Shirt Trends Defining Summer 2025

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 – Words by Tobias Wightman

Summer’s heating up - and so are your short-sleeve shirt options. A new season means a fresh wave of styles to explore, which also means a lot of choice (and a little noise). So, we’re here to cut through it. From bold prints to breezy staples, our SS25 shirt collection delivers standout silhouettes, lightweight fabrics, and refined detailing - pieces that are fresh for now and timeless for seasons to come. With that, consider this your official Wax SS25 men's shirt trend breakdown.

Floral | Didcot Floral Appliqué

The sun’s out - and so are the florals in our SS25 collection. We’ve been experimenting with floral motifs for a few seasons now - ahead of the curve? We won’t argue with you there. The key to getting florals right in menswear is keeping them bold, but wearable. Case in point: this Didcot. Crafted from a navy cotton-linen blend and finished with vibrant applique florals in punchy red, pink and orange hues, it’s an easy way to bring a touch of colour to your wardrobe.

Monochromatic | Didcot Bloom Applique

There’s something effortlessly striking about a monochromatic look - especially in a season saturated with colour. A black and white shirt offers a refined alternative that doesn’t have to be reserved for dressier moments. Take this Didcot, for example. It plays with contrast and creativity, featuring bold black applique blooms on a crisp white base. The result? A shirt that feels light, breezy, and distinctly summery, while still bringing a sharp edge to your look.

Bold Colour | Didcot Multicolour Pablo

From one end of the colour spectrum to the other. Summer and bold colour go hand in hand - but pulling off vibrant hues can sometimes feel like a challenge. That’s where the Pablo steps in. With abstract pops of blue, red, green, and yellow set against a deep black base, it brings colour into focus without overwhelming the look. The contrast tones everything down just enough to keep it wearable. For anyone colour-curious but not quite ready to go full tilt - the Pablo is your gateway piece.

Embroidery | Didcot Holiday Design

This one’s hard not to admire. Intricate embroidery has been a standout trend in short-sleeve shirts for a few seasons now - and it’s not going anywhere. At Wax, we’re always pushing to elevate the craft, and this Didcot is proof. Made from a soft cotton blend, it features a bespoke holiday landscape brought to life through finely stitched tonal embroidery. It’s more than just a shirt - it’s wearable art and a subtle statement that says you know good design when you see it.

Seersucker | Didcot Checkerboard Waffle

Seersucker is one of summer’s go-to fabrics - and for good reason. But of course, our take comes with a twist (spotting a theme yet?). This vibrant mid-blue Didcot features a subtle checkerboard waffle texture woven into its 100% seersucker cotton base. The result? A shirt that not only looks the part but naturally lifts away from the skin for maximum breathability. Classic summer fabric, reimagined the Wax way.

Linen | Didcot Abstract Apliqué

The king of summer fabrics - linen - reigns supreme in our warm-weather collection, especially when it comes to short-sleeve shirts. You’ll find it across many of our designs, but this one is a standout example of its versatility. In classic ecru, it delivers that timeless linen look, but it’s the multicolour applique detailing that sets it apart - adding just the right amount of personality without losing its effortless appeal.

Bold Print | Didcot Abstract Poppy

Short-sleeve shirts might just be the most playful piece in your wardrobe - and this season, bold prints are leading the charge. Case in point: this Didcot. Featuring a large-scale, bespoke abstract poppy print in vibrant shades of blue and yellow, it’s a true statement in both design and colour. Eye-catching, confident, and guaranteed to turn heads.

Texture | Didcot Intricate Lace

Sometimes it’s not just how a shirt looks - it’s how it feels. Texture has the power to transform an outfit, adding depth and interest in subtle but striking ways. This Didcot stands out from the rest, featuring an intricate corded ecru lace overlay in a floral grid design. The result? A shirt with layers of dimension that draw the eye and instantly elevate your look.

Co-Ord | Didcot Doodle Embroidered

Yes, this is a short-sleeve shirt list - but we’d be remiss not to mention one of summer’s most unmissable trends: breezy co-ords. We’ve long been fans of the matching set, and this season, our short-sleeve shirts are teamed with some of our strongest pairings yet. This particular set features hand-drawn motifs brought to life through intricate, globally-inspired embroidery. When the design’s this good, wearing it head-to-toe just makes sense.

Stripe | Didcot Textured Stripe

Summer and stripes? A perfect pairing. Add our Didcot shirt into the mix and you’ve got warm-weather dressing down to a fine art. At first glance, it’s a classic striped shirt - but look closer and the Wax design DNA comes through. Crafted from a linen-cotton blend, it features a subtle textured dobby weave in a diamond pattern. Because when it comes to great style, it’s the little details that make all the difference.

Safari-Style | Bartlett Two-Tone Linen

We’re closing out the list with a nod to classic menswear. New for SS25, the Bartlett is our modern take on the safari shirt - with its roots clearly seen in the military-inspired chest pockets. Designed for warm-weather escapades, its breathable linen blend makes it an ideal companion for even the hottest days. Timeless style, built for summer adventures.