Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

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

Image on Highsnobiety
MarniBoxy Bowling Shirt
$790
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
Just DonCamicia Uomo Shirt
$445
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
KsubiTiger Shirt
$180
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
GivenchyBoxy Print Shirt
$990
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
CasablancaPing Pong Monogram Polo Shirt
$370
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
Dries Van NotenPiper Shorts
$790
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
Billionaire Boys ClubRembrandt Shorts
$130
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
BatherBaby Pastel Cloud Swim Trunks
$95
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
Bottega VenetaBanana Swim Trunks
$650
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Image on Highsnobiety
Orlebar BrownMoissan Swim Shorts
$295
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

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.

Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

We Recommend
  • Footwear Inspirations to Make This the Best Winter Your Feet Have Ever Had
    • Style
  • The Best High-Quality Blank Sweats in Streetwear And Beyond
    • Style
  • A Guide to Pairing Your Sneakers With Shorts
    • Style
  • 31 Italian Clothing Brands Every Highsnobiety Reader Should Know & Where to Buy Them
    • Style
  • These Pairs That Prove Summer Footwear Has Never Been Stronger
    • Style
What To Read Next
  • N.Hoolywood's FW24 Collection Blends Military Aesthetics & High Fashion
    • Style
  • Bunney x PORTER Gives Jewelry Something Pretty To Travel In
    • Style
  • adidas' Other Super-Flat, Super-Slick Sneaker Got the Winter Blues
    • Sneakers
  • Only The North Face Purple Label Can Turn Old Outerwear Into Fresh Masterpieces
    • Style
  • Miu Miu Made The Ultimate Miu Miu x New Balance Alternative
    • Sneakers
  • Jil Sander, Lemaire, EG: UNIQLO's Best Collabs Are (Briefly) Back
    • Style