Men’s summer
style

Summer has finally arrived, bringing warmer days, shorter nights and leisurely pursuits. Whether enjoying brunch with friends or watching the sunset from the promenade, this is the time to kick back and relax in style.

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

Men’s summer fashion requires more than impeccable tailoring and a contemporary finish. A great summer outfit starts with the right fabric. We can finally swap out the insulating layers of denim, tweed and corduroy for 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 a carefree summer style for men while remaining smart enough for semi-formal gatherings. Linen also retains 20% of its own weight in moisture before starting to feel damp, which is perfect for keeping cool while feeling the heat. Still not convinced? The naturally forming creases are part and parcel of linen’s charm, so this is the perfect shirt to throw into your suitcase without worrying about needing to iron your shirt.

Cotton is another versatile fabric that can be easily adapted whatever the season. For men’s summer outfits, cotton is always a good choice. Choose a shirt and shorts combo in lightweight stretch cotton, complete with cutting-edge, moisture-wicking, and odour-control technology. Move with absolute freedom, safe in the knowledge that your clothing has your back.

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

BUSINESS CLASS: ELEGANT SUMMER LOOKS FOR MEN

A nice day does not automatically mean a day off – no matter how much we might wish for that to be the case. For those times when a suit is non-negotiable, opt for a classic linen or performance-cotton blend with an unlined blazer. Wear it over a fitted shirt mixed with stretch fabric for ultimate comfort.

Alternatively, for a classically cool men’s summer outfit that straddles the lines of formality, choose a designer polo shirt. With its origins in beloved English 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 it with slim-fit chinos in luxuriously comfortable blend of stretch-cotton and satin in light beige 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. It can also be worn under a checked overshirt when meeting friends for a drink or a thicker denim jacket when the Australian summer lets us down.

Inject your own unique blend of personality with bold logo accents, seasonal designs and your choice of regular or V-neck lines. 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, wear a long-sleeved shirt open over a vest and roll up the sleeves. This is a breathable and airy outfit choice for warm days and looks stylish, too!

Clean lines and understated finishes cut a distinctly modern silhouette, particularly during the summer months when less is more. Shorts in pastel shades such as pinks, yellows, and light blues are in vogue this season. They 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 pants with classically designed oversized pockets and a relaxed silhouette. Those iconic pockets are also the perfect place to safely stow your designer sunglasses as the sun sets over another day in paradise.

THE PERFECT BEACH OUTFIT FOR MEN

The style-conscious man knows that beach-casual is a deceptively simple aesthetic that 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 board shorts in a quick-drying material complete with contrasting trim, an elasticated waistband and branding. Whether in seasonal block colouring or a surfer-inspired floral print, match it with a defined-fit rash or sun top finished with special UV protection treatment to stay safe and cool in the sun.

If you’re looking for a beach outfit for men that is also sustainable, the Hugo Boss RESPONSIBLE range of board shorts uses recycled materials from sources such as discarded bottles. Now you can play your part in cleaning up our beaches while looking good at the same time.

Tip: Board shorts, briefs and jammers 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’s best to reflect that in your choice of accessories. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

Nothing says summer-ready quite like a pair of open-top slides or thongs. 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 toe thongs 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 runners worn with no show socks (or alternatively 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.

Make sure that your socks match your outfit in terms of colour and pattern. Here are some general tips to think about:

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

Now that you have the right footwear, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Keep the sun out of your eyes with a cotton-twill or pique-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

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

For the finishing touch, match your timepiece to your sunnies to complete an effortlessly coordinated men’s summer style. Silicone and fabric are go-to watch straps for summer thanks to their added breathability and lightweight design, though a genuine-leather strap will never go out of style. If you’re unsure about which watch design is right for you, check out our men’s watch guide for tips and advice.