These 15 Cuban Collar Shirts Will Keep You Stylish All Summer

The Cuban-collar shirt is the best summer purchase. Although the silhouette is not new, it was a more popular choice than the “golf dad wearing a hula dancer print on the Atlantic City Boardwalk” or “summer wardrobe essential.” The shirt has seen a resurgence in style over the years and is now all I want to wear when the temperature rises above 80 degrees F.

You can call it whatever you like (camp shirt or revere collar, bowling shirt or vacation shirt), but …, all roads lead back to its spiritual predecessor, the guayabera. This is a classic piece of menswear from Latin America and the Caribbean. Folklore says that it was created by a Cuban husband who asked his wife for multiple pockets so he could store his belongings while he worked. It features four pockets on the front, two vertical stripes of embroidery or pleating, and, most importantly, an open collar. A Cuban collar is not like an oxford shirt’s collar. It has no structure and should be worn without more than one button. This style was introduced to the United States in 1950 and has been a staple of casual wear since.

The Cuban-collar shirt is so summery that it has been grouped with florals or hula dancers. It’s not something we hate, but it is time to move on. Instead of opting for bold, bold patterns and asymmetrical designs this summer, consider embroidery, pockets and textured fabrics that are inspired by the guayabera. These are our top picks to bring your wardrobe closer to summertime peak cool.

• Button-up Shirt NORDSTROM X CRISTINA MARTINEZ

This shirt is a conversation starter thanks to Cristina Martinez’s floral faces design. It’s also made from silky viscose which will keep you cool in the heat.

• Textured camp shirt ZARA

The super-light cotton knit fabric of this textured shirt allows for maximum airflow through the fabric to your skin. This off-white shirt will make you feel right at home.

• Linen Guayabera CUBAVERA

The linen guayabera is a classic double-chest and double hip pockets. You can’t go wrong when you choose from a variety of colors.

• Knit Easy Camp Shirt, Short Sleeve MADEWELL

The super-comfortable organic cotton jersey fabric of this camp shirt gives it structure but is soft and breezy to the touch. It will be hard to believe you’re not just wearing a T-shirt.

• The Linen Camp Shirt EVERLANE

It is a nice touch to have the dual, square-cut chest pockets. This shirt’s 100 percent linen fabric makes it even more breathable, even on the hottest days.

• Riviera Cabana Shirt BONOBOS

Bonobos’s classic Cuban collar is the inspiration for this Bonobos beauty. It is loose, light-textured, boxy and available in a variety of summery colors.

• Airing Easy Camp Collar Shirt LULULEMON

Lululemon is a master at creating casual silhouettes using technical fabrics. This button-down looks very similar to a regular relaxed cotton button down. It’s made from a moisture-wicking and four-way stretch fabric. The fabric comes in three cool-toned solid colours, but we couldn’t resist the tie dye which further hides the technical fabrication.

• Slub Cotton Camp Collar Shirt J.CREW

A long-sleeved camp shirt is the best choice if you are uncomfortable with the idea of a stiff collar. This shirt is casual but sophisticated. It’s classic stripes are a great addition.

• Relaxed-Fit Camp Collar Shirt COS

COS is well-known for creating anything but the most basic wardrobe basics. This shirt is no exception. Tencel fabric is almost like canvas, has a similar structure and is lighter than canvas. The design details are what make this fabric stand out, like the chunky corozo buttons with horizontal stitching and large side seam pockets.

• Herringbone Silk Button Up Camp Shirt TOMMY BAHAMA

Tommy Bahama is the source of all your dad’s favorite vacation shirts, flip-flops, and beach chairs. A shirt doesn’t make you a old man. This sleek version has a silky smooth fabric and topstitching that makes it feel absolutely divine to wear.

• Tropical Cotton Button-Up Camp shirt SCOTCH & SODA

Scotch and Soda is the place to go if you are looking for a bold tropical design. It’s fun with pattern but is more casual than the hula print shirts you bought in Florida 10 years back.

• Classic Fit Tie Dye Seersucker Shirt POLO RALPH LAUREN

This marriage of summers past and summers present is a mix of seersucker and tie dye.

• Floral Applique Button-Up Camp Shirt TED BAKER LONDON

While we love florals as much as anyone, sometimes it is best to keep things simple and modern. This Ted Baker stunner is a crisp white cotton button down with numerous embroidered floral appliques.

• Colorblock Button-Up Shirt AHLUWALIA

Priya Ahluwalia’s name brand is inspired by her dual Indian-Nigerian heritage as well as her childhood in London. This piece is a great investment because of its large fit.

• Printed Cotton Poplin Bowling T-Shirt GUCCI

This shirt, part of the Gucci Love Parade collection, is fresh off the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This shirt will let everyone know that you are on island time.