The Ultimate Guide to Men's Deck Shirts for Summer

What is a Deck Shirt?

A deck shirt, sometimes called a camp shirt or vacation shirt, is a versatile menswear staple that every man should have in his summer wardrobe. Deck shirts are known for their lightweight and breathable fabric, usually made of linen, poplin, seersucker, or mesh. They often feature a camp collar and button front, making them easy to slip on and off when enjoying warm weather activities.

Key Features of Deck Shirts

Deck shirts have a relaxed yet tailored fit through the shoulders, chest, and sleeves that flatters most body types. The camp collar and half or full button front placket add visual interest. Chest patch pockets give the shirt a utility vibe reminiscent of vintage military style. While short and long sleeved deck shirts are both popular during summer, long sleeves can easily be rolled up or down as needed. These shirts have a straight hem suited for both tucking in and wearing untucked over shorts or pants.

Ideal Fabrics for Deck Shirts

The best deck shirt fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and soft for supreme comfort during warm weather. Some top choices include:

• Linen - A natural fabric that is exceptionally airy and moisture wicking
• Poplin - A cotton fabric blend with a smooth, crisp finish
• Seersucker - A lightweight cotton known for its distinctive woven stripe pattern
• Mesh - An open knit fabric that promotes maximum airflow

When to Wear a Deck Shirt

The deck shirt's easygoing aesthetic makes it perfect for laidback sunny day activities. It transitions seamlessly from daytime outings to evening functions. Some favorite occasions to don a deck shirt include:

• Backyard bbqs, boat trips, beach days, and pool parties
• Casual summer weddings and garden cocktail events
• Running weekend errands
• Vacation and resort wear
• Wearing over tees and tanks on mild summer nights

How to Style a Deck Shirt

To nail a stylish summer look, pair deck shirts with trousers, shorts, or jeans. For footwear, slip on boat shoes, loafers, or white leather sneakers. Accessorize with a baseball cap, sunglasses, and woven bracelets or beads. For colors, stick to light neutrals and pastels that enhance the laidback mood. Some effortless combinations include:

• A navy and white stripe deck shirt with khaki shorts and brown boat shoes
• A solid sky blue deck shirt with white jeans and blue canvas slip on shoes
• An off-white linen deck shirt with olive green chinos and tan penny loafers

Best Deck Shirt Brands

When shopping for a deck shirt, turn to some of these top menswear labels known for their well-crafted offerings:

J.Crew

J.Crew continuously updates its line of short and long sleeved deck shirts each summer using fabrics like gauzy cotton mesh and crinkled linen. Shoppers will find plenty of laidback pastels and preppy stripes.

Patagonia

Men looking for a deck shirt with technical performance fabrics turn to Patagonia's UPF sun protective line. Expect classic placket styles in featherweight polyester and nylon blends ideal for fishing, hiking, and watersports.

Faherty

This sustainable brand uses premium pima cotton to create their long lasting button up deck shirts. Lots of earth tones and hand drawn batik prints channel a retro surfer vibe.

L.L.Bean

No stranger to practical outdoor style, L.L.Bean designs plenty of laidback short and long sleeved deck shirts perfect for camping trips, sporting events, and backyard parties. Offerings feature utilitarian details like utility pockets and vented backs.

With endless style possibilities, the deck shirt should be on heavy rotation in every man's summer wardrobe. Just add shorts or pants and shoes for an effortlessly pulled together seasonal look suited for warm weather pursuits.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Hawaiian shirt and a deck shirt?

While both are relaxed warm weather shirts, Hawaiian or aloha shirts feature bright all-over prints like florals and nature scenes. Deck shirts have a more tailored aesthetic with subtle stripes, plaids, and solids in lighter weight fabrics.

Can deck shirts be dressed up or worn to work?

While deck shirts are definitely on the casual end of the shirt spectrum, they can work in business casual offices, especially printed options in linen-cotton blends. Stick to solid colors and pair with chinos and loafers for a polished look.

How should a deck shirt fit?

The best deck shirts drape comfortably through the chest and shoulders with room to layer a tee or tank underneath. Armholes allow a full range of motion and sleeves hit mid-bicep. The shirt tail falls below the hips for wearing untucked.

What skin tones look best in linen deck shirts?

Neutral tan and beige linen deck shirts complement light, medium, and olive complexions. Pastels like sky blue and peach also suit a wide range of skin tones for a soft relaxed vibe. White pops against deeper complexions.