14 best boys' shirts

Get the kids ready for spring with one of these versatile tops

Boys' shirts not only create a smarter look than t-shirts but they tend to be in fabrics that will last and last. Browse through our favourites for spring - put through their paces by our mini testers - so you can find the ideal shirt for the young man in your household.

1. Joules Boys' Lachlan Check Shirt: From £27.95, johnlewis.com

(Joules checked shirt)

This classic checked shirt is a great staple for boys aged three to 11 and because it’s made from soft, yet sturdy, cotton, it will do well as a hand-me-down. It also has the benefit of working for casual or smart events and it has practical turn up sleeves.
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2. Baby K Roll Up Shirt: £14, mothercare.com

Available from 12 months to 8 years, this smart-style buttoned shirt with spot fabric and roll up sleeves is practical and stylish, whether you layer it over a t-shirt and jeans or done up over smart trousers. There’s contrasting fabric in the collar and a chest pocket.
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3. George Boys’ Check Shirt: From £8, asda.com

This is well made for under a tenner and it’s lovely and warm too, as well as washing well. The checked design is on trend and the red tones make it nice and bright. It has two chest pockets, front button fastening and is available from four to 10 years.
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4. Marks and Spencer Pure Cotton Treasure Map Print Shirt: From £10, marksandspencer.com

This has to be the most fun shirt in our round-up. Featuring pirate ships, treasure troves, tigers, fish and compasses, all on a lovely deep green background, it’s so much more than a piece of clothing, encouraging kids to dream up all kinds of adventures.
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5. Petit Bateau Boy’s Gingham Check Shirt: £39, petit-bateau.co.uk

Gingham checks are good for all seasons and this one, which has preppy inspiration, comes in two cheery colours – orange and blue. It’s on the pricey side for a boy’s shirt, but it has a really good cut and adjustable sleeves, as well as being really comfy to wear.
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6. Next Blue Geo Shirt: From £12, next.co.uk

There aren’t too many clothing designs that work well on babies aged 12 months right up to 16-year-olds, but this geometrically designed blue shirt is one of them. It looks best when teamed with a smarter look and it washes like a dream.
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7. Frugi Milo Shirt: £22, welovefrugi.com

Everything this company makes is super soft and organic, without an itchy feature in sight. This check shirt with pockets on the chest is their only boys’ long-sleeved shirt, but it is well deserving of a place in our round-up.
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8. Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Hooded Checked Shirt: From £18, marksandspencer.com

(M&S hooded checked shirt)

They can wear this hooded shirt done up or undone over a t-shirt. It's made from breathable, comfy cotton and if this dark blue-checked version isn't bright enough, there's a multi-coloured design, too.
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9. John Rocha Designer Boy’s Black Cut and Sew Checked Shirt: From £13, debenhams.com

Can’t decide whether to get him a plain, gingham or check shirt? Go for all three with this stand-out patchwork shirt with plain sleeves, gingham base and check top. Don’t try to put anything in the pockets though – they’re not real.
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10. Mamas & Papas Boys’ Denim Checked Shirt: £16, mamasandpapas.com

We love this twist on a classic denim shirt, with the check featuring on cuffs and inside the button lining that provide a quirky feature. It’s available for newborns up to six years and it’s not just comfy but practical, versatile and stylish.
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11. JoJo Maman Bebe Boy’s Elephant Print Shirt: £16, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Here’s another shirt with a fun and quirky theme, this time elephants. There are even horn-effect buttons. With its smart cut, comfy cotton fabric and classic collar, its a great one to please children and adults alike. Take note: it only goes up to aged five.
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12. Boden Oxford Shirt: From £22, boden.co.uk

Here’s a white shirt you won’t want to waste on school wear. It’s the nicest we’ve seen for boys, thanks to the rich cotton and traditional style, along with the blue turn-up collars that give an interesting twist.
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13. Crew Clothing Ainsley Shirt: £26, crewclothing.co.uk

If there’s one shirt he’ll reach out for in his wardrobe this season, it’s bound to be this wonderfully soft and comfy 100 per cent cotton shirt that also looks great with everything from skinny jeans to chinos. It’s super cute in its smallest size (age 4) and right on trend in its oldest size (age 11).
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14. Mothercare Checked Shirt and T-Shirt Set: From £14, mothercare.com

In my experience, kids love the look of a shirt over a t-shirt. But there’s no need to buy both items separately with this set, which comprises of a long sleeved fashionable checked shirt and a rock’n’roll guitar-print grey marl t-shirt.
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Verdict:
We love the Marks & Spencer hooded checked shirt to see them through the colder months as the fabric's great quality and the style is so easy to wear. Meanwhile, the most wallet-friendly option is George Boys’ Check Shirt.