I love my oxford shirts, and my closet is full of them, but for summer, I've had to give them a break and pull out my poplins. To the untrained eye, they may seem the same, but there are a few key differences. And while some associate poplins with stripes or some wacky prints, that's not always the case. Especially these days. It all comes down to the fabric—unlike the textured oxford cloth, poplin fabric uses a simple over-under weave. The yarns tend to be finer, and the weave is tighter, yielding a fabric with a smooth, crisp texture. It's soft, cool to the touch and drapes well against the body.

A bonafide classic, a white poplin shirt is what Sean Connery's Bond wore under his suits and what Don Draper buttoned up in every episode of Mad Men. Most guys have one in their closets, but styling poplins today is what makes this staple feel so fresh. Although wearing them with chinos and suits is timeless, try sizing up to make the fabric a bit more more billowy. If you're going to go loose up top, make sure you have something a bit more tapered to create even proportions on the bottom. A go-to companion to the poplin is the A-tank—rock them underneath to help absorb sweat or as a light layer to flex that collarbone. But don't be afraid to go straight bare-chest with your poplins. It's the ultimate summer vibe, and they drape so well. You're guaranteed to feel the breeze, which isn't bad whenever it's 90 degrees. We've rounded up some of the best options that run the gamut in terms of sleeve length and price point. Take your pick, and remember to leave the top three buttons undone, but no more. We don't condone down to the naval.