The Best Summer Clothes for Men in 2025

Surviving the punishing summer heat is tough enough—dressing for it with an iota of style is like playing the season on legendary mode. The best summer clothes for men, though, will help you barrel through the swelter like a Twitch streamer speed-running Super Mario.

We’re not saying they’ll ensure you’ll make it to fall entirely sweatless, but we are saying that you’ll at least feel cool as hell with the right warm-weather wardrobe. Yes, looking more stylish with less clothing is a challenge. But we put our deeply-problematic shopping habits to good use and came up with a definitive list of essentials to keep you as cool as a cucumber.

From splashy swim trunks and scintillating cologne to breezy button-ups and piping hot sunglasses, we’ve got all the men’s wardrobe essentials right here for you. So whether a vacation is on your calendar or you’ve snagged that rare restaurant reservation, the best summer clothes for men will usher in your hottest season yet.

For more warm-weather style intel, check out the GQ Summer Shop.

The Summer Menswear Hit List

• The Double-Duty Swim Trunks: Bather Swim Trunk, $90
• The Summer Project Sneakers: Buck Mason Deck Shoe, $158
• The Star-Making Sunglasses: Retrosuperfuture Edku Sunglasses, $285
• The Icy Bracelet: John Hardy Heishi Bracelet, $695
• The Stand-Up Dress Shorts: Todd Snyder Tropical Wool Tab Short, $228
• The Feet-Praising Flip Flops: Havaianas Top Flip Flops, $18
• The Vintage-Washed Dad Hat: J.Crew Washed Canvas Baseball Cap, $40 $28
• The Freshened-Up Fragrance: Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Cosmic Eau de Parfum, $175
• The Blithely Rumpled Button-Up: Banana Republic Standard-Fit Linen Shirt, $95
• The Plain Ribbed Tank: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Ribbed Tank, $28

The Dad-Approved Dad Hat

Honestly, any light hat will do. But the most bang for your buck is probably a washed-out baseball hat, logo or not. Treat it like a pair of canvas sneakers, too. Wear it hard, let it fade, let the sweat give it character, and watch it slowly shred by the end of summer.

The Rumpled Button-Up

As tempting as it is to bum around in a tee in the dead heat of summer, just know you’d be leaving a lot of swag on the table. Button-up shirts are a hell of a lot breezier, more versatile, and sexier, especially when with a few buttons undone and blithely rumpled.

The Trusty Plain Tank

Don’t let us stop you from rocking your camp collars sans undershirts. But be sure to keep a stack of reliable plain tanks on deck for a little respectfully slutty layering. Rock it with a loud printed button-up or go solo with nothing but your biceps, clavicles, and icy jewelry to hold you down.

The Double-Duty Swim Trunks

Swim trunks aren’t just for swimming. Trot them out onto dry land like any other pair of shorts and you’ll add even more drip to your roster.

The Face-Framing Shades

The sun is out. It’s bright. Squinting is not cute. What else is there to say?

The Simple Canvas Sneakers

It’s healthy to have hobbies so consider lacing up a pair of clean canvas sneakers your fun summer project and wear them into the ground. The only question left is: socks or no socks?

The Rock-Solid Polo

We know that we went a little hard on the off-beat polos in recent years. Though we do still think they can be a stylish move, sometimes a regular ol’ pique polo in a solid colorway is really all you need. It’s understated, chill, and always a stylish.

The Cool, Classic Chinos

For the thigh-shy and never-shorts among us, a light pair of voluminous chinos is the only correct answer when it comes to summer bottoms. Bonus points if they’re vintage.

The Farmers’ Market Bag

One of the many joys of summer is all the fresh produce. What better way to spend a Sunday morning perusing through the spoils of your local farmer’s market? For that, a big-ass bag is in order. At least, that’s the excuse we give to yourselves just to have a sick bag on our person to really complete our warm-weather outfits.

The Flip-Flops That Don’t Flip Flop

Let the dogs out. Flip flops are no longer limited to the beach or pool and should be worn with your everyday summer fits. Try ‘em with some baggy, breezy pull-on pants cut with a healthy break. Or harp on their SoCal feel with cargo shorts and a graphic tee. The only thing we ask? Get a pedicure.

The Summerweight Suit

Like it or not, you’ll likely have to attend a summer wedding. Use it as an opportunity to snag a breezy suit that you can separate and incorporate into your steady rotation of warm-weather fits. But of course, don’t wait for your friends to get hitched to snap up some sartorial style points.

The Beach-Ready Watch

Summer is all about taking it easy and though we treasure our rare timepieces, we’d rather not be precious about it, not when all the summer activities are calling. So walk out the door with a watch you can knock around and live your best summer.

The Fresh Fragrance

Maybe the most powerful thing you can wear is something you can’t even see—fragrance. And wearing the same spicy cologne you rocked through winter is kind of like wearing Ugg boots in summer. Instead, spritz on something light, airy, and fresh for the warmer months.

The Land-Lubbin’ Boat Shoes

Loafers will always be on our list, but if you want to lean into the summery angle, we’d suggest slipping your dogs into a pair of boat shoes. The nautical kicks are a little more interesting than a pair penny loafers and the soft, supple, crushable leather gives your outfits a more relaxed, lounge-y feel that’s more befitting of the lazy summer energy.

The Bolder, Brasher Belt

A good belt can elevate any outfit, especially in summer when you’re wearing less. So make the most of it and get yourself a belt that can make a statement, big or small.

The Dressy Shorts

Not every pair of shorts needs to have an elastic waist, you know. And as pulverizing as the heat can be, a pair of dressier shorts can help pick you up off the floor. Sync it up with a billowy shirt and loafers, or contrast it with a ribbed tank and offbeat sandals. Or not. Do what you want!

The Ice-Cold Accessories

The blistering heat means the clavicles will be on full display for the foreseeable future. Keep cool and adorn them with a fresh chain or two. While you’re at it, treat your wrist with an icy bracelet and your fingers with some badass rings.