In the mid-2000s, “suns out, guns out” became a philosophy that most fashion-forward men acknowledged but never said aloud. Luckily, now that 2021 has arrived, men are doing better in the summer style department.
Of course, the guys are ready to show a little skin when the mercury rises, but that doesn’t mean we can throw on old board shorts and tank tops for each and every occasion.
We need well-balanced, well-rounded summer wardrobes if we’re going to make the most of the season. This 2021 summer style guide points to the trends in tops, shorts, shoes, and accessories.
The gear on this list caters to a variety of summer settings, be it European countryside, weekends in the Hamptons, or a rooftop affair downtown.
Just remember the golden rule for summer shopping: when the weather is hot, you have to look cool.
Tops
L’estrange London All Day Linen Shirt
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The first rule about linen collared shirts is that if you want to own one, you have to promise to take proper care of it. If you are eyeing the L’estrange London All Day Linen Collared shirt, you’ll have to commit.
You can’t wash it with water that’s too cold, or too hot (30°C or 86°F). No bleach, no tumble dry! Ironing is recommended. The directions suggest turning the shirt inside out, zipping it up and checking the pockets. That’s some work for a shirt.
This care routine is absolutely worth it for comfort and style like this. No matter where in the world you find yourself, this shirt remains suitable for almost any summer occasion.
Polo Ralph Lauren Logo Embroidered Polo
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There is an item of clothing so iconic it can be rocked in almost any setting, the staple piece: the white polo.
For this look to really work, the brand has to be pertinent, meaning if you’re spending the summer at the racetrack, at the club, or on sports bars, you need a good polo.
With this Polo Ralph Lauren embroidered option, the Americana speaks for itself: 100% cotton, red and navy trim, and sporting the polo pony. It’s the go-to top for men this summer.
With a fit designed to compliment the human form, its shoulders and chest are fitted, so the shirt sticks close to the body (but not so much that you overheat out on the golf course).
Wax London Didcot Short Sleeve Shirt
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Undoubtedly a summertime wardrobe constant is the tropical shirt, sometimes referred to as a Hawiaiian shirt.
It’s a classic, but why not pull ahead of the pack with something softer and understated from Portugal? Something like the Wax London Didcot Short Sleeve Shirt.
It’s a relaxed oversized fit, so you can stand out more by ordering a size smaller for a fitted look or a size up for something uber casual.
When everybody is gaudy with red flowers, you will be adorned in white poppies, and that’s different in a good way.
Specifically designed with hot summer nights in mind, the fabric is light and breezy. Even the soft “sage poppy” color scheme brings to mind images of a gentle oasis.
Frescobol Carioca Cuban Collar Linen Shirt
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Light-blue, short-sleeved, and linen, Frescobal Carioca’s design for a Cuban collared shirt is spot on for summer fun. The work is inspired by the menswear of the Caribbean and Central America, so it’s no surprise the label’s headquarters are based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Finding the right fit for these types of shirts can be tricky, especially for smaller builds. Although it fits true to size, the shirt is relaxed around the waist. It’s in line with the traditional item, so you should be prepared to let your gut breathe a little if you’re not accustomed to it.
Patagonia P-6 Logo Responsibili-Tee
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Cartoon characters and band t-shirts have their place, but out in public in 2021 may not be one of them if you’re not that guy. If you’re going to don a printed t-shirt, at least do something cool.
The Men’s P-6 Logo Responsibili-Tee is a 100% recycled polyester/cotton blend made of 4.8 plastic bottles and .3 pounds of cotton scrap. Impressively, the production uses 96% less water and 42% CO2 than the average t-shirt. It’s even Fair Trade Certified™.
In other words, you get a hot ember-colored shirt, decked out in the sweet patagonia® logo, and a rock solid conversation starter to get you through every poolside shindig and backyard barbeque you attend from now through September.
Shorts
CDLP Pool Shorts
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What would summer even be without shorts?
The best thing about summer 2021 is that when it comes to shorts, there are almost no rules. Do you like long cargo shorts? They’re making a comeback. You prefer to sweat it out in your short shorts, go for it. You do you.
The CDLP Pool Shorts will appeal to the trendsetters and influencers, nonetheless. They’re knee-length and made of a material called viscose fabric (designed from wood pulp and certified with the EU Ecolabel).
When dry, the shorts have a matte military-inspired finish that fits well thanks to a naturally draping design. If you’re looking to mix it up, check out the Burgundy Check option. All of your aunts will tell you how nice they look at the next family reunion!
Orlebar Brown Dane Twill Shorts
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Orlebar Brown is the eye behind these shorts that most guys will want to add to their carts at first sight. The model has got the right idea pairing these to white All Stars. The look makes sense with mimosas, out shopping, or stopping by the marina.
They are nautical without being “too nautical” just as much as they’re skaterish without looking obvious.
With adjustable side tabs and a straight cut through the thigh, the silhouette is spot on. Best of all, they’re also fine as swimwear. Made of cotton, they’re easy to wash and even easier to wear.
Saturdays NYC Lifestyle Shorts
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The poetic title reads, “An Outside Lifestyle Fleece Short Midnight,” and there’s simply no better way to put it. These branded shorts have the logo printed on the leg, “An Outside Lifestyle,” posing a statement that isn’t made often enough.
We like the 8” inseam, the cotton drawcord, and the 100% cotton loopback terry fabric.They’re crazy comfy, the most supreme loungewear we’ve seen in quite some time.
If you want to complete the fit, there are matching options on the menu: An Outside Lifestyle Ditch Hoodie and the Found Peace on Crosby Street Standard Tee.
Outerknown Apex Trunks by Kelly Slater
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These shorts are always on par for the course. The Apex Trunks seem to float their way up to the top of the summer style guides, likely due to the array of color choices offered. Here, customization is king.
Kelly Slater, 11x World Champion, developed the item, seeking the most high-performance shorts imaginable. What makes it so strong? It’s the combination of the stitch-free welded seams and double bonded butt seam to allow the only thing to get shredded is waves.
With a selection that includes Maui Blue, Heather Grenadine, and our personal favorite, Jade Currents Block, the performance surf trunks cater to many styles.
Todd Snyder Cut Off Short
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This short pays homage to its brother, the Japanese Selvedge Chinos made popular by Todd Snyder in the cooler months.
The fabric itself is woven on vintage looms, offering a smooth texture that’s almost silky to the touch. The design is said to be based on a military style chino short, including a pre-frayed style around the bottom of the article. With a nine inch inseam, it hits right above the knee.
They come in two colors, khaki and navy. It might be hard to pick just one, so there’s no shame in purchasing both.
Shoes
Nisolo Diego Low Top Sneakers
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It’s tempting to bust out last year’s thongs and shuffle around in those all summer, but don’t. There’s no need when you can be just as comfortable, but a whole lot more presentable, in these Nisolo Diego Low Top Sneakers.
These shoes will fit the bill if you’re heading back to the office after months of remote work this summer. When you finally make it to happy hour, they won’t look out of place. Even on a rainy day, you won’t be caught off guard with sneakers made of waterproof leather.
Wearability wise, these shoes are cushiony and boast shock-absorbing and antimicrobial insoles. Major pluses.
Velasca Italian Style Loafers
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Velasca Milano kicks things up a notch with Italian flare. A whole line of shoes, boots, loafers, and moccasins draws attention to the summer mindset, especially where the high level of craftsmanship applies.
One of the aims of the brand is to echo a Milanese allure with a commitment to a stylish-yet-timeless piece. The co-founders, Mr. Enrico Casati and Mr. Jacopo Sebastio, are proud to stand by the mid-price line, with an average price point between $175 to $295 USD.
The Ferèe stands out as an option that’s equally distinguished and athletic, leaning into outfits that are apt for a night on the town or a morning walk through the docks.
They’re sliders more than boat shoes, so they’re going to make your strolls through the Italian countryside all the merrier.
Oliver Cabel Low 1 Sneakers
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Every summer starts with a fresh pair of pristinely white sneakers and a resolution to keep them that way for months to come. Although that means we have to learn to clean our gym shoes and avoid trailing through freshly cut grass, it’s possible.
The Olive Cable Low 1 shoes don’t have to be white; they come in other colors (Navy, Belmont, Black, etc.). White, however, is the iconic look of today’s style as far as summer sneaks go, a classic.
The shoes receive rave reviews from fans who find them easy to walk in; the only thing they have to say to the contrary is that buyers should buy a size or a size in a half down as they run a little big.
Duke + Dexter Driving Loafers
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Now that we have been caught dreaming of European shores basked in sunlight, we’re happy to share a shoe with a light blue hue that tickles our fancy: The Duke + Dexter Hunt Cielo Driving Loafer.
These shoes are too good not to show off on a light jaunt where one might feel as though they’re parading through the streets of southern Spain in late August. It makes sense to feel this way. The loafers were handcrafted in Spain with Italian suede.
Nisolo Huarache Sandals
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The word huarache comes from the Purépecha kwarachi. In English, it means sandal. The earliest found examples come from rural Mexico in states like Jalisco, Michoacan or Yucatan.
From there, hippies spread around the trend in the 1960s, and now they’re a summer wardrobe must-have. Nisolo has their own version of the handwoven, leather footwear, offering an option for dressing down or up.
Size-wise, the shoemaker suggests that those with narrow feet (or who prefer a snugger shoe) order a half size down.
Accessories
Barbour Waxed Cotton Baseball Cap
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Saunter through summer in an easy-going cap that offers an adjustable back for the perfect fit.
An emblematic sign of Saturday, a casual meet and greet, or a bad hair day is the baseball cap. Now that Nordstrom has the Barbour Waxed Cotton Baseball Cap ready to go, there’s nothing to sweat over.
Rolex Submariner Automatic Chronometer
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If you’ve got plans to wheel and deal all summer long, you should do it with a Rolex wrapped around your wrist, especially one as sharp as this: The Submariner Automatic Chronometer Black Dial Men’s Watch.
It has a stainless steel case and band as well as an analog dial that speaks to a summer so sultry it could be un film noir. You’ll truly be ready for any adventure that comes your way since the watch is water resistant up to 300 meters (1000 feet).
Montblanc Sartorial Leather Wallet
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Montblanc remains a mainstay when it comes to timeless accessories, even after a century’s worth of service. Still today, their workmanship steals glances from passersby time after time.
That can be a good thing if you want to be noticed while paying the check after dinner with this Saffiano leather wallet (made in Italy).
Ray-Ban Aviator Lenses
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Nothing says summer vacation like Ray-Ban sunglasses. These Aviator Classics were originally designed for aeronauts in 1937. They’re a timeless symbol of style that never falls out of fashion.
The RB3025 Aviator Flash Lenses are practical in nature, even if they’re gold-framed and the eye-catching lens color is called “Polarized Flash Blue.” They always make a splash with the lifeguards down at the beach.
The “Pilot” shape complements oval, square, and heart-shaped faces best. If that’s not you, don’t be afraid to shop around a bit. There are plenty of other Ray-Ban styles from which to choose!
Acne Studios Leather Belt
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Yet again, Acne Studios offers an accessory that is sure to steal the scene. Not everybody can pull off a chunky black belt with vintage-appearing hardware in the later months of summer, but true fashionistas certainly can. That’s who this leather belt is for.
The Atticus belt was designed by Jonny Johansson to be unique, pairing well with straight-leg trousers, and a linen shirt or light sweater (for those chilly evenings outdoors).
With picks like these, summer 2021 is due to end on a high note.
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