Ultimate Spring / Summer Fashion Guide for Men

Unless you’re Billie Eilish, warm temperatures means it’s time to put away the oversized hoodies and transition into lighter spring and summer styles. Since spring and summer fashion for men is about looking clean and crisp, the importance of the light fabrics and classic prints really comes into play.

Mens spring and summer styles also share a lot of the same bases - cotton and linen are among the most common fabrics of the season. There’s also a lot of color crossover seen through most major menswear brands. Light blues, bright whites, colorful pastels, loud prints, and bold patterns are among the most popular mens fashion trends during warmer months. Classic blue is also Pantone’s color of the year, meaning brands everywhere will be weaving the color in their own designs.

It’s best to avoid fast fashion and pieces not made to last. Fast fashion brands produce a lot of bold prints which are great for a summer getaway, but having a closet that will last years depends on the quality of what you’re buying. The best part about brands cycling through similar fabrics, prints, and colors is the ability to wear the same spring and summer styles for years. As long as you’re buying pieces made to last, you should have no problem repurposing them.

We narrowed down our go-to spring and summer styles into a cohesive list of seasonal must-haves for men. No matter the year, these styles are always classic and on-trend, meaning you won’t have to worry about replacing them right away. If you already own everything on this list, then consider yourself a style god. If not, pick up a couple pieces to elevate your looks with some pieces that will get you the best kind of attention.

1. Classic Blue Chambray Shirt

Chambray is a plain fabric that’s woven with similar yarns as denim. The reason chambray is a great choice for spring and summer is its simplicity. These shirts usually come in the same light, medium, and dark washes of jeans, but are lighter than denim would be. Chambray shirts are a key piece to completing your spring / summer wardrobe.

2. Linen Button Down

Like cotton, linen is a very breathable fabric that allows for easy wearing in the sun. It’s made from fibers in the flax plant, meaning it’s a natural fabric. Linen dries extremely fast and is great for hot days you know you’ll be spending in the sun. Sweating is inevitable during spring / summer, so it’s best to do what you can to stay comfortable. No one likes a sticky tee.

3. Soft Cotton T-Shirts

Need we say more? A t-shirt is by far one of the most versatile pieces any man can have in his closet. Unlike most other pieces, a quality soft cotton tee is able to be worn with anything. Since cotton is also extremely breathable, you’ll be sure to stay comfortable even on the hottest days. Just opt out of tees with spandex or elastane, they tend to shrink and (in our opinion) are less breathable than 100% cotton.

4. Cool Denim Jacket

The denim jacket isn’t so much a spring / summer necessity as much as it is a year-round requirement. Denim jackets, especially for men, are the cherry on top of a cool, clean look. Throw it on over a classic white tee or your favorite shirt and you’re ready to go. If you opt for wearing denim on denim, try to match the washes for a synchronized look.

5. Light Wash Jeans

Since jeans come in multiple washes - light, medium, and dark - the best options for spring and summer are on the lighter side. With white undertones in the fabric, light wash denim is a great choice for a bright day look. Paired with some classic sneakers and plain tee, you’ll be ready to hit up any bar or party you have plans for.

6. Neutral Chinos

While chinos seem like your dad’s pants, they made it on our list because of how classic they are. Brands have modernized the pant by offering slim or skinny fit options, removing the concern of a straight-leg with no shape. If you’re against chino pants and everything they stand for, opt for some neutral colored denim that offers the same versatility.

7. Polarized Sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses can really make a man. There’s a sort of confidence that comes with wearing them. Polarized sunglasses are not only great to have, but help protect the eyes from glares and reflections that most other sunglasses won’t protect from. Investing in a good pair will set you back around $150, but trust us when we say they’re worth it.

8. Canvas or Leather Tote

Gone are the days where carrying a bag was only for women. With the rise of style and the fall of toxic masculinity, totes bags are a perfectly acceptable thing for men. Whether you’re headed to work, the beach, or just out to run your weekend errands, the right canvas or leather tote can really amplify your style.

9. Crisp White Sneakers

Crisp white sneakers are the next best thing to an ice cold drink on a hot spring or summer day. There’s not much else you need to worry about when you wear them. As long as you take care of them and keep your sneakers shining, there’’s no instance where investing in a pair of cool white sneakers will ever be something that you regret.

10. Gingham Shirt

What was once reserved for the Chads in your fraternity, gingham stripes are actually one of the best spring / summer staples for men. There’s something about the combination of color and texture that really takes any look up a couple notches. Since gingham stripes are more traditionally seen in blue / white or red / white, it’s really up to your taste as to which you prefer. We always pair gingham with blue denim - it’s another men’s spring / summer look that never gets old.

11. Breton (Nautical) Stripes

These nautical stripes became part of uniforms in Northern France during the 1800’s. They’ve since made their way into the mainstream fashion and have become one of the most popular spring / summer fashion trends for men. The simple stripes are cool way to mix up you rotation with deviating too far from your white tee comfort zone.

12. Colorful Sweater

Colorful sweaters have made their way into the closets of men everywhere. There’s nothing wrong with wearing color and, as most people would put it, it exudes confidence to wear something bold. Spring and summer colors are constantly being reinvented by menswear brands in unique ways, so keeping an eye on the market can help guarantee you’ll find something to wear, even if color ‘isn’t your thing’.