Guys, it's hot as hell outside. Knowing what to wear and how to dress properly is essential for staying rejuvenated (while still looking your best, of course). Feel my pain! This article will discuss the essentials of men's summer style, including the types of clothing that work best in warm weather and how to put together different looks while still looking good.
The intense heat of the sun and the oppressive dampness of the air hit you the instant you stepped outside. You're giving it your all to stay from melting into a puddle of sweat on the ground.
Your clothes stick to you like a Rorschach inkblot, and you're constantly wiping sweat from your brow.
What's your secret for looking dapper while still keeping your casual demeanor? In this case, my friend, you can have the best of both worlds.
Here, I'll tell you everything you need to know about men's summer clothing. We'll talk about the best summer clothes for men, how to get the right fit, the best fabrics, and the right sunglasses to wear in the heat without overheating or getting a sweaty mess on our clothes.
Please note that due to the length of this article, a table of contents has been provided. Also, keep in mind that some of the links may not work if you're perusing this during the off-season (for example, America's winter), as brands are busy marketing winter apparel instead.
Shall we proceed then?
BEST SUMMER SHADES, FABRICATION, AND SHAPE
We are all aware that winter clothing is typically made from darker, heftier materials. The same reasoning applies to the best summer clothes for guys, but with an opposite slant: choose items that are airier, brighter, and less weighty or cumbersome.
Let's dissect this into its component parts:
THE BEST SUMMER OUTFIT COLORS
Wearing lighter hues, in general, is recommended for the warmer summer months. The sun's rays are reflected more effectively by lighter colors, keeping you cooler. "Neutrals" (i.e., colors that can serve as your base and complement all other shades in your ensemble) include white, light blue, light grey, and tan or khaki.
Although neutral, navy and olive are not light enough to be considered at this time.
The warm weather of summer is an excellent time to experiment with bold new colors in your outfit.
Pocket squares, bracelets, sunglasses, and watch bands are all great places to start if you're new to wearing pops of color.
Add a bright sport coat or striking pair of chinos for the more daring and experimental among you.
BEST FABRICATIONS FOR SUMMER WEAR
Summer weight or lightweight wool, linen, and cotton are appropriate for men's apparel in hot and humid conditions. Fabrics with a loose weave provide ample airflow without sacrificing style.
Worried about wrinkles in your linens? Linen does have a tendency to crease, but that's okay. Don't worry too much; enjoy those wrinkles!
When the fabric is subjected to high temperatures and humidity, it softens and loses some of its wrinkles. Men can relax about the wrinkles in their summer clothes because that is just how the fabric looks.
WHAT SIZE YOU SHOULD WEAR FOR SUMMER
Clothes, in general, should have the same basic fit throughout the year. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to opt for looser cuts during the warmer months.
Don't get me wrong — your attire should still be neat and well-fitted. But if a slightly looser fit is what you're after, by all means. Keeping yourself at a comfortable temperature for longer is facilitated by a larger air gap between your skin and the fabric.
A wardrobe question: "WHICH CLOTHES SHOULD I ADD TO MY WARDROBE?"
Assess your clothing needs before I make any recommendations for summer wear or capsule outfits.
Do you have a more formal occasion (like an office job that requires a suit) or a more relaxed one (like doing errands or going out to dinner with your significant other) for which to prepare an outfit?
PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS-LIKE: KEEPING COOL IN A SUIT AND TIE
Wearing a suit to the office guarantees a warm day. I hope the air conditioning holds out on your commute so you don't hit the Sweat Threshold, which is the point at which you start sweating profusely and can't stop.
There will be no SPAM, just chic articles. You can cancel at any time.
There may not be a completely effective method, but there are ways to lessen the discomfort of wearing a suit and tie when the temperature rises. The color and material both matter.
WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR A SUMMER SUIT?
Suits can be made from a wide variety of materials. A simple guideline is to get a lightweight wool, cotton, linen, or a combination of these three fabrics for a man's summer suit.
Your suit should be unstructured and slightly lined. The front panel, shoulders, and sleeves of a jacket can be lined, or the jacket can be unlined, or the sleeves and shoulders can be lined, or the sleeves can be unlined.
This is significant because a partially lined jacket reduces sweat by eliminating one layer that would otherwise trap heat.
If you go to SuitSupply (or any other suit store), they will understand if you ask about their lighter weight suits for the summer. Suits for the summer are typically more breathable, lighter in color, and made from looser-weave fabrics.
This is significant because these materials provide more airflow, reducing body heat.
Is there a preferred color palette for summer suits?”
If the event or venue allows it, fabrics in shades of light to medium grey, tan, white, or brilliant blue are great options. You'll need to utilize your best judgment about the destination and the appropriateness of your options.
Traditional black and navy blue are also acceptable substitutes, but they have a higher propensity to overheat the wearer. You can't go wrong with classics, and their muted tones have stood the test of time. As was previously indicated, you won't overheat if you stick with lightweight textiles.
What about socks, shoes, and collared shirts?”
Shirts follow the same rule. Lightweight, open-weave fabrics are ideal for dress shirts, but there are many options to select from. Lightweight oxford and linen-cotton blend shirts are likely to be the most accessible options.
White and light blue are always safe bets for a shirt's hue. The same can be said for a thin band of blue and white or grey and white. If I had to pick, I'd go with candy or awning stripe width, but that's just me. Contrasting brighter hues with black, white, grey, navy, or tan can be very effective.
Consistency throughout the year is crucial for neckties. Thicker wool ties should be avoided in favor of lighter ones made of wool, cotton, or silk. Dressy knits are a great option for men throughout the warmer months.
When in doubt, select a classic brown or black oxford for work or a formal event. A pair of tassel loafers is a chic option if you're not tied down to any particular schedule.
The Gentleman's Guide to Stylish Summer Attire for Hot and Humid Climates
The term "sleek, trendy casual" is used to describe clothes that are neither too formal nor too informal for everyday use.
Black tie, white tie optional, or professional settings
Comfortable clothes for lounging around the house, working with one's hands, or getting some exercise (sports, gym)
So, if you're not watching TV, mowing the lawn, or doing five sets of five squats, you should be decked out in stylish, modern casual attire, or business casual for more formal occasions.
SUMMER CLOSET WITH A STREAMLINED, CAPSULE ATTITUDE
Are you in search of men's summer garments that epitomize this year's most cutting-edge trends? Stop looking now! Have a look at what we suggest below.
1. SHORTS
Buy three pairs of shorts, preferably in cotton chino or linen (or a combination of the two). Light blue, dark blue, and a bright shade like this washed-out red are all great options. Chino shorts in the standard khaki color are another great option.
Here you may find: Todd Snyder, Bonobos, and J.Crew
2. CHINOS
Acquire a few pairs of chinos. They're more stylish and comfortable than bulky denim and work better in warmer climates. You can't go wrong with tried-and-true neutrals like navy, medium gray, and khaki, or with a playful pop of color like faded red or mint green.
Alex Mill, Todd Snyder, and Bonobos are all sold here.
3. SHIRTS
Choose two or four tops. During the warmer months, a linen shirt is a great option. In addition, OCBDs in white, light blue, or a modest stripe (gray and white, blue and white) should be worn (actually, at any time of year).
Todd Snyder, Uniqlo, and J.Crew are all sold here.
4. SHIRT WITH SHORT SLEEVE
Get two to four button-down or polo shirts with short sleeves; go for linen, cotton, or a combination. Slub cotton (as shown up top) is a popular choice for polo shirts, but plain pique also does the trick. Two other exciting color and pattern combinations are great in addition to white, navy, and gray.
If your closet is already minimal, adding a statement piece that stands out is easy because it will work with everything else you own.
Shirts by Todd Snyder, Bonobos, Banana Republic, and J.Crew are all available here, as are polo shirts from the aforementioned brands.
5. FOOTWEAR
You should own at least three pairs of shoes: a pair of gray or tan loafers, a pair of driving shoes in tan or brown, and a pair of white leather sneakers.
Choose from M.Gemi drivers, Allen Edmonds loafers, and white sneakers by GREATS.
6. JACKET FOR SPORTS
You can never go wrong with any of these three sports jackets, whether you choose the medium gray one, the bright blue one, or the brown check one.
All three are essential for men's summer fashion, although you may not require all of them (or may even need more) depending on your preferences. Linen or a linen blend (often with cotton, wool, or silk) makes for the ideal summer sports jackets. They have a double vent and two buttons on the front and are partly lined and unstructured. The use of double vents is recommended but not required.
If you're comfortable with the standards, don't be afraid to experiment with less obvious patterns and textures.
The jackets are from SuitSupply, by the way. Examine the fabric in the photograph below up close:
Check out SuitSupply's MTM program if you're interested in Made-to-Measure or Custom choices. If you are interested in learning more about the event, read our detailed post.
Take your pick from SuitSupply, Spier, and Mackay.
7. SOCKS
Choose shoe insoles or socks that won't show while it's warm outside. Our best choices are displayed above.
Inserts from Zederna and HappyStep, as well as the no-show socks from Uniqlo, may be purchased here.
8. UNDERSHIRTS
The best undershirts are the ones no one really notices you're wearing.
Choose V-necked, light grey shirts made of cotton or a cotton blend (often synthetic, like the one on the right) for the job. This cut is great for layering beneath sheer or sheerer tops, as it won't show through like a white undershirt would.
Two of our top picks are these.
The Uniqlo Airism RibbedTee Retro Fit Tri-Blend is available for purchase here.
9. SUNGLASSES
We are now entering the realm of men's summer accessories. The last 10 percent makes all the difference. If you already have a pair of black or brown tortoise shell frames, this summer, try something bright and cheerful.
Chimi Sunglasses, Reflective Ray-Ban Clubmasters, and More Are Available Here.
10. HATS
If you're going somewhere warm this summer, pack a straw fedora. If you shop about, you can find options that are both fashionable and functional (sun protection and portability, respectively).
You don't like wearing straw hats, do you? On days when you just want to kick back and relax, a classic dad cap will do the trick. In 1996, we made a wise investment in a cap from Ralph Lauren's Polo Sport collection. The khaki Aimé Leon Dore NY cap is another fan favorite (unfortunately, it has already sold out, but similar variations are still available). Regularly, I reach for these two.
Packable Fedoras by Goorin Bros., Available Here
11. BELTS
You can never go wrong with a dark brown leather belt because it goes with any color of shoe. On the other hand, there are instances when you just want to break the rules, especially in the summer when you want to wear brighter colors.
Choose one of these braided, webbed belts to spruce up your summer wardrobe.
We Carry: Todd Snyder, Anson, and More
12. STRAPS OF NATO
Swapping up your watch's OEM band for a NATO strap is a simple way to inject some much-needed color into your ensemble without going overboard with bold prints.
Barton Watch Bands are our top pick and can be purchased here. Amazon also provides access to other vendors, such as BluShark and ClockworkSynergy.
PREPPING YOUR FASHIONABLE SUMMER OUTFITS
My best advice for putting together stunning summer outfits every day can be summed up in three words: Fear Not.
The uneasiness and worry is palpable in every man who asks me for advice on how to put together various clothing combinations, as if choosing the "incorrect" match will have catastrophic effects like setting off an explosive device or something equally horrible.
The most common inquiries are variations on "Can I match A with Z?" and "How do I pair item X with item Y?"
To answer question 1, put on X before Y.
The answer to question 2 is an emphatic yes.
You can't go wrong with a wardrobe full of neutral tones accented by a few bold, bright colors, or with a few interesting patterns paired with an otherwise monochromatic ensemble.
I don't mean to sound harsh, but getting dressed up really should be fun. Who cares if you make a less-than-perfect outfit and realize it hours later? Clothing, after all. Have fun trying out new looks for men this summer, and then get back to work.
Also, a long-sleeved linen or OCBD shirt is very acceptable to pair with shorts. If you're too hot, just roll up your sleeves. Relax; the summer season has arrived.
FASHION GUIDE FOR MEN THIS SUMMER
However, because I care about you, I have put together some sample outfits using the pieces I suggested for your summer capsule wardrobe.
First Ensemble: Calm and Elegant
Taking "dressed up" in this way is a great way to be casual. Khaki chinos, a light blue linen shirt, and brown drivers make for a great separates ensemble. A splash of color comes from the colors and a webbed belt of various brown hues.
To complete your look for a more refined event (dinner at a fancy restaurant, drinks at a hip lounge), all you need is a blue sport coat.
Group Two: Hanging Out by the Pool
This outfit makes me think of a night out in Miami; I could totally see myself wearing it to enjoy the best happy hour in Miami Beach at Cecconi's with some friends.
Take note of how the chinos are the sole bold splash of color (not including the sunglasses, which are fine) in an otherwise muted and neutral ensemble.
Third Ensemble: Sleek and Short
Dressy shorts are possible! Wear a white linen shirt, white sneakers, and a tan fedora with a dark pair of linen or cotton pants. Sunglasses are not required, however you probably will bring them with you everywhere this summer.
Group 4: Realistic and Understood
This outfit is ideal if you prefer low-key, functional styles. Dressed casually in faded blue chinos, a grey slub cotton polo, and brown loafers. The wonderful belt and sunglasses add a pop of color to an otherwise understated suit.
COOKOUT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
This is just one example of how you may dress up a pair of colorful chinos. Think of them as regular khakis or navys, but tone down and neutralize the rest of your outfit. It's quite fine if your colorful shades draw attention to the rest of your outfit; I prefer donning them myself.
SUMMER MEN'S FASHION = Effortless Airiness Polishedness
You are now fully equipped to rock the summer season's hottest trends.
You are now well-versed in the materials, colors, and cuts that will serve you well during the warmer months. In addition, you get access to several outfit suggestions and ideas on how to put them together.
No matter the weather, looking your best is simple. Keeping your cool and your style intact is as easy as giving some thought to the clothes you wear and the fabrics you choose.
