Summer Outfits for Men: Style Tips to Stay Cool and Sharp

Quick Answer: How Should Men Dress in Summer?

  • Choose breathable shirts: linen-like, seersucker and soft-touch stretch short-sleeve shirts.
  • Go lighter: white, light blue, tan and soft pastels.
  • Lean on summer staples: short-sleeve sport shirts, polos and lightweight pants.
  • Dressing up? Choose a lighter suit colour like tan or light grey.
  • Keep the fit clean: relaxed fabrics still need a neat fit.

Canadian summers are short, so make the most of them. Long weekends, patios, cottage trips and summer weddings all call for outfits that keep you cool without looking sloppy. Here's how.

1. Choose Breathable Shirts

The shirt does most of the work in the heat:

  • Linen-like shirts: the look and breathability of linen with less wrinkling. Shop linen-like shirts.
  • Seersucker: a puckered texture that keeps fabric off your skin.
  • Soft-touch stretch prints: stripes, tropicals and nautical prints for weekends.

Shop all short-sleeve sport shirts.

2. Go Lighter With Colour

Light colours reflect the sun and look fresh. Build summer outfits around white, light blue, tan and stone, then add colour with a print or a pastel.

3. Add a Polo

A polo is smart enough for the office or a patio dinner. Look for performance or sweater-knit polos that hold their shape in the heat. Shop polos.

4. Keep the Fit Clean

Shirts should sit neatly at the shoulders, and pants should be slim without being tight. Overly baggy pieces look sloppy in the heat.

Summer Outfit Formulas

  • Patio: white linen-like shirt, tan pants, clean white sneakers.
  • Long weekend: printed short-sleeve shirt, navy shorts, sneakers or sandals.
  • Summer office: light blue dress shirt, light grey dress pants, cognac oxfords. See what to wear to work when it's hot.
  • Summer wedding or event: a tan or light grey suit. See the best summer suits.
  • Cool evenings: a lightweight full-zip sweater over a short-sleeve shirt.

For more ideas, read 10 casual summer outfits for men.

Going away? See what to pack for vacation.

FAQ

What should men wear in hot weather?

Breathable short-sleeve shirts in light colours, like linen-like or seersucker styles, with lightweight pants or shorts.

Are polos office-appropriate?

In most business casual offices, yes. Choose a structured or sweater-knit polo in a solid colour.

What suit is best for summer?

A lightweight stretch suit in tan, light grey or light blue.

Shop Summer Style at Tip Top

Find short-sleeve sport shirts, polos and summer suits, or visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.

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