As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, men’s summer fashion presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe and experiment with vibrant colors, lightweight fabrics, and versatile outfits.
Explore essential men’s fashion trends and tips to create stylish, practical summer outfits.
Men’s Summer Fashion
Wardrobe Building: The Essentials
Summer calls for a stylish and comfortable wardrobe. Having the right essentials makes dressing for the heat easy and lets you embrace the season in style.
Linen & Light Cotton Shirts
On scorching summer days, opt for breathable linen or cotton shirts. Choose short sleeves for a casual look or long sleeves for a more polished style.
Polo Shirts
A summer wardrobe staple, polo shirts transition from casual to semi-formal settings effortlessly. Renowned brands like Ralph Lauren have mastered the polo shirt with designs that radiate sophistication and casual grace.
When choosing a polo shirt, opt for a slim fit for a modern look or a relaxed fit for comfort.
Summer Shorts
Shorts are a staple summer garment, providing much-needed breathability and movement from beach days to barbecues, outdoor parties, and casual Fridays at work.
Chino Shorts
Chino shorts, made from cotton or cotton blends, are a versatile summer essential. They come in various colors, offering stylish comfort for any occasion.
A well-fitted chino short, sitting above the knee, can take your summer style to the next level. They are suitable for various casual and semi-formal summer events, whether a garden party or a casual day at the office.
Denim Shorts
Denim or jean shorts or “jorts” are a timeless classic. They’re perfect for men who want a rugged, laid-back look for the summer months. Denim shorts work well with graphic tees, casual button-ups, or tank tops.
Look for lighter washes in the summer months, and remember, a good pair of denim shorts should be comfortable and sit above the knee for the most contemporary look.
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts, also called dress or city shorts, blend formality and casualness. Originating from the British military, they fall about an inch above the knee and come in various fabrics.
Their versatility allows them to be dressed up with a button-down shirt and loafers for a business casual look or dressed down with a t-shirt and flip-flops for the weekend.
Athletic Shorts
Athletic shorts are essential for active men in summer. Made from breathable, quick-dry materials like nylon or polyester, they offer comfort during physical activities and have become a casual staple due to athleisure fashion.
Pair them with performance or casual tees for a stylish, sporty summer look at the gym or while running errands.
Swim Shorts
Of course, no discussion of men’s summer shorts would be complete without including swim shorts. Whether you’re planning to hit the beach or pool or want a comfortable, quick-drying option for hot summer days, swim shorts from brands such as Billabong are a must-have.
Today’s swim shorts come in various styles and lengths, but mid-length options with fun, vibrant prints are the most fashionable. Pair them with a light summer shirt for a casual beach bar look or just with your favorite flip-flops for a day in the sun.
Tailored Shorts
Tailored shorts offer a polished summer look with a structured fit like dress pants and the comfort of shorts. Perfect for slightly formal events like brunches or outdoor parties, they pair well with polo or button-down shirts and loafers or boat shoes for a classy summer style.
Lightweight Pants
From casual outings to more formal occasions, having a versatile selection of men’s pants for summer is a must. There are several options, whether you prefer a polished yet relaxed look or something more laid-back.
Linen Pants: Linen is a breathable fabric perfect for hot weather. Linen pants are lightweight and loose-fitting and provide excellent airflow, making them ideal for summer.
Seersucker Pants: Seersucker is a puckered cotton fabric known for its distinctive striped or checkered pattern. Seersucker pants are lightweight, comfortable, and have a unique textured appearance.
Lightweight Denim: Opt for lightweight denim jeans or pants with a lighter wash for a more summery feel. Look for thinner denim fabrics with a looser fit for better ventilation.
Khaki Pants: Khakis are a classic choice for summer. They are usually made of cotton twill and come in various colors. Khaki pants are versatile and can be dressed up or down for different occasions.
Jogger Pants: Jogger pants have gained popularity in recent years due to their comfort and style. Look for joggers made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen blends.
Breezy Summer Suits
Summer suits prioritize lightweight materials and breezy cuts for comfort and professionalism. Breathable fabrics like linen, seersucker, and light wool blends resist wrinkles, wick moisture, and add visual interest.
Light colors, such as blue, beige, pastels, and checks and stripes, reflect the season’s vibrancy. Pairing these suits with a white shirt, loafers, or derby shoes creates a timeless look for business meetings or summer weddings.
Footwear
Regarding summer footwear, boat shoes, white sneakers, and leather sandals reign supreme. These styles contribute to a chic summer look and promise comfort for all-day wear—a critical factor in the hot summer.
Boat Shoes: Originating from the sailing world, boat shoes are made from leather or canvas to withstand wet conditions. They’re perfect for the beach or poolside. The slip-on design offers convenience, while various colors allow easy matching with summer outfits.
Pair them with shorts or khakis for a preppy look or jeans for a casual vibe.
Canvas Sneakers: Breathable, lightweight, and flexible, canvas sneakers offer all-day comfort. Their versatility allows pairing with casual shorts and a t-shirt or a polished look with a summer blazer and chinos.
Choose classic white for a fresh look, or experiment with colors and patterns to express your style.
Leather Sandals: A versatile summer option for men, leather sandals are available in various styles for different occasions. Classic flip-flops or slide sandals pair well with swim trunks or shorts for the beach or pool.
With closed-toe designs and woven leather straps, Fisherman sandals provide support for walking and casual outings, pairing well with linen pants or lightweight chinos. Fashion-forward gladiator or strappy sandals extend up the ankle, adding a bold touch to shorts, cropped pants, or casual summer suits.
Casual & Formal Outfits: The Basics
The essence of summer fashion lies in maintaining a delicate balance between comfort and style. Men’s summer fashion can be versatile, easily taking you from casual, laid-back weekends to formal office wear and summer weddings.
Casual Style
Keep things simple and comfortable for casual summer attire while maintaining a stylish appearance. Start with basic t-shirts and denim shorts, jeans, or pants as the foundation of your outfit.
Opt for light, breathable materials like cotton or linen in bright colors or pastels. Graphic tees add a unique touch, while solid colors are always reliable.
Complete your casual wardrobe with stylish baseball caps to shield your face from the sun and add a sporty vibe. Scoop neck t-shirts offer an edgier alternative to crew necks while providing better ventilation.
Formal Wear
Summer office wear requires light materials and shades to keep cool. Choose linen, seersucker, or lightweight cotton in beige, light gray, or pastel colors for optimal air circulation and heat reflection.
For dressier occasions like summer weddings, select breathable linen or lightweight wool suits in soft greys, blues, or white. Consider the venue and time, opting for a casual blazer and chinos for daytime or outdoor events paired with a crisp, light-colored shirt.
Summer Accessories
As summer approaches, refresh your wardrobe with accessories that balance style, comfort, and practicality. Essential men’s accessories, from classic sunglasses to luxury dive watches, will elevate your summer outfits.
Classic Sunglasses
Classic sunglasses that fit well and suit your face shape are a must-have for summer. Styles like aviators, wayfarers, or round frames are timeless.
Invest in high-quality, durable sunglasses with proper UV protection, and consider polarized lenses for reduced glare and added clarity.
Panama Hat
The Panama hat, a lightweight and breathable accessory hand-woven from Ecuadorian toquilla straw, adds class to any summer outfit. It can be styled casually with a linen shirt and chinos for a beach-ready look or paired with a sharp suit for a sophisticated, formal ensemble.
Woven Leather Belt
The often-overlooked woven leather belt is an essential summer accessory. Its flexible, comfortable woven texture and timeless leather finish add a casual, relaxed touch to chinos, shorts, or summer suits.
Lightweight Scarf
The lightweight scarf, often crafted from linen, cotton, or silk materials, can make a fashionable statement during the cooler summer evenings. These scarves can add a pop of color or pattern to a simple outfit and a touch of sophistication to a casual look.
Leather Bracelets
Leather bracelets are a great way to add a little edge to your summer outfits. Whether braided, cuff, or wrap-style, a leather bracelet adds a distinct touch without overpowering.
Luxury Dive Watch
A luxury dive watch, though pricier, is a stylish, sophisticated, and water-resistant investment piece perfect for summer beach or pool outings. Choose a classic stainless steel or modern, colorful design that fits your personality and needs.
Summer Trends
As the mercury rises, men’s fashion trends are heating up with a vibrant splash of color, a revival of the preppy aesthetic, and a relaxed resort wear look.
A World of Color
This summer, men’s fashion is painted with vibrant colors, ranging from bold primary hues to softer pastel shades. The color palette reflects the season’s lively vibes.
A perennial favorite, light blue, is back again, injecting a refreshing and cool touch into summer wardrobes.
Preppy Aesthetic
Shifting gears to the style aesthetics, the preppy look reigns supreme this summer, partly thanks to the re-emergence of quiet luxury. This style is characterized by its clean-cut, sophisticated, and somewhat nostalgic appeal.
Key pieces like collared button-down shirts, polos, tailored shorts, loafers, or boat shoes are essential for capturing this iconic style, effortlessly encapsulating summer’s youthful and vibrant spirit.
Resort Wear
On the other hand, resort wear is making a strong statement in men’s summer fashion. This genre of clothing is all about achieving a laid-back and relaxing style reminiscent of a vacation vibe.
Resort wear staples include linen shirts and swim shorts, constructed from lightweight and breathable fabrics, perfect for balmy summer days.
Tips for Dressing for Summer
Navigating through the vibrant summer season can be as exhilarating as it is challenging, especially regarding fashion choices. Dressing for the heat demands careful consideration of various aspects, from fit and fabric to color choices.
Size & Fit
Size and fit hold immense importance. The right fit can make a significant difference in both comfort and appearance.
In summer, clothing should fit well but not too tightly; allowing airflow and movement is crucial. This is particularly relevant for summer clothes that aim to stay cool in hot weather.
A good rule of thumb is to opt for pieces that skim the body without clinging, ensuring a flattering silhouette that also aids in heat dissipation.
Fabric Weave & Pattern
The fabric weave and pattern of summer clothing also play an essential role in determining comfort and style. Given the rising temperatures, exploring lightweight fabrics with loose weaves, such as cotton, linen, or seersucker, is advisable, which are breathable and help keep the body cool.
As for patterns, thin stripes, especially railway stripes, are a classic summer choice. They add a subtle touch of visual interest and sophistication without being overwhelming.
Color Choice
Color choices are crucial for summer outfits. Opt for shades that complement your skin tone and reflect the season’s energy. Experiment with light colors like white, beige, and pastels to stay cool and vibrant hues such as bright blues, yellows, and oranges to encapsulate summer’s spirit.
Bold colors add fun and liveliness, while neutral tones provide a versatile base to pair with bolder shades.
Popular Brands to Follow This Summer
The current generation of men’s summer fashion is marked by various brands catering to different styles and preferences. From classic and preppy designs to modern and trend-focused aesthetics, these brands offer many options for men seeking stylish and on-trend summer attire.
H&M: H&M offers men affordable and trendy summer clothing, including T-shirts, shorts, swimwear, and lightweight shirts.
J.Crew: J.Crew provides a range of summer fashion options, including shorts, lightweight shirts, and swimwear. They are known for their modern yet timeless style.
Massimo Dutti: Massimo Dutti is known for its sophisticated and elegant designs. Their summer collection includes tailored shirts, linen suits, and refined casual wear for a polished summer wardrobe.
Orlebar Brown: Orlebar Brown is known for its high-quality swimwear and resort wear. They offer stylish and tailored swim shorts that seamlessly transition from the beach to casual settings.
Todd Snyder: Todd Snyder offers a mix of classic and contemporary designs. Their summer collection includes elevated essentials like lightweight jackets, linen shirts, and tailored shorts.
Vilebrequin: Vilebrequin specializes in luxury swimwear and beachwear. Their collection features vibrant patterns and unique designs for those seeking a stylish and high-end summer look.
Zara: Zara offers on-trend fashion at affordable prices. They have diverse summer clothing options, including casual shirts, shorts, and stylish accessories.
Adopting Men’s Summer Fashion
Summer fashion for men is about balancing comfort and style, focusing on breathability and versatility. Wardrobe essentials like linen shirts, polo tees, shorts, and carefully selected footwear form the foundation.
Well-chosen accessories, such as classic sunglasses, woven leather belts, and fresh, invigorating summer fragrances, enhance your aesthetic while serving practical purposes. Bold colors, preppy aesthetics, and resort wear add zest to your outfits.
Embrace summer’s vibrant energy, navigating the warmest months in style.
The Transition from Summer to Fall
Strategic layering and thoughtful color choices are key as temperatures cool and colors shift from vibrant summer hues to soft fall tones. Keep your favorite summer pieces in rotation by adding light sweaters or jackets for warmth.
Pair linen and light cotton shirts with cardigans or lightweight jackets, and match polo shirts with denim jackets. Replace summer shorts with full-length versions or chinos for formal occasions.
Addressing fall fashion, stay trendy and prioritize comfort to navigate the summer-to-autumn transition easily and in style.
