Ultimate men's summer outfit ideas

a model lying down in the sea with a stripy shirt on
Emma Ledger,-Contributing Editor

Which clothes are best for summer? Here’s everything you need for a wardrobe refresh to beat the heat in style

Warmer weather means your clothes need to work harder for you. Not only do you want to look stylish, but you also need to be able to handle a heatwave. Thankfully, the best men's summer outfits effortlessly do both, which means you’re sartorially sorted whether your summer says beach, barbecue or boardroom. And we’ve not forgotten the footwear; remember to complete your look with the best men’s summer shoe styles, too. Let’s dive in…

The short-sleeved shirt

a model holding onto a rope with blue sky behind him, wearing a two piece shirt and shorts combo

Seriously versatile and forever fashionable, short-sleeved shirts can cover beach, bar and dinner dress codes. Wear unbuttoned over a plain T-shirt and pair with shorts or jeans. On warmer days (and nights) reach for linen or cotton blends to ensure you keep your cool.

The shorts

a model leaning against a wall in the sun wearing shorts and a shirt

Give your jeans a rest and free your legs with chino shorts. Neutrals – navy, grey, khaki or dusty pink – go with everything, whether you’re on holiday or commuting to the city. Finish off with espadrilles or deck shoes for cool comfort.

The graphic tee

a model wearing a smily face All Saints T-Shirt

If you can’t have fun with your clothes in summer then when can you? Make a statement with a graphic tee; team cheeky slogans, indie or rave-culture-inspired designs, with your neutral chino shorts or favourite denims.

The light cover up

a model wearing a light beige jacket with a yellow flag and the sunset behind him

When the sun dips down on a summer’s night, you can often feel a chill in the air. Invest in a lightweight jacket, thick shirt or fine knit that you can sling in your bag. Perfect for layering over just about anything, look for designs made of natural, breathable fabric.

The bold pattern

a model wearing a bold shirt with a brown suit jacket on walking down some white steps

Sure, you’ve got some striped tops, but in the warmer weather you can have fun with bolder prints or colour: think, a vibrant patterned polo or a fruit-printed shirt. Balance by teaming with plain-coloured separates.

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