How To Wear a Tie With a Short Sleeve Shirt (And Actually Look Good)

If you take one thing from this post, make it this: Your shirt has to fit well. Baggy, boxy short sleeve shirts don’t work with a tie. Look for a trim cut through the shoulders and torso, and sleeves that hit above the elbow.

Also, make sure your collar has enough structure to hold a tie. Button-down or classic pointed collars are best. Skip camp collars, mandarin collars, or anything floppy.

Both neckties and bow ties work with short sleeve shirts. It all depends on the occasion and the look you're going for.

• Neckties are great for business casual settings, date nights, or summer weddings. A slimmer tie (3 inches or skinnier) works best to match the casual nature of the short sleeves.
• Bow ties bring in a bit more personality. Think outdoor parties, concerts, or brunch where you want to stand out (in a good way). Choose from self-tie or pre-tied styles, whichever you're most comfortable with.

Bow ties pair well with short sleeve dress shirts—an easy way to add personality to your warm-weather look.

Short sleeve shirts naturally lean more casual, so your tie should match that energy. Skip shiny, formal silk ties; they’ll feel out of place. Instead, go for ties with a bit of texture or a matte finish.

Think cotton, denim, knit ties, and especially linen blends. They look great in summer, have a lightweight feel, and give off a relaxed-but-put-together vibe.

Solid ties are always a safe bet (especially in those casual fabrics we told you about), but patterns are where you can really make this look your own. Here’s a rundown of tie patterns that pair well with short sleeves:

• Stripes (diagonal, regimental, or skinny)
• Polka dots
• Plaid or gingham
• Small-scale paisley

• Florals (especially in summer colors)
• Tropical and botanical prints
• Nautical motifs (anchors, sail boats, etc.)
• Novelty prints (pineapples, horses—you name it)

Many seasonal patterns—like florals and botanicals—often come in cotton or lightweight linen blends, which feel right at home next to short sleeves.

Not sure where to start? Try one of these combinations:

• White short sleeve oxford + floral bow tie: A fun and fresh look for warm-weather events.

• Chambray short sleeve + solid silk/linen tie: The textures play well together, and it’s a great smart-casual outfit. A linen blend tie keeps it light and seasonal.

• Light blue button-down + navy blue cotton tie: A classic summer pairing that works for offices or casual Fridays.

• Pale pink shirt + paisley tie: Subtle color-on-color action that looks confident without trying too hard.

This look can be sharp, but there are still a few common mistakes that throw off the balance. Keep these in mind when pulling together your outfit:

• Oversized shirts: They’ll make the tie feel out of place.
• Silk power ties: Save those for suits. Stick with textured or casual materials.

Pair your shirt and tie with chinos, fitted jeans, or tailored shorts. (Yes, shorts. With the right shoe, it can work.) Add clean sneakers, desert boots, boat shoes, or loafers depending on the formality.

If you want to add layers, try a lightweight blazer, casual vest, or even suspenders for a vintage vibe.

Wearing a tie with a short sleeve shirt doesn’t have to feel like a fashion faux pas. With a great-fitting shirt, the right tie (whether it’s patterned cotton or a solid silk/linen blend), and a few smart pairings, you can make this look stylish, seasonal, and completely intentional.

TieMart is an online retailer of men’s neckties, bow ties, and accessories designed for every occasion, even warm-weather looks that call for pairing a tie with a short sleeve shirt. The collection includes everything from classic stripes and polka dots to florals, paisleys, and solids in lightweight fabrics like silk/linen blends. TieMart’s ties are affordable, ship quickly from their Midwest location, and are available in a wide range of colors and styles.