The black sheep of the shirt family, the short sleeve shirt is looked upon by most with a certain amount of caution and, at times, even disdain; still associated as the uniform of the rowdy 12-year-old at an aunt's wedding, or of a particular kind of sleaze ball, resplendent in gold, grease and cheap cologne.

SEE ALSO: Style Debate: Is It Ever OK To Wear A Short Sleeve Shirt?

But it needn't be so, friends.

It needn't be so.

When utilised correctly, the short-sleeve shirt is a next level piece that allows its wearer to express easy style and flamboyance during the warmer months, while also catering for the kind of man who wouldn't dream of going near anything categorised as 'print'.

Here we break down the essentials, to prove that anyone can look sharp in short-sleeves.

The Fit

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Less flattering than other cuts and styles out there, when it comes to sporting a short sleeve your greatest concern be should how it fits.

One of the strongest trends of the past couple of seasons, camp collar shirts are typically designed to have a slightly cropped and boxy fit, a style that pairs particularly well with looser-fitting trousers.

If you're opting for a regular short sleeve, then finding that sweet spot is just as important. Too tight and you'll look like you're just in it for the 'gun' exposure. Too loose and you'll look sloppy.

And no one wants to look sloppy.

The Styles

As it stands, your style of short sleeve shirt will usually fall into one of three categories: printed, camp collar, or both. Fine options all of them.

For those who are just dipping their toe into the sans sleeve pool, then a camp collar in a neutral shade, with a crisp white T-shirt layered underneath, is an excellent choice. One that is subtle, trend-savvy and seasonal.

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From left to right: Sunspel, £120; Stella McCartney, £330; CMMN SWDN, £205

If you're opting for print, then embracing the more laissez-fare side of life is the way to go. Two buttons undone? Why not. Just make sure it's your shirt that's doing the shouting, as opposed to the rest of your outfit.

And please no straw trilbies.

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From left: Paul Smith, £120; Universal Works, £95; Gucci, £640

The Trousers

As noted above, if you're looking to kill two trends with one stone then pairing your short sleeve with a wider cut of trouser is the way to go.

However, just because they're wide doesn't mean they can't have structure. Plenty of brands are now incorporating wider cuts with cropped or tapered finishes, which will stop any billowing or pooling while still adding to that light and breezy silhouette you've got going on there.

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From left: Beams, £185; Paul Smith, £240; Gucci, £530

The Shoes

Finding the right shoes for a short sleeve look can be the undoing of many a man, so while thick sole derbies, penny loafers and even boat shoes are all perfectly acceptable options; a catch-all solution that's crisp, simple and 'mankle' ready is the white trainer. Make sure they're slim, leather and with as little branding as possible.

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From left: adidas, £99; Common Projects, £295; Axel Arigato, £250

The Arms

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Discipline, young grasshopper. Discipline.

Headshot of Finlay Renwick
Finlay Renwick
Deputy Style Editor
Mother, blogger, vegan, model, liar