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The ideal work shirt is made for daily wear, is hardworking, uses heavyweight materials, and provides ample room for movement.
Below we have found some men’s short sleeve work shirts that encompass all of the above prerequisites and then some. Depending on your needs, we have included both crewneck-style tees and classic button-downs that should cover all the bases when it comes to continuous wear.
The button-down options are made with stretch for comfort and have dual chest pockets for convenient storage. Most of our options also come in a wide range of neutral color options and have a wrinkle-resistant finish, that when laundered, requires minimal pressing or ironing.
Our Picks of the Hottest Men’s Short Sleeve Work Shirt
Red Kap Work Shirt — Best Overall
This easy-to-care-for work shirt is lightweight and made for all-day comfort. This shirt is enhanced with special technology for breathability, moisture-wicking, strong color retention, and stain resistance all in a soft-feeling fabric. The top is so innovative that when washed, it actually releases dirt and grease so you can look fresh at the start of every workday while resisting color fade as well.
Pros
- This shirt has sewn-in permanent collar stays
Cons
- These shirts run on the larger side
Carhartt K87 T-Shirt — Runner Up
This workwear pocket tee is cut generous in size and known as a “working man’s fit” which has the most room for movement. This shirt is ideal for wearing outside when the weather is warmer and can be easily layered when it gets cold. This shirt also features a rib-knit crewneck that holds its shape throughout the workday and a durable chest pocket with a sewn-on label.
Pros
- This shirt has a tagless neck label for comfort
Cons
- Different colors may have different fabrications
Dickies Shirt — Honorable Mention
This classic work shirt is another specially made shirt with a relaxed fit and specialty flex fabric to increase durability and longevity so it will last longer than many average work shirts. The generous fit gives plenty of room for movement and allows for durable and comfortable all-day wear while providing moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry. Finally, a specifically designed square hem helps it stay tucked in and ensures it looks clean and neat when worn untucked.
Pros
- Two chest flap pockets have button closure detail with a convenient pencil division on one of the pockets
Cons
- There are minimal color options
Wrangler Authentics Shirt — Editor's Pick
This rugged short-sleeve button-down is a durable option for any outdoor work or play. Made from 100% cotton, this shirt will keep you comfortable and protected throughout the workday and with its relaxed fit, gives you enough room to move around. This top also features a spread collar and dual button-flap chest pockets for storage.
Pros
- This shirt comes in nine different color options
Cons
- This shirt may not be heavy enough to wear alone in colder climates
Comfort Colors Pocket Tee — Excellent Value
If a plain tee is all that is needed, these pocket ones are a reliable option. These utility tees are made from heavyweight cotton that feels super soft to the touch and is garment-dyed for an authentic, worn-in look. These shirts are pre-shrunk, won’t lose their shape, and come in both bold and bright colors with fully saturated hues or cool vintage, weathered tones.
Pros
- This shirt will get softer with each wash
Cons
- Depending on height, these shirts may not be long enough to tuck in
Gildan G2000 T-Shirt — Also Consider
Another great cotton work tee is this basic one which comes in an endless amount of colors that will work for any occasion. These shirts have a seamless, double-needle collar, taped neck, and shoulders for durability with heavy-duty material that will last an especially long time.
Pros
- These shirts fall slightly below the hip area for comfort and ease of movement
Cons
- This shirt may shrink upon initial washing
Buying Guide: Men’s Short Sleeve Work Shirts
How to Choose the Right Men’s Short Sleeve Work Shirt
Some considerations include:
Comfort and fit
The first factor to look for should always be comfort. Make sure that the shoulders and sleeves don’t fit too tightly to hinder movement. Those who work with heavy-duty items or machines should make sure the cut is trimmed and the shirt lightly hugs the body. For more formal work settings, a short sleeve men’s shirt should fit close to the body around the chest and shoulders and get slightly loose towards the waist.
Care and maintenance
Make sure that the work shirt you get is machine washable and safe for tumble drying. You can also look for a stain and wrinkle-resistant shirt material to ease the washing, drying, and ironing process.
Material
Work shirts are made from a variety of materials. Most work and dress shirts are made from cotton, polyester, linen, silk, lycra, or different combinations of these materials. Good quality materials retain structural integrity for a longer time and effortlessly go through tough working conditions as well.
Kinds of Fits for Men’s Short Sleeve Work Shirts
The different fits you can choose from for your work shirts include:
Fitted
Fitted short sleeve shirts for men are designed to fit close to the body, hugging the chest, waist, and arms. These shirts should feel snug around the skin but shouldn’t be too tight to hinder movement or cause discomfort.
Standard fit
The standard-fit work shirt usually doesn’t have collar buttons and is made to fit a little loose. This kind of fit is popular due to the variety of colors, patterns, and a large range of sizes.
Tailored fit
Tailored work shirts for men are stitched to offer a nice shape around the collar, shoulders, and sleeves. This style will suit all body types.
Slim fit
Men’s slim-fit work shirts will closely fit the skin and are best suited for men with petite figures and smaller frames.
Styling Rules for Men’s Short Sleeve Work Shirts
A few important rules to always keep in mind:
Sleeve length
Short sleeve formal shirts for men shouldn’t have a long cut, it can easily make the arm look loose and boxy. Similarly, if the sleeve length is too short, it’d look like a cutoff. The length of a short-sleeved work shirt should be such that the sleeve ends mid-bicep. While there should be enough space for your finger to fit between the sleeve and your arm.
Shirt length
Men’s short sleeve dress shirts look great when they’re left untucked with most outfits. Work shirts that are meant to be tucked in are designed slightly differently. The tailed back and round edges mean a shirt is supposed to be tucked in. While a straighter hem cut and somewhat shorter length mean the shirt’s supposed to be left untucked. The proper length for work shirts should end around the middle of your bum.
Right cut
Traditionally, short sleeve men’s shirts look their best when they fit snugly to the body. Loose or fuller cuts with short sleeves do not give a flattering look. For short-sleeved work shirts, opt for slim fit, trimmer cuts as they flow better and drape nicely over the shoulders. It’s recommended to get a contoured cut around the chest that runs from the sleeves down to the waist.
How Should a Men’s Short-Sleeved Work Shirt Fit?
When you’re looking at the measurements of a men’s business shirt, you’d see them for the neck, shirt length, and sleeve length. For instance, a work shirt labeled as 16 ½ 33/34 means that it will fit a man with 16 1/2 –inch neck size with a 33 or 34-inch sleeve length.
Here are some specifications you can check to make sure that the work shirt is the right fit for you:
Collar
The collar for men’s short sleeve business shirts should have sufficient space between the skin and the fabric to fit around two fingers when it is closed up. It should not be roomy when buttoned up.
Armholes
The armholes on a work shirt should be high enough that they do not restrict or hinder your movement. You should be able to move your arm at all angles without pulling the fabric against the skin too much.
Shoulders
The shoulders should be structured and the seam should nicely sit on the shoulder. The seam of the shoulder should collect and meet at your shoulder bone’s corner. If it sits somewhere after the end of your shoulder, the work shirt is probably too big for you.
Sleeves
The sleeves are supposed to fit the bicep closely, not too blowy and loose or tight and restricting like a muscle tee. It should allow natural movement and motion. Sleeve length should end the upper or mid of the bicep snugly.
Torso
The torso should have around 2 to 4 inches of extra fabric around for comfortable movement. Regardless of the type of body, never buy blowy shirts as they can easily make you look sloppy.
Chest
The chest of a well-fitting short sleeve work shirt doesn’t tug or get tighter around the armpits or back when you move around wearing it. For slim-fit cuts, the chest area should feel snug and not tight. The men’s work shirt should outline the body, contour the shape and present a flattering figure.
Conclusion
Short sleeve shirts for work, business, and formal wear can be tough to style. You need to select the right material, fit, cut, sleeve, and shirt lengths to achieve a sleek business look.
