Another obvious trick for beating the heat this summer: short sleeve shirts. The not-so-obvious part: how to wear one and not look like an IT nerd.
Here are a few guidelines for pulling off a short sleeve shirt:
1.If you go cotton, make it a poplin. It’s thinner than the more popular oxfords and twills, allowing it to breathe better and keep you cool.
2.The fit of a s/s is crucially important, not only through the body, but also in the sleeve. It should hit about mid-bicep and there should only be one or two “fingers” of extra space in its circumference. A baggy, billowy sleeve will look sloppy, and make those biceps you’ve been working on all summer look smaller.
3.Get some pattern. Solid and stripe fabrics are for business shirts. A short sleeve looks best with a little texture, like a chambray or linen, or a pattern – like this one I designed using Thomas Mason red/black gingham fabric.
Short sleeve shirt and grey stretch cotton chinos by Michael Andrews Bespoke (custom made). Belt by Paul Smith (36). Loafers by Gucci. Black/grey faded shades by Persol. Watch by Montblanc.
4.As you’ve heard me say before, there are shirts that are meant to be tucked-in and there are shirts that are meant to be left untucked. Know the difference.
5.Pair accordingly. A tucked-in shirt looks best with with a slim, tailored pant and a serious leather shoe. An untucked shirt is more casual in nature, so feel free to roll your hem and have a little fun with your shoes.
6.Know your collars, and their message. A spread or cutaway collar inherently means business (and look best with ties) – therefore they do not belong on a short sleeve. A button-down is your best bet because it stands on its own and frames the face. If you’re not a fan of the b-d, try a soft classic collar with little interfacing (less structured).
Short sleeve mini gingham shirt by Theory (size M). Taupe/grey cotton chinos by Helmut Lang (size 33). Tri-color summer boat shoe by Sebago. Tortoise shades by Persol. Watch by Montblac. Bracelets from various NYC street vendors.
7.I usually match my shades to my leathers or accessories. I have my favorite Persols (649s) in black with grey faded lenses for when I wear black leathers/accessories, and the tortoise with brown lenses for brown accents.
8.Unless you are very style-forward (and very confident) don’t wear a tie with a s/s shirt. It can be pulled off – with a slim tie or even a bowtie, but more times than not it will look a little overly affected. Post on s/s + tie coming soon!
Thanks as always for reading.
Yours in style,
SB
This style is a very cool and seems very relaxed in the spring time and even when its just a nice warm day. I also think that look says a lot about your personality and your manners. This is look i would choose any day.
I love the looks you have here and I’ve tried to find good fitting shirts, my issue is always the tails (bottoms) of the shirts…. I’m 5’6 and shirts seem to run long. Any brand suggestions for waist/just below the waist level shirts? thanks and big fan of the blog!
I’m already thinking about warm weather wear for 2011 (it’s 70 degrees in Dallas today). I’m looking for some slim chinos that don’t break the bank. I’ve tried the Docker D1, but their leg openings still aren’t slim enough. What size are the leg openings you’re sporting here? And do you have some designer suggestions, in addition to Helmut Lang, that I should look into?
Thanks Dan! Great bog!
** “Blog”, not “Bog”
I have just discovered your blog and i’m an instant fan!
The tri-colour Sebago boat shoes that you wear here are super and I should know seeing that I
co-incidentally bought a pair 2 weeks ago and thanks to you I now have some fantastic ideas on what to pair them with.
I am in Johannesburg and it’s Spring over her right now, thanks for the fashion inspiration…I know this will be a great Summer!
Super blog. Always looking for tips to help makeover my husband. : )
a few remarks i find it difficult to fully grasp
amazing new site i think this is the best blog i have ever seen i am already hooked keep uop the good work !
Friday, March 12, 2010 – 04:17 PM
Hey Dan,
More often than not I never wear button up short sleeve shirts, however; with this intensely hot summer weather I’ve worn a few. They are definitely a great alternative to the polo that can still give the “dressed” feel and still be casual. Great post.
http://www.thesocialcalendar.blogspot.com
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – 01:32 PM
wide cuffs on the cotton pants!! Once again you are on some next level sh*t
keep it comin
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – 01:48 PM
i absolutely love that gingham shirt. interesting insight about the tuck-a-bility of s/s. as for the s/s + tie post, i’ve always said there is no such thing as a s/s dress shirt. it does not exist.
know anything about the fit of madras s/s? they always seem to be on the baggy side. intentional or coincidental?
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – 02:00 PM
Hey, loving the posts that have be coming out recently, but for a good amount of people (like myself) reading this blog have school around the corner; I was really hoping that before the end of summer we would see a post on how to build a decent wardrobe that is appropriate for college life.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – 02:05 PM
Awesome, just awesome. You have done it again Trespain. No, we dont want to look like IT nerds. I used to look like a nerd but now I am following your blog and I am wolf. We want to look like a stylish pack of wolves.
I am buying button down s/s shirts. Yeah, I like that abbreviation. s/s!!!!!
I like it!!!!!!!
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – 04:29 PM
like the cuffs on your chinos. just picked mine up from the tailor today as well. adds a little weight to the pants…
like the outfit but I still hate short sleeve shirts ;) I prefer rolled sleeves at all times…love the gingham pattern though
Anyways its still great that taste sometimes differs otherwise everyone would look alike..
Keep up your work
SD
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – 04:43 PM
That’s a sick poster.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – 05:33 PM
I agree with “that one dude”. I’d love to see a “Back-To-School” advice esque post. Great post, btw.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010 – 02:26 AM
Dan,
Huge fan of your blog.
Ever thought about giving classes/seminar on style and elegance. You have got that covered and got it by the pound brother.
I can see you getting about 15 to 20 average guys such as myself and just transform us into a guy like you brother
Think about it, you could auction off your clothes at the end of the seminiar. I know I would buy them. What?????? Walk in SB’s clothes? Major appeal with the ladies.
I still like the most the blog about the walk in closet which is not really walk in but more of a walk out in the bedroom closet.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010 – 02:25 PM
I like your first outfit more than most – it’s very elegant. Sometimes your outfits are a little out-there.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010 – 11:20 PM
Follwed your blog for a while.. For the most part I like your sense of fashion. I can relate to it, can you take a close up of your beads with discription?
btw, i know you won the best dress… did they give you a automatic iwc??
if so.. you should rock that sometime!!!
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010 – 11:27 PM
Awesome post! I am really picky about my s/s. I love them tucked in. Leaving them untucked just seems too nerdy for me. I pair them up with a slim jean and a nice boot.
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Thursday, August 12, 2010 – 01:00 AM
I agree, let’s see the IWC!
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Thursday, August 12, 2010 – 01:20 PM
I love #2. So true- great tips!
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Friday, August 13, 2010 – 09:53 AM
I third “that one dude” and Michael! Schools around the corner!
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Friday, August 13, 2010 – 10:03 AM
Thanks for this post! My man is a violinist–he often needs to wear short sleeves for outdoor performances, so he’s supposed to look formal as he’s allowed to not sweat to death. We’re just not pulling it off very well–he totally looks like all that’s missing is the pocket protector. Then picture it with a black bow tie . . . the horror . . .
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Saturday, August 14, 2010 – 03:41 PM
nice post, full of important informations about short sleeves shirt
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Sunday, August 15, 2010 – 10:14 AM
I just can’t get into short-sleeve shirts, the fact that they really do make you look like an IT guy is too overwhelming. What I do to beat it is get a regular shirt and roll up the sleeves. not particularly the ones that call for rolling the sleeves up and add a little button snap thingy, it’s annoying and I want the option of keeping the sleeve down without having a buldge on my elbow. Hope this helps someone that feels my pain.
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Monday, August 16, 2010 – 12:11 AM
Not sure if I would think IT nerd unless the shirt is solid white, grey or blue. Honestly, any other colors and I think you could get away with it, pattern or not.
Some great tips as always SB. That red/black gingham is killin it.
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Monday, August 16, 2010 – 09:21 PM
Do you know any good online stores to find great short sleeve shirts?
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Thursday, August 19, 2010 – 06:32 PM
Sorry for the rant but why oh why are you wearing shades indoors??
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Sunday, August 22, 2010 – 06:55 PM
LOVING THE BLOG … quick question for the Persol shades that you have in brown – are they Light Havana/Brown lenses or Havana/Brown lenses. I understand that Persol makes a lighter tortoise or a darker of these glasses. Thinnking about gettting a pair! thanks in advance!
Which one of these: http://www.bestbuyeyeglasses.com/product_details.asp?product=100020&mid=999&sessionid=JZBRQX5JEA5GFI4307SVNMU5VTWAXIIR
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010 – 11:13 AM