. One of those may or may not be a bit more aspirational than the rest.
Material: 85% Cotton, 15% Cashmere | Colors: 3 | Sizes: XS-XXXXL
A relative newcomer to the menswear world, Forét has been quietly making some of the best casual shirts for men since 2014. The patterns are colorful and uniquely artistic, but in a way that reads inclusive. In other words, you don’t need to have a closet full of high-fashion streetwear or a wall of skate decks as your Zoom backdrop to feel like you can pull their styles off.
Exhibit A: the Port Tencel Ripstop Shirt. This is the type of shirt that’s almost guaranteed to net you compliments. The bold brick pattern catches the eye in all the right ways, and the pillowy softness of its 100% Tencel construction will keep you comfortable all day. Overall, this one strikes a nice balance between effortless cool and intentional style.
Material: 100% Tencel | Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS-XXL
High among the prerequisites of a staple shirt should be durability. Presumably, it’s a garment you’ll be wearing often, and for varied occasions. You need it to look good, you need it to be comfortable, and you need it to be immortal.
Here with the assist is
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 7 | Sizes: XS-XXL
Summer is a time to unwind. A time to lay back in the sand with a mojito in one hand and a book in the other. Or like a kite or something. Point is, it’s a playful, casual time that calls for a playful, casual shirt.
Weird. Here comes one now. Corridor’s Hamsa Floral Linen Shirt is dripping with warm-weather vibes and a subtle edginess that’s difficult to categorize. The linen-cotton blend will help keep things nice and cool when you’re doing your summer thing, and the floral embroidery on the sleeves and collar adds the perfect kiss of personality.
Material: 55% Linen, 55% Cotton | Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS-XXL
Even though plenty of effort goes into successfully pulling it off, there’s an undeniable effortlessness to the look of a banded collar shirt. Above a flowing pair of linen pants by day or under a blazer at night, there’s just nothing quite like it.
L’Estrange’s All-Day Collarless Linen Shirt is a fine example of how clean lines and elegant construction make all the difference when it comes to the best casual shirts for men. The linen-cotton blend has just enough stretch to give you a comfortable range of motion, and it’s this blend that also makes the All-Day breathable and soft.
Material: 55% Linen, 43% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Colors: 5 | Sizes: XS-XXL
Speaking of collars, here comes another one—this time super-sized. Represent’s oversized ‘The Hills’ shirt features a half-button placket, drop shoulders, and the summeriest of summery scenes. It’s an oversized shirt that doesn’t require an expert-level understanding of street fashion to pull off. Or any level, really.
Just make sure you take a considered approach to what you’re pairing it with. As long as you keep the pants baggy, the shoes clean, and the accessories on point, you and this shirt should get along just fine.
Material: 100% Viscose | Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS- XXL
The classics are classics for a reason, and the Classic Western Shirt from Levi’s is certainly no exception. Another tough-as-nails button-up to add to your collection, this one uses a cotton-polyester blend and is available in over a dozen colors and patterns.
And don’t let the name take you off the scent of where this shirt can take you. The “Western” aesthetic is mostly limited to the double chest pockets and stitching detail on the back of the shirts. Otherwise, you’re working with a versatile, durable wardrobe staple from a heritage brand that probably already occupies a sizable chunk of real estate in your closet.
Material: 65% Cotton, 35% Polyester | Colors: 13 | Sizes: S-XXXL
If you’re looking for an affordable, fast-fashion shirt that you can stock up on in a dozen different colors, Uniqlo’s Premium Linen Shirt is going to be tough to beat. The 100% linen construction makes it ideal for leisurely fair-weather pursuits, and it’s priced right for a shirt that’s likely not going to last through your endless summer.
This is the shirt you buy four of and keep them in the rotation depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing. Yellow with shorts for a beachside coffee date. Black with some nice selvedge denim for cocktails. You’re not going to win any awards in the edgy category, but this shirt knows who it is and will be waiting patiently in its lane when you’re ready for it.
Material: 100% Linen | Colors: 12 | Sizes: XS-XXXL
There’s nothing quite like starting a fire on a crisp fall evening, pouring yourself a finger of bourbon, and getting cozy under a nice warm blanket shirt. Or an actual blanket if you’re in a pinch, but the former is a much stronger move.
Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater in 2014, Outerknown creates sturdy, handsome garments using sustainable fabrics and practices. One of the brand’s best sellers is its Chroma Blanket Shirt—a soft, weighty shirt with double chest pockets, 11 colorways, and buttons made from nuts. It looks great and it’s easily one of the most comfortable ways to layer during the fall and winter.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 11 | Sizes: S-XXL
Like the subjectiveness around what the word casual means, the definition of streetwear also lacks clarity. For the sake of argument, let’s just say that streetwear is whatever the hell you make of it. Trying too hard to define it risks defeating the purpose.
So in that spirit, take a look at
Material: 78% Polyester, 22% Cotton | Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS-XL
The stunning Nescove pattern on this organic cotton button-up from Faherty was developed by Native artist Doug Good Feather. His beautiful motif is the perfect complement to Faherty’s rugged construction, horn buttons, double pockets, and casual spread collar.
Layer it up with a warm henley, jeans, and a smart pair of leather boots. Or lounge around the fire pit at dusk and just sort of sit there looking dapper. Regardless of where or when you pop this guy on, it’s going to make itself right at home and make a statement while doing so.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 2 | Sizes: XS-XXL
What To Look For In The Best Casual Shirts For Men
Style & Color
Casual shirts come in endless styles, colors, shapes, and sizes. And at the risk of beating a dead horse, “casual” is a highly subjective word. Always choose the style you’re going to be most comfortable in, and pick a color or colors that suit your personality and lifestyle.
Material Composition
Summer casual and winter casual could not be further apart, both in terms of style and the materials you should be looking for. Opt for wool, cashmere, fleece, or heavier cotton blends during colder months. And when the temps start to rise, seek out materials like linen, seersucker, and silk blends.
Size & Fit
The best casual shirts for men are the ones that you feel good in. If that means the casual half of your closet is full of oversized T-shirts, do your thing. If your life requires frequent client meetings, work-related golf outings, or happy hours at scene-y bars, you’re typically going to want a more traditional, conservative fit. As with several other considerations, let your lifestyle guide your purchasing decisions.
Final Verdict
Comfort and versatility should be two of the top considerations when you’re shopping around for casual shirts. If you’re looking for those in spades plus plenty of other bells and whistles, see to it that Relwen’s Loopback Longsleeve Polo makes it onto your shortlist.
FAQ
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To say nothing of the endless patterns and colors that casual shirts allow for, what also sets them apart from classic shirts is their cut and length. Casual shirts are typically shorter, which allows them to be worn untucked without looking slouchy.
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Before adding niche garments to your collection (and by all means, you should at some point), make sure you stock up on the essential types of shirts. The staples like short-sleeve polos, button-downs, button-ups, plain T-shirts, a henley here and an oxford there. You get it.
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Even something as classy and conservative as a pressed button-down can still be considered a casual shirt. It’s about the presentation of the shirt itself, but also the other clothes and accessories you’re pairing it up with. Even a plain black T-shirt can be dressed up with a little bit of confidence and a deft sartorial touch.
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