How to create the perfect men's outfit for the British summer

The UK is back in bloom, so it’s time to ditch your winter layers and bring back breezier, more comfortable men’s summer clothing. That’s easier said than done though. Which styles are best-suited to summer? How do you bring together a smashing outfit that tackles our unique combination of hot, rainy, humid, sunny, and occasionally chilly weather (with a freak hailstorm thrown in for good measure)? And what’s more, if you’re one of the many guys whose wardrobe is looking more than a little worn, which pieces should you prioritise? Get answers to all these men’s summer style conundrums and more, in our simple, step-by-step guide below.

##### **Step 1: Know your fit** All good outfits start with the correct fit. Whether you’re wearing a basic [tee](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/clothing/t-shirts) or a luxury standout piece from a brand like [Marni](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/brands/marni), what you wear can be massively elevated by simply making sure it fits your form. And in summer, where heat and sweat are constants, poorly fitting clothing can lead to serious discomfort. Measure your collar, waist, and consider your dimensions when choosing between fit types like slim or classic [shirts](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/clothing/shirts). Always check size guides before you order online too. And if you’re unsure, save the faff and shop the old fashioned way.

##### **Step 2: Stick with summer-friendly fabrics** As everyone in Britain is painfully aware, our summer days happily flit between drizzly and scorching. As a result, you need fabrics which can cope with humidity and offer the best in terms of breathability. The answer? Linen, more linen, then some poplin and pique cottons. Avoid man-made fabrics that aren’t breathable and are liable to trap bacteria (save the silver-laced metafabrics for hiking - summer stands for suave!). Colour-wise, lighter shades will help you stay cool, plus they’re energetic and vibrant - perfect for the season. That said, shades like navy or dark green can be smart choices for evening events and heading into the office.

##### **Step 3: Go for classic pieces that suit all sorts of settings** We’re all being hit by the cost of living, so when working out which summer pieces to prioritise, go for flexibility. Start with a few plain white [t-shirts](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/clothing/t-shirts) made from quality fabric from a brand that’ll last. Super versatile, a white t-shirt can be styled with shorts for a laid-back daytime look, or paired with a blazer and [trousers](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/clothing/trousers-and-shorts) for a smart yet relaxed look that’s great for work or an evening out. Linen [shirts](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/clothing/shirts) are another summer style necessity, providing heatwave-friendly looks that can be paired with cotton [shorts, chinos](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/clothing/trousers-and-shorts) or [jeans](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/clothing/jeans). Consider flexibility across the bottoms department too - tan, navy, khaki; whatever you choose consider the shades of your shirts so you can mix and match easily, all summer long. Finally, for a solid pair of [shoes](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/shoes) that helps you comfortably and confidently stride through summer plain white sneakers. Just be sure to avoid styles with lots of textures, colours, and big logos. And for when the mercury really kicks it up a notch, go for laid-back soft leather [sandals](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/shoes/sandals) to keep cool and relaxed from head to toe.

##### **Step 4: Find your perfect pair of sunglasses** Maverick’s Aviators. Lennon’s round lenses. The Blues Brothers’ Wayfarers. Every man has a [sunglasses](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/men/accessories/mens-sunglasses) style that suits them to a tee, so make sure to put the effort in to find a style that compliments both your style and head shape. When choosing frames, make sure the fit is snug, while not rubbing or pinching the skin. You want the lenses to be far enough from your eyes to not disturb your eyelashes - though close enough they don’t let in too much light from above. You want to be able to point your head downwards without the glasses slipping off your face too. Ideally, your sunglasses should also have 100% UV protection, and coatings to protect against water, scratching, and fog. Green, grey, or brown lenses will keep your eyes unstrained and able to perceive colours perfectly more than coloured. And err away from heavy metal frames which can get uncomfortably hot on sunny days. Getting a perfect summer style doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the tips above and a little time spent working out your sizing and preferences, you can have a cool, comfortable summer wardrobe that lets you enjoy every last ray of the busy, social season. Check out our men’s clothing range today, or visit a store near you to try on pieces from our top brands in person.