Work it: office-ready summer shirts

Summer always presents the same sartorial conundrum: how to balance comfort and professionalism while keeping your cool?

From downpours to heatwaves, sometimes within mere hours of one another, the British summer is notoriously fickle. But as temperatures rise year-on-year, and for anyone who has braved the Central Line on a hot day, there is indeed an art to dressing to stay cool on your daily commute.

Thomas Pink shirts are designed for modern life and to take you from office to happy hour effortlessly. ‘We always source quality, breathable fabrics for our shirts and the different fit choices are always sophisticated yet comfortable,’ comments Thomas Pink product director Martin Holmes. ‘With the advent of hybrid working there’s a more relaxed approach to office attire – even in the City – so our less-formal block colours and check styles are a great way to dress down while still looking smart,’ he adds.

With summer finally here, Martin selects his six favourite shirts that will keep you cool (in both senses of the word) in the office and for post-work tipples in the sun.

1. Pale Pink & White Athletic Fit Formal Stretch Fine Bengal Stripe Shirt

Thomas Pink’s classic Bengal stripe in a poppy pink gives a more optimistic summer vibe over the more traditional blue colourway.

2. Blue & White Tailored Fit Smart Casual Grandad Collar Bengal Slub Stripe Shirt

Shake up the 9-5 with our new grandad collar shirts. The striped pattern and classic band collar make for a relaxed yet statement look – and the style is surprisingly versatile (although, obviously, you’ll want to leave the tie at home).

3. White Smart Casual Plain Linen Slub Shirt

Linen has superior breathability and is a lifesaver in hot temperatures. This shirt can pass muster in the office as it has our signature cutaway collar, enabling it to be worn without a tie. After-hours, wear untucked with sleeves rolled up to make the most of the evening sunshine.

4. Pale Blue & White Tailored Fit Formal Royal Twill Puppytooth Shirt

Although it is a classic blue-and-white colour combination, the puppytooth check (a smaller, more subtle print than houndstooth) offers something a little more playful than stripes in a similar shade.

5. White Smart Casual Button Down Weekend Oxford Shirt

This shirt doesn’t have to be restricted to the weekend; the button-down collar looks great undone for a relaxed summer office look. This style is slightly shorter in the body, meaning that, while the shirt can be worn tucked-in during office hours, it will also look great untucked post 5pm.

6. Pale Blue Tailored Fit Formal Oriali Plain Shirt

With its crisp finish, pure cotton fabric and perfect shade of pale blue, if you’re going to invest in one new shirt over the summer, make it this sophisticated number.