Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
If you’re looking for a sharp shirt that won’t make you boil in the summer heat, then viscose in one of the answers. It’s more breathable than many other synthetics, more affordable than rayon, and can be woven incredibly thin — so when you add how well it drapes — you’ve got a great combination for the perfect summer shirt.
1) Universal Works: Road Shirt Saturday Viscose Sand
Universal Works‘ Road Shirt is a big player if you’re looking for a viscose shirt with a simple pattern that isn’t too brightly colored. Designed with a 1950s camp style in mind, this shirt single patterned-matched chest pocket, a straight hem, and an open collar. While it isn’t the most exciting shirt on the market, it’s a great piece to add to your rotation when you’re not looking to turn heads.
Available for $141 from Calculus.
2) OAS: Viscose Shirt
OAS is a standout brand when it comes to vibrant, colorful patterns, so it should come as no surprise that they have several phenomenal Viscose Shirts. Shown here in Bloom Plateau, these shirts are made of 100% viscose and are a fantastic pick whether you’re trying to pair them with shorts, chinos, or your favorite linen slacks. Finished with a single chest pocket, it’d be easy to fill a summer wardrobe with these shirts.
Available for $120 from Manready Mercantile.
3) J. Crew: Cotton-viscose camp-collar shirt in print
Want something bright and colorful without breaking the bank? J. Crew‘s Cotton-Viscose camp-collar shirt is worth a look. Made from a 60%/40% cotton/viscose blend, these shirts come in a wide range of striking patterns and prints; while I can’t say they’ll be my everyday wears this season, it’s hard to not be attracted to their hues and palettes.
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Available for $55+ from J. Crew.
4) Portuguese Flannel: Deco 1 Button-Up Shirt in Multi
Portuguese Flannel might be known for its namesake — flannels — but that doesn’t mean their viscose shirts are any less important. Their Deco 1 Button-Up is an awesome piece, especially if you’re looking for a color shirt with a more angular pattern. Made from a blend of sustainable and standard viscose fibers, this shirt is a fun way to add interest to your favorite summer fit.
Available for $165 from Blue Owl.
5) Uniqlo: Kabuki UT Graphic Short Sleeved Shirt (Open Collar)
While I like high-end shirts as much as the next person, I’m quite rough on my shirts and I find myself gravitating more toward shirts that I won’t be too devastated about if they get ruined. Uniqlo is excellent for this, and its Kabukti UT is a real stand-out. Featuring a soothing pattern of waves and koi, this is one of those shirts it’s easy to wear as part of your summer rotation without fear that you’ll damage it just living your life. The lack of a chest pocket might not appeal to everyone, but it allows for the pattern to remain cleaner across the garment.
Available for €35 from Uniqlo.
Plus One – Bode: Patchwork Tumbleweed S/S Shirt – Multi
If you’re interested in unique garments — where each piece is a little different and they’ll likely never be produced again — then Bode should be on your list. Their Patchwork Tumbleweed shirt is a 100% viscose shirt in a colorful patchwork pattern; it’s a bit boxier than many other shirts on this list and is dry clean only, but if you want something extra special this season it is an striking choice.
Available for $490 from Bode.
