Classic gents, take a deep breath—Summer 2025 menswear is rewriting the rules with one unexpected hero: the short-sleeve shirt. For tailoring traditionalists, it might feel like a style sin, but once you uncover its surprising backstory and see the new collection from COS Menswear Summer 2025, you might just change your mind.
A Brief History of the Short-Sleeve Shirt
Far from being a modern novelty, the short-sleeve shirt has been part of men’s fashion for over a century. In the 1920s, tennis players favoured it for its unrestricted fit. Soon, modern artists like Picasso and Matisse adopted it in their studios to keep their sleeves paint-free.
René Lacoste in 1928 at Roland Garros
During WWII, the garment’s fabric-saving appeal gained practical popularity. By the 1960s and ’70s, it was a go-to for NASA engineers and the early tech crowd. With its intellectual-meets-relaxed aesthetic, the short-sleeve shirt spread from Florida to the Italian Riviera, becoming a symbol of understated cool.
NASA in the 70s
Why the Short-Sleeve Shirt Is a Must-Have for Summer 2025
COS’s Summer 2025 menswear collection gives the short-sleeve shirt a luxurious upgrade. With its vintage-inspired cuts and Mediterranean flair, this piece becomes the foundation of a sophisticated summer wardrobe. Picture wide, boxy shirts crafted in breathable linen or soft cotton, styled with tailored wide-leg trousers. It’s all about quiet luxury, effortless style, and versatility.
To finish the look? COS suggests pairing the shirts with fisherman sandals, a surprisingly chic choice that works as well at the office as it does at a beachside café.
Conclusion: The Short-Sleeve Shirt Is the Sleeper Hit of Summer 2025
Forget everything you thought you knew about the short-sleeve shirt. COS proves that, when done right, it can be both elegant and essential. With clean cuts, premium fabrics, and timeless styling, this overlooked classic is officially a must-have in menswear for Summer 2025. Whether you’re headed to the office, the seaside, or somewhere in between, the short-sleeve shirt will keep you cool and well-dressed.
Images Courtesy @COS – @Wikimedia Commons