The Best Summer T-Shirts, According to Style Editors

You don’t have to shell out a ton of money for a quality summer t-shirt. For less than $20, Coofandy offers a lightweight, breathable tee with a waffle-like textured knit that looks far more expensive than the price tag suggests. The texture gives the shirt dimension and visual interest that most basic cotton tees lack, making it feel more polished with shorts or chinos.

Even on hot, humid days, the fabric stays airy and comfortable, and the relaxed fit allows for plenty of airflow. It never felt clingy or heavy, even after spending hours outside. The textured knit also did a surprisingly good job of disguising wrinkles, so it looked put together after being stuffed into a weekend bag. Now, the lightweight material isn’t as substantial or durable-feeling as Cos’ premium tee, so it may show wear faster with frequent washing. But at least at this price, you can grab in multiple colors and rotate all season long.

Boxy t-shirts let you breathe in the summer better than anything restrictive or muscle-hugging, which is why I wear this one repeatedly. Plus, it taps into that 90s and Y2K streetwear aesthetic, that’s very much on-trend right now. In terms of weight, it’s a tad thicker than Flint and Tinder’s tee, but still keeps me cool in the blazing heat. It’s the kind of the tee that feels flowy like a linen pant, but in shirt form. When the temps spiked into the high 80s, I barely broke a sweat.

The loose cotton fabric fit doesn’t cling to my body or hang so oversized that it looks like the shirt is swallowing me whole. It hits right at the waist and looks sharp with slim-straight pants or wide-leg trousers to keep everything proportioned. The crew neckline is reinforced with binding that helps it hold its shape instead of baconing out after a few washes or wears. For 25 bucks, it’s a steal because it looks great on its own and works just as well layered under an overshirt or lightweight jacket.

Cos, one of my favorite clothing brands, has mastered the art of making simple clothes feel elevated. This summer tee is a perfect example. The fit is clean, the fabric feels substantial without being overly heavy, and the minimalist design makes it one of the easiest shirts in my closet to style. I’ve worn it with everything from tailored trousers and loafers for a fancy dinner to drawstring shorts and sandals in Costa Rica. The limited color selection may be disappointing if you’re looking to add more variety to your summer wardrobe. However, I’ve managed to make both the white and black tees go with just about anything I own.

If you're looking for a summer tee with more personality, Alex Mill's slub cotton option is the one I'd recommend. The textured fabric is known for its airy feel, which explains why I wasn’t sweating bullets in nearly 90-degree temps at a music festival. Thanks to the slouchy, loose fit, I could feel every breeze that passed by. This striped number has a vintage vibe that feels lived-in right out of the box, adding depth and character that smooth jersey tees just don't have. A lot of the slouchy tees I’ve tested feel oversized, but not this one. Most times, I tuck it into chinos and pair it with loafers for a clean office fit. But if I’m keeping it super chill, I’ll wear it untucked with shorts. Sure, it’s north of $100, but you can wear it year-round with a bunch of different looks.

The Strato Tech Tee has been one of our favorite workout shirts for years, largely because the fabric is ridiculously soft and stretchy enough for running a marathon or running errands. Vuori, one of our favorite athleisure brands, is known for making some of the best performance fabrics in the game, and this tee has it on full display. The fit is especially flattering: the sleeves hug your arms just enough to show some shape without making you feel shrink-wrapped, while the chest and shoulders get a tailored look that still leaves room through the midsection. Whether you've got broad shoulders, a bigger chest, or just want something that moves with you, it's an easy shirt to wear.

I also love how versatile it is. You can wear it to the gym, on a walk, while running errands, or just lounging around the house. The slightly cropped hem helps keep the shirt in place whether you're swinging a golf club or reaching overhead during a workout. Even when temperatures climb, the fabric does an excellent job wicking away sweat, keeping you fresh, dry, and free from those obvious sweat marks that can ruin a shirt by midday.

Read more: Vuori Strato Tech Tee Review