Summer is the season for kicking back at the beach, partying by the pool, making memories at barbeques, and much more. However, the sunny season also brings about a timeless dilemma: how do men style polished outfits that won’t induce heat strokes?
If you pay close attention to your surroundings, you may notice that most men have not discovered the answer to this question. Fortunately, there are a few simple do’s and don’t’s to survive summer heatwaves while looking and feeling cool.
Do Stock Your Closet With T-Shirts
T-shirts are your saving grace in hot weather because they’re lightweight, timeless, and can be easily dressed up or down. T-shirts that are great for casual everyday wear include:
- Stripes
- Baseball Tees
- Solid light colors
Toss out T-shirts with giant logos on them—you are not a walking advertisement for corporations. Instead, you should focus on cultivating a style that advertises your character. Vintage pieces are the exception.
Pairing your tees with chinos or jeans will elevate your aesthetic from low effort to effortlessly sleek. A stylish pair of joggers can also offer a laidback yet sophisticated look.
Do Be Careful With Colors
Avoid dark colors. Dark colors absorb heat so you’ll be hotter wearing them. They also clash with the happy-go-lucky ambiance of summer. Light colors are more fitting for the season, but you should be wary of colors that accentuate sweat patches. The most common culprit is light gray, but sweat patches can appear on colored clothing, too. When in doubt stick to classic and clean white pieces.
Colors can influence the casualness of an outfit. For example, light blue jeans tone an outfit down for laidback daytime activities, while dark wash jeans can make a look more formal for business casual events or nights out. This ties in with the next tip: knowing what you’re dressing for.
Do Dress for the Occasion
This tip holds true all year round. Although it seems like an obvious piece of advice, it’s not always easy to interpret what attire is expected for different events. if you’re unsure of the dress code, always lean towards the dressier side to make the best impression.
- Parties—Show off your personality with a quirky Hawaiian shirt. A bold statement pattern makes you stand out from any crowd, conveys total confidence, and is a fantastic conversation starter.
- Business Settings—It may be tempting to show more skin than usual on a hot summer day, but play it safe by dressing modestly in the office. You can keep cool with light-colored button downs and polos in breathable fabrics like linen or cotton.
- Day-to-Night—If you’re planning for a full day out of the house, you should incorporate layers into your outfit. You can check the weather to see the hourly forecast, but it’s almost guaranteed to cool down by nightfall. Invest in a light jacket that you can carry around during the day and throw on once the temperatures start to drop; consider getting a bomber, jean jacket, or cardigan.
Don’t Forget About Fit
Overly baggy clothes are best left in the 70s. On the other hand, tight clothes can be suffocating in the summer. How do you strike a balance?
- Opt for boxy tops that won’t immediately stick to your skin at the slightest sign of sweat.
- Find shorts that hit slightly above the kneecap and leave a bit of space at the leg openings.
- Have your local tailor alter your summer clothes so they fit to perfection.
Don’t Snub Simplicity
Unlike fall and winter fashion, which require lots of layering and accessories, summer fashion can be minimal. Sure, there are bright colors and funky patterns to choose from, but you don’t have to incorporate the summer spirit into every outfit. You can still stand out in monochrome or neutrals, with your only accessory being a pair of chic shades.

Do Make the Most of Your Summer
No matter where you are this summer, remember you don’t need to sacrifice fashion for comfort. With the right pieces and fashion sense, you can suit up in style without succumbing to the sun. So go out, express your dapper self, and have a great summer!