Warm weather is where a lot of men give up on style. The suit goes in the wardrobe and out come the faded logo t-shirt, cargo shorts and flip-flops. It doesn't have to be that way. With the right fabrics and a few simple rules you can stay cool and still look like you made an effort.
Spring: the transition season
Spring is unpredictable: cold mornings, warm afternoons and sudden rain. The key is light layers. Swap heavy winter knits for fine merino and cotton sweaters, replace the wool overcoat with a trench coat, mac or light field jacket, and bring out lighter colours.
- Outerwear: trench coat, cotton mac, unlined suede jacket, denim jacket, harrington.
- Tops: oxford shirts, cotton crew-necks, lightweight overshirts, polo shirts.
- Trousers: stone and olive chinos, lighter-wash jeans, cotton or light wool trousers.
- Shoes: suede loafers, desert boots, white sneakers, brown derbies.
Light blue oxford + navy crew-neck sweater + stone chinos + brown suede loafers + trench coat. It's comfortable from 8 to 20°C (46–68°F) and looks right almost anywhere.
Summer fabrics that keep you cool
In summer the fabric matters more than the cut. Natural, breathable fibres with an open weave let air in and sweat out.
| Fabric | Why it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | Extremely breathable, dries fast; wrinkles are part of its charm | Shirts, trousers, unstructured suits |
| Seersucker | Puckered weave keeps fabric away from the skin | Shirts, summer suits, shorts |
| Cotton poplin / voile | Light, crisp, smooth | Dress shirts |
| Fresco / tropical wool | Open-weave wool; breathes well and resists creasing | Summer suits and trousers for work |
| Cotton piqué / knit | Textured and airy | Polos |
| Chambray | Looks like denim, feels like light cotton | Casual shirts |
Avoid heavy polyester, thick denim and anything tight. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and show sweat.
Summer colours
Light colours reflect heat and suit bright light. Build summer outfits around white, cream, sand, stone, light blue, light grey and soft pastels such as sage and pale pink. Navy stays useful all year: a navy linen shirt with white trousers is a classic Mediterranean combination.
Five summer outfits that always work
- Riviera: white linen shirt (sleeves rolled), beige linen trousers, suede loafers without socks.
- Weekend casual: navy polo, stone chino shorts, white leather sneakers.
- Summer office: light blue poplin shirt, light grey fresco trousers, brown loafers, no tie.
- Evening dinner: camp-collar short-sleeve shirt in a subtle print, cream trousers, leather sandals or loafers.
- Summer wedding: light grey or tan linen-blend suit, white shirt, light tie, brown shoes. See our wedding guest guide.
The rules of shorts
Shorts are fine for casual summer wear, but a few rules separate grown-up shorts from gym kit:
- Length: the hem should sit a few centimetres above the knee. Around a 5–7 inch inseam suits most men.
- Cut: tailored chino shorts, not baggy cargo shorts.
- Shoes: clean sneakers, loafers, boat shoes, espadrilles or leather sandals.
- Socks: no-show socks, or none. Never mid-calf socks with shorts, unless it's a deliberate streetwear look. More in our socks for every outfit guide.
Staying fresh in a heatwave
- Choose looser fits. Air circulation cools you better than bare skin.
- Wear a thin cotton undershirt under dress shirts to absorb sweat, and choose a skin-toned one, not white.
- Carry a linen or cotton handkerchief.
- Rotate shoes so they can dry out fully between wears.
- Choose unstructured, unlined jackets if you need to wear one.
Summer shoes
This is when loafers come into their own. Penny loafers in suede or leather, worn with no-show socks, look relaxed and elegant. Espadrilles and boat shoes are great for holidays, and minimal white leather sneakers go with almost everything. Leave heavy boots and black oxfords for autumn.
When the temperature starts to drop, continue with our autumn layering guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should men wear in very hot weather?
Loose-fitting linen, seersucker or light cotton in light colours, with breathable shoes such as loafers or canvas sneakers and no-show socks.
How long should men's shorts be?
Most men look best in shorts that end a few centimetres above the knee, usually a 5–7 inch inseam.
Can you wear linen to the office?
Yes, in many offices. Linen-blend trousers and shirts in neutral colours look smart. Choose a linen blend if you want fewer wrinkles.
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