<p>The shirt is distinguished by four front pockets, two vertical stripes of pleating or embroidery, and most notably, an open collar.) Unlike the collar of an <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g3400/oxford-white-button-downs-men/” target=”_blank”>oxford shirt</a>, a Cuban collar has almost no structure, and is designed to be worn with at least one button undone so you get maximal airflow. The style made its way stateside in the 1950s, and has been a lightweight, warm-season staple of casual dressing ever since. <br></p><p>Since it’s so summery, the Cuban-collar shirt has previously been lumped in with anything floral or featuring a hula dancer. We’re not hating, but it’s time to move on. This summer, opt instead for <a href=”https://www.nordstrom.com/s/tropical-short-sleeve-cotton-button-up-camp-shirt/6658067″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>big, bold patterns</a>, <a href=”https://www.nordstrom.com/s/robyn-colorblock-short-sleeve-button-up-shirt/6643027″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>asymmetrical designs</a>, and lean into <a href=”https://www.nordstrom.com/s/ted-baker-london-walmond-floral-appliqu-short-sleeve-cotton-button-up-camp-shirt/6749608″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>embroidery</a>, <a href=”https://www.cos.com/en_usd/men/menswear/shirts/product.relaxed-fit-camp-collar-shirt-pink.1063940001.html” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>pockets</a>, and <a href=”https://bonobos.com/products/riviera-cabana-shirt” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>textured fabrics</a> inspired by the OG guayabera. Here are our picks to get your wardrobe one step closer to peak summertime cool. <br></p>” data-next-head/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
best minimalist cuban collar shirt
Lululemon Airing Easy Camp Collar Shirt
Lululemon has a mastered the art of making casual silhouettes with technical fabrics. At first glance, this looks like your standard relaxed cotton button-down. Upon further inspection, it’s actually made of a moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, and aerated performance fabric. It comes in three cool-toned solid colors but we couldn’t resist the tie dye, which disguises the technical fabrication even more.
best linen cuban collar shirt
Todd Snyder Irish Linen Camp Collar Shirt
Cool and crisp, this Irish linen shirt is effortlessly stylish, with a fabric thin enough to withstand the harshest heat of summer.
best funky cuban collar shirt
Tombolo Monkey Business Shirt
Tombolo does a Cuban collar shirt like no other, with splashy, fun designs that will garner you several “Where did you get that?”s. This one is a perfectly neutral cream and beige, so you can pair with just about any pants or shorts and be on your way.
best affordable cuban collar shirt
PJ Paul Jones Casual Button Down Shirt
For only 25 bucks, Amazon has a textured, chic Cuban shirt from PJ Paul Jones that can be at your doorstep in a day. Pair this with swim trunks, khakis, or jeans.
best embroidered cuban collar shirt
Marine Layer Stretch Selvage Embroidered Resort Shirt
I’m a firm believer that embroidery is the best way to elevate any garment, so feel free to sweat in this shirt and rough it up a little—you’ll still look damn good.
best everyday cuban collar shirt
Banana Republic Standard-Fit Linen Resort Shirt
Given their relaxed nature, Cuban collar shirts aren’t the easiest style to look elegant and polished in, but if anyone does it right, its Banana Republic. This clean, minimalist linen shirt looks handsome with a few of the top buttons undone to show off that summer tan, especially with loafers and pleated pants.
best breezy cuban collar shirt
Buck Mason Wornwell S/S Camp Shirt
This beauty from Buck Mason imbues the brand’s California coolness with a classic 1950s American version of the Cuban collar. It’s loose, versatile, boxy, and comes in a range of summery colors.
best playful cuban collar shirt
Far Afield Stachio Summer Menu Short Sleeve Shirt
Summer vibes, turned up to the max. Buttoned or unbuttoned, this lightweight, breezy summer shirt with embroidery of everything you want in the season is a closet staple.
best basic cuban collar shirt
Percival Cuban Shirt
Percival excels in making anything-but-basic wardrobe basics, and this shirt is no exception. The seersucker fabric is breathable and lightweight, and that chest pocket is all-too convenient for stashing your sunglasses.
best luxe cuban collar shirt
Prada Double Match Short-Sleeved Heavy Cotton Shirt
What’s more fun than a Cuban collar shirt? A Cuban collar shirt with two graphics. Prada takes luxury to the next level with this ultra-cool cotton style, made for the bold and the brave.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to Cuban collar shirts, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these Cuban collar shirts are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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