Your Next Summer Shirt Should Be Inspired by ‘White Lotus’

You might still be reeling from the Season 3 finale of acclaimed HBO satirical drama The White Lotus–it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the show’s exotic locales, its dazzling (and dramatic) cast, and of course, the lifestyles of the rich and mysterious. 

All are great fodder for your own wardrobe, believe it or not–and you needn’t spend an arm and a leg to capture some truly vivid style inspiration when buying your next summer shirt. Yes, the linen shirts of show stars Patrick Schwarzenegger and Jason Isaacs are perfectly breezy, but Walton Goggins’ vivid lineup of printed shirts is especially inspiring. 

Either way, the goal is clear: Go colorful, bolder, and more vibrant when shopping for a summer shirt. Keep the rest of your ensemble a touch more neutral (think tan or cream linen trousers or shorts, plus leather loafers), and you’ve made a style statement all your own. Below, a few picks to transport your wardrobe to steamy, sizzling Thailand—and beyond.

Brooklyn-based shibori artist Teresa Misagal lends her considerable talents and a taste for the vivid to this camp collar shirt, which blends retro styling with a print that’s distinctly modern. Just like shirts you’ve seen Sunday nights on HBO, this one is meant to be worn in breezy fashion, either buttoned up with the collar laying flat or unbuttoned atop a tank top. Even better? It blends organic cotton with linen for plenty of breathability. 

Buy at Taylor Stitch

After a frigid winter and a blustery spring, dressing for summer should be a little fun, right? This printed number from Huckberry is a feast for the eyes, and it’s carefully crafted using a hand block printing process. The pattern itself is one-of-a-kind, and the silhouette is one that seems to be everywhere: Yes, the camp collar shirt has made its way back from the 1950s and ‘60s into your wardrobe. 

Buy at Huckberry

If you’re looking for direct inspiration from a smash-hit TV show, why not track down a shirt style actually worn on screen by the one and only Walton Goggins? While not as eye-catching as other options sported by his character, Dandy Del Mar’s vertically striped linen shirt, dotted with stitched flowers, is a handsome choice for effortlessly cool style. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, it comes in a matching set with flowy linen trousers. 

Buy at Dandy Del Mar

While staying at the famed (albeit fictional) White Lotus resort comes with a rather hefty price tag, dressing with leisurely yet luxurious-looking style in mind needn’t hit your wallet as hard. Uniqlo make excellent shirts for the price, including stretch dress shirts, Oxford shirts, and this printed camp collar shirt. This option also proves that not every summer short-sleeve shirt needs to rely on floral or tropical patterns. 

Buy at Uniqlo

Don’t let the name fool you: Portuguese Flannel takes its shirting seriously in all seasons, using organic cotton in this distinctive red-tile patterned shirt. It’s understated and uniquely striking, with an on-trend camp collar and sustainable fabrication. It’s also (somewhat) less pricey than similar options featured on your favorite Sunday travel drama, while delivering some serious panache for the warmer months. 

Buy at Mr. Porter

Recall what we said about having some fun with your wardrobe this summer—that process can start with a print, fabric you might not normally wear (like a rayon shirt), a truly wild all-over print, or all of the above. This Todd Snyder shirt uses rayon in its design, a nod to the very first Hawaiian shirts. The print is memorable and inventive, a marble pattern that the designer calls “post-modern.” We think it’s just flat-out cool. 

Buy at Todd Snyder

Not fully onboard with an all-over print? There’s still a time and a place for a tasteful camp collar shirt in a neutral color. This design from minimalist Swedish fashion brand CDLP allows the collar to lay flat, bolstering airflow, which should prove helpful in especially hot climes. 

Buy at CDLP