THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER DRESSING

By Rohit Kamble

Summer’s here, bringing scorching days and magical twilight evenings. But let’s be honest, the second you towel off, the battle for a cool, put-together outfit begins. Summer threads can be tricky. You crave comfort, want to look sharp (let’s face it, we all notice each other), and don’t want to resemble a swamp monster. But how do you do that when it’s 35 degrees outside and you start sweating like a pig by the time you reach your parking lot? What about when you have that super important meeting? Don’t even think of wearing a jacket—your meeting’s unlikely to go well not because of your supreme talent, but your drained-out mood. To stay on top of your game, whether at work or play, here’s your ultimate summer-friendly fashion guide.

WHAT TO WEAR UP TOP

Shackets to the rescue

Summer heat and traditional jackets don’t exactly mix. But ditching the jacket doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Enter the shacket—your new best friend for balmy days. This shirt-jacket hybrid is perfectly lightweight, offering a touch of structure without the bulk. Think of it as tailored comfort. Opt for neutral tones like beige or off-white during the day and brown or navy blue at night.

The undefeatable polo shirt

Another summer hero is the polo shirt. Comfort reigns supreme in the summer months, and the polo delivers, unlike the high maintenance of a crisp dress shirt (or your girlfriend). From classic knits to luxurious silk blends that add a touch of sheen for the evening, polos offer endless versatility. Embrace the season’s colours—think cerulean, clay, tangerine, or lemon yellow. Black and white, of course, are always timeless options.

Lounging in linen

Linen is practically synonymous with summer style. This breathable fabric keeps you cool, even after a burger or two. And forget about embarrassing sweat stains—linen shirts are naturally stylish and require minimal effort. For a relaxed vibe, roll up the sleeves and pair your linen shirt with chinos. Feeling bolder? Embrace the co- ord trend with matching linen trousers. Layer them on a tank top with relaxed trousers and a pair of slides, and you are guaranteed some second looks. And yes, don’t forget your shades.

Rock the crop

The idea of a cropped t-shirt might conjure up images of ’90s boy bands and a questionable number of frosted tips. But the modern crop top for men is all about versatility and comfort. You don’t have to compete with the girls. Think breezy tanks that show off your hard-earned summer bod, or cool graphic tees that hit right at the high-waisted zone of your favourite cargo pants. For the uninitiated, chop off your old Rolling Stones or Metallica t-shirt and you have a crop top ready.

HOW TO MAKE IT COUNT DOWN LOW

Chinos for the win

We all have that best friend everyone loves—the chill dude who gets along with everyone. Well, a chino is that best friend in your summer wardrobe. These cotton- blend bad boys are perfect for warm weather, offering both comfort and style. Whether you’re a slim-fit kind of guy, a straight-leg enthusiast, or prefer a relaxed vibe, chinos come in a variety of fits to flatter your form. Plus, the low-maintenance fabric means minimal ironing (score!). They’re the ultimate team players, pairing seamlessly with anything from a crisp button-down shirt to your favourite tee. And let’s be honest, a good pair of chinos makes your backside look mighty fine. Trust us, compliments will be flowing like summer cocktails.

Roomy Denims

Skinny jeans? We’ve officially moved on. Let’s be honest, they weren’t exactly known for their universal flattery or breathability (flashbacks to college summers, anyone?). Thankfully, the trend gods have delivered us wide-leg denim—the champions of both comfort and style. These roomy jeans are taking over the streets, offering a relaxed silhouette that’s both effortlessly cool and endlessly comfortable. The beauty of wide- legged jeans? Their versatility. They pair perfectly with everything, from oversized tees and tanks for a laid-back vibe to crisp button-downs for a more elevated look. Pro Tip: Channel the ultimate summer chill with a white t-shirt, a mini round shoulder bag, and a pair of fresh white sneakers. Instant outfit, maximum comfort.

Innerwear: keeping it cool where it counts

There’s nothing quite as uncomfortable for a man as a poorly- fitting underwear. Even with the correct fit, things can quickly turn uncomfortable down there. And let’s be real, the last thing anyone wants to witness is a man constantly readjusting his undergarments. So, here’s the key to finding the perfect innerwear: focus on the fabric. Choose underwear crafted from breathable materials such as cotton, mesh, or moisture-wicking synthetics. Steer clear of non-breathable synthetics that only exacerbate sweat and bacteria buildup. Your best bet is to amass a few boxer briefs. This hybrid style provides the support of a brief with the airflow of a boxer, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable throughout the day. Pick briefs or trunks that sit higher on the thigh, minimising chafing for a roomy experience.

Shorts to show off your leg day gains

Don’t bail on your plans just because the heat’s turned up. We get it, it’s frustrating, but some commitments are inevitable—like your girlfriend’s shopping spree on a scorching Saturday afternoon or your mom’s last-minute grocery run. When the summer sun transforms your pants into a personal sauna, it’s time to turn to shorts. Worried about finding the perfect fit? Don’t sweat it—shorts come in an array of lengths and styles to complement any leg shape. And this summer, they’re getting shorter. The trick lies in how to wear them. If it’s a beach date, pair your shorts with linen shirts. Just knocking out a few errands? T-shirts are the way to go. And if you’re feeling a bit flashy, throw on a tank top. But remember, shorts can be dressed up, too. Linen shorts paired with matching blazers make for a sharp look at any party.

Dive in with the coolest swimwear

Ditch board shorts that resemble your grandpa’s floral couch. It’s time to dive headfirst into the refreshing world of men’s swimwear that won’t make you cringe (or worse, get kicked out) at a pool party. Whether you’re a poolside lounge lizard, a strong swimmer, or a paddleboarding papa bear, there’s a swimsuit out there that screams ‘I came to have a good time, and maybe (just maybe) look damn good doing it’. We’re talking bold prints, unexpected cuts, and fabrics that move with you (not against you)—all the while keeping comfort at the forefront.

HATS, CAPS AND BANDANAS: THE SUMMER TRIFECTA

Maybe that sunburn adds a certain ‘warrior’ vibe, but trust us, a little accessorising goes a long way. We’re talking about topping things off with hats, caps, and bandanas for dudes who want to look effortlessly cool (because let’s be honest, sweating bullets is never effortless).

Hats: First up, the classic baseball cap. The ultimate ‘don’t mess with me’ accessory (except maybe when your toddler yanks it off for the hundredth time). Go for a clean, neutral colour or a graphic that reflects your interests—a band logo for the music lover, a vintage sports team for the nostalgic dude. Feeling a little cool? Try a bucket hat. They’re even a hit with a hipster gen-z crew.

Caps: Now, let’s talk trucker caps. Mesh back, funny slogan on the front—it’s the official headwear of dads on vacation and guys who take their ironic detachment very seriously. But hey, there’s a reason they’re a classic. They’re comfy and breathable, and let’s be real, sometimes you just want to proclaim to the world that you’re a ‘Chilled Out Fishing Dude’ (or whatever your trucker cap of choice boasts).

Bandanas: Don’t underestimate the power of the bandana. It’s the Swiss Army knife of summer accessories. Mop head sweat disaster; need a makeshift sling for a slightly too-heavy beach cooler; feeling like a pirate on a treasure hunt—there’s only one answer for all, bring out the bandana. Plus, there are a million ways to wear them: folded into a headband, tied around your neck, or even as a makeshift pocket square (though that last one might require some serious swagger to pull off).

BRING OUT THE SHADES

The right pair of sunglasses can be your secret weapon. They help you exude confidence, conceal those puffy eyes (courtesy of one too many tequila shots last night), shield your peepers from harmful UV rays, and make you look like a total boss. Unless you wear the wrong shape. Here’s a breakdown of which styles complement your face shape :

All shapes and sizes

Round Face: Opt for rectangular or wayfarer frames to add definition. Square Face: Aviators or round sunglasses soften your angles. Oval Face: Lucky you! Most styles will work, so rock what you love.

Classic styles, modern twist

Aviators: Timeless and always cool; aviators add a touch of mystery to your face. Just ask Tom Cruise. Wayfarers: These versatile shades are perfect for everyday wear, offering a cool, retro vibe. Clubmasters: Halfway between wayfarers and browlines, clubmasters are a sophisticated choice. Mirrored lenses: Not just for celebrities, mirrored lenses add a touch of intrigue (and extra sun protection).

Ditch the backpack sweat

I’m sure many of you can relate when I say there’s nothing worse than lugging around a backpack in the summer, leaving your back sweaty and uncomfortable. While they might be necessary for work, they’re often an overkill for everyday outings. Enter crossbody bags, available in a range of sizes and styles. Whether you’re just carrying essentials like your phone and wallet or gearing up for a day of adventure with a water bottle and camera in tow, a quality crossbody bag has you covered.

Reproduced with permission from Mansworldindia.com