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Whether you are feeling vacation nostalgia or just need a cool new button-down top, a retro, Hawaiian-style shirt is always a fun, feel-good option.
Below are some cool men’s tropical shirts with prints that are as bold and vibrant as you can get without being too over the top. These shirts are all short sleeves with button-down front and finished bottom hems that make them easy to wear tucked in or out.
Although these shirts may err on the casual side, they definitely make for great travel, beach, and party shirts and can even be a fun addition to a specific costume. These shirts are also made from soft, lightweight materials and come in a variety of loose, straight, and slimmer cut options while being travel-friendly and easy to care for.
Premier Men’s Tropical Shirts in Detail
PEGENO Shirt — Best Overall
Another great short-sleeve tropical shirt is this one that has some added stretch for a comfortable, slightly more fitted style. This shirt features a turn-down collar, single chest pocket styling, and the bold, all-over floral print takes it to the next level. Wear this shirt to your next luau or beach party, and it even makes a great costume.
Pros
- This shirt comes in a bunch of bold print options
Cons
- This shirt may shrink slightly upon first wash
SSLR Flamingos Shirt — Runner Up
This is one of those ultimate Hawaiian shirts due to its appropriate tropical floral and flamingo print that comes in a ton of vibrant colors. This short-sleeve shirt has a straight fit with a tailored silhouette and is made from 100% lightweight and easy to care for, polyester.
Pros
- This shirt will need little to no ironing
Cons
- If you prefer a slimmer fitting shirt, another option might be better
Amazon Essentials Shirt — Best to Dress Up or Down
A slightly more fitted version of our first one, this regular-fit short-sleeve shirt has a full button front closure and patch chest pocket giving it a more casual vibe. This shirt is made from a lightweight, yet structured material that is comfortable to wear and can be worn tucked in or out. Pair this shirt with a pair of skinny jeans to balance out the look and it also easily pairs with some structured shorts for a warmer weather look.
Pros
- These shirts are machine washable
Cons
- This shirt may need to be ironed
Brooklyn Athletics Shirt — Best Retro Vibe
For a more retro-vibe, this vintage-looking Hawaiian shirt is everything. From the faded designs and unique reverse prints to the folded arm hems and comfortable slim fit, this shirt is designed for active, functional, and adventurous lifestyles. It also comes with a functional chest pocket, button-down collar, and scoop hem design that can be worn tucked out easily without looing sloppy.
Pros
- This shirt comes in 10+ bold and bright prints
Cons
- This shirt runs on the smaller side
Van Heusen Shirt — Best Subtle Option
This wrinkle-resistant shirt is a great option for those who prefer a wrinkle and iron-free experience. Another shirt made from 100% polyester, this one can be washed and dried in the machine and worn right away. This shirt also comes in a ton of sizes and allows you to pick your perfect fit from slim to big and tall to find one that works perfectly for you.
Pros
- This shirt has moisture-wicking properties to help you always feel cool even when the temperature rises
Cons
- It is important to read the size chart to ensure the correct sizing
Cubavera Shirt — Also Consider
This unique 100% linen shirt may look like a typical button-down but goes by the special name “guayabera” which is a specific button-down shirt in linen with four pockets and embroidery or pleats down the front. These particular shirts also feature a loose flowy fit for proper air ventilation and have notched sleeves with button details.
Pros
- This shirt comes in 10 soft color options
Cons
- This shirt is dry clean only
28 Palms Shirt — Another Option
Made from 100% cotton, this tropical shirt combines everything you love about vacation into one comfy, easy-to-wear shirt. A vibrant print, a relaxed fit that is cut generously in the chest and waist area, and easy, button-up front. The fabric is soft, flowy, and comfortable and transitions easily from the beach to any out-of-office style.
Pros
- Size up for a looser, casual fit
Cons
- This top has no stretch
Buying Guide: Men’s Tropical Shirts
Tropical shirts have become a men’s fashion staple, especially for vacations. Not only are they breezy, but the bright colors and tropical patterns look very stylish. It is also pretty effortless to style these shirts.
Tips for Buying Men's Tropical Shirts
Just as with any other article of clothing, you need to keep certain factors in mind when buying a men’s tropical shirt. These few tips will make buying a tropical Hawaiian shirt as breezy as the beach.
Material
You don’t want to be wearing heavier materials in the summers. No one likes pit stains or the feeling of sweat running down their back. You also don’t want to buy a Hawaiian shirt for men made with cheap fabrics.
Synthetic fabrics get damaged easily, which isn’t cool. For a tropical men’s shirt that is durable and comfortable, look for materials like cotton. Cotton is breezy and also easy to wash. The polyester blend is another material that makes good airy Hawaiian tropical shirts.
Color
Hawaiian tropical shirts for men come in a wide variety of colors, and the right color depends on your preference. If you’re someone that likes more muted colors, go for a nice black or beige tropical shirt. These colors ensure that you don’t stand out too much and can be styled in many ways.
However, if you do like a pop of color, you can go crazy with shades like red or yellow. Make sure to wash your colored tropical shirts separately. This will ensure that the color doesn’t leak onto your other clothes.
You can easily do a wash test to see whether the colors of your shirt run or not.
Pattern
Another reason why Hawaiian print men’s shirts are so popular is because of all the available patterns. Tropical shirts usually have a recurring design on the entire shirt. This can be anything from colorful fish to scenery or even pineapples.
The Hawaiian print tropical shirt you get all depends on your preference. If you like more minimalistic prints, you can go for a simple and small fruit print. However, if you’re someone who likes big and bold, there are many tropical print shirts with flowers printed all over.
Style
An excellent Hawaiian print shirt should feature a collar that can be popped or ironed according to your preference. It should also have strong buttons on the front. Avoid baggy Hawaiian shirts, as they can make you look sloppy.
A straight-fit tropical print shirt makes you look slender and sophisticated. Another feature that can make a tropical print men’s shirt look fabulous is starchy fabric. This allows you to have a sleek and wrinkle-free look.
Softer fabrics tend to wrinkle more easily. Hawaiian tropical print shirts are usually found with short sleeves but are also available with long sleeves if you're too particular about your choice.
How to Style a Men’s Tropical Print Shirt
Hawaiian print men’s shirts shouldn’t only be worn on vacations but also be styled for a night out. One good way to style a tropical print shirt is to keep it open and wear a plain colored tee underneath. Add a pair of khaki pants and sneakers for a stylish look.
You don’t have to stick to the boring old tropical print shirt and cargo shorts combo any longer. A Hawaiian printed men’s shirt can easily be styled for date night too!
Simply pair with some fitted and cuffed jeans for a sophisticated look. Cuff the sleeves of your tropical print shirt and accessorize with a simple chain or some sunglasses.
Pro Styling Tips to Carry a Unique Look
Like many other button-down style shirts, you may be tempted to tuck your tropical print shirt. While there is no problem if you do, a tropical print shirt doesn’t look as stylish if you tuck it in. Leave it untucked and instead pair with a more fitted pair of pants. This not only gives your body a slimmer appearance but is very fashion-forward as well.
