Gap Perfect Summer Shirt

Gap Blue and Black Checked Shirt – SALE $32.99 (reg. $39.50)

This is the Swiss Army Knife of summer shirts.  Any situation, any way you want to wear it, it works.

If you live where jeans are bearable in the summer, try it dressed up with an easy cotton blazer, white classic American sneakers, and your favorite chronograph.  If you’re in need of some color under a minimalist summer suit, it works there too.  Or, you can just slob around town with it untucked over a t-shirt.

The photo on Gap.com doesn’t do the fit justice.  It’s not boxy, and a medium fits a 5’9 165lb frame perfectly.  As for the construction, the fabric isn’t too thin and the collar is substantial enough to not pancake under a jacket.  There’s no collar stays, but the collar seems to be thicker and more structured.  Throw a little starch on it while ironing and it should sit up straight for an evening out.

Beware more expensive imitations from, uh, the same store.   Unlike its cousin, the Gap Double Layered Gingham shirt, the black and blue check doesn’t have that goofy workshirt inspired tab on the collar.