THE JOURNAL
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The Right To Bare Arms: The Best Short-Sleeved Shirts
Words by Chris Elvidge
14 April 2022
Gentlemen, liberate your forearms: short-sleeved shirt season is here. While the breezy cut of a short-sleeved shirt makes it a no-brainer for warmer weather, its true appeal lies in the way it looks. An easy off-duty staple that’s smarter than a T-shirt and with buckets of retro charm, nothing captures the laid-back spirit of summer quite like it – and the five we’ve hand-picked below are the cream of this season’s crop, offering vibrant prints, smart contemporary design features and superior craftsmanship across the board. Whether you opt for Nanushka’s avant-garde cut-out shirt, seen above, or Brunello Cucinelli’s classic safari shirt, we’re sure you’ll find something to make your summer that little bit more stylish. Without further ado, shall we get started?
01.
The avant-garde Nanushka one
Love responsibly made, details-driven menswear? Nanushka is a name to remember. The brainchild of Hungarian designer Ms Sandra Sandor, its designs are sharp, contemporary and never without a point of difference. Case in point? This cream short-sleeved shirt, which is dotted with geometric cut-outs and features two flap pockets at the hip. Wear it with denim shorts and a pair of chunky-soled boat shoes.
02.
The pop-colour Jacquemus one
Mr Simon Porte Jacquemus left the lavender fields of his native Provence behind for Jacquemus’ SS22’s “Le Splash” collection, travelling halfway around the world to reveal it in Hawaii. This colourful floral shirt exemplifies the collection’s vibrant island spirit; pair it with neutral cream-coloured chinos and sunglasses for a standout summer look.
03.
The classic camp-collar Officine Générale one
It goes without saying that Mr Pierre Mahéo’s designs for Officine Générale exude Gallic charm, but they’re also notable for their use of high-quality fabrics. This short-sleeved shirt is made from a breezy Japanese cotton with a geometric bandana print and is cut for a roomy fit that makes it perfect for summer. Throw it on over a T-shirt, pair it with some pleated trousers and sandals and you’re good to go.
04.
The luxe-utilitarian Brunello Cucinelli one
Sure, the army-green colour and twin flap pockets on the chest suggest a strong military influence, but have no doubt that this is a shirt designed for downtime. You simply can’t get better than Brunello Cucinelli for craftsmanship; it commands a high price, but the fabric, construction and finishing touches are second to none. We’ve styled it with white jeans from Canali and a woven-leather belt.
05.
The say-it-with-flowers SAINT LAURENT one
If a floral shirt feels like too much of a statement for you, then try this one from SAINT LAURENT. It’s decorated with a subtle monochrome print that’s less Club Tropicana and more contemporary Parisian chic – especially when paired with faded blue denim from The Row and nubuck sneakers from Fear of God.