This article has recently been updated by the editorial team so you can express your style, even under the blazing sun.
How to dress in summer?
From a distance, the question seems simple, but the answer is actually a bit complex . Unless you're spending the summer in the southern hemisphere, you'll have few layers and options to stand out.
Most of the time, you will only have one piece of clothing on your upper body. The possibilities are therefore limited, but this does not prevent you from expressing your creativity .
Here is a little guide so that:
- your summer outfits are out of the ordinary
- your casual outfits are refined
- you went on vacation with a suitcase full of beautiful light fabrics
all without you getting too hot .
Here we go!
The base
Before we talk piece by piece, let's start with the basics of the summer outfit. As said above, the possibilities are limited, because you won't have a mid-layer to wear in summer, which means fewer visual elements to stand out .
Sometimes, all it takes is a little twist to transform a normal outfit into a summer outfit. Rolled-up pants, a rolled-up shirt, an extra open button, so many things that you probably already do, and that add a little extra touch.
Beyond how you will wear your summer clothes, the choice of material will be essential. A durable, breathable fabric, with a marked roughness and texture will always bring more than a smooth, tasteless material.
So understand: a limited choice of clothes does not prevent you from expressing your personality .
If your wardrobe is mostly made up of basics (like those discussed here for tops and here for bottoms), fear not: for the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright , “simplicity is the perfect harmony between the beautiful, the useful and the just.” In other words, a summer outfit made up of (well-chosen) basics can be perfectly balanced and successful .
The most important thing is that you feel completely comfortable in your summer outfit . We give you all the advice and inspiration you could need, but you are naturally the final decision maker.
Enough about the concept. Now let's see what clothes will help you in summer .
The highs
In your summer outfit, there is a 99% chance that the key piece will be the top . It is what will set the tone, and show what style you are in (unless you are wearing a white t-shirt, logically).
No matter what your favorite top style is, you'll (in theory) find what you're looking for because there's a wide variety of summer-friendly tops out there . Let's see.
The essential t-shirt
It's a bit like the alpha summer top. Chosen with the right material (we favor natural materials), a t-shirt can bring a lot to your style when it's worn well.
Naturally, make sure that the chosen t-shirt is sufficiently light and airy to wear . If necessary, do not hesitate to check the weight of a t-shirt to see if it is not too thick for summer use. Ideally, a summer t-shirt weighs between 120 and 200 grams/square meter of fabric.
In terms of subjects, there is plenty to do. You can choose:
- linen , which will seduce you with its irregular and textured appearance (perfect when you have little chance of giving depth to your outfit). Ultra-breathable, linen has the particularity of being hypoallergenic: it does not retain bad odors, and does not cause itching for sensitive skin.
- cotton, smoother than its counterpart linen, but it has equally interesting properties: it is supple and soft, ensuring optimal comfort when worn. For the more thermal-conscious among you, know that cotton is also breathable.
- merino wool , which will perfectly regulate your body temperature. A favorite choice for athletes, merino wool provides that smooth and shiny look, which fits perfectly into an urban style. A significant bonus is that it is a material that does not lose its shape, unlike linen or cotton. However, the material should be avoided when it is REALLY hot, because it is too “insulating”.
We do not ban synthetic or artificial materials, even if we do not recommend them, either from a technical or an aesthetic point of view .
Here, our Cuba t-shirt , in cotton-linen. The material is light and pleasant, the drape is just right.
What about mixtures?
If you are used to looking at the composition of the clothes you buy, you will surely have noticed that we are seeing more and more mixtures of materials on the labels.
Cotton/linen, cotton/wool, cotton/silk, linen/viscose… you can find almost everything. Most of the time, the manufacturer uses blends of materials to improve the technical properties of the piece . For example, if you want a softer piece, just add silk to the composition. If you want the piece to be more supple, just add wool.
However, some manufacturers use blends (very often based on artificial or synthetic materials) to lower their production costs. It is therefore important to ensure that the dominant material (the one with the highest percentage) is the one you are looking for . If the t-shirt of your dreams contains a significant percentage of polyamide or polyester, we advise you to move on. You will be very hot, too.
Last but not least detail about the mixtures: they are almost impossible to recycle, because sorting the different materials is too complex to achieve. It was while investigating CSR in the textile sector in China that we became aware of this major problem .
For the rest, make sure that the t-shirt has the correct finishing, and that the cut flatters your body shape.
Want to know more about t-shirts, how to choose them or how to wear them? We have a complete guide for you, available right here .
And to go further than white or solid-colored t-shirts, we can also look for stronger proposals. Some brands like Colorful Standards, Edwin or P&Co offer t-shirts perfectly suited for the warm season, while offering a strong style.
Here, a pretty reinterpretation of the sailor t-shirt, by Corridor NYC. Credits: Corridor NYC.
Finally, you will have noticed that fashion has changed a lot since the last decade, and that the cuts have widened . Take your t-shirt one or two sizes larger? No problem, provided that it does not clash with the rest of your look .
Feeling the urge to become a T-shirt pro? We've got some beach T-shirt tips here , some seriously unique T-shirts here , anda compendium of different ways to wear them right here .
And here are our own summer t-shirts:
A polo shirt that fits well
If the t-shirt is not your cup of tea (iced!), you can also opt for the polo shirt. It is a slightly more elegant alternative to the t-shirt , while remaining extremely versatile .
When choosing it, make sure that:
- the collar has a perfect fit
- the fabric is not too thick for the season
- the finishes are correct
- the chosen color easily matches the rest of your summer wardrobe
The rest is as easy as pie. The polo shirt falls in the middle of the formality scale, meaning it's suitable for both casual AND formal settings, so you're spoilt for choice when it comes to bottoms, shoes and accessories to go with it.
Here, the polo shirt is paired with light suit pants, a pair of sunglasses and a leather strap watch. It's simple, and devilishly effective.
For the curious among you, we have a complete guide to polo right here .
And here are our polo shirts, light and summery:
A nice light shirt
At first glance, the shirt may seem unsuitable for summer wear: it is sometimes thick, the collar and long sleeves keep you warm, we already wear it all year round...
That's kind of true. But if you look hard enough, you can definitely find perfect shirts for summer that are both lightweight and stylish .
We can cite several canvases perfectly suited to the summer season, such as:
- fine poplin , where the weave is less tight than on a classic shirt canvas.
- seersucker , which reduces the contact area between the fabric and the skin and therefore allows air to pass through better.
- gauze , a superposition of two thin layers of fabric, for an airy and very textured result.
Here, a seersucker canvas perfect for summer.
Here, a white cotton gauze shirt, which combines lightness and elegance.
Once again, favor natural materials! Among them, we distinguish two essentials:
- cotton, accessible, practical and elegant. It is a very common material in the shirt world, so it can be found in all forms. Make sure not to choose a fabric that is too thick though!
- Linen, rustic and technical. It is thermoregulating , it does not crease , and it does not retain any possible odors of perspiration : it is therefore a perfect material for a summer shirt. Beyond its technical qualities, it is a visually very rich material, which offers soft asperities.
Some shirts feature very interesting material blends. For example, wool can be suitable for summer if it is light and the knit allows enough air to pass through. We can also mention hemp and ramie, more original but equally effective choices.
When it comes to shirt cut and type, there are some trends that have emerged in recent years .
Once considered has-been and straight out of the 90s , the shirt has now (re)become a summer hit. The ultimate symbol of relaxation, it offers a wide range of stylistic possibilities.
Choose a lightweight material, with texture and/or an elegant pattern, and you're done . It's the easiest statement piece to wear.
Make sure to pair it with equally casual pants, a pair of lightweight shoes and you'll be ready to dazzle anyone who crosses your path today.
Another alternative to the classic shirt has gained prominence in recent years: the shark collar shirt, also called a camp collar shirt.
Casual and original, the camp collar shirt has a whiff of old-fashioned chic elegance . As with the shirt, all you need is a nice, lightweight fabric, and the collar will take care of the rest. Wear it buttoned all the way up, or with a tank top underneath.
The officer collar shirt allows you to relax an outfit in the blink of an eye. Its special power? It suits all types of necks ! Choose a light and solid color, which will easily match the rest of your wardrobe.
Here, a pretty popover shirt with an officer collar in 100% linen from Luca Faloni. Credits: Luca Faloni.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, summer leaves few possibilities to stand out. If a specific pattern catches your eye, don't hesitate ! We are increasingly finding floral, ornamental or organic patterns that can add a touch of elegance to your look.
Successful summer looks are easily achieved by combining patterned tops and plain bottoms . Stick to the color combinations and everything will go well.
If you want more details on the ideal shirt and how to choose it, here is a complete guide on the subject .
And to take care of your style even when it's 30°, we have some shirts for you:
Summer costumes
As long as it's not too hot, some suits are perfectly suitable for summer. Take Pitti Uomo as an example! There are two important topics about the summer suit: it must be made of breathable material , and its construction must be sufficiently light .
We recommend that you choose wool and linen , because these two natural materials are thermoregulating, which will allow you to look classy without dying of heat. Cotton is not recommended for summer, because it absorbs perspiration odors very easily , unlike wool and linen.
Be careful about the construction of the suit. A good summer suit should have an unlined back , so that it can breathe when the jacket is worn. It is advisable to choose jackets with a semi-lined construction, which is more suitable for the summer season .
This also applies to suit pants: if the fabric is light enough, you can easily pair them with tops, both in a casual and formal setting.
The unlined back is clearly visible here. Once on your shoulders, you will hardly feel anything, unlike fully lined jackets. Here, our gray Breno jacket .
In a formal setting, pair the suit with a plain, airy shirt , and a pair of loafers or lightweight leather shoes to soften the look.
In a more casual setting, the summer suit can be worn with most of the tops mentioned above (with the exception of the officer collar shirt, which is more elegant when worn without a jacket), provided thatthe color scheme works naturally when you combine the two .
If you feel like it, you can also mix and match your suit by pairing it with more casual pants . Once you know the right color and material combinations, the exercise becomes child's play .
Thanks to the Summertime fabric from Loro Piana , we have developed our own summer costumes which are as follows:
With your summer outfit well chosen, you will be a hit at the next wedding you are invited to.
The stockings
As with the top, don't leave anything to chance. Your bottom must be comfortable and sufficiently ventilated, because there is nothing worse than a summer day with pants that keep you too hot .
Let's see here the stockings suitable for summer.
A versatile chino
If it is not too thick, chinos are an ideal companion when temperatures are high . They can be rolled up slightly, they go with almost everything, they allow you to better highlight your top... A real must-have for the men's summer wardrobe.
Here, our ecru Axel chinos, which have become one of our best-sellers.
Except for "too hot" days, chinos are one of the basic summer bottoms . If your wardrobe doesn't have one, you should look into it. It's not an injunction, but we're not far from it!
The market is flooded with chinos, so you will find a wide range of colors, cuts, finishes , but also some tricks . To avoid this, check out our ultra-complete guide to chinos .
The must-have colors for summer are beige and olive , but the choice is yours! However, we advise you to stick to light and not too bright colors, so that your chinos “stay in their place” and do not interfere with the rest of your outfit.
And to conclude on chinos, here are our own creations. Flexibility, lightness and elegance guaranteed:
Linen pants, a no-brainer
An essential chapter in a summer style guide.
The ultimate summer material , linen wicks away perspiration well, circulates air, and adds a lot of texture to a look . While this wrinkled look had long put off the general public, it is now present in all summer collections , thanks to its technical qualities .
Make sure you choose the quality of the linen you choose when choosing your pants. If needed, our ultra-complete guide to linen is available right here .
A slightly pinched high-waisted pant is just as suitable as a looser pant, it's up to your taste .
Here, a nice pair of linen pants from Massimo Alba. Credits: Massimo Alba.
And here, in a more formal style, a pair of pleated linen trousers from Cathcart Heritage. We appreciate the very marked sartorial details on this model. Credits: Cathcart Heritage.
Made in collaboration with the beautiful Australian brand Informale, here are our linen pants:
A refreshing Bermuda short
Summer is also Bermuda shorts season . For some, they are an essential (and non-negotiable) piece when it's hot. And rightly so, because they are a piece that is as practical as it is elegant.
When choosing, think of Bermuda shorts as a pair of nice chinos with the legs cut off. In terms of length, good Bermuda shorts never cover the entire knee. As for the materials, choose cotton-linen blends that will let the top of your legs breathe .
Here are our khaki Siena Bermuda shorts , perfect for strolling under the zenith.
Attention, important point: make sure that the fit of the Bermuda shorts is sufficiently loose . The air will circulate more easily, and your legs will be freer. If the bottom of the Bermuda shorts sticks to your thigh, we advise you to move up a size .
The soft, slightly pastel color of our Juno Bermuda shorts allows them to be combined with a range of different colors and cuts.
Are you team Bermuda? So are we:
Are you intrigued by Bermuda shorts? A complete guide is available right here , its history is told here , and Jordan teaches us how to wear it in this issue of Panache .
The shoes
In reality, there are few shoes that are completely unsuitable for summer . If we immediately dismiss shearling boots and moon boots (which we have never recommended, by the way), the other types of shoes are for the most part suitable for summer use, you just have to use common sense ! Here are some recommendations anyway.
We won't be talking about flip-flops and other sandals here, as they are reserved for the seaside setting. However, we have a small list of stylish sandals right here .
Sneakers for sunny days
A pair of sneakers is one of the summer must-haves . Canvas is naturally more suited to the season, but leather is not to be avoided. Stay vigilant, choose breathable and comfortable models . Don't take shoes that are too hot that will make your feet sweat after five minutes of walking in the sun.
Whether in canvas, mesh or leather, sneakers have the ability to fit into any outfit , so you're far from making a faux pas. Make sure, however, that the style of the shoe doesn't clash too much with the rest of your look . As with everything in life, moderation is good.
We have also recently released our own sneakers:
Casual sneakers
The ultimate in summer casualness: a nice pair of espadrilles.
To know if the espadrille is accepted, there is a very simple rule: in a summer outfit, if there are sneakers or loafers instead, then you can replace them with a pair of espadrilles. It works every time !
Opt for light and soft tones, which are easier to match with other pieces. Even in a more formal setting, espadrilles can easily slip into an outfit with a shirt and blazer .
It's hard to imagine a look as casual as this one.
To learn more, we have dedicated a short video to the espadrille available right here .
Seduced by its rustic appearance, we have developed our own espadrilles:
Elegant loafers
Like the polo shirt, the loafer falls right in the middle of the formality scale . While leather may not be the most suitable material for summer, the choice of loafers is still perfectly relevant. The Pitti is once again proof of this.
Comfortable and easy to match , the moccasin is a classic summer shoe. Here we have an item that will convert the most skeptical among you .
Choose a soft leather that is not too thick so that your feet do not die of heat. Also make sure that the sole of the moccasin is sufficiently flexible .
Other summer essentials
While we've already covered most of the topic, there are still a few things to cover with you. Here's a quick list of additional things to master to have a stylish summer , in every sense of the word.
A reliable raincoat
A summer is not a good summer if there are not a few days of rain ! To avoid staying indoors, keep a raincoat handy in your suitcase. Opt for lightweight, and keep in mind that technical material does not necessarily mean breathability .
Our Raini raincoat , ideal for combating wet days.
Invisible socks
It is thanks to them that you will be able to wear short pants (or roll them up) and have an airy ankle, with the malleolus in the open air. During high heat, it is a real bonus. Take the softest and most comfortable possible , there is a growing offer on this piece.
Our Alba invisible socks , essential when it's hot.
A pair of sunglasses
To avoid burning your eyes, but also to add a little touch to your look, a good pair of sunglasses is one of the essential accessories for the season .
Be rigorous when purchasing: choose lenses that are suitable for your eyes, and a UV filtration category appropriate for your use . As for the frame, choose durable materials, such as titanium or cellulose acetate .
There have been many trends and styles emerging lately, so you're bound to find a style or design that suits you .
If you're on the hunt for the perfect pair, we have a little guide just for you .
Here, an extremely versatile pair, the Lemtosh from Moscot. Cellulose acetate frame, neat finishes, it's all there. Credits: Moscot.
Here, the Goddard model from Wiresglasses, with a stainless steel frame and a slightly futuristic design. Credits: Wiresglasses.
A head covering
Summer is also the season for hats and headwear! There is a great offer on the market, so you will definitely find one that suits your tastes .
This is a super easy twist to achieve: do you find your outfit too basic, a little plain? An original and textured headpiece will take care of densifying your look and dressing the top of your silhouette .
Among the summer must-haves, we will mention the cap and the bob . As suitable for urban as for rural use, we strongly advise you to have at least one copy for the summer . They come in all types, so it is essential to be vigilant when purchasing.
An original cap, the Sunflower from the New Zealanders at Goodlids. A minimalist and summery design, a 90% hemp - 10% cotton composition perfect for the season. Credits: Goodlids.
A lightweight seersucker and fine stripes on this dad cap from Commune Golf, for a very versatile result that is easy to integrate into your look. Credits: Commune Golf.
A Corridor NYC bob with a light floral ornament, inspired by the paisley pattern. Perfect for an urban style! Credits: Corridor NYC.
Finally, a very textured bob by A Kind of Guise, in a dark lavender color that smells of summer, and style. Credits: A Kind of Guise.
In a more advanced style, we also find boaters and panamas . We often come across them on the beach, but not only! In a style that allows it, they can bring an additional touch of refinement .
We also have a video on the beach hat here , and a complete guide on the hat right here .
And there you have it!
You now have the cards in hand to build your summer outfits, while mastering the thermal side. Do not see this guide as a list of immutable rules, but rather as friendly advice .
Here's one last one for the road: Dare to experiment! Summer is made for that .
And as always, we'll answer your questions in the comments below.
