What to Wear This Summer

Men's summer dressing fails in predictable ways: heavy denim in humidity, synthetic polos that trap heat, dark layers worn out of habit. The fix is lighter cloth, looser cuts and one layer you can actually remove.

The five looks below cover holiday defaults, terrace evenings, urban walking days, cargo shorts in the sun and the hottest afternoons — each with breathable fabric and footwear matched to the setting.

1. Beach shirt and drawstring shorts

The holiday default. An off-white textured camp shirt worn open over bare skin or a thin tee, with tan drawstring shorts, sunglasses tucked in the collar and a canvas tote.

Shirt

Off-white textured camp shirt, worn open

Shorts

Tan drawstring shorts, knee length

Extras

Canvas tote, sunglasses in collar

Why it works — Camp collars and drawstring waists are built for heat. Natural tones reflect sunlight; open buttons move air across the chest.

2. Open plaid shirt and straight jeans

Evenings on a balcony or terrace when the sun drops but the air stays warm. A navy plaid shirt worn open over a white ribbed tank, medium-wash straight jeans and light grey sneakers.

Layer

Navy plaid shirt, worn open, sleeves pushed up

Base

White ribbed tank, tucked

Denim

Medium-wash straight jeans

Shoes

Light grey sneakers

Why it works — An open shirt gives you something to remove if it warms up again. A tank underneath is cooler than a full button-down worn closed.

3. Graphic tee and cargo trousers

Urban summer days when you are walking more than sitting. A white graphic tee, grey cargo trousers with a relaxed leg and tan high-top sneakers, plus a crossbody bag for hands-free commuting.

Top

White graphic tee

Trousers

Grey relaxed cargo trousers

Shoes

Tan high-top canvas sneakers

Bag

Black crossbody messenger

Why it works — Cargo pockets remove the need for a jacket to carry essentials. A relaxed leg moves better than skinny denim in humidity.

4. Tank and athletic shorts

The hottest days — gym, park, errands in direct sun. A grey jersey tank, black athletic shorts, white socks and chunky trainers. Carry a hoodie for air-conditioned interiors.

Top

Grey sleeveless jersey tank

Shorts

Black athletic shorts

Shoes

Chunky grey and white trainers

Optional

Light grey hoodie for indoors

Why it works — Minimal coverage in breathable cotton jersey is the practical end of summer dressing. Keep the palette neutral so it still reads intentional.

5. Tee, cargo shorts and white sneakers

Street days in direct sun. An oversized cream tee, olive cargo shorts with side pockets, white crew socks and white athletic sneakers. A black crossbody bag, cap and headphones for the commute.

Top

Oversized cream graphic tee

Shorts

Olive cargo shorts, knee length

Shoes

White athletic sneakers with white socks

Extras

Black crossbody bag, cap and headphones

Why it works — Cargo shorts replace trousers when the temperature climbs — pockets hold phone and wallet without a bag if you skip the crossbody. White sneakers keep the look clean against olive green.

Three rules that cover most of summer

• Choose linen, cotton or lightweight blends — open-weave camp shirts and drawstring shorts exist for a reason.
• Favour sand, white and light denim over black head to toe unless the event demands it.
• One layer you can remove beats one layer you cannot — open shirts and camp collars do the same job.