Shirts, trousers and basics
Short-sleeve shirts: how to wear them well
By sneakersInn team · Updated
A short-sleeve shirt looks good when it's designed to be one: a straight hem that ends around the middle of your fly, sleeves that end mid-bicep and sit close to the arm, and a relaxed collar such as a camp collar. Wear it untucked with chinos, shorts or linen trousers. A long-sleeve dress shirt cut short, worn with a tie, is the version to avoid.
| Style | Collar | Best for | Wear with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp-collar shirt | Flat, open collar | Weekends, beach, parties | Shorts, linen trousers, sandals |
| Short-sleeve oxford | Button-down collar | Casual Fridays, errands | Chinos, jeans, sneakers |
| Linen short-sleeve | Soft or camp collar | Hottest days | Linen shorts, loafers |
| Print shirt | Camp or point collar | Friday wear, events | Plain trousers, loafers |
Why do short sleeves work so well in Accra?
They're cooler than rolled long sleeves and look deliberate rather than improvised. With average highs around 31°C (climate of Accra), a good short-sleeve shirt is a practical everyday piece.
How should the sleeves fit?
They should end around the middle of your upper arm and sit close without gripping. Very wide, long sleeves look sloppy. A tailor can shorten and narrow sleeves easily.
Tucked or untucked?
Untucked, if the hem is straight and short. Tuck only if it's long or worn with tailored trousers for a smarter look. See tucked or untucked.
Can I wear a short-sleeve shirt to work?
In casual and many business casual offices, a crisp short-sleeve oxford or print shirt on Fridays is fine. For meetings, long sleeves look sharper. See business casual in Ghana.
Can I wear a tie with short sleeves?
Rarely. It reads as a uniform. If you need a tie, wear long sleeves.
Five outfits
- White camp-collar shirt, navy chino shorts, leather sandals.
- Light blue short-sleeve oxford, stone chinos, white sneakers.
- Print camp-collar shirt, black trousers, black loafers.
- Olive linen shirt, cream linen trousers, tan loafers.
- Black short-sleeve shirt, black jeans, black sneakers.
Questions
What should I wear underneath?
A thin vest absorbs sweat; make sure it doesn't show at the neck or sleeves. See do you need an undershirt in the heat?.