20 Short-Sleeve Shirts To Keep You Cool Through The Summer—All Under $35

Summer style in the sticky Southern heat can be tricky. Almost every piece of apparel we reach for begs the question: how would it feel in 90-plus degree heat? Still, we don’t want to sacrifice style for the sake of dressing for the weather. From breezy blouses to comfortable, essential T-shirts, there are plenty of budget-friendly short-sleeve options that’ll get ‘er done no matter the reading on the thermostat.

The right short-sleeve top can go a long way, reducing layers while still appearing chic. As a professional shopping writer, I’ve sifted through thousands of listings on Amazon to bring you the top 20 picks, starting at just $15. 

Summer Short-Sleeve Tops Under $35 to Shop on Amazon

• Trendy Queen Basic Scoop-Neck T-Shirt, $12.74 with coupon (orig. $14.99)
• Blooming Jelly Cap-Sleeve Button Down, $24.99
• Jinkesi Casual Summer Round-Neck Crop Tee, $16.99 (orig. $19.99)
• Adibosy Short-Sleeve Striped Tunic Tee, $13.46 with coupon (orig. $29.99) 
• T&Twenties Ruffle Short-Sleeve Tunic Top, $14.99
• Prettygarden Crewneck Lace Crochet Short-Sleeve Tunic Top, $26.59 with coupon (orig. $27.99)
• Gegekoko Women’s Oversized T-Shirt, $19.99 (orig. $29.99)
• Beautife Short-Sleeve Collared Button Down, $23.73 with coupon (orig. $30.99)

Trendy Queen Basic Scoop-Neck T-Shirt

This top-selling slim-fit short sleeve is an excellent base layer for just about any occasion, and can be worn by itself. Available in 26 colorways ranging from neutral oat to bright teal, you’re sure to find a shade that looks fantastic in your wardrobe. “I have ordered so many colors of these,” one Amazon shopper wrote in a five-star review. “They are my go-to daily shirt.” The pull-on top itself is crafted from flattering polyester and spandex for a close fit. And did we mention that it’s machine washable, too? 

Blooming Jelly Cap-Sleeve Button Down

As any Southerner will tell you, a proper blouse fits any occasion (literally). From date night to neighborhood barbecues to office afternoons, this simple and polished button down would look sleek, light, and pretty no matter where you wear it. (In fact, most shoppers in the Amazon reviews repeat that it’s excellent for dressing up or down.) 30 colors to choose from sure draw the eye, and sizes range from an XS to XXL for comfort.

Jinkesi Casual Summer Round-Neck Crop Tee

While Mama might once have had choice words about the “crop” in this top, a crop top is actually a surprisingly versatile part of any woman’s wardrobe. Wear around the house to beat the heat, or style with a ruffly maxi skirt or high-waisted denim shorts for an immediate ‘fit. With over 3,400 five-star ratings, Amazon shoppers rave about its looser look and breathability versus other similar tops. “I do not enjoy a crop top,” one wrote in a review, but said this one has a “flattering fit. I own [it] in multiple colors.”

Adibosy Short-Sleeve Striped Tunic Tee

A striped tunic tee can simply always get the job done, and the top’s 55-percent-off discount feels almost too good to be true. With 37 possible two-tone color combinations, you can stock up as you see fit, complete with cheeky options, including touches like cheetah print sleeves or a sporty embroidery detail. The brand does recommend washing in cold water for longevity. Oh, and you might as well snag the blue and white stripes for the Fourth of July for two birds with one stone.

T&Twenties Short-Sleeve Ruffle Tunic Top

You can't go wrong with an adorable ruffle blouse. The subtle, feminine detail of the fluted sleeve adds just the right amount of pop to any occasion, and its blended cotton fabric ensures you won’t overheat. Its V-neck isn’t too much either, adding just enough flair for any special dates while still being basic enough in shape to wear casually, too. “[This was] a great find,” one Amazon shopper wrote in a five-star review. “The quality is much better than I thought [it’d be].” Notably, this blouse also comes in 35 colorways including printed options. Clocking in at under $12 apiece, the option feels like a steal.

And there are plenty more heat-friendly short sleeves to choose from, too. Keep scrolling to add some more essential short-sleeve tops under $30 to your summer wardrobe.

Prettygarden Crewneck Lace Crochet Short-Sleeve Tunic Top

Gegekoko Women’s Oversized T-Shirt

Beautife Short-Sleeve Collared Button Down

Dokotoo Womens Crewneck Lace Crochet Summer Top

Prettoday V-Neck Lace Crochet Shirt

Merokeety Ribbed Short-Sleeve Button Henley

Anyally Womens Summer Dressy Chiffon Blouse

Amazon Essentials Women's Slim-Fit Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt Two-Pack

Sunnow Womens Tailored Short-Sleeve Basic Simple Button-Down Shirt

Geifa Short-Sleeve Loose V-Neck with Pocket

Roselinlin Women's Floral Loose-Fit Summer Top

Maner Women’s Plus-Size Flowy Tunic

Amazon Essentials Women's Short-Sleeve Woven Blouse

Mangopop Square-Neck Tee

Dokotoo Batwing Casual V-Neck Button-Down Shirt