In the summer months, sun and high temperatures tend to relegate shirts to the back of wardrobes. Too hot, too heavy, not very breathable: many preconceived ideas unfortunately contribute to this forced hibernation. For those of us who celebrate our silk wedding anniversary with this eminent piece, it is difficult to watch without reacting to this unfounded eviction.
In this article, we come to his rescue with a clear message: yes, it is perfectly possible to wear a shirt in summer. Here is the proof.
Stop dropping the shirt above 20°C
It's a universally shared reflex: when the mercury first rises, it's tempting to put on a t-shirt (and not take it out until the beginning of autumn). However, many alternatives exist, and lightweight shirts are certainly among the most elegant of them.
Besides, most summer shirts are more comfortable to wear than heavy 100% cotton jerseys, depending on their fabric and cut. These are the parameters we now suggest you take a look at to define what a summer shirt is.
The importance of raw material
Often overlooked, the choice of raw material is nevertheless essential when purchasing a garment. This is all the more true above 20°C, temperatures beyond which an unsuitable fabric will quickly become stifling (and smelly). 
To be summery, that is to say to be objectively wearable in summer without the risk of overheating, a shirt must therefore be made from the following fibers, possibly mixed with each other: organic cotton, wool, linen, hemp or ramie. 
Unlike synthetic raw materials, these natural fibers boast vital properties in summer : softness, breathability, thermoregulation, absorption and hypoallergenic properties.
At Hast, whose wardrobe is made from 100% natural or recycled raw materials , you will have no trouble finding the right shoe for you, particularly in our collection of linen shirts .
The type of fabric and its thickness
In summer, we encourage you to favor loose and open fabric weaves that will promote lightness and ventilation. So forget twills and other satins for a few weeks, and focus more on airy canvases, conducive to air circulation. 
Similarly, be sure to avoid thick fabrics (with a density greater than 260-280 gr/m²) in favor of armors with more appropriate weights. Let's say between 100 and 250 gr/m².
At Hast, you will find this information in the “Details” section of each product sheet, like here with our light-as-a-feather beige linen shirt .
Lightweight poplin, open oxford, seersucker and its iconic relief, Giro Inglese and its honeycomb texture, pure linens and linen blends : you will be spoiled for choice when choosing the shirts that will accompany you until the end of the Indian summer.
The influence of the cut
Obviously, a straight or loose shirt will promote comfort and air circulation. To thwart the onslaught of the thermometer, wearing a relaxed fit shirt will be more comfortable than wearing a fitted one tucked into your pants. Between these two poles, there are many alternatives, starting with classic cuts that can accompany casual or more formal outfits , in or out of pants.
Generally speaking, we strongly advise you to consider larger volumes in summer : there is nothing worse than fabric that sticks to the skin when it's hot, and you know it.
The short sleeve option
Long reviled, the short-sleeved shirt has made a comeback in recent years , and that's great news. The ultimate summer shirt, it gives your arms some air without falling into the anonymity of a t-shirt, making it a piece that's both strong and easy.
This year, we have published a handful of them in keeping with the historical codes of this misunderstood beauty : relaxed cut, Cuban collar and generous sleeves, all made in Portugal from fabrics of incomparable lightness. Dare to take the plunge, you will find it hard to come back. 
Wear the summer shirt
You've understood, there are summer shirts and summer shirts. Between the patterned shirt and the light poplin shirt , you can see that the spectrum is wide. That's good. You can therefore integrate it into all your outfits, from the most relaxed to the most solemn ceremonies.
In ascending order of formality, we offer you some of our summer shirts, accompanied by pieces likely to accompany them with dignity:
- A short-sleeved striped shirt , casually worn over a colorful t-shirt with cotton-linen shorts . Perfect for lounging around (or reading at home).
- A fun two-tone shirt in mixed fabric , accompanied by loose-fitting light-colored pants . A tasty way to bring originality to a composition, which is never unpleasant in the summer.
- A sage shirt with an officer collar , crafted in a 55% cotton and 45% linen canvas. To accompany it, a striped t-shirt and earth-toned pants will do the trick perfectly. The perfect outfit for heading to the office in the middle of August.
- A 100% linen white shirt , of course. A model of elegance and refinement, it is a reference that instantly evokes the Riviera style and casual charm. A versatile piece if ever there was one, it will go just as well with a swimsuit for your reading sessions by the pool as with Fresco pants if you are going to a wedding. For more inspiration, you can also refer to our article on the subject .
- A formal shirt in lightweight poplin. The official fabric of dress models, poplin is a smooth and silky canvas that is particularly distinguished. Generally tight (hence its satiny appearance), we have made summer versions that are much more open, such as this lightweight reference of 110 gr/m².
The final word
If you thought that the t-shirt was the only one capable of supporting you in the face of the summer's throes, think again. The shirt is just as competent (and perhaps more so), provided you choose it ingeniously. Natural materials, generous volumes, light and airy fabrics, possibly short sleeves: these are the secrets to getting through the summer season in the height of distinction.