No matter if you’re team front print or back print, prefer your top half attire colourful or monochromatic, we can all agree that nothing screams summer like a good old-fashioned graphic t-shirt. Lightweight, breathable and packing a sufficiently weighty visual punch they are a great way to add some extra depth to your outfits when the spring layers begin to come away and your shorts finally find their way back from the dark corners of your winter wardrobe. So, with the temperature rising and the allure of the local beer garden becoming almost unbearable there has never been a better time to stockpile your short sleeve essentials and bulk up with a heaping helping of colourful callouts.

Maison Kitsune

With a music label, coffee shops and an astoundingly good ready-to-wear line under their belt you’d probably imagine that Maison Kitsune are about ready to take a back seat and appreciate the multifaceted, tricolour empire they’ve manged to construct around them. Well, as the Franco-Japanese brand unveils its plans to open the first of its Kitsune hotels in 2020, we’re here to tell you that’s where your wrong and we have just the crustacean based t-shirt to prove it. Boasting a ribbed neck and cotton jersey fabric, the t-shirt swaps out the usual fox motif for a crab resulting in both a classically refined Kitsune style illustration and a clever bit of advertising for their Bali based accommodation. Top marks from us.

Paul & Shark

Continuing the theme of sea-based creatures up next we have Paul & Shark. Keeping quality high on the agenda the Italian yachting brand takes the humble t-shirt and imbues it seam to seam with their usual premium craftsmanship. Displaying a colourful rendition of the classic shark logo screen printed to the chest the garment is rounded out with double-stitched hems, a ribbed neck and a slightly less weighty cotton perfect for the rising temperatures.

Patagonia

No stranger to the occasional colourful back print, Patagonia again return this season with a fresh addition to their t-shirt line-up. Made From 100% organic in the brand’s typical ecological fashion, the t-shirt comes with taped shoulder seams for improved shape retention and a bold psychedelic mountain sunset scene plastered to the rear. If this doesn’t make you want to power your way to the top of the nearest slight incline we don’t know what will.

Ten C

In-keeping with the brand’s militaristic aesthetic this Ten C t-shirt swaps out loud prints for a more subdued approach, instead opting to let it’s Italian made quality do all the talking. With side splits adding an extra dash of functionality and a bound neck for structure the t-shirt is rounded out with a lowkey shoulder logo print.

Paul Smith

In somewhat contrasting fashion, next up is British designer Paul Smith. Using their affinity for colourful characters the short sleeve top exchanges the usual zebra motif for a slightly more morbid line-up of printed skulls to the chest. Subtly flanked by the brands logo below the t-shirt is made from 100% cotton and comes with the selection of ribbing naturally found in a top-half garment of this stature.

adidas

Tapping into one of our most basic human instincts, the need for an ice lolly when it’s a bit hot, adidas apply a playful approach to the conventional double-sided formula. Working the classic trefoil logo into a vibrant tropical island scene to the front, the t-shirt employs a, ‘juicy mix icecream’ print emblazoned to the back.

Stussy

Of course, it wouldn’t be right to do a rundown of some of our favourite printed bits without mentioning Stussy. With arguably one of the most recognised logos in the streetwear game and an impressive resume serving up some of the best in graphic-heavy garments it doesn’t come as any surprise that they found their way onto the guest list. This particular specimen displays the aforementioned script callout to the front with a circular emblem print to the back for expected levels of effortless appeal.

Comme des Garcons

Brandishing a piquant yellow base this t-shirt from Comme des Garcons is a must have for the more minimally minded among us. With a completely clean front and accompanying logo back print, the t-shirt is crafted from a slight stretch material for bonus comfort points.

Ralph Lauren

Retaining a staunch preppy swagger with an added helping of patriotic flair the best dressed bear in fashion returns just in time for the hot weather. Cut in a custom slim fit associated with the New York based brand, the t-shirt is topped off with some tasteful branding and a contrasting ribbed neckline.

DSquared2

For those looking for a more high-end addition to their summer shirting Canadian born twins Dan and Dean canten of DSquared2 have got you covered. Put together with fit and quality in mind the t-shirt sees the world-renowned logo reworked into a contemporary overlapped design that takes centre stage for an unmistakable finish.

Shop all the t-shirts listed above as well as plenty of other short sleeve styles online and in store now.