1. Every man should own at least one pair of smart, tailored shorts. Stylish but comfortable, they’re the perfect fair-weather fall-back. Chino shorts are available in a wide range of colours, and adding a brighter shade, such as a lobster pink or mustard yellow, is an easy way to update your wardrobe for summer.
2. Given that your feet spend the best part of the year tucked away in some brogues, it’s easy to overlook their up-keep in favour of the body parts that are more often on display. With leather sandals a key footwear trend for the summer, make sure you thoroughly prep your feet before deciding which pair to purchase.
3. Given that the world’s oldest preserved garment — found in a 3,000BC Egyptian tomb — is a linen shirt, it’s fair to say this wardrobe staple has been a man’s mainstay for some time. Switch cotton shirts for linen as summer approaches; and convey a relaxed, summertime mood.
4. In the heat, loose fitting clothes are more comfortable than tight ones. With this in mind, relaxed tailoring comes into its own in summer months. If you must wear a suit in the heat, choose a cut that is regular-fit rather than slim, lightweight and unlined, and ideally in a linen or woven-cotton blend.
5. Choose the perfect pair of sunglasses to suit your face. Aviators or square, angular frames add definition to round faces, while slightly curved frames look best against a strong bone structure. Remember to consider your complexion and hair colour. The safest bets are black or tortoiseshell frames, which look good on just about everyone.
6. Rolled chino cuffs and loafers are a dapper pairing, but in the heat of summer don’t forget to reach for these discreet Falke socks. Featuring anti-slip silicone grips on the heels to ensure they stay firmly in place, this subtle pair will keep you fresh and comfortable throughout the day, without anyone knowing there are socks beneath your summer shoes.
7. If you’re thinking about updating your swimwear this summer, choose a design that is practical for the beach but that also has a tailored approach making it smart enough to wear for lunch by the pool.
8. Sartorially speaking, summer is the perfect time to take a trip to the hothouse. On trend and seasonally appropriate, botanical prints of lush flowers and foliage are an ideal way to liven-up your wardrobe, and lend your outfits a leisurely dimension once the temperature rises. Unlike some more headache-inducing Hawaiian-prints of the past, this season’s offerings feature natural tones and considered illustrations for a tasteful update on a retro classic.
9. Substitute heavier shoes for unlined desert boots, deck shoes, lightweight loafers or leather sandals and you’ll be sure to keep your cool without resorting to flip flops, which are best kept for the beach or by the pool.
10. A classic Panama or a straw fedora is the perfect accompaniment to lightweight linen suiting and a sunny day. Choose a style that is woven using fine, lightweight straw to provide comfort and protection in the sun.
Toby Bateman is the buying director for mrporter.com.
