The Most Breathable Performance Button Downs for Men

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Roark Revival has always specialized in unique adventure apparel. Their Bless Up Trail Shirt is a tech forward summer option that has an insanely fast drying time thanks to the perforated nylon-polyester blend. It comes in both camp collar and regular collar versions, but I prefer the camp collar for a little more airiness. 

When the sun is shining or you are at elevation, having breathable protection is a must. The Ossa Overshirt is a neat offering from Arc’teryx. The long sleeve fabric is lightweight to the point of being translucent, reliably keeping rays out and letting oxygen in. You can pop the collar to protect your neck, and use it as a midlayer over a tee so you don’t overheat.

Does a cookout count as a performance activity? It does if you are manning the grill, flipping burgers in high heat while trying to look cool as a cucumber. Luckily Outerknown has a shirt for that. The 100% Renewable Organic Cotton of the BBQ Shirt is naturally breathable and soft, and Outerknown always centers sustainability, so you can feel good about rocking it.

Like Patagonia and The North Face, Royal Robbins was started by pioneering rock climbers and has been around for decades. The brand quietly churns out excellent apparel, such as the Salathe Sun Shirt. The fabric is lightweight, but the tight weave not only protects you from the sun, it doesn't allow mosquitoes to bite through either. The shirt is advanced enough for the backcountry but right at home on your back porch too.