These Button-Downs Are the Summer’s Most Versatile Layer

Once mid-summer rolls around, it’s usually time to ditch your sweatshirts altogether, even on the coolest nights. Still, sunset walks, concerts in the park, and book reading on the beach may call for a lightweight layer—one that can be thrown over your favorite swimsuit or a strapless pull-on romper. 

A lightweight button-down shirt should do the trick; this versatile layer will protect you from the sun’s harsh rays on days when your skin has had its fill of sunscreen. You can layer it over a basic tank and pair it with cutoff jean shorts or linen pants. Short-sleeve versions can be accessorized and worn to work, and gauze-like tunics make great swim cover-ups. You can find our picks on Amazon, and they’re all under $30.

12 Best Lightweight Button-Down Shirts Under $30 at Amazon

• Aoudery Striped Button-Down Linen Shirt, $22
• Bsubseach Button-Down Swim Cover-Up Shirt, $20
• Dokotoo Waffle-Knit Button-Down Shirt, $20 (was $26)
• Omsj Striped Button-Down Long-Sleeve Shirt, $28
• Zeagoo Button-Down Linen Shirt Cotton Blouse, $14 (was $15)
• Aoudery Cotton Long-Sleeve Oversized Boyfriend Tunic, $28
• Megfie Oversized Flannel Plaid Button Down, $26
• Zeagoo Short-Sleeve Summer Button-Down Shirt, $18 (was $25)
• Diosun Striped Button-Down Shirts, $27
• Mintreus Short-Sleeve V-Neck Loose Collared Button-Down, $25
• Hotouch Long-Sleeve Button-Down Oversized Textured Blouse, $10 (was $20)
• Zoye Chen Button-Down Swimsuit Cover-Up, $20 (was $23)

Aoudery Striped Button-Down Linen Shirt

This high-quality cotton and linen-blend shirt by Aoudery delivers next-to-skin softness, making it the new go-to layer in your summer wardrobe. It features a V-neck collar, colorful stripes, a high-low rounded hem, and the perfect tunic length. This boho-style shirt evokes a Western-casual vibe, making it the ideal get-up for a Friday night. It comes in 29 colorful stripes and is available in six different sizes, including plus sizes.

One Amazon shopper wrote, “I love the lightweight breathable fabric of this button-up blouse. [It’s a] classic design that can be dressed up or down, depending on your needs.” They also mentioned it fits true to size and that the fabric and tailoring are top-notch.

Bsubseach Button-Down Swim Cover-Up Shirt 

Meet your perfect new swim cover-up! Each of the 17 colorways is semi-opaque, giving this shirt a peek-through style that pairs well with a bikini or a strappy bra top. It’s crafted from 100 percent breathable polyester, ensuring it quickly dries in the sun. This shirt features a slouchy, oversized fit, a pleated yoke, two patch pockets on the front, and button tabs on the sleeves if you want to roll them up. Throw it on for a stroll down the beach or for poolside chillin’ when the neighbors come over.

Dokotoo Waffle-Knit Button-Down Shirt

There’s nothing traditional about this short-sleeve V-neck shirt. A trendy wardrobe basic, it features a waffle-knit weave, oversized tortoise-shell buttons, and chunky hems at the waist and on the sleeves. Throw it on with shorts and sneakers, jeans and flip-flops, or pair it with leggings for to and from yoga class. The grid-like pattern gives this polyester shirt its breathability, even on the hottest days. Grab one, or two, of Dokotoo’s eight fabulous colors in one of five sizes.

One five-star reviewer said this shirt is so comfortable and fits perfectly. They wrote, “Will buy more!” And, why not, at an affordable sale price of only $20?

Check out these other barely-there styles, including a 100 percent linen blouse, an oversized boyfriend tunic, and a plaid flannel button-down that can segue into fall.

Omsj Striped Button-Down Long-Sleeve Shirt 

Zeagoo Button-Down Linen Shirt Cotton Blouse

Aoudery Cotton Long-Sleeve Oversized Boyfriend Tunic

Megfie Oversized Flannel Plaid Button Down 

Zeagoo Short-Sleeve Summer Button-Down Shirt 

Diosun Striped Button-Down Shirt 

Mintreus Short Sleeve V-Neck Loose Collared Button-Down 

Hotouch Long-Sleeve Button-Down Oversized Textured Blouse 

Zoye Chen Button-Down Swimsuit Cover-Up