Prints in summer? Groundbreaking.
Look, we know we’re not pushing the envelope here, in fact, we’re doing the opposite. We’re abiding by long-standing seasonal traditions and replacing all our dark clothes with bright colors, pastels, and patterns now that the sun’s out. The thing is, these things are only long-standing traditions because they work damn well.
With that said, it’s important to exercise a bit of self-restraint when dealing with patterns. Below, we’ve detailed some of our favorite patterned shirts and patterned shorts from Saks Fifth Avenue to stock up on before summer, but remember that mixing disparate prints is a recipe for disaster. Like a good spice, patterned shirts should be handled with care and used in moderation — that way, they’ll have more impact and you won’t look like a clown.
So, from Bottega Veneta to Givenchy, allow some of the masters of prints to guide you gracefully to patterned nirvana this summer.
Shop the best patterned shirts and shorts for summer below.
Patterned Shirts
Marni Boxy Bowling Shirt
Boxy Bowling Shirt
Marni
Here's a good lesson: patterned shirts aren't always bold. This Marni bowling shirt proves that a carefully positioned print can be as striking as an all-over pattern.
Just Don Camicia Uomo Shirt
Camicia Uomo Shirt
Just Don
But, if you are in the market for a piece that turns heads then this Just Don shirt should do the trick. The tropical print is broken up only by varsity jacket-inspired loops at the shoulders.
Ksubi Tiger Shirt
Tiger Shirt
Ksubi
Animal prints are basically the default print when it comes to shirts. Again, picking the right one doesn't mean you're being boring, it means you can recognize that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Givenchy Boxy Print Shirt
Boxy Print Shirt
Givenchy
When the heat's up, it's nice to have a shirt that matches the weather. This one, depicting the depths of flaming hell, is an absolute no-brainer.
Casablanca Ping Pong Monogram Polo Shirt
Ping Pong Monogram Polo Shirt
Casablanca
Polo shirts are a summer essential and Casablanca's Mediterranean wellness-club aesthetic puts it in pole position during summer.
Patterned Shorts
Dries Van Noten Piper Shorts
Piper Shorts
Dries Van Noten
Dries Van Noten's graphics have been in top form over recent seasons. In similar trippy fashion to his collaboration with Len Lye, this pair of Piper Shorts features a beautiful abstract print throughout.
Billionaire Boys Club Rembrandt Shorts
Rembrandt Shorts
Billionaire Boys Club
The Dutch Masters didn't know a whole lot about patterned shorts during summer. They were more bothered about finding the right neck ruffle. We wonder if Rembrandt would have copped these Billionaire Boys Club shorts...
Bather Baby Pastel Cloud Swim Shorts
Baby Pastel Cloud Swim Trunks
Bather
The same way that the Givenchy shirt matched the weather, but this time in a style that won't give your grandma a panic attack.
Bottega Veneta Banana Shorts
Banana Swim Trunks
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta supplements the bold banana print on these shorts with a checkerboard texture that mimics the brand's signature Intrecciato weave.
Orlebar Brown Moissan Shorts
Moissan Swim Shorts
Orlebar Brown
Orlebar Brown hits the nail on the head with this pair of shorts that feature an abstract geometric print. It's eye-catching but, thanks to the simple color palette, doesn't dominate a look.
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