Men’s summer
outfits

Summer is finally here and with it comes warmer days, shorter nights and leisurely pursuits. Whether enjoying brunch with friends or watching the sunset from a sandy boardwalk, this is the time to kick back and relax in style.

The summer brings with it another bonus too; the summer look for men is one of the easiest fashion looks to master. How do you dress for formal and informal summer occasions? What fabrics are the most lightweight and breathable? Which accessories complete a look? Don’t sweat! We reveal all in our HUGO BOSS men’s summer outfit guide below.

Cool summer outfits for men require more than impeccable tailoring and a contemporary finish. Summer success starts with the correct choice of fabric. Out are the insulating layers of denim, tweed and corduroy; in are breathable blends of silk, linen and cotton.

Never underestimate the importance of matching the correct material to the occasion. A linen shirt, for example, embodies the carefree summer style for men while remaining smart enough for semi-formal get-togethers. Linen also has the remarkable ability to retain 20% of its own weight in moisture before starting to feel damp, perfect for keeping your cool while feeling the heat. Still not convinced? With its naturally forming creases part and parcel of linen’s charm, this is the perfect shirt to throw into a suitcase without worrying about your destination’s ironing facilities.

Cotton too is a remarkably versatile fabric adaptable to men’s winter and summer outfits. Consider a shirt and shorts combo in lightweight stretch cotton, complete with cutting-edge moisture-wicking and odor-control technology. Move with absolute freedom, safe in the knowledge that your clothing has your back.

Like a tall glass of ice water, the summer outfit for men is all about looking cool and collected even as the temperature rises. Whether working hard or hardly working, there’s no excuse not to look at ease and feel comfortable, it’s all about choosing the most appropriate styles. Here are some of the most popular this summer:

BUSINESS CLASS: ELEGANT SUMMER OUTFITS FOR MEN

As much as we might wish otherwise, a nice day does not automatically mean a day off. For those times when a suit is non-negotiable, opt for a classic linen or performance-cotton blend with an unlined blazer. Wear over a fitted shirt mixed with stretch fabric for the ultimate in comfort.

Alternatively, for a classically cool men’s summer outfit that straddles the lines of formality, choose a designer polo shirt. Finding its origins in beloved summer sports, the polo shirt is a seasonal staple like no other. Classically tailored button-down collars or zip-necks in long and short-sleeve options help you tailor your outfit to the boardroom or the golf course with ease. Pair with slim-fit chinos in luxuriously comfortable stretch-cotton satin and a light beige finish for a perfectly on-trend outfit this summer.

CASUAL AND COOL MEN`S SUMMER OUTFITS

Given the choice, few would say no to a straightforward T-shirt and jeans combo on a typical summer’s day. A crisp-white T-shirt paired with regular-fit denim is a fast-track ticket to casual cool and can also be worn under a checked overshirt when meeting friends for a drink.

Inject your own unique blend of personality with bold logo accents, seasonal designs and choice of regular or V-neck lines. Further stand out from the crowd with mesh finishes, glow detailing and exclusive graphics designed to unlock your summer spirit.

Tip: Instead of a short-sleeved shirt, you can simply wear a normal long-sleeved shirt open over a vest and roll up the sleeves. This is a breathable and airy outfit choice for warm days and has a lot of style at the same time!

Clean lines and understated finishes cut a distinctly modern silhouette, particularly during the summer months when it is necessary to do more with less. Shorts in pastel shades such as pinks, yellows and light blues are in vogue this season and make for a particularly continental summer style for men when paired with a relaxed fit shirt in a washed linen blend, rolled up at the sleeves.

For cooler summer evenings, swap out your shorts for a pair of cargo trousers with classically designed oversized pockets and a relaxed silhouette. Those iconic pockets also offer the perfect place to safely stow your designer sunglasses as the sun sets over another day in paradise.

THE PERFECT SUMMER BEACH LOOK FOR MEN

The style-conscious man knows that beach-casual, though a deceptively simple aesthetic, takes foresight to pull off. Men’s beachwear is the definition of doing more with less. So only settle for the best with full-lined shorts in a quick-drying material complete with contrasting trim, an elasticated waistband and assured branding. Whether in seasonal block coloring or surfer-inspired floral print, match with a defined-fit beach top finished with special UV protection treatment to stay cool and safe in the sun.

If you’re looking for a men’s summer beach outfit that also gives more back, the HUGO BOSS range of swim shorts uses recycled materials from sources such as discarded bottles. Play your part in cleaning up our beaches while appreciating their natural beauty.

Tip: Both swim shorts and shorts should not be too tight on men and should end no more than a hand's width above the knee.

The devil is in the details: given that the best summer outfits are typically understated, it is important that your choice of accessories reflects this. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

Nothing says summer-ready quite like a pair of open-top slides or flip flops. For summer hikes or cobblestoned walks, twin-strap sandals with an ergonomic footbed provide the secure fit you need without sacrificing comfort and airflow. For shorter journeys – perhaps from the pool to the all-inclusive bar – a pair of flip-flops with a cushioned insole and structured straps are the way to go.

For the office get-together a pair of loafers, moccasins or well-kept white sneaker worn without socks is a quintessentially refined summer style for fashionable men. Finished in soft-suede with a slip-on fit for a look that is both sophisticated and at ease.

On the subject of socks, make sure that they match your outfit in terms of colour and even patterning. Here are some general tips to think about:

• Light pants should be worn with light socks
• Dark pants can be worn with black or white socks
• Beige pants with cream socks can create a striking summer look for men

With footwear chosen it’s time to add the finishing touches. Keep the sun from your eyes with a cotton-twill or mesh cap, complete with a moisture-wicking cotton blend sweatband for added comfort.

Next, find the perfect pair of sunglasses by matching the design to your face shape:

• Oval faces – suit most styles, especially classic aviators
• Square faces – shield and round frames
• Heart-shaped faces – sporty and cat-eye frames

With a choice of contrasting and subtle tints, titanium accents, and vintage or contemporary inspirations, it’s time to find that one pair you never want to misplace.

For the finishing touch, match your timepiece to your shades to complete an effortlessly coordinated men’s summer outfit. Silicone and fabric are go-to watch bands for summer thanks to their added breathability and lightweight design, though a genuine-leather strap will never not be cool. If you’re unsure about which watch design is right for you, check out our men´s watch guide for tips and advice.