Summer Style for Men That Keeps You Cool

With the sun up and bright, the last things anyone wants to wear are long sleeves and sweatpants. However, the good news is that there are options to attain the ultimate summer style for men without having to sacrifice comfort and cool.

Male Summer Outfits to Take Inspiration From

Whether you’re heading on vacation, getting to work or meeting someone new, you can create male summer outfits that will make you seem utterly fashionable. And if you’re one of the 31% of men who only shop for clothes at least once every two to three months, consider this a sign to update your wardrobe with staple pieces. 

1. The Beach-Ready Look

Rock the beach with a Hawaiian floral shirt front and center, or just about any tropical button-down you can find. You can keep the buttons open and reveal as much chest as you’re comfortable, or wear a tank top underneath for some coverage.  

For the bottom, swim trunks are ideal when heading into the ocean. Otherwise, any pair of running shorts will do. Crocs are going to be the cherry on top when you don’t want to get sand on your feet. Plus, they are featured in various patterns and lauded for comfort. 

2. Mr. Athleisure

Athleisure is like the unsung hero when looking for casual summer style for men. It’s the kind of fashion style that’s on the rise thanks to consumers’ desire for functionality and versatility. Wear it when you’re gearing up for working out or just if you want to feel cool during a leisurely walk. 

There are sets that offer a sleeveless shirt and shorts in one to show your arm and leg muscles. If you want to get creative with it, buy different colors and swap the tops with the bottoms for variety. Wear them all with a reliable pair of running shoes

3. Summer Streetwear

For a more laid-back summer style for men, get in on the streetwear. It draws inspiration from hip-hop and punk style, and while many may remember iconic pieces like oversized sweaters or jackets, even a simple graphic tee and some confidence is enough. 

Pair the top with colored shirts to help tie the whole look together. Some loose-fitting jeans can complement the style if you want to look more put-together. Aim to get thinner denim fabric so it’s still light and cool for the season. 

4. The Golf Club Fit

Looking like old money in the summer means you’re about to head into a premium golf club. Make sure you pick a premium and well-fitting polo shirt to engage in outdoor activities well while presenting prim and proper.

While some men like to wear this top with slacks, it is understandable to swap those bottoms out for shorts instead. Just ensure you have clean white running shoes and a good cap to complete the look.

5. Smart Casual Wear

Working men should still look like they mean business even when it’s hot. Try a lightweight blazer with a cotton t-shirt underneath. If you can stand the temperatures, level up the outfit with a classic white button-down. 

Find well-fitting linen pants after. It’s sleek yet breathable, so you won’t feel like your lower limbs are burning even on the way to work. Plus, they’re a good option to repeat for multiple workdays across the season. Complete the look with loafers and your choice of accessories. 

6. Date-Ready Drip

The summer season doesn’t mean stopping meeting up with prospects or seeing your special someone. Luckily, you can still dress to impress with a gray tee—just remember to fold the sleeves a bit to show off a few more muscles. 

Get a pair of chinos to go with the outfit. These cotton pants are lightweight while making you look pretty stylish. Pair them all with your favorite sneakers. If you’re heading out during the day and looking for extra flair, a pair of aviators should do the trick. 

Tips to Nail the Summer Style for Men

Now that you have the template for what you can do, it’s time to talk about how to expand your closet and create your own style based on these aesthetics. Follow these tips. 

1. Look for Breathable Fabrics

Summer means prioritizing lighter materials that help your skin breathe. Linen, cotton, and other kinds of fabric are ideal since they allow air flow rather than restrict it. You can still opt for other thicker forms of clothing, especially if they’re in your usual style. However, it helps to get one size higher for a looser and breathable fit. 

2. Remember to Accessorize

One thing you’ll notice about the summer style for men is how simple every outfit seems to be. Take it up a notch by bringing along the right accessories, whether that’s your favorite watch, a good leather belt and the like. And extra tip— if you’re bringing along sunglasses, just remember to remove them when indoors. You’ll get a few looks from strangers if you don’t.  

3. Mix and Match Colors

Get tops and bottoms of different colors so that you have a good selection of hues to mix and match together. While light-colored clothes are recommended to reflect solar heat away, looseness and airflow matter more. Thus, you can still lean into the more muted or darker colors if that’s what you feel comfortable with. 

4. Pay Attention to the Details

Building up summer confidence is more than just getting fit. Cutting your hair and trimming your beard also helps you look and feel cool. You want to apply some sunscreen too— only 8.2% of men 18 to 29 years old always use it for some reason. While the figure increases for those older, it’s best not to take your chances and simply get the sun protection early.  

Ready Your Summer Get-Up

Nailing the summer style for men, no matter your aesthetic, is a must to look calm and collected amidst the heat. Choose what kind of fashion speaks to you in terms of appearance and overall comfort. And, of course, remember to wear them with confidence.