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Like any season, summer brings with it a new set of menswear challenges. Most frequently, it’s when you get caught in the unconsidered T-shirt-and-shorts trap: a one-way ticket to looking like Gavin from Gavin and Stacey at an all-inclusive in Tenerife.
And dressing stylishly in the heat is difficult – how can you look sharp when all you want to wear are pool clothes? Luckily, there’s plenty of inspiration to draw on – Harry Styles gliding through his Dance No More video, for example, while recent menswear shows were packed with useful style hacks. There’s also the “whimsymaxxing” mood all over our feeds (more on this later), as well as perennially stylish on-screen reference points such as Cruel Intentions or Seinfeld: consider them your style manuals for summer.
As a stylist and menswear editor, I spend an unhealthy amount of time thinking about exactly this – so I’ve pulled together 50 tips, covering fashion, grooming and lifestyle, to get you through summer 2026 with style – and hopefully no sunburn.
How to dress in summer
Summer is when your wardrobe should feel carefree. Think looser, think lighter: a breezy linen shirt or relaxed tailored trousers. Keep colour mostly neutral – lean on white, navy, lighter blues and beige – with the odd bright thrown in (retro sneakers or a baseball cap do the job nicely).
Some scenarios are trickier than others – what do you wear to work when the daily commute feels like a sauna? (And yes, we will address whether shorts are acceptable for the office.) Then there’s your holiday wardrobe (always take a cashmere knit for the alfresco evenings) or a summer wedding (accessories make all the difference).
All 50 style tips (with one exception – but trust me, it’s worth it) will set you back £100 or less. Most are much less, and a few are even free.
The best men’s wardrobe updates for summer
Refresh your white T-shirt
A solid white T-shirt is a summer essential – not the misshapen one lurking at the bottom of your drawer with stains from last year’s barbecue.
First, it should fit properly. That means it should feel relaxed rather than tight – a boxier shape adds a contemporary touch. Ideally, it should frame your top half neatly without needing to tuck it in. Fabric matters too – avoid synthetics, and instead opt for good-quality cotton (Supima is a reliable benchmark) that feels soft without being overly processed. And go for a collar that feels substantial (at least 1cm across). For inspiration, look to the OG white-tee poster boys: Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen and James Dean. I suspect Dean would approve of this Autograph version (and it’s Supima, too, so it gets extra points).
Autograph pure Supima T-shirt
Even shorter shorts
Shorts, unsurprisingly, are a menswear staple this summer. Seriously high hemlines were trending on the runway – Prada basically showed boxer briefs as outerwear – but I’d suggest opting for the Saint Laurent, Dries van Noten or Acne Studios mid-thigh length. Sure, they’re still high, but not so high you’ll be arrested for public indecency. And they’ve had the nod of approval from Harry Styles: see the red sporty pair he wears in the video for Dance No More.
Adidas Sprinter shorts
Short shorts are a hard no for work, of course – unless you want an accidental Basic Instinct moment (and a P45 in the post). But for many workplaces with more relaxed dress codes, a smarter, more classic take is acceptable. Follow Tyler, the Creator’s lead with a tailored pair that sits just above the knee.
Service Works Part Timer shorts
Smart, leather flip-flops
After Jonathan Bailey’s polarising red-carpet flip-flop moment, designers turned to the thong sandal for this year’s spring/summer collections. The style was spotted at Dries van Noten, Prada and Yohji Yamamoto. Where last summer was all about Havaianas-style pairs, this year it’s about leather. Some are gladiator-style, others are sculpted, but they’ll all look great with a pair of tailored trousers come holiday season.
Autograph leather flip-flops
Swimming-pool blue
Think of the aqua-blue pool in David Hockney’s A Bigger Splash, and you’ve got the colour used in many spring/summer collections, from Prada to Dries van Noten. A top or trousers might feel a bit much, so dip your toe in – literally – with a pair of socks. Best worn as a bright pop of colour with loafers and trousers.
Pairs merino socks in strong blue
Get ready for blokecore 2.0
It’s time to follow Andy Burnham’s lead and dig out your retro football tops: the 2026 Fifa World Cup means blokecore 2.0 is well and truly on the way. If you want something new, you could look at one of the latest fashion-footie collabs. My favourite is this Walk in Paris capsule created with Paris Saint-Germain. Balance the sporty energy with tailored trousers for a fashion-forward twist (just don’t try wearing it in the vicinity of north London this weekend).
Paris Saint-Germain & Walk in Paris T-shirt
Try whimsymaxxing
The new menswear mood? Whimsymaxxing. After years of quiet luxury, guys are finally having fun with fashion again: think Harry Styles carrying a leopard-print shoulder bag, Jacob Elordi wearing ballet flats, Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie in a cocktail watch. The easiest way to start is with accessories – a neckerchief, dainty watch or even a bright pair of socks – but if you want to get fully onboard, you could try some sneakerinas (a ballet flat-sneaker hybrid, such as the Adidas Y-3 Tokyo) or anything from Sister Jane’s romantic menswear collection.
Sister Jane drew bow shirt
Get yourself a ‘does-it-all’ T-shirt
I’ve already mentioned the classic white tee, but the “does it all” T-shirt is something else entirely. It’s the kind of top that looks great in almost every situation. Dress it up with tailored trousers. Dress it down with jeans. Wear it to the airport, to the office, on holiday. The key is that it needs to feel considered, whether that’s through fit (boxy, structured), a print, or the finer details (a split hem, contrast trim or embroidery). Choose right, and this will work harder than nearly everything else in your wardrobe.
Demôssa Tina Brown red T-shirt
Thames venn T-shirt
Try a vintage Harrington
I recently picked up a vintage Ralph Lauren Harrington jacket at Portobello Road market, and it’s fast becoming my go-to as the weather picks up. It works for anything in the diary, especially because it’s a neutral beige. If you can’t make it to a market, there are loads of preloved retailers you could try online, from Vinted to eBay and Rokit.
Y2k Polo Ralph Lauren Harrington jacket
M&S, who?
You may have noticed a certain tote bag cropping up all over the place, originally a shopping bag from American grocery store Trader Joe’s (the Marks & Spencer food hall of the US). It’s become so popular that it’s ranked eighth in the most recent Lyst index (a quarterly ranking of the hottest fashion products in the world). If you’ve got a trip to the US booked, you can pick one up for $2.99. Otherwise, Amazon has you covered – but it’s just a little pricier at £24.99.
Trader Joe’s shopping bag
The only hat you’ll ever need
There’s a reason Jeremy Allen White is nearly always wearing a baseball cap when he’s spotted out and about in LA (usually with a bunch of flowers in hand): most of the year it’s sunny there. British summer may be less reliable, but it still calls for the same accessory most of the time. It protects your face from UV rays and stops you from squinting. Plus, it looks cool – even when your hair’s not playing ball.
Carhartt WIP canvas cap
Gant Shield sunfaded cap
Jorts aren’t jort-ing
According to the menswear pros on TikTok (such as @momowearsclothes and @bailey.ramsden), the 2025 jorts hype is over. The same oversize look has stuck, but it’s been reimagined in tailored, woollen and sporty versions. Loafers can dress them up, while retro sneakers keep them casual.
Weekday suiting shorts
A big, bold Oxford shirt
An Oxford shirt is a year-round staple, but summer is when you can amp it up. It could be a brighter colour – red, yellow, mid-blue or green – or a bigger fit a la Oliver’s oversize shirt in Call Me By Your Name. There are loads on Vinted – limit your search to brands such as Ralph Lauren or Gant to ensure top quality.
Preloved Gant Oxford shirt
Cos Cotton Oxford shirt
Your secret style weapon
Cruel Intentions is a cheat code for cool-guy summer dressing. Louche silky shirts. Understated black sunglasses. Sharp tailoring with T-shirts and preppy cricket jumpers. It’s as if Prada raided an Ivy League lost property box at the end of term – in a very good way.
It’s time for tennis
The tennis trend is still going strong – just look at Vanity Fair’s Carlos Alcaraz cover – and it’s likely to carry through summer 2026, with Wimbledon and the US Open still to come. Make subtle nods to the sport – a classic Lacoste polo shirt or some Superga pumps – which you can easily work into your wardrobe without looking like you’re cosplaying Björn Borg.
Lacoste classic-fit polo shirt
Superga 2750 Cotu classic
Take care of your lips
UV exposure, hot weather and dehydration can affect your lips in the summer, so it’s always good to have an SPF lip balm to hand. Aesop’s is costly at £17, but it’s formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E and botanical oils, and it’s a twist tube, which typically lasts longer than one you have to squeeze.
Aesop Protective lip balm SPF30
Try an SPF stick
An SPF stick is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups to your face and neck. Though not a replacement for facial sunscreen, it’s a useful add-on. Horace’s has a waxy texture, which is water- and sweat-resistant – great for outdoor activities – and it’s pocket-sized.
Horace sunscreen stick SPF50+
Travel in 90s style
The ability to store everything you need for a weekend away in a relatively small holdall is a chic talent I’ve still not mastered. If you can, though, go for a simple duffle and carry it 90s airport style – like an off-duty celeb en route to their next sojourn.
Herschel novel duffle 43L
Stubble & Co gym duffel 25L
The Vinted challenge
The Vinted challenge is a game I like to play at least once a month. I think about whatever’s on my fashion wishlist and make myself find it on Vinted for a set budget rather than buying it new – about £20 for shoes, £10 for shirts and T-shirts. It stops me from spending as much, it’s better for the environment, and there’s nothing like the thrill of finding a good deal. If you’re new to it, you’ll find some good tips in my guide to secondhand shopping.
A fabric made for summer
Linen is laid-back, lightweight, breathable and naturally antibacterial, so it’s a great choice if you’re prone to sweating in the heat. You could go for a shirt or trousers – either way, I’d suggest choosing 100% linen on the high street. It’s the best value you’ll find – pure linen is pure linen, after all.
Zara 100% linen shirt
Dig out your iPod
People are digging out their old iPods from the noughties as a retro way to disconnect: you can listen to music without the distraction of social media and WhatsApp notifications buzzing every two seconds. And if you were smart enough to keep yours in a drawer somewhere (hopefully with the wired headphones that are also trending), it won’t cost you a penny.
Apple Shuffle 4th Generation
For more, read our guide to the best MP3 players
Not really makeup
Short for “blemish balm cream”, BB cream is a kind of skincare-makeup hybrid that offers light coverage, evening out your complexion while delivering goodness at the same time – some even have SPF, too. Korean brands, which are particularly strong at that exact crossover, are the ones to try. Swatch a few on your jawline in natural lighting to make sure you’re getting the right shade.
Erborian BB Crème SPF20, 15ml
Go with the trousers flow
When you’re hot, the last thing you want is clingy clothes, so summer is the time for wide, billowy trousers. And you’ll be joining a long list of A-listers who are already wearing them, including Bradley Cooper, Bad Bunny and Jeff Bridges.
People often mistakenly think a wide cut only looks good if you’re over 6ft, but it suits loads of body shapes – I’m 5ft 8in and wear them all the time. You just need to make sure they’re the right length. If you’re not standard fit (and hardly anyone is), get them taken up at a local tailor or dry cleaner.
Topman wide-leg trousers
Your mood board is on Netflix
If you haven’t rewatched Seinfeld in a while, now’s the time: it’s crammed with style references you can use this summer: George’s high-waisted trousers; Kramer’s whimsical shirts; Jerry’s clean Nike sneakers, hoodies and light-wash jeans. What better excuse for a TV binge?
Loafers with a twist
I’m a big fan of classic penny loafers – I wear them almost every day – but this summer they’ve been given a revamp. On a ruched loafer, the leather on the toe box (the front of the shoe) is pinched to create a scrunched look. Patrick Dempsey is a fan of the look, as is Hudson Williams (also of Heated Rivalry). Grenson and NN07 have collaborated on a mule version, while GH Bass has teamed up with Aritzia for a women’s collection. The Saint Laurent Le Loafer is nearly always sold out, despite retailing at more than £800. Luckily, Zara has a nice, affordable alternative that may not be leather, but looks pretty decent for less than £50.
Zara penny loafers
A silver pinky ring
Signet rings have long been associated with men who wear rugby jerseys every day and (probably) have a trust fund – think One Day’s Dexter Mayhew – but they’re now an easy, entry-level jewellery choice for those without a family crest. Silver’s a good choice for summer because it offsets a tan nicely, and decently priced sterling designs mean you can get the real deal for less than £100.
Serge DeNimes signet ring
The naked phone case
Think the opposite of the dad-coded flip-cover that can hold all of your bank cards and receipts. The “naked” phone case protects all of the most fragile touchpoints and leaves everything else exposed – one for minimalists. A few brands do them, but try Arc for sizes to fit the latest Apple, Samsung, Nothing and Google models.
Arc naked phone case
Upgrade your wedding guest wardrobe
Chances are you already have a few suits in your wardrobe for wedding season (if you don’t, take a look at Percival for a great, reasonably priced selection). So focus on updating your accessories to give your existing collection a bit of new-season energy. A silk tie (charity shops are a great place to look), a new shirt (try blue or a stripe), cufflinks or bright socks are all simple tweaks that will make your suit feel brand new.
Hawes & Curtis orange tie
Moss striped cotton shirt
For more, read our guide to the best affordable men’s suits
Layer your fragrances
The idea of layering fragrances isn’t new – it’s long been marketed to women by the likes of Jo Malone London – but it’s now going mainstream for men. I’m not talking about the #smellmaxxers method of layering random perfumes by luxury brands such as Tom Ford, but instead about fragrances that are designed to work as a set, such as Le Père’s new miniatures fragrance set.
It means you can tailor your fragrance to the occasion – maybe you want something fresh and clean for work, but with a sexy, smoky twist in the evening. And since they’re intended for mixing, you won’t give everyone around you a headache.
Le Père Le Discovery set
Add white to your denim rotation
There are only a few months a year in which white denim is on the cards – so now’s your chance to switch up your blue and black rotation. Don’t go for bright white – the “Turkey teeth” of the denim world – but something more toned down, like an off-white or ecru. And avoid a Love Islander-coded skinny fit: a straight leg is what you’re aiming for. JFK Jr showed us how it was done back in the 90s, while Oscar Isaac offers a more modern take.
Levi’s 568 loose straight jeans
Manscaping season
It’s always important to take care of your body hair, but for obvious reasons, it becomes even more important when it’s hot. Go for a razor specifically designed for trimming intimate areas because it’s less likely you’ll incur nicks or cuts. Manscaped is my favourite brand for this – the Lawn Mower has all the mod-cons, from a torch to a lock function. To get it for £100, you’ll be enrolled in a blade refill subscription – but you can cancel at any time.
Manscaped body hair trimmer
Rock music sunglasses
Remember how country music took over 2024? Well, rock music is set for big things in 2026. Charli xcx’s Rock Music set the tone (the song ended up less rock, more hyperpop, but at least the video goes full throttle – smashed guitars etc) and with rumours of a rock-adjacent album from Beyoncé, it seems there’s a trend on the way. We’re predicting fashion will follow suit, especially for festival season. Statement sunglasses are a key part of the uniform, a la Jarvis Cocker or Kurt Cobain.
Meller Lira sunglasses
As easy as tying a knot
Neckerchiefs were trending for spring/summer 2026 at Ferragamo, Ami and Hermès. All you need is a piece of fabric – whether it’s cotton, linen or silk – which you fold into a thin strip, throw over your neck and tie in a simple knot at the front. Nothing neat or overworked. Just a small touch with a big impact.
Cool down, glow up
I’ve only just started using a face mist regularly, and finishing my routine with a refreshing, cooling spritz has become the step I look forward to most – it leaves a natural, dewy glow. I love the Gun Ana protective face mist, which hydrates and protects from pollution and blue light.
Gun Ana protective face mist
Swim shorts beyond the pool
This year, think of swim shorts as nice shorts that happen to get wet from time to time. The kind you could wear in the pool and on the beach, but also to a park, pub or festival. Simple black or navy always looks good, but this is also a nice opportunity to go for some colour. Either way, they should look premium so they hold their own against proper “going out” shorts. CDLP’s are some of the best, but they’re a little pricey at £120. Arket’s are a smart, affordable alternative.
Arket swim shorts
Seasonal reading
I’ve already mentioned Oxford shirts – but that’s not the only inspiration you can pull from André Aciman’s Call Me By Your Name. It’s set in a villa in northern Italy and reads as a blueprint for the perfect summer, with long lunches, classical music (Elio’s favourite) and lazy evenings. A stylish poolside read for your next trip.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
The white shirt trick
One of the oldest tricks in the book when you’re travelling abroad is to always take a white shirt with you and save it for the final night; even if you’ve developed only the slightest holiday glow, you’re guaranteed a compliment (or two). If you don’t have a white shirt that suits, Gant always has a few to choose from – but they’re usually over the £100 mark – so Mango’s a good high-street swap. Just make sure whatever you pick feels relaxed.
Mango cotton shirt
Swap retinol for vitamin C
Since retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV exposure, you should be careful using it in the sun – especially if you’ve graduated to a stronger dose, so be sure to always wear SPF. Vitamin C is a good alternative as it can help brighten skin, fade hyperpigmentation and support collagen production. It helps protect against UV damage, too.
Murad Vita-C glycolic serum, 30ml
Q+A vitamin C brightening serum
For more, read our guide to the best vitamin C serums
There are ways to get on the blokecore trend without a full-on football shirt. Enter: football boot sneakers. Some of these are literal reissues of 90s models, but for a more subtle nod, try Gola’s retro trainers.
Gola Classics Men’s Stadia trainers
Try a handbag
What do Pedro Pascal, Jacob Elordi and Harry Styles all have in common? Chanel handbags – specifically, designs from Matthieu Blazy’s recent collections. A Chanel might feel like a stretch when you’re not selling out stadium world tours or starring in multimillion-dollar franchises – some cost upwards of £10k – so perhaps something minimal from & Other Stories or H&M is a good starting point. Just remember, you can shop beyond the men’s section.
Dark brown tote bag
Cashmere for summer?
When the temperature drops on a terrace somewhere in Provence, a cashmere jumper is the layer you’ll want slung over your shoulders. It’s a little counterintuitive since cashmere is known for its warmth, but it’s also surprisingly good for summer because it’s naturally breathable, helping regulate your temperature. And, of course, it’s unbeatably soft.
Uniqlo cashmere jumper
Get ready for Wayfarers
Everyone I know in fashion seems to be wearing Wayfarers again. Maybe it’s because Ray-Ban’s profile has been on the rise since A$AP Rocky took the creative directorship last year. Maybe it’s this season’s Miami Vice mood (see Fendi and Amiri). Or maybe it’s because you can’t go wrong with the classics (see Reservoir Dogs and Risky Business). The OG Ray-Bans are £202, but you can find similar square designs for less than £100 from brands such as Meller and Le Specs.
Le Specs Iceberg sunglasses
Same skincare, just lighter
Where winter calls for thick, nourishing balms, summer’s better suited to lightweight moisturisers. That’s not to say they shouldn’t be nourishing, but it’s better if they’re easily absorbed. Anything too heavy will make you sweatier and oilier, which can leave pores clogged and skin congested. Fill your wash bag with targeted serums and light moisturisers instead.
Patricks SL1 moisturiser
The Ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% serum
Small detail, big personality
Designer Charles Jeffrey has somehow made the bag charm a summer style moment. Whether it’s a crocheted apple or a bulldog charm, clip it to your bag, belt loop or keys to show you know your menswear. Little effort required.
Charles Jeffery apple bag charm
Switch to tighty whities
If you’ve ever wanted to give tighty whities a go, summer’s a great excuse – especially because Gucci approved them for this year (in the form of swimwear, but close enough). Not only can they make you feel sexy, but they’re also practical as they’re less likely to rub (less fabric means less friction) and are generally cooler on your, ahem, nether regions.
Calvin Klein three-pack briefs
CDLP Y-Brief
A cream mask goes a long way
A hydrogel face mask is ideal for a short-term glow, but they aren’t sustainable for regular use – especially as the good ones are upwards of £10 per mask. Your skin generally improves with a consistent routine, so it’s worth trying a hydrating cream mask instead – especially in summer when aircon and sun exposure are working against you. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help with skin hydration.
![Clarins Hydra-Essentiel [HA2] Mask 75ml.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ba2cc469a50c3a53f6ee68c742371038a5b1309a/500_0_4000_4000/master/4000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel face mask
For more, read our guide to building a skincare routine
Resortwear: a beginner’s guide
Resortwear is pretty hard to get right without looking like you’ve raided the souvenir shop by the beach. Go through Dries van Noten’s recent shows on Vogue Runway to find all the holiday style inspo you could ask for, from silky shirts to flowy pants, bright colours and stylish prints. There are even sarongs for men – David Beckham, eat your heart out.
Give your scalp the treatment
Your scalp takes a beating in summer. UV rays and heat mean increased sweat and oils, so hair follicles can become clogged. And there’s an increased chance of dandruff, too. A few products can help – namely a scalp SPF, a clarifying shampoo and a scrub.
Davines Solu shampoo, 250ml
Ultrasun UV face & scalp mist SPF50, 75ml
Philip Kingsley Swimcap mask, 100ml
Start your self-winding journey
Most horology stans will tell you automatic (self-winding) watches are the gold standard – though the more intricate engineering tends to mean a higher price tag. But there are exceptions – and one of the most coveted affordable brands is Seiko.
It’s the watch nerd’s go-to gateway brand, and the 5 is one of the most affordable automatics on the market. The name refers to its five core features: durable case and bracelet, automatic movement, water resistance (important for summer), recessed crown and date display. A proper watch, but not at a luxury-watch price (it’s the one thing in this list that’s over £100, but it’s still a bargain).
Seiko automatic bracelet watch
Turn down the temperature
Hot showers might feel comfortable, but the heat can disrupt your natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness and a dull complexion. A cold shower, on the other hand, can tighten pores and help with depuffing. If you don’t want to fully go for it, just try 30 seconds at the end – it’s actually quite enjoyable in the heat.
If you really want to up your showering game, try Hello Klean’s shower head (you might recognise it from Dragons’ Den), which claims to remove more than 90% of chlorine, heavy metals and impurities from the water.
Hello Klean shower head
Let your music set the mood
When summer’s coming, I always think it’s best to go for music that makes you feel like you’re in a cult movie – the kind of cinematic indie you’d find in (500) Days of Summer and Juno. Think Vampire Weekend, Rex Orange County, Bombay Bicycle Club and Gengahr.
For more, read how to wear a quarter-zip jumper without looking like a finance bro and how to buy secondhand clothes online that you’ll actually wear
Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear and beauty
English (US)