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Everyone has a got a henley or two in their wardrobe but what you might not have enough of are their short-sleeve counterparts. A great option when it’s too hot to wear long sleeves or when you simply need a more casual dressy vibe, a structured henley will not let you down.
Below are some cool men’s short sleeve henley shirts that may replace your favorite go-to tee. You basically cannot go wrong when wearing one of these shirts and they go with nearly everything in your wardrobe from lounge or athletic shorts to sweats or denim of any kind.
Our options include some durable work-style shirts that are made with heavier weight materials to keep you comfortably moving all day. We have also included some casually cool options in both relaxed and slimmer fitting styles and a ton of color options that will help keep you and your style on its toes.
The Top Men's Short Sleeve Henley Compared
Carhartt Henley Shirt — Best Overall
This workwear henley tee is cut generous in size and known as a “working man’s fit” which has the most room for movement. The three-button front allows for more room around the neck, the rib-knit crewneck holds its shape throughout the workday and a durable chest pocket with a sewn-on label keeps things conveniently close at hand.
Pros
- This shirt has a tagless neck label for comfort
Cons
- This top may run one size small
Dickies Henley — Runner Up
This classic henley tee is another great casually cool shirt with a regular fit, three-button front, and is made from heavyweight cotton. This top is rugged enough to be worn for work or for play and its short-sleeve style makes a great layering piece when the weather cools down.
Pros
- This shirt is tagless for comfort
Cons
- It is advised to refer to the size chart to ensure proper sizing
NITAGUT Henley T-Shirt — Honorable Mention
This incredibly soft henley has the perfect amount of stretch for comfort and movement with a modern slim fit. Available in both long and short-sleeve options, this shirt has all the regular henley attributes including a three-button neck that can be worn open or closed and its simplicity allows for daily wear that can be dressed up with your favorite denim and a blazer.
Pros
- This shirt comes in 30+ color options
Cons
- Some shrinkage may occur upon initial wash
KUYIGO Henley T Shirts — Contender
This comfortable, casual and slim-fitting henley is a great piece for year-round wear. This one is slightly different as it has a two-button placket around the neck vs. the traditional three that our other options have and is made with a lightweight, soft cotton fabric to keep you cool.
Pros
- This henley is available in long and short sleeve options
Cons
- Do not put this shirt in the dryer to avoid shrinkage
H2H Henley Shirt — Editor's Pick
For a slightly unique henley option, check out this one with a waffle, thermal-style texture. The material is breathable, can help ensure warmth in colder weather, and has a four-button neckline for comfort. This tee also has a slimmer fit and is perfect for wearing on cooler days and nights.
Pros
- The neckline has a two-tone placket
Cons
- It is recommended to review the size chart to ensure proper sizing
Buying Guide: Men's Short Sleeve Henleys
If you want to rock a short sleeve Henley, you need to find one that fits you well, doesn’t age with time, and shows off your physique. But, how do you select one that checks all these boxes? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with our buying guide!
Features to Look for in a Well-Fitted Men’s Short Sleeve Henley
Here’s everything you need to know when picking out the top men’s short sleeve Henley.
The right fabric
It’s important to wear clothes that guarantee a high comfort level because unless you feel relaxed in your clothes, you will appear fidgety and awkward, and that will ruin your style. With a short-sleeve Henley, comfort, and style go hand in hand if you can find the suitable fabric! Look for the ones that are 100% wool or cotton.
It’s best to feel the fabric to ensure that you are comfortable with it. Rub the fabric between your fingers; it shouldn’t feel flimsy, rough, or stiff. It won’t feel silky to the touch, because let’s face it, Henley’s aren’t supposed to feel that way. However, you should feel comfortable with the fabric and how it feels on your skin.
The knit, on the other hand, should feel breathable. For that, you need to ensure that the Henley has a low-tension weave; it will act as an intermediate layer between the air around you and your skin. Plus, it will absorb your sweat in warm weather. Breathability is crucial to temperature, which in turn affects your comfort level.
The right color
It’s said that men see the colors in the basics. If you count yourself among those men, then you’ll be relieved that you have the option to select from the basics – whites, blues, and grays – no need to put extra thought into it! Most men prefer the classic crisp, white Henley, while others are inclined towards textured grays and vibrant blues. You won’t come across striped patterns in Henleys since these shirts are known for simple palettes and solid colors. However, make sure that whichever color you select compliments your skin tone and appeals to your partner!
Determining the Quality of Your Henley
Buying a Henley is an investment in your wardrobe and style because these shirts never go out of style. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that they are of good quality so they can last multiple seasons without fading or looking worn out.
Getting one from a renowned manufacturer can add credibility to its quality. Don’t go for the brands that don’t have good reviews. Otherwise, you will be repeating the buying process again after 2 or 3 washes.
Figure Out the Right Fitting of a Short-Sleeve Henley
To pull off a short-sleeve Henley, you need to make sure it fits right. It shouldn’t be too tight, so you can’t move, and it shouldn’t be too loose, so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing someone else’s clothes. Here’s how you can make sure that it’s well-fitted:
Neck
The neck of your Henley shouldn’t be loose, so it turns into a scoop neck. Consequently, it shouldn’t be too tight so that you’re unable to breathe. The neck portion should be in close distance to your neck’s width. Most Henleys have a placket, which means that you can adjust the buttons as you see fit. You can choose to leave all buttons unopened, but we suggest you button up at least one.
Sleeves
Short-sleeved Henleys look good when the length reaches the mid of your upper arm. Shorter than that can restrict your movement, and longer than that can spoil the look.
Body length
A well-fitted Henley should come up to the center of the fly of your pants. Make sure that it’s not bunching up; otherwise, it will make you look shorter.
