Best Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirts for Men
Versatile and Stylish Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirts for Every Occasion
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You know that weird transitional weather when you’re cold, then hot, then cold again, and you’re regretting your choices throughout the day? What do you wear?
Lightweight long-sleeve shirts are the perfect solution. They’re heavy enough to get you through the initial chill, light enough to keep you from sweating throughout the day, and save you from the cooldown. You’ll want to choose long-sleeve options that are made from breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics.
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Everyone’s body temperature is different. If you run warmer, lean more towards more lightweight cottons, linens, silks and merino wool. If you’re always a bit chilly but still need help with heat, pick heavier cotton tees, hoodies made with bamboo, terry sweaters and linen blends. While all of these fabrics have moisture-wicking properties, pay attention to how thick and heavy something looks and feels.
These lightweight options should get you through workouts, morning commutes, outdoor adventures and even lounging at home with the windows open.
Lightweight Long-Sleeve T-Shirts and Polos
Topo Designs Dirt Pocket Tee
Topo Designs specializes in clothes you want to move in. Whether you’re hiking on the trail or lounging around the house, the Dirt Pocket Tee is a simple staple to have in your wardrobe. It’s a classic pocket tee but upgraded. Made from 100% cotton, this tee will keep you comfortable while the warm weather starts to cool. It’s broken-in right from the start, so it’s soft on the skin. The dark khaki and olive colors are especially fall-ready, and it will be your go-to tee every outing.
Percival Patch Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
You don’t have to settle for a standard long-sleeve t-shirt. This Percival long-sleeve adds some personality while still being clean and simple. The embroidered patches on the sleeve add fun and funky pops of color as well as touchable texture. Made from 100% cotton, it’s lightweight but still feels substantial and well-made. It’s such a unique tee that lets you stand out in a subtle way.
Ibex Journey Long-Sleeve Crew
Merino wool has long been a renewable and temperature-regulating fiber. This Ibex shirt wraps ultra-thin merino around a nylon filament to make this 150gsm fabric both lightweight and durable. It is only slightly heathered, so it doesn’t give a super athletic feel, meaning you can wear it for workouts or out to dinner. Simple, comfortable and better for the planet. Who could ask for more of a t-shirt?
Everlane Premium-Weight Long-Sleeve Crew
This crew from Everlane is classified as a premium-weight tee to keep you warm without overheating, so it’s perfect for someone who needs a bit more warmth. It’s made of 6.2 oz cotton in a dense, durable knit with a dry feel that will get softer over the years to come. It also has raglan sleeves so it’s reminiscent of a sweatshirt but looks like a modern tee. The toasted coconut, kalamata and heather oatmeal colors provide warm and cozy tones for the incoming fall weather.
Todd Snyder Lightweight Mini Waffle Crew
This Todd Snyder crew is made from 100% Peruvian slub cotton, creating a waffle micro-texture fabric with a bit of stretch. It’s inspired by vintage military thermals with ribbed cuffs and cover stitch detailing. It just looks like fall in a shirt. It’s not super heavy but it’s not too light, so it’s perfect to wear on its own or layered under a jacket or over a button-up.
Abercrombie Linen Blend Johnny Collar Polo
Abercrombie’s rebrand has been incredible to watch, and this Johnny collar polo is an affordable shirt to keep in your closet. It’s a 55% linen, 45% viscose blend so it’s quite lightweight and feels soft without being scratchy. The Johnny collar has been quite popular this year, so it’s an elegantly on-trend design for when warm days turn into cooler nights.
AETHER Japanese Merino Polo
This polo is the definition of luxury. It’s made from premium Japanese wool, being 80% wool and 20% nylon for added durability. It’s full of small, elevated design details like the hidden zig zag quilting under the collar, the black zinc snaps along the center-front and sleeve plackets and the angled side seams with vents at the hem. It’s a lightweight piece to invest in; you’ll be able to stay stylish for years to come.
Lightweight Long-Sleeve Button-Up Shirts
Alex Crane Playa Shirt
This refined button-up from Alex Crane is made from 100% sustainably-grown, French linen. It’s a classic staple that feels smooth on your skin and lets air in while keeping you protected against cool winds. And you can feel good about wearing it: It’s dyed with organic, GOTS-certified pigments and the buttons are made with corozo, a Brazilian nut known as "plant ivory.” It comes in a wide range of colors, and the Sequoia, Chai and Pine can be worn alone or combined with other fall color combinations.
Quince Silk Twill Long-Sleeve Shirt
If you love being wrapped in ultra-smooth fabric, this silk twill shirt from Quince is up your alley. Made from 100% silk, it’s extremely soft and the 30mm fabric weight provides a premium drape and hand-feel. Silk has naturally thermoregulating properties to help you stay cool and maintain your comfortable body temperature. It’s a luxe pick for an affordable price.
LESTRANGE All Day Merino Collarless Shirt
This lightweight dress shirt is spun in the brand’s Italian mill from fine grade merino wool that's itch-free. The Merino fibers even have antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties. It’s also crease-resistant so you can wear it at home, in the office or on a flight and it will stay crisp so you can stay sharp.
Percival Embroidered Cul De Sac Overshirt
Embroidery is hot right now, and like the above long-sleeve, this button-up takes a quality “plain” shirt and really gives it some personality. The motifs are leaning into fall with stitchings of a cabin, mushrooms, a person hiking, etc. The cuban collar makes the shirt feel a bit dressier while the patch pockets add more depth, so you could really wear this shirt tucked or untucked, on its own as a standout piece or over a tank or tee. It’s a lightweight, great-looking shirt for transitional weather.
ARNE Mercerized Cotton Overshirt
Mercerizing cotton means using a finishing treatment that improves tear strength and gives a silk-like luster to the fabric. So this button-up from ARNE is less prone to shrinkage and will last longer than regular cotton while providing the same benefits. With no pocket, it’s a clean-looking shirt to help you look your best.
Mavi Double Pocket Canvas Shirt
An on-trend take on a classic, this dark blue shirt-jacket has two front pockets and an oversized relaxed fit that doesn't look slouchy. Constructed in structured cotton canvas that isn’t super heavy, it’s perfect for transitional months. It can easily be worn alone or layered over a long-sleeve or hoodie.
Lightweight Sweaters and Hoodies
Dinner Service NY Kota The Friend x DSNY Protea Cardigan
Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you have to stay away from bright colors. This cardigan brings summer sunshine into the fall season. The cotton sweater has a ribbed hem and cuffs and features a fun protea flower design to brighten up cloudy days. It’s great for transitional weather as you can unbutton it for more airflow or close it up to brace against wind and cooler temperatures, and it can easily be layered for even more warmth.
Line of Trade Breaker Beach Hoodie
Whether you’re on the beach or far from it, this hoodie was made with an oversized fit ideal for those cool-but-not-too-cool summer nights. The three button-half placket lets you cover or uncover your chest depending on the weather and the kangaroo pouch is there to keep your hands warm. Throw it in your bag for post-swim wear or snuggle up at home when the sun goes down.
Reigning Champ Lightweight Terry Classic Crewneck
This lightweight crew is handcrafted in Canada from lightweight terry cotton for breathability and warmth. It’s a classic silhouette that provides some shape while still being roomy and comfortable. It’s a semi-raglan construction that reminds you of vintage workout crews but feels more polished. It’s just a really good crew, period.
Goldwin WF Light L/S Hoodie
This hoodie is a lightweight and smooth thermal sweater made from polyester and composite fiber. It’s quick-dry and UPF5-+, so you can protect yourself from harmful UV rays while staying cool. The hood placket is set high for cold and wind protection and offers visual interest that differs from traditional hoodies.
Rag & Bone Kerwin Linen Long-Sleeve Crew
The go-to fabric for summer gets spun into a long-sleeve sweater from Rag & Bone. It’s knit from 100% linen yarns, meaning it’s very breathable and lightweight while keeping you warm from cooler temperatures. Linen feels more expensive than other fabrics, and the texture looks and feels luxurious. This crew can easily be dressed up for nicer outings or can be a comfy go-to for lounging at home.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Quarter Zip
Bamboo viscose is a beautiful fabric for transitional weather as it’s cozy but not hot. Bamboo has great breathability and moisture-wicking abilities and lends a silky soft feel to fabric. The added acrylic and spandex means this quarter zip moves with you, wrapping you up in comfort in all seasons.
Untuckit Cotton-Linen Hoodie
This Untuckit hoodie is made from a cotton-linen blend to keep you comfortable and cool during the warmest parts of the day while trapping in heat for cool mornings and brisk nights. The button neck and drawstring hood help adapt to variable temperatures. Pair it with jeans or warm-toned chinos for an effortless fall look.
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