Lightweight Button-Downs That Won’t Make You Sweat

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some products might be gifted from brands.

Button-downs are one of my favorite go-to items. I like that they cover my arms, help me always look put together, and can be thrown over a tee for a layering piece. But, the heat! No worries! Here are some fabulous Lightweight Button‑Downs That Won’t Make You Sweat! These shirts are all about breezy comfort, moisture‑wicking fabrics, and classic style, perfect for hot summer days or a layered look for errands.

Lightweight Button-Downs That Won’t Make You Sweat

Sleeveless Checkered Button-Up Shirt – Nordstrom Rack

woman wearing a checked sleeveless top
Sleeveless Checkered Button-Up Shirt (Medium) | Woven Tote Bag and Pouch

This Button-Up Shirt has a fresh, crisp feel to it, thanks to the clean checkered print and sleeveless cut. It gives the structure of a button-up with all the ease of a tank top. I like that the fabric isn’t too thin, you don’t need a cami underneath, and the medium fits (but I could have sized down) with just enough room to keep it from clinging on a hot day. I can see this being on repeat all summer long.

Short Sleeve Floral Button Up Shirt – Belk

woman wearing a printed button shirt
Relaxed-Fit Floral Short-Sleeve Shirt (Medium) | Navy Cotton Stretch Bermuda Shorts (Size 8) | JULIA GOLD Necklace (Black) | Baby Knot Earrings (Use code STEPHENS15 for 15% off)

This Floral Short-Sleeve Shirt is so breezy and comfortable. It doesn’t cling, and it lays just right on the body. The floral print has a timeless charm, and the colors are soft and flattering. The fabric is very lightweight and perfect for the hot summer ahead.

Linen 3/4 Sleeve Button‑Down Top – Talbots

This 100% linen top is airy and relaxed, with plenty of room to breathe while staying chic. The 3/4 sleeves give nice arm coverage without overheating, and the high‑low hem adds a fun twist. I’d pair it with jeans or trousers for running errands with Joe lol! Plus, linen’s natural heat‑regulating fabric looks effortless and stays fresh even on sweaty days. This color is amazing!

100% European Linen Shirt – Quince (Blue Pinstripe)

This classic button‑up is a low‑maintenance wardrobe hero, wash‑and‑go with no fuss! The breathable European flax linen feels light on hot sun‑filled afternoons. Wear it open over a t-shirt or buttoned with trousers for crisp, no‑sweat style. Bonus: it’s sustainably made and hypoallergenic. Win/Win!

100% European Linen Short‑Sleeve Shirt – Quince

Boxy, breezy, and ready for resort mode! The short sleeves and notched collar give it a cool vibe, while linen keeps sweat stains at bay. This piece layers effortlessly over a t‑shirt or stands solo with shorts. Great comfort and odor‑resisting fabric for those long, hot days.

Organic Cotton Poplin Long‑Sleeve Shirt – Quince (Classic White)

There’s nothing better than a classic white button-down! This crisp poplin dress shirt feels light but polished. It’d be great for summer meetings or brunch with the girls. The cotton‑rich fabric is breathable and resists sweat stains, and you can roll the sleeves for a relaxed, casual look. It’s a classic layer you can dress up with trousers or down over jeans. I like to wear cute tees as undershirts if I’m worried about sweat showing through.

Lightweight Button-Downs That Won’t Make You Sweat This Summer

Gauze Button‑Up Shirt – J.Crew Factory

Talk about a POP of color! Made of airy cotton gauze, this button‑down is practically weightless and perfect for layering over tank tops. The gauzy texture feels SO comfy, and it looks clean without the dreaded sweat patches. Love it unbuttoned at the neckline for ventilation and that carefree vibe!

Cotton‑Gauze Camp Shirt – J.Jill

Lightweight Button-Downs That Won’t Make You Sweat tania stephens 50 is not old  short sleeve
Cotton‑Gauze Camp Shirt – J.Jill

This roomy camp shirt feels like summer in a garment, soft cotton blend that breathes beautifully. Reviewers rave it’s “simple, relaxed, and easy‑care” with just enough structure to not feel sloppy. I am LOVING this color. It looks so rich!

Everyday Linen Button‑Front Shirt – J.Jill

Lightweight Button-Downs That Won’t Make You Sweat tania stephens 50 is not old fashion blogger JJill
Everyday Linen Button‑Front Shirt – J.Jill

This is your go‑to linen button‑down that’s comfy, laidback, and polished. The texture feels light, and the cut is flattering with no cling. It’s a 100% linen shirt, and available in this lovely print along with lots of other solid colors.

Contrast‑Embroidered Peasant Button‑Front Top – J.Jil

This shirt gives button‑down style a boho twist with pretty embroidery and a relaxed fit. Made from natural cotton, it feels breathable and keeps you comfy in warm weather. Notice the slight ruffle at the neckline? It’s charming and sweat‑friendly!

There you have it! Lightweight button‑downs that won’t make you sweat. Shirts like these combine breathable fabric (linen, cotton, gauze) with smart design (short sleeves, boxy cuts, ventilation) so you stay fresh, sweat‑free, and stylish. They’re wardrobe classics that work with jeans, trousers, or your favorite accessories, while offering comfort and coverage. Give ’em a try, your summer wardrobe (and your coolness) will thank you!

Stay breezy and beautiful, Gurls! 💕

Each time you share my posts on PINTERESTINSTAGRAMYOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it not only helps other ladies who might be style-challenged find my blog, but it also strengthens our community. Furthermore, I appreciate every one of you and consider you a friend.

Are You One Of The GURLS?

You’ll receive a daily email reminder from me, keeping you updated when a new blog post is published. Additionally, a special email might occasionally appear in your inbox, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Verse Of The Day

Luke 18:14 (NIV)
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

50 Is Not Old Seal Logo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

112 Comments

  1. Beverly L says:

    I found it…..finally…LOL
    I must admit, anytime I see a long sleeve classic white shirt, I have to have it. Love the organic cotton poplin shirt in this article.

  2. Danette Enzminger says:

    😃 blue floral top is cute.

  3. 😊I love a top with a boxy cut – instant air conditioning!

  4. sue koren says:

    🙂 I like the J Jill ones

  5. 😊 Found! I really enjoyed this post! I like the black (and ivory) woven bag from Nordstrom Rack on your first photo a lot, and the Belk floral top, but the JJill gauze top was cute, too. Thanks for the “top”-notch post!

  6. 😊 I like all the tops. I need to do some shopping!

  7. 😊 I love linen and gauze in the summer.

  8. 🙂 Thank you for sharing such nice, cool tops for summer.

  9. Cynthia C. says:

    🙂 Found it! I really like gauze fabric, as it is so cool. Would love to find a pair of capris with matching top, 3/4 sleeves.

  10. 😊. Your post with all the tops was so helpful. Loved all of them

  11. Stephanie Weeks says:

    Nice suggestions. 😊

  12. 🙂 Cool and comfy looking shirts! Your camo tee shirt that you’ve had a long time, I had one just like it in blues and gray. Got it at Old Navy and it lasted A long time! Always got compliments when I wore it!

  13. 🙂
    I love all 3 of the Quince options.

  14. Thanks for the cool shirts!☺️

  15. Gayle Davis says:

    🙂. Thank you for including some tops that have longer sleeves. As I have aged I don’t wear sleeveless or short sleeves!

  16. Darlene Bright says:

    😊 Nice selection of shirts.

  17. The floral short sleeve and gauze shirts are my favorites. Found it 🙂

  18. Angela C. Dixon says:

    🙂 I like the cotton gauze camp shirt from J Jill. Pretty color!

  19. Love the blue flowered blouse. :}

  20. Susan Lindsay says:

    😊 these look so comfy!

  21. Judy Hart says:

    Even though the camo tee can’t be found I wonder if you know where to get tissue thin oversized tee shirts. I wear workout clothes at least 4 days a week and I am sweating profusely. I have been searching but so far no luck. I do like loose sleeves that come close to my elbows.
    Love your blog!

  22. Lots of nice choices. I the button down peasant top. Very pretty 🙂

  23. Donna Huberty says:

    🙂 I like the short sleeve camp shirt from quince!

  24. Ginger Hiller says:

    😀 Great scripture! I really like the black & white checkered top.

    1. That top is one of my favorites!

  25. 😊 loving the 2 JJill shirts. Unfortunately I have a hang up with showing my arms so I always wear sleeves out and the J Jill shirts would be perfect!

  26. ☺️ Love that you included things from J. Jill who carries their items for your plus sized gurls!

  27. Christina says:

    😊 Love all the jewelry ideas! I’ve bought so many over the years thanks to you, i.e. Brighton, Miranda Frye, Kendra Scott….🩵

  28. 🙂 Love the Quince stripped blouse. In fact i Love all the clothes they offer

  29. 🙂 Cool button down tops!!!

  30. Sandra Ritch says:

    😊Lots of great choices. THanks!

  31. 😊 I really like the “peasant” top. Very nice

  32. 🙂 Love the black checked shirt!

  33. Kay Willis says:

    😊 floral shirt!

  34. 😊Love the gauze camp shirt.

  35. 😀 I love cotton gauze! I had never heard of Quince until you! Ordered my husband some linen tops & they have been a hit in this 100 degree weather! 🥵

  36. 😊 I have several button downs and really like them! I love the blue floral and red gauze shirts. Great options, thanks!

  37. Found it!☺️
    Great button ups!

  38. nancy norcross says:

    🙂 my favorite summer shirts are the no iron linen 3/4 sleeve shirts from Chico’s. I either layer them with a tank or wear alone. I also really like the first shirt you showed, the sleeveless shirt from Nordstrom Rack.

  39. 🙂the Nordstrom rack shirt is so pretty. Just my style

  40. It has been so hot and humid here in Michigan. Thanks for showing cute styles that will look and feel great during the heatwaves of summer! 🙂 found it!

  41. I love button downs too

  42. 🙂 I like the floral print top.

  43. 🙂 I also love a button down top but only if it is a little more tailored which gives me more shape. You showed some cute ones. I also look for the ones with larger buttons. My arthritic fingers don’t do well with the tiny buttons.

  44. Jenniffer Groski says:

    I have a few cotton gauze camp shirts and I absolutely love them!😁

  45. 🙂 I love Quince but wish they would add more colors. That’s where Talbots, Chico’s and JJill shine.

  46. 😀. Love the short sleeve shirts for summer!

  47. Terri Hester says:

    Love, love linen!!! Thank you for all do!!! Terri H.

  48. Ruth Shave says:

    🙂
    Cute button shirts!

  49. Susan Weston says:

    Not heard of Belk before. Nice print!

  50. Teri O’Brien says:

    😀cute! I really like the checkered one

  51. Susan E Cantwell1 says:

    😊 Big time heat wave in Pennsylvania! Need to hit up JJill! Cute tops!

  52. 🙂 You can never go wrong with Eileen Fisher!

  53. FOUND IT
    Love all the tops today
    What size would you wear in the JCrew button down
    I feel we are similar in size
    Thank you Tania

    1. Jayne, I waffle back and forth in size. I usually order a large when I’m unsure since I would rather something be a little big on me instead of being too tight.

  54. Gail Medeiros says:

    😊Lovely variety.

  55. Roberta Schwandner says:

    🙂 I like the shirts.

  56. 🙂 great summer tops

  57. Sara Beck says:

    Found it 🙂 Love the button downs. I have the same Camo t-shirt, and I got it from Target years ago also. It’s so soft now, and I still love it.

  58. Sonja Allen says:

    🙂 Pretty tops!!

  59. 😃 I love your jewelry pieces. Accessories do add so much to even our most “everyday” outfits.

  60. 🙂 Linen, linen blend, and gauze seem to be the way to go to keep cool. Will have to try gauze!

  61. Love the color of the J Jill camp shirt. I love emerald green

  62. FOUND IT!
    I totally agree with you……it’s terribly hot here in Tellico Village. My JJill cotton-gauze camp shirt is being worn on the repeat cycle😁

  63. 😀 These tops look so cold and comfortable.
    Great selections.

  64. 🙂 The blue from JJill is pretty. I just ordered a short sleeve black gauze button down.

  65. I am loving J.Jill right now! Happy Thursday❤❤❤

  66. 😀 Love the short sleeve blue floral and red gauze long sleeve tops!

  67. 🙂 I like the buttoned up checkered shirt looks so cool.

  68. B Gilbert says:

    🙂 Lov the linen shirts for summer. Thanks

  69. Charlie Watt says:

    😊. The short sleeve shirts are perfect for this sweltering weather. Thanks!

  70. Julie Olsen says:

    🙂 Love the teal cotton gauze camp shirt! It’s been hot here in northern Wisconsin the last few days but today it’s 55 and raining. I’m appreciating the cooler temp!

    1. We are having a heat wave, but it is cooler here than a lot of places.

  71. Karan Kobular says:

    Morning Tania,
    Love the Ralph Lauren blue floral button-down blouse (🙂).

  72. susan hughes says:

    I found it 🙂 Have a great day.

  73. Kathy Laweryson says:

    found it!

    I like that gauze camp shirt.

  74. 🙂 love the longer shorts!

  75. Judy Holland says:

    🙂 Luv this type of shirt in the summer.

  76. ☺️. Love when you can pick up Eileen Fisher at Notdstrom Rack.

  77. Beverly Hawkins says:

    😅Choices galore!

  78. 😊 great post. I am always looking for cool tops!

  79. Found it😊. Thank you for your blogs. I always enjoy reading them especially the ones on Sunday.

  80. 😀I like so many of these that I couldn’t pick a favorite.

  81. Stella Gustafson says:

    😃 i like to wear button up shirts as a layer also

  82. 🙂 Thanks for sharing all these “cool” options.

  83. 😀I love bottom downs & I have a lot of them!

  84. Kathleen S says:

    😀crisp, fresh looks

  85. Love the look of linen. 🙂

  86. 😊 These look like great tops for summer! I like the floral one and the short sleeve striped one by Quince.

  87. Cynthia Fisher says:

    🙂
    Oh it’s Sooo hot already. I wear a lot of sun dresses in summer.

  88. 🙂 Thanks for including button downs in various sleeve lengths. Very nice selection that you highlighted today.

  89. LeAnn Mattingly says:

    Found it! 😊

  90. Love the button down flower shirt.
    Found it😊

  91. Elizabeth Tobin says:

    😊I have several of the short sleeve button shirts. They are a nice alternative to t-shirts. The Talbots shirt with the 3/4 sleeve is nice looking.

  92. 😊
    J Jill and Belk are my favorites.

  93. Theresa Harper says:

    🙂 great selections – cute shirt from Belk

  94. 🙂 Love the cute top from Quince.

  95. 🙂love the belk shirt with navy shorts!

  96. Jennifer Steadman says:

    Thanks for the great reviews – cool tips needed with this heat in VA!

  97. Love the light weight blouses found it 🙂

  98. Traci Woody says:

    🙂 I like the floral button down shirt but I always struggle with wearing bermuda shorts…

  99. Jeannie W says:

    😊I’ve always loved the look of buttoned down shirts!

  100. 🙂 I like wearing a floaty camp shirt when it’s hot and steamy, as this week has been. Thanks for the options. Have a blessed week!

  101. 🙂 I like the quince shirts.

  102. 🙂 All very nice tops!