The best men’s layering shirts to upgrade your summer wardrobe

The best men’s layering shirts to upgrade your summer wardrobe Published August 4, 2026 4:00pm Want better outfits? Start with this one simple men’s fashion trick. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Men’s outfits have come a long way since the days when a plain shirt and trousers were a go-to for many. In recent years, one simple styling technique in particular has changed the game: layering. If there’s one wardrobe staple every man should have on standby, it’s a great shirt. We’re not talking about the likes you wear to the office or under a suit for a formal occasion; we mean more regular, relaxed styles that can be worn buttoned up on their own, open over a white tee, making getting dressed that much easier. The beauty of layering a shirt is its versatility. One minute it’s pulling together an outfit with an otherwise simple T-shirt and short combo; the next it’s keeping the summer evening chill at bay. Whether you’re looking for a traditional linen style or a timeless check number that adds a touch of personality to the ensemble, we’ve rounded up the best men’s shirts from the high street to help elevate your everyday wardrobe. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Top tip before starting: keep your base layer tighter to skim (not cling) the body, allowing the shirt to flow and drape as it should. Shop the best men’s layering shirts: River Island Brown Linen Blend Stripe Shirt One of the best styles to bag yourself is undoubtedly a striped option. Not only does the linen fabric scream summer, but the stripes will give your outfit a classic vibe, whilst still feeling modern. Pair it with chino shorts and a plain white tee to make it work for brunch, holiday nights out and summer soirees. Buy Now for £42 boohooMan Relaxed Boxy Open Stitch Striped Knitted Shirt A big trend for summer, and one that I’m a big believer in making an outfit appear more expensive than it is, is a crochet shirt. The knitted fabric not only adds texture to your look, smartly elevating it, but it can be worn on its own open poolside, or thrown over a vest. Buy Now for £24 (was £30) M&S Pure Cotton Embroidered Short Sleeve Shirt If you want to break away from plain shirts, but aren’t brave enough to embrace bold prints, this M&S number is the perfect wardrobe addition. It’ll keep your outfits classic, whilst the subtle embroidery adds just enough personality to stand out. Buy Now for £35 Next Brown Western Styling Textured Twin Pocket Short Sleeve Shirt Western-inspired fashion is having a huge moment in 2026, so why not jump on the bandwagon and give it a go yourself? The relaxed fit and twin pockets give it a more laid-back vibe, making it versatile to dress up or down with a change of trousers or shorts. The brown tone also means you can wear it beyond summer into autumn and winter too. Buy Now for £35 Primark Scenic Revere Collar Shirt Every guy should have one of those shirts that I like to call 'a dad shirt', and that’s meant in a complimentary sense. This bold, artistic print is perfect for if you’re jetting away somewhere warm, or have a summer event coming up. Pair it with swim shorts for a daytime look, or smart shorts for sunset cocktails. It also comes available in a mini-me version to pair with your little ones. Buy Now for £14 ASOS DESIGN Boxy Oversized Micro Check Shirt A check shirt is a foolproof pattern that will never go out of style. ASOS have given the print a modern upgrade by designing the shirt in an oversized, boxy fit that makes it ideal for layering. The red shade is one of the biggest colours for summer 2026, so you’ll also be ticking that trend box when wearing this. Buy Now for £30 Moss Blue Poppy Cotton Cuban Collar Shirt Florals don’t have to be feminine or over the top; this Moss shirt proves how an understated design can still make a big impact. The Cuban collar makes it a flattering shape for most body shapes by opening up the neckline, whilst the elegant poppy print adds a smart finish. Buy Now for £69.95 H&M Relaxed Fit Linen-Blend Shirt If you don’t own a linen shirt, then this is your sign to get one immediately. They are lightweight and endlessly versatile. It’s one of those styles you can throw on without a second thought and look your best every time. This pale yellow shade is brilliant for the sunny months to show off your tan, or inject some colour to your ensembles. Buy Now for £37.99 F&F RDA Button Up Pure Cotton Short Sleeved Shirt in Blue Great styles don’t have to break the bank. I’m a big fan of this blue cotton shirt from F&F that resembles denim without the weight. Pair it with denim shorts for a matching moment, or add a summer flair with white linen trousers for a relaxed edge. Buy Now for £18 Uniqlo Oxford Oversized Short Sleeved Shirt If you want to keep to a trusty white shirt, then be my guest, but give it a contemporary elevation with an oversized fit. This Uniqlo option is perfect as it’s made from crisp cotton-rayon fabric for structure, meaning you can wear it throughout the season and beyond. I’m also a big fan of the cuffed sleeves, which provide an interesting finish to the look. Buy Now for £24.90 (was £34.90) Tu Navy Palm Tree Print Satin Slim Fit Short Sleeve Shirt A palm print shirt for summer? Shocking, we know. However, it’s always a recipe for style success. This satin-finish shirt brings a touch of tropical charm without going OTT, making it an easy choice for holidays, BBQs and every warm-weather plan. Buy Now for £16 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: I’m a fashion editor and these are the linen buys worth adding to basket before the heatwave Arrow MORE: Fashion fans are swapping raffia totes for colourful jelly bags this summer Arrow MORE: The ultimate men’s holiday packing list – 19 essentials for your summer getaway