15 Must-Have Summer Fashion Essentials for Men

The best summer fashion essentials for men are perfect for those balmy afternoons down at your local brewery with mates. However, they’re just as suitable for beach days, boat parties, and family get-togethers. With the weather warming up, it’s time to sort out your summer wardrobe. It’s time to embrace linens, casual styles and breathable fabrics, so you can look the part while keeping cool. Whether you’re in the mood for a summer reset or are just looking for a few new additions for your summer holiday, these must-have summer fashion essentials for men will help you up your game. To compile our top picks, we drew from international runways, fashion blogs and street style to bring you the top picks for this season.

Best Mens Summer Fashion Essentials at a Glance

Highlights from our list include the following options:

• Best overall: Linen
• For shirting: Camp Collars
• For shorts: Luxury Swim Shorts
• For footwear: Fisherman Sandals
• For accessories: High-quality Sunglasses

Now you’ve read our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.

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1. Linen Everything

Price: from AUD$50-250

• Key Features: Breathable, lightweight fabric; natural textures.
• Best Pieces: Shirts, trousers, shorts, blazers.
• Occasions: Beach days, summer parties, casual office wear.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Pair a linen shirt with tailored shorts for an effortless summer look.

Hot weather, linen. It’s a simple formula that puts one of the best, most breathable, premium fabrics on your body for these sweaty summer days. Fundamentally, linen is made from flax fibres and is naturally antibacterial and stain-repellent which is why it’s our top choice for hot weather. It’s functional, laid-back, and relaxed, too, which is why linen is timeless. It’s also versatile, and one of the best things about linen is how you can easily wear a linen shirt to the beach paired with boardies or you can dress it up with suit pants and a belt to wear to a summer wedding. We recommend keeping it simple and buying linen in natural block colours but also make sure the linen you buy is 100 per cent pure linen, without synthetic blends. Some high-quality brands we suggest include 120% Lino, Uniqlo, Academy Brand and Assembly Label.

2. White T-Shirt

Price: from AUD$20-200

• Key Features: Classic crewneck, high-quality cotton.
• Occasions: Everyday wear, layering.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Tuck into relaxed trousers or pair with sneakers for a clean look.

Quintessentially summer, the white t-shirt is a staple piece of clothing men need for summer. While we recommend at least two or three options in your wardrobe, we’d also consider a few different cuts, including a crew neck tee, a v-neck tee and a boxy, wide-sleeve tee. Styling-wise, the white T-shirt is ideal for the summer months because you can mindlessly wear it and pair it with any pair of shorts or trousers. The last thing you want to do on a hot day is waste time thinking about what to wear. When buying a white T-shirt, we only consider 100 per cent high-quality, pre-shrunk cotton, which means no itchy synthetic fibres or polyesters, and most importantly, no yellowing or shrinking.

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3. Knitted Polo Shirt

Price: from AUD$80-260

• Key Features: Soft knit fabric, structured collar, slim fit.
• Occasions: Smart-casual events, summer dinners.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Tuck it into your tailored trousers with loafers for a polished vibe.

Don’t screw your nose at the word ‘knitted’ because these polo shirts are the of the trendiest summer shirting styles. It’s a polo shirt made from a knitted fabric – so it’s comfortable and breathable. The knitted polo is the ultimate summer must-have for those days when you need to dress up a little bit. They’re not particularly cheap, but you can wear them into autumn when the summer heat starts to cool off, so consider it an investment piece. We recommend wearing a knitted polo to a long lunch or a fancy dinner by the coast. To keep things classic and true to the style, go for a striped style and opt for pastel and muted hues. Stick to a lace pattern, and make sure it’s sleeveless or short-sleeved in design. Hit up brands like Venroy for a selection of different styles.

4. Camp Collars

Price: from AUD$40-400

• Key Features: Relaxed, open collars, bold patterns.
• Best Fabrics: Linen, cotton, silk.
• Occasions: Poolside parties, weekend outings.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Wear with tailored shorts and sunglasses for a retro-inspired look.

The camp collar shirt oozes timeless class. This short-sleeve, button-down shirt is characterized by its open, unstructured, lay-flat collar. It’s relaxed, but also a little bit fun, making it the perfect summer must-have for men. We love how we can wear a camp collar with jeans and a pair of sneakers, or dress it up a bit with chinos and loafers for a more refined look. When you’re shopping for a camp collar, look for bright colours, stripes and floral or retro-inspired patterns, as well as breathable fabric. While you can find quality camp collar shirts at most stores, our go-to is Portuguese Flannel, with their pieces all crafted from a lightweight and super soft baby cord, paired with a classic 1950s-inspired silhouette.

5. Football Jerseys

Price: from AUD$150-400

• Key Features: Lightweight, breathable fabrics; bold team prints or retro designs.
• Occasions: Casual streetwear, sporty events.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Pair with mesh shorts and sneakers for a sporty-cool outfit.

No one saw this summer trend coming but with plenty of celebrities rocking football shirts on and off the field, this may be one of the biggest trends of the summer. Whether it’s a vintage jersey or a designer take on the classic look, you can style this look with everything from casual denim to cargo pants or chinos. Super comfy and designed to be breathable and hide sweat patches, we can see why this option is a winner for summer. Bold prints are best, but often, it just depends on your favourite team colours. Shop at dedicated sports stores if you want, but we recommend making a more stylish decision on the humble football jersey by browsing stores like Aime Leon Dore.

6. Lightweight Blazers

Price: from AUD$200-1,200

• Key Features: Unstructured fit, breathable fabrics like linen or seersucker.
• Best Colors: Beige, soft blue, and white.
• Occasions: Summer weddings, smart-casual dinners.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Layer over a T-shirt with chinos for a relaxed yet refined outfit.

Just because it’s warm, doesn’t mean you can’t don a blazer in summer. One of our number one fashion essentials for men, a lightweight blazer is the perfect way to incorporate smart-casual into your look, without overheating. The best ones are made from lightweight linen and polyester blend fabrics, so make sure to look out for these on the tag when shopping. Think of all those summer weddings with a suit and tie dress code. With a lightweight blazer, paired with chinos or layered over a thin tee, you will look stylish for these occasions without breaking a sweat. Trending colours and styles for the season are natural hues and block colours, avoid anything patterned.

7. Relaxed Suits

Price: from AUD$400-2,000

• Key Features: Wide-leg trousers, loose-fitting blazers, lightweight fabrics.
• Best Colors: Pastels, beige, olive.
• Occasions: Formal summer events, outdoor weddings.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Wear with a linen shirt and leather sandals for a modern twist.

Come summer, gone are the days of tight-fitted suits, straight legs and stiff fabrics. We replaced these with wide-leg trousers, loose-fitting blazers, and lightweight fabrics. Relaxed suits are essential for summer, and you can wear them casually, to work, and formal events. Plus, they’re versatile enough to mix and match the pants and the blazer to create a more casual outfit. When it comes to popular styles, neutral or muted colours are the way to go – think sand. Still, we love changing it up with a navy or olive green when we want to stand out. Keep an eye out for linen and double back vents when shopping, with brands like COS and Zara offering some of our favourite options this season.

8. Mesh Shorts

Price: from AUD$100-250

• Key Features: Lightweight, breathable material, relaxed fit.
• Best Colors: Neutral tones, sporty brights.
• Occasions: Casual outings, beach days.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Pair with a tank or oversized T-shirt for a relaxed summer vibe.

You can’t get much cooler than mesh, both in terms of style and temperature. No longer reserved for workouts, mesh shorts are retro-inspired, easy to wear, and can be styled with a collared top for a refined look. This is a great option for those aiming for a capsule wardrobe this summer because these shorts can do it all. Mesh shorts with bright colours typically look best, channelling that fun, retro feel. Look for mesh shorts with pockets and an elastic waist that are made from 100 per cent cotton. Stick to sports brands when shopping for mesh shorts, and we’ve found some great options at Glue Store this season.

9. Luxury Swim Shorts

Price: from AUD$225-800

• Key Features: Quick-dry fabric, tailored cuts.
• Best Patterns: Subtle prints, solid colours.
• Occasions: Beach or poolside.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Pair with a camp collar shirt for a polished resort look.

Designer swimwear is officially a must-have for summer this season. With quality quick-dry fabric, tailored cuts, and sophisticated styles and patterns you need to add at least one pair of luxury swim shorts to your summer wardrobe. When you’re at the beach and all you’re wearing is a pair of board shorts, you need to make sure they make a statement. Luxury, designer swim shirts look so good you could even wear them out as regular shorts. Fun, playful patterns or block colours in pastel hues are the way to go. Look for luxury swim shorts that are 4-Way Stretch, quick-drying, anti-odour and made with premium materials.

10. Big Shorts

Price: from AUD$

• Key Features: Relaxed fit, longer lengths, utility-inspired design.
• Best Colors: Khaki, black, navy.
• Occasions: Casual daytime wear, urban outings.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Pair with a fitted T-shirt to balance proportions.

There’s nothing better than having room for airflow, so having one or two pairs of big shorts on hand this summer is essential. Big shorts are long, wide and often utility-inspired, with plenty of pockets and compartments making them incredibly practical. We love rocking a pair of big shorts on casual days spent running errands or pairing them with a clean white T-shirt on a casual Friday. We always start our search for big shorts at Carhartt, which are leaders in this category.

11. Smart Sneakers

Price: from AUD$220-800

• Key Features: Minimalist design, premium materials.
• Best Colors: White, neutral tones.
• Occasions: Day-to-night transitions, casual office wear.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Pair with chinos or relaxed trousers for effortless sophistication.

Because summer outfits typically lean toward a more casual look, opting for a smart pair of sneakers is a simple and easy way to elevate an outfit. When we say smart, we mean top-quality materials like suede or leather, and a refined, minimalist design. If you keep them nice and clean, you can wear smart sneakers to the office or out to dinner because they’re able to blend seamlessly with any outfit. Make sure you try before you buy to ensure the right fit for your foot or shop from a brand we’ve tried and tested below.

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12. Fisherman Sandals

Price: from AUD$200-800

• Key features: Leather or vegan materials, breathable design.
• Best colors: Brown, and black.
• Occasions: Casual summer outings, beachwear.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Pair with tailored shorts or wide-leg trousers for a laid-back look.

There’s nothing worse than hot feet, and fisherman sandals will keep your feet feeling cool and looking good. That’s right, slides are not the only option. Opt for a leather pair in classic shades like chocolate-brown for a refined look. Typically, the best styles feature wide straps and buckles and supportive, non-slip soles. Wear them with casual outfits or risk your all and cop a designer pair to wear with a summer suit. No matter what you buy, look out for fisherman sandals made from 100 per cent suede, leather and rubber soles. They also look great with linen pants or even those luxury, designer swim shorts we mentioned earlier.

13. Canvas Tote Bags

Price: from AUD$125-400

• Key Features: Durable fabric, minimal design.
• Best Colors: Neutral tones, muted patterns.
• Occasions: Beach trips, casual errands.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Choose a structured tote for a more polished look.

One of the most attainable summer fashion essentials for men, canvas tote bags are the ultimate summer accessory. Perfect for a beach bag or a minimal bag to complement your casual summer outfit, you can’t go wrong with having at least a handful of canvas bags on rotation at any given time. You can match a canvas tote with any outfit without it looking out of place, and that’s why we love it – ideal for those days when it’s too hot to think. Opt for bags made from 100 per cent cotton canvas and those with thick shoulder straps to avoid cutting into your shoulder when you load it up with beach gear.

14. High-quality Pair of Sunglasses

Price: from AUD$250-500

• Key Features: UV protection, durable frames.
• Best Styles: Square acetate frames, retro styles.
• Occasions: Everyday summer wear, vacations.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Invest in timeless designs that pair well with casual and formal looks.

The Aussie sun is bright, so it’s crucial to have a quality pair of sunnies to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Brands such as Ray-Bans are known for their classic designers, and they still offer great value for money. However, we’ve been rocking with a handful of new lesser-known designer brands for a few years now and we’ve been loving them. Brands such as Garrett Leight, Sun Buddies, and Jacques Marie Mage charge as much for their sunglasses as some designer brands do for a jacket, but there’s something special about the way they’re designed, and they feel expensive in hand.

Look for sunglasses with 100 per cent protection from both UVB and UVA rays as they block UV wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Beyond practicality and safety, a good pair of sunnies is a simple way to elevate an outfit. This season, we’re loving square acetate frames and retro styles because they’re timeless and will give you a few seasons of wear. The only other important thing to mention – try not to lose them.

15. Sunscreen, Facial Mist, and Lightweight Moisturisers

Price: from AUD$

• Key Features: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hydrating mist, non-greasy moisturisers.
• Occasions: Daily use.
• Man of Many’s styling tip: Carry a facial mist in your tote for on-the-go hydration.

Like a good pair of sunglasses, stocking up on sunscreen facial mist and lightweight moisturisers are summer must-do, especially in Australia. Crucial for protecting your skin from the harsh summer sun, get yourself a lightweight, SPF 50+ daily sunscreen (and make sure you wear it every day) as well as a non-greasy moisturiser, so your pores don’t get blocked from sweat. When it comes to skincare, always do your research on ingredients and what works best for your skin type. Some general things to look out for include active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (mineral sunscreens), which are considered less irritating and provide good protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Alternatives to These Summer Essentials

• Tank tops: An easy, casual alternative to a tee, having a few pairs of tank tops is essential for those hot days at the beach, or when you’re going for a run and want to feel as cool as possible.
• Woven belts: Channelling the beachy look, adding a woven belt to an outfit is a simple way to give any outfit that summer vibe.
• Sheer fabrics: Like mesh and linen, sheer fabrics are extremely breathable and therefore make a good choice for the warmer months.
• Mesh tops: The perfect option for a fun, playful top to wear on a night out that will also keep you cool.

Why You Should Trust Our List

We have a hardworking team of fashion experts and editors who have combined more than 20 years of experience working in the publishing industry with a strong focus on fashion. Because of this, we each know a thing or two about summer trends. Our list combines what we know about Aussie summers with international style cues and current trends, so you’ll look good whether you’re in Bondi or the Amalfi coast. We also focused on summer essentials that blend function and style, with each recommendation chosen based on what we’ve tried and tested.

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