The Best Men’s Tropical Shirt

Buying Guide

The warmer months of the year can make it easy to take a close look at your wardrobe. Do you have anything to wear on vacation that will help keep you cool? Certain fabrics promote airflow and wick moisture away from the body to help keep you cool.

When choosing warmer-month attire, it’s important to pay close attention to the weave. Clothing that’s less porous can trap heat, while more porous fabric keeps air moving. Although porous, nonwoven material performs better in warmer weather than woven clothing, looser-fitting clothing can also help let air through to help keep you comfortable and dry.

That’s where a tropical shirt comes in handy. For decades, tropical shirts have been go-to fashion for vacations or just hanging out around the house. Now that office dress codes have become less strict, you may even find that you’re wearing your tropical shirt every day. Tropical shirts are typically worn outside pants, shorts or jeans for an untucked casual look that also keeps air moving. They also usually feature a type of lightweight fabric like cotton or polyester that’s great for beating the hat.

Tropical shirts are based on the original Hawaiian shirt, also known as the Aloha shirt. They feature bold colors, short sleeves and buttons. They’re designed to be worn untucked for a casual look that reminds one of resting and relaxing on an island. Typically, Hawaiian shirts are made to be worn by men, but there are versions for women, too.

While Hawaiian shirts feature a very specific build and look, there are plenty of tropical shirts that borrow the general concept. You can even find designs and patterns that are unique, setting your shirt apart from the flowers and palm trees found on Hawaiian shirts.

• Wrinkling can be a problem with tropical shirts, especially those made from cotton. Polyester is less prone to wrinkling, but you might want to wear it at home before taking it on vacation to ensure it will make it throughout the day without wrinkling up.
• Take a close look at the buttons on any shirt you’re considering. You’ll want buttons that will hold up over the years, even if you wear it regularly.
• Some tropical shirts have chest pockets, which can come in handy for storing items. In many cases, though, it’s more a design element than something useful.
• Although the untucked nature of tropical shirts makes them somewhat comfortable and breathable, you’ll also want to consider stretchability. Some polyester versions have a little stretch to them so when you’re sitting or reaching, the fabric moves with you.
• If you’re looking for a tropical shirt you can wear to the office on casual day, you can find some with more subtle designs. They’ll give you the same comfort without screaming “vacation.”
• Cotton can be prone to shrinking. If you opt for a cotton shirt, look for one made from cotton that’s less prone to shrinking or has been preshrunk.
• Some tropical shirts have side splits to give a little leeway when you’re wearing them. This can make a substantial difference in comfort level.
• If you’re looking for something a little different, you can find tropical shirts that take a twist on the theme, including patterns like pumpkins for wearing on Halloween and Santas for the holiday season.
• Tropical shirts come in a variety of sizes, but since they’re designed to be worn untucked, some can run larger than advertised. Pay attention to the measurements, if available, and compare them to a similar shirt in your closet that fits well.
• You can find tropical shirts in plus sizes. You might be a little more limited in designs and colors, but there are still plenty to choose from.