Short sleeve button-down shirts are very underrated.
Somewhere along the way, due mostly to popular culture, they picked up a bad reputation. Nerdy, sloppy, “middle management”, etc.
A properly fitting s/s shirt, however, is one of the coolest shirts you can own.
Here’s some tips on how to pull them off for those hot summer days.
1. Business Casual Cool

The fit needs to be slim through the body, with a narrow sleeve that skims the arm and hits about halfway down the bicep.
A billowy shirt with a baggy sleeve down to the elbow is not going to be taken seriously.

If you’re only going to get one, I’d say make it 100% linen in a neutral-colored check or plaid pattern.
With tropical weight hopsack trousers, this is one of the best combos for “business casual” on a sticky hot day.

- Medium brown loafers by Scarpe di Bianco
- Tortoise shades by Matsuda Eyewear
- Brown hopsack suit trousers by Michael Andrews Bespoke
- Watch by Montblanc Timewalker Automatic (42mm)
- Plaid linen s/s shirt by Michael Andrews Bespoke
- Brown alligator belt and silver buckle by Ralph Lauren Purple Label
- Brown alligator watch band by Montblanc


32 Comments Add a comment
Love the first look and the denim look so much! :)
http://www.fashionisers.com/
Just last week I told myself I would never buy a short sleeve button down. This article convinced me of the opposite.
It’s summer and my long sleeves get hot, even when rolled up to the elbow. Plus, these could be worn with shorts, while I feel like long sleeves with shorts create an unbalanced look (again, even when rolled up). Thanks for opening my eyes.
I do enjoy and applaud some of the outfits you pull off at times, but, man, get some socks already.
Those sandals are hedious and would be embarrassed as a man walking around in those.. the business casual outfits are pretty nice though
Cool posts man!
I really enjoy reading all the style tips that you give us. I have a quick question. Can you give us a quick recommendation on how we should hem our trousers and jeans. What length should we be aiming for ? I have a bunch of pants/ jeans that i need to take in and i want to get your opinion first.mAny advice that you can give me will be really appreciated!
Thanks alot! for all the way in Bolivia
Nice post as usual!
Love the two-color loafers!
Take care
Gian
Consultant Style Advisor
http://gntstyle.wordpress.com
I like your individual pieces of clothing. Put together is another thing. Looks a bit too forced, Don’t like the no socks with a suit look at all. Takes away from a classic elegant look. Kind of like being caught between trying to dress like an adult and college frat at the same time.
You sure like jumping over fire hydrants.
Good post. A slim, short sleeved shirt is something I’m liking these days although I still feel like it’s difficult to wear with ease. Liked the 4th look. Kinda Beastie Boys ‘Sabotage’-y.
Maybe it’s my eyesight, but in the 2nd look is your belt brown Dan? Opinions on brown belt with black shoes or vice versa? I always feel it looks a bit odd but open to ideas.
http://www.jkfman.tumblr.com
the loafers are navy
Ha. Shoulda read the description!
dan, this ish is str8 dope sauce…ive been outta the country and off the social media grid for a second and its too bad cause I would’ve killed em at the model scouting (ha ha)…keep it up.
Frank Clegg got some shine in GQ’s The Eye “Stuff we Like” homie! They link right to his site, so hopefully the GQ readers will figure out what’s up:)
http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2012/07/stuff-we-like-frank-clegg-leatherworks.html
Next up is GQ eye featuring our collaboration! :)
That’s great to hear Mr. Clegg! And thanks in advance for the embroidered “TO” chocolate backpack! I can’t wait for it to be delivered:)
Amazing blog!
couldn’t agree more. I like the versatility you give the shirt, and already live by many of those tenants. Also, for a more riviera look the half-button down short-sleeve collar shirt.
9sharp.tumblr.com
Not for me, but you pull it off
Still dont get why there are those who check this blog out, despite how many times Dan has stated what his intentions are with ‘The Styleblogger’, to still say what’s ‘right’ and what’s a ‘no no’. They’re clothes, wear them how ever you want.
SB, sick post. Keep up the great work.
Just roll up you’re long sleeves. I call this the homer-simpson-at-the-plant look
I love this site but this isn’t one of my favorite posts. Maybe because I’m just not a fan of short-sleeve shirts.
That graphic tank on the beach attire most definitely looks like it belongs for females (just my opinion).
Despite my disappointment, I’m still a big fan!
Great post! That Summer Smart Casual is the best, luv it! All the best
Looking good Dan! Keep the dream alive and continue being you! Love the style!
With love brotha
FC
They look great except for the one with the tie. All you need is a pocket protector!
I disagree, I think he pulls it off. The shades definitely help counteract the nerd look of the s/s and tie, but I think since the “geek chic” look is in style, it looks very “nerdy cool.”
I totaly agree with Sammy here. I am a skinny blonde kid with glasses and it’s hard to dress sharp and not look like a geek. Geek Chic is pretty much every day for me and I think it looks good.
Sorry, I’m not convinced at all. However, if you feel confident in that look, then who cares if I don’t see the chic, only the geek.
Short-sleeved shirt with tie is a big no-no …
Except that everything is brilliant as usual ;)
Great post!! And I agree with u 100%, they get such a bad rap but its just because most get the fit wrong. But find one in a great fit and ur golden.
Amen! Thx
Hi Dan,
I have a question about the second look, specifically the seersucker short-sleeve shirt by Club Monaco. I purchased this shirt a few weeks ago and noticed that the tail is slightly longer in the back. Would it look sloppy if I wore the shirt untucked, bearing in mind how long the tail is?
Thanks for the help,
Eamon.
AWESOME! These are great tips, especially for us living in the tropics.