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Back in the day, a button down was either a fancy shirt or an overly pocketed and unfashionable fishing or hiking shirt that made you look like you were on safari. If you were traveling, going on a run, or getting dinner, that would mean wearing three different shirts. But button downs have come a long way.
We live in a golden age of highly breathable performance button downs with exceptional ventilation, meaning you can break a sweat in them and still wear the same shirt to dinner. Whether you are hitting the beach, crushing the gym, or sipping aperol spritzes pooslide, the following shirts are designed to allow for maximum flow and minimal fuss.

The Best for Travel:
Janji’s motto is “inspired by travel” and their clothes fit the bill. The Trekker Snappy Shirt features a quick-dry fabric that is 20 percent spandex, so you won’t feel restricted whether you are in a tight airplane seat, on a trek, or checking out a local food stall. The micro-perforated material is breathable and the backpack compatible snap buttons are designed so as not to interfere with sternum straps. This is one for the road.
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The Best For Hiking:
The Astroman Air Shirt is all about working up a sweat. Laser-perforated holes on side and back panels boost breathability, the streamlined fit won’t snag on branches, and the stretch is designed to mirror your movements. Since you might spend some time above treeline in this shirt it also features UPF 30 sun protection.
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Most Stylish:
The Airweave Performance Shirt has all of the features. It is anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and insanely breathable. It also has a feature none of the other shirts on this list have: a camp collar. This modern touch gives it a laid back vibe that still works poolside or at the golf course.
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Best for Hot Climates:
The Dot Air Primeflex fabric on the James Peak Shirt is designed to let air in and keep water out. The fabric was made for athletes to train in humid environments so it is dynamic and quick-drying. It is also a flexible material that is highly durable. You can put this shirt through the wringer and it will continue to perform…or wear it to the beach and enjoy the elite tech.
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The Best for Riding:
For keeping cool on the bike the Stio Shifter Shirt is where it’s at. On a recent outing on a hot day in Vermont the underarm perforation was most welcome, and the moisture-wicking ability helped immensely as the sweat was constant. The Shifter Shirt also has ideal features for riding, with a shirttail hem that keeps you covered in the saddle, a hidden sunglasses loop, UPF 50+ fabric, and a zippered key pocket.
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The Best for Running:
rabbit is all about comfort at speed. The High Country Shirt has a perforated back panel that dumps heat when you’re on the move. It also has a semi-relaxed fit so it won’t restrict your running motion and will create a little space for airflow. Plus it’ll look good at the post-run watering hole.
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The Best Old School Style:
The great thing about the old school fishing shirt was all the features. Pockets galore means storage galore. Topo Designs brought back a classic look with its Retro River Shirt, but gave it a winning upgrade. It has velcro secured chest pockets, a zippered key pocket on the side, a perforated 4-way stretch fabric, a vented back yoke, and a sunglass wipe on the inside hem for when your shades get mucky. Wear it in the mountains or on a river trip and you’ll never lack for a place to put the treasure you find.
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The Best Long Sleeve:
You can count on The North Face to make a highly modern version of the classic safari shirt. If you are seeking long sleeves to keep the bugs and brambles at bay, the LIGHTRANGE Shirt is the most breathable option. It has UPF 40 fabric, water repellency, generous back vents, and micro-perforations. The circular design also means it is a sustainable option.
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I used to be strictly a tee shirt wearer come summer, but the option to be buttoned up and still get down and dirty has added a new category to my wardrobe. The above shirts are action-oriented while giving you a style boost as well. When the sun is out and breathability, performance, and style are required, the above options will have you covered without causing you to overheat.