Long mocked, often derided, and dismissed everywhere from niche blogs to high-profile fashion magazines, the short-sleeved shirt is now firmly back in favour.
Difficult to explain, this shift—as improbable as it was unexpected—is very real. At Hast, we have noticed growing enthusiasm for what many used to dismiss as office short-sleeves, leading us to release 4 new designs this year.
The story of a stylish comeback
In recent decades, short-sleeved shirts were seen as the preserve of accountants, estate agents and semi-retired teachers. Or so it seemed. Fortunately, these preconceptions are gradually fading, revealing a casual shirt with tremendous potential.
Over recent seasons, the renewed interest in this former wardrobe outsider is undeniable, evident both on the street and in the figures. Within our collections, its exponential success feels like a well-deserved comeback, a true source of pride for the dedicated shirtmakers we have been since 2012.
In our view, this turnaround comes down to a better understanding of what makes the short-sleeved shirt special. Far from being a standard shirt cropped at the bicep, it stems from a true menswear legend, if not a philosophy in its own right. This dates back to the 1930s, when a Japanese tailor in Honolulu had the idea to craft a relaxed shirt inspired by traditional kimonos. The Aloha shirt was born, and with it a unique approach to relaxed elegance.
To our mind, it is here that you will find the true spirit of the short-sleeved shirt, as shown by those who are embracing it today—Hast included.
Four shirts, one single spirit
True to this idea of ease and lightness, we are offering a quartet of short-sleeved shirts this season. All honour the heritage of this iconic piece, and each features unique details of its own. Here is the proof in four designs:
- Our beige striped short-sleeved shirt. Inspired by an American design, this version exudes sun-drenched charm with its light palette and bright stripes. Crafted from an airy 100% cotton fabric, it offers unmatched lightness and is sure to win you over from the very first wear.
- Our navy Giro Inglese short-sleeved shirt. Exceptionally light and breathable, Giro Inglese is among the finest summer fabrics thanks to its honeycomb-like open weave. Beyond the airflow this structure provides, Giro Inglese boasts one of the most distinctive textures in menswear. A rich relief that will instantly add character to your summer outfits. Crafted in Portugal, this navy shirt blends style and comfort with a delightfully retro charm.
- Our blue cotton short-sleeved shirt. Distinctive without being eccentric, this 100% cotton design pairs an ultra-light fabric with a tone-on-tone jacquard pattern to offer its own take on effortless ease. A piece with a Riviera feel, crafted with such attention to detail that the pattern aligns seamlessly on its single chest pocket. Subtle, understated refinement.
- Our striped green Tencel short-sleeved shirt. Crafted in Portugal, it is made from 100% Tencel, a sustainable material produced from wood pulp. Fluid and lightweight, structured across the chest by two pockets, its vertical stripes run along a relaxed cut to create a silhouette that balances ease and elegance.
A remarkable Cuban collar
Despite their differences, these four shirts naturally have much in common. We are thinking of their short sleeves and relaxed cut, of course, but above all of that superb Cuban collar.
Originating from the Caribbean island that gave it its name, it is easily identifiable by the distinctive shape of its notched lapels. Worn open, it looks almost like the neckline of a suit jacket, helping to lend our shirts their sharp silhouette. The Cuban collar's secret weapon: it can also be buttoned all the way to the top, taking on the understated and refined look of our work jackets. A welcome option for stylishly taking on the cool breezes of late summer.
Our advice on how to wear a short-sleeved shirt
In our view, the only mistake you can make with this piece is treating it like a sleeveless dress shirt. That is the pitfall that turned the glorious short-sleeved shirt into the dreaded short-sleeved office shirt, and we strongly advise against taking that route.
A short-sleeved shirt should be worn untucked from your trousers, buttoned against bare skin or worn open over a T-shirt or vest—never as a substitute for your white poplin shirt. Here, it is all about drape, ease and freedom; texture, character and individuality.
That being said, this is a very versatile summer piece, and you are free to experiment and see which combinations suit it best. Shorts, washed jeans, linen trousers, work jackets and even a Fresco wool suit jacket: all can be paired effortlessly with this wardrobe all-rounder.
A final word
Long overlooked, the short-sleeved shirt has become a summer wardrobe staple in recent years. Leaving behind the ghosts of an overly formal past, it has broken free from stiff dressing to embrace a world where ease and relaxed style reign supreme.
Drawing on our shirtmaking expertise, we have taken care to honour the heritage of this piece to bring you four styles, each more appealing than the last.
Balancing boldness and precision, we have created worthy successors to the Aloha Shirt, with the honesty and exacting standards you have come to expect from us. Precise tailoring, noble fibres, certified natural materials and European craftsmanship: everything is in place for these short-sleeved shirts to carry you from midsummer through to the last days of the Indian summer.