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13 Practical Essentials for Men to Stay Stylish All Summer

Updated on April 29, 2025 by TMM Staff · Clothing and Style

A fit young man in sunglasses wearing a fitted tshirt.
©JACKY1940/Pixabay.com

Summer style is about more than just keeping cool, it’s about looking effortlessly put together in the heat. From breathable fabrics to grooming routines that beat the sweat, a few smart choices go a long way. This guide covers 10 practical essentials every man should know. Whether you’re dressing for the office or the beach, these tips have you covered.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Choose Breathable Fabrics
  • Go Lighter with Color
  • Ditch Baggy Shorts
  • Upgrade Your Summer Footwear
  • Grooming Routines Need Adjusting
  • Learn to Layer Lightly
  • Choose the Right Fragrance
  • Trim It Up for Summer
  • Add Sunglasses to Every Outfit
  • Top It Off with a Summer Hat
  • Master Summer Skincare Basics
  • Smell Good, Feel Better
  • Nail Down Your Casual Looks
  • Confidence Is Your Best Summer Look

Choose Breathable Fabrics

Man Pointing at His Plain White Shirt
©Mart Production/Pexels.com

Hot weather demands smarter fabric choices. Lightweight materials like linen, cotton, and seersucker offer breathability and comfort. These natural fibers help reduce sweat buildup and keep your outfit feeling light. They also add a relaxed, refined edge to your overall look.

Go Lighter with Color

A Bearded Man in White Long Sleeves Wearing Sunglasses Using His Cellphone while Leaning on a Stone Wall.
©August de Richelieu/Pexels.com

Dark shades trap heat, and lighter hues reflect it. Embrace summer with a palette of beige, white, light blue, and pastels. These colors look crisp, feel cooler, and give off a polished summer vibe. Bonus: they’re incredibly easy to mix and match.

Ditch Baggy Shorts

A muscular man on the roof of a building wearing a fitted t-shirt with fitted shorts.
©bamboo ave./Pexels.com

Tailored shorts are a summer essential. Skip the oversized cargos and choose chino style shorts with a slim fit. Aim for a hem just above the knee for a modern, flattering silhouette. They look sharp without sacrificing comfort.

Upgrade Your Summer Footwear

A Stylish Man Sitting on a Wooden Bench.
©Ivan Babydov/Pexels.com

Footwear can make or break a summer outfit. Swap heavy boots for loafers, canvas sneakers, or leather sandals. Look for shoes that offer breathability and pair well with both shorts and light trousers. Comfort and versatility are key.

Grooming Routines Need Adjusting

Man in Blue Crew Neck T-shirt Fixing His Eyebrows.
©Ron Lach/Pexels.com

Summer heat calls for a grooming refresh. Use a lightweight moisturizer with SPF, and opt for a matte finish product to reduce shine. Consider an anti humidity hair product to keep your style in place. Small tweaks make a big difference.

Learn to Layer Lightly

A man wearing orange tinted sunglasses holding the collar of his floral printed shirt.
©GlassesShop GS/Pexels.com

You can still layer in summer with the right pieces. Go for open linen shirts, unlined blazers, or lightweight overshirts. These add depth and structure to your outfit without overheating you. Perfect for breezy evenings or cool interiors.

Choose the Right Fragrance

A man in a bathroom applying fragrance.
©doTERRA International, LLC/Pexels.com

Your winter cologne might feel too heavy in the heat. Switch to something light, crisp, and seasonally appropriate like citrus or oceanic notes. These fresh scents are subtle but impactful. You’ll smell as good as you look.

Trim It Up for Summer

A man sitting on a chair reading newspaper.
©Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

Hot weather is a good excuse to go shorter with your haircut. Shorter styles are easier to manage and feel cooler against your scalp. Ask your barber for a summer friendly cut that fits your face shape and lifestyle. Maintenance matters when temperatures rise.

Add Sunglasses to Every Outfit

Man wearing a reflective blue sunglasses.
©GlassesShop GS/Pexels.com

Sunglasses do more than protect your eyes they complete your look. Invest in a timeless pair like aviators or wayfarers. A quality pair instantly boosts style and adds personality. Stick to versatile frames that complement your face shape.

Top It Off with a Summer Hat

Man in Blue and White Stripe Polo Shirt Wearing Black Sunglasses and Brown Hat.
©Rerisson Hofniel/Pexels.com

Don’t underestimate the power of a stylish hat. A straw fedora, baseball cap, or lightweight bucket hat adds flair while shielding you from the sun. It’s both functional and fashionable. Choose based on your outfit and activity.

Master Summer Skincare Basics

A man of African descendent applying cream on his face.
©August de Richelieu/Pexels.com

Humidity can wreak havoc on your skin. Cleanse with a gentle face wash, exfoliate twice a week, and never skip sunscreen. A solid summer skincare routine prevents breakouts and helps you look your best. Keep it simple and consistent.

Smell Good, Feel Better

A shirtless man applying deodorant.
©Curious_Collectibles/Pixabay.com

Body odor is a no go in hot weather. Use a high quality deodorant or antiperspirant and reapply if needed. Carry travel sized wipes or body spray for mid day refreshes. Staying fresh shows self respect and consideration for others.

Nail Down Your Casual Looks

Man in Denim Jacket Holding White Tablet
©Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels.com

Summer’s casual dress code doesn’t mean sloppy. Pair tailored shorts or lightweight chinos with a crisp tee or short-sleeve button down. Add clean sneakers or loafers to finish the look. It’s laid back style done right.

Confidence Is Your Best Summer Look

A young man in sunglasses wearing a salmon shirt over a white t-shirt.
©GlassesShop/Pixabay.com

No matter what you wear, confidence seals the deal. Dressing well in summer is about intention, not perfection. Show up feeling good in what you’re wearing and others will notice. Stay cool, stay fresh, and own your look.

Clothing and Style

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About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives.

If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review.

Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff.

Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

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