Getting dressed on a humid August day isn’t especially fun—or, uh, dry. But if you lock in the best summer clothes for men ahead of time, you might just make it through the swelter with the enviable confidence of a toddler trying his first jalapeño.
Is there some truth to the idea that summer is the worst season to dress for? Sure. Aside from feeling perpetually sticky and gross, looking stylish with less clothing is definitely a headache. Don’t sweat it, though—we put our inveterate shopping habits to good use and compiled a handy-dandy guide to the wardrobe essentials you’ll actually need as the mercury skyrockets.
From splashy swim trunks to scintillating scents, billowy button-ups to beach-ready bags, all the summer clothes for men a single, cramped closet can fit are immediately below—culled from a who’s who of GQ-favorite brands, indie darlings, and no shortage of affordable stalwarts to save you some scratch before that trip to Capri. Here’s how to up the fashion quotient during the swampiest months of the year.
For more warm-weather style intel, check out the GQ Summer Shop.
The Summer Menswear Hit List
- The Plain White Tee: Lady White Co. Our T-Shirt (2-Pack), $110
- The Sunscreen Upgrade: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF40, $38
- The Double-Duty Swim Trunks: Bather Steel Disco Sun Swim Trunk, $100
- The Throwback Sneakers: Buck Mason Deck Shoe, $158
- The Star-Making Sunglasses: Warby Parker Lattrell Sunglasses, $95
- The Strappy Sandals: Vinny’s Fisherman Sandals, $320
- The Dad-Approved Dad Hat: J.Crew Washed Canvas Baseball Cap,
$40$28 - The Fresh Fragrance: Tom Ford Beau de Jour Fragrance, $235
- The Rumpled Button-Up: Alex Mill Mill Shirt, $165
- The Upper-Body-Positive Tank: Abercrombie & Fitch Ribbed Tank Top, $19
The Dad-Approved Dad Hat
Honestly, any light hat will do. But the most bang for your buck is probably a washed-out baseball hat, logo or not. Treat it like a pair of canvas sneakers, too. Wear it hard, let it fade, let the sweat give it character, and watch it slowly shred by the end of summer.
The Rumpled Button-Up
As tempting as it is to bum around in a tee in the dead heat of summer, just know you’d be leaving a lot of swag on the table. Button-up shirts are a hell of a lot breezier, more versatile, and sexier, especially when with a few buttons undone and blithely rumpled.
The Trusty Plain Tank
Don’t let us stop you from rocking your camp collars sans undershirts. But be sure to keep a stack of reliable plain tanks on deck for a little respectfully slutty layering. Rock it with a loud printed button-up or go solo with nothing but your biceps, clavicles, and icy jewelry to hold you down.
The Double-Duty Swim Trunks
Swim trunks aren’t just for swimming. Trot them out onto dry land like any other pair of shorts and you’ll add even more drip to your roster.
The Face-Framing Shades
The sun is out. It’s bright. Squinting is not cute. What else is there to say?
The Simple Canvas Sneakers
It’s healthy to have hobbies so consider lacing up a pair of clean canvas sneakers your fun summer project and wear them into the ground. The only question left is: socks or no socks?
The Rock-Solid Polo
We know that we went a little hard on the off-beat polos in recent years. Though we do still think they can be a stylish move, sometimes a regular ol’ pique polo in a solid colorway is really all you need. It’s understated, chill, and always a stylish.
The Cool, Classic Chinos
For the thigh-shy and never-shorts among us, a light pair of voluminous chinos is the only correct answer when it comes to summer bottoms. Bonus points if they’re vintage.
The Farmers’ Market Bag
One of the many joys of summer is all the fresh produce. What better way to spend a Sunday morning perusing through the spoils of your local farmer’s market? For that, a big-ass bag is in order. At least, that’s the excuse we give to yourselves just to have a sick bag on our person to really complete our warm-weather outfits.
The Flip-Flops That Don’t Flip Flop
Let the dogs out. Flip flops are no longer limited to the beach or pool and should be worn with your everyday summer fits. Try ‘em with some baggy, breezy pull-on pants cut with a healthy break. Or harp on their SoCal feel with cargo shorts and a graphic tee. The only thing we ask? Get a pedicure.
The Summerweight Suit
Like it or not, you’ll likely have to attend a summer wedding. Use it as an opportunity to snag a breezy suit that you can separate and incorporate into your steady rotation of warm-weather fits. But of course, don’t wait for your friends to get hitched to snap up some sartorial style points.
The Beach-Ready Watch
Summer is all about taking it easy and though we treasure our rare timepieces, we’d rather not be precious about it, not when all the summer activities are calling. So walk out the door with a watch you can knock around and live your best summer.
The Fresh Fragrance
Maybe the most powerful thing you can wear is something you can’t even see—fragrance. And wearing the same spicy cologne you rocked through winter is kind of like wearing Ugg boots in summer. Instead, spritz on something light, airy, and fresh for the warmer months.
The Land-Lubbin’ Boat Shoes
Loafers will always be on our list, but if you want to lean into the summery angle, we’d suggest slipping your dogs into a pair of boat shoes. The nautical kicks are a little more interesting than a pair penny loafers and the soft, supple, crushable leather gives your outfits a more relaxed, lounge-y feel that’s more befitting of the lazy summer energy.
The Bolder, Brasher Belt
A good belt can elevate any outfit, especially in summer when you’re wearing less. So make the most of it and get yourself a belt that can make a statement, big or small.
The Dressy Shorts
Not every pair of shorts needs to have an elastic waist, you know. And as pulverizing as the heat can be, a pair of dressier shorts can help pick you up off the floor. Sync it up with a billowy shirt and loafers, or contrast it with a ribbed tank and offbeat sandals. Or not. Do what you want!
The Ice-Cold Accessories
The blistering heat means the clavicles will be on full display for the foreseeable future. Keep cool and adorn them with a fresh chain or two. While you’re at it, treat your wrist with an icy bracelet and your fingers with some badass rings.
