Top Fashion Picks for Gentlemen's Wardrobe in the Year 2025
Freshening up for a sweltering summer day can be a chore, but with the right wardrobe, you can stride confidently through the swelter without breaking a sweat. Here's a rundown on the stylish essentials every man needs to unlock their swag-gasmic summer vibe.
With temperatures rising and the urge to bare it all, dressing for summer can be a headache, but we've toiled endlessly to put together a must-have list for the dog days. From sun-kissed swim trunks to sunscreen that goes unnoticed, and everything in between, here's how to nail the fashion game during the hottest months.
GQ's Must-Haves for Summer
To help you look fab while keepsin' cool, we've sussed out the crème de la crème of summer styles, hand-picked from major brands, indie faves, and some budget-friendly heroes so you can stock your closet and still have $$$ left for your vacay to Capri. Here's how to bring your A-game during the sweat-drenched season.
For more spin on summer style, don't miss out on the GQ Summer Shop.**
The definitive summer hit list:
- The Plain White Tee: Lady White Co. Our T-Shirt (2-Pack), $110
- The Sunscreen Upgrade: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF40, $38
- The Double-Duty Swim Trunks: Bather Steel Disco Sun Swim Trunk, $100
- The Throwback Sneakers: Buck Mason Deck Shoe, $158
- The Star-Making Sunglasses: Warby Parker Lattrell Sunglasses, $95
- The Strappy Sandals: Vinny's Fisherman Sandals, $320
- The Dad-Approved Dad Hat: J.Crew Washed Canvas Baseball Cap, $28
- The Fresh Fragrance: Tom Ford Beau de Jour Fragrance, $235
- The Rumpled Button-Up: Alex Mill Mill Shirt, $165
- The Upper-Body-Positive Tank: Abercrombie & Fitch Ribbed Tank Top, $19
The Dad-Approved Dad Hat
Flaunting a light hat during summer is an absolute must. Picking one where the logo is visible is an added bonus. Give it a wear and tear, let it get all worn out and torn up, let the sweat trail its character, and watch it crumble by summer's end.
J.Crew
Washed Canvas Baseball Cap
$60 J.CrewSandlot Goods
New York Black Yankees Duck Cotton Vintage Flatbill
$45 Bespoke PostGap x Malbon
Linen-Cotton Logo Plaid Baseball Hat
$34 GapMan-tle
R18C3 Deep Cap Rock Linen
$162 Lost & Found
The Rumpled Button-Up
Opting for a basic tee in the scorching heat may seem like a no-brainer, but smooth sailing requires some button-ups on deck. They're feather-light, versatile, and sexier, especially when half unbuttoned and casually unruffled. Give 'em a try and watch the toastiness dissipate like a gust of wind through your wardrobe.
Polo Country
Convertible-Collar Checked Cotton-Flannel Shirt
$175 Mr PorterMfpen
Common Pinstriped Cotton Shirt
$310 Mr PorterTaylor Stitch
Short Sleeve Hawthorne Shirt
$125 Bespoke PostBanana Republic
Standard-Fit Linen Shirt
$95 Banana Republic
The Trusty Plain Tank
Don't believe us if we say rocking those camp collars without undershirts is a great idea, but we highly recommend stocking up on plain tanks for good measure. For a little racy flair during the summer, wear one with a loud printed button-up or collarbone 'em up with nothin' but your chunky jewelry and biceps to set sail.
Lady White Co.
Sleeveless T-Shirt
$95 Lady White Co.Hanes
Lightweight Cotton Tank Undershirts
$18 AmazonMack Weldon
18-Hour Rib Tank
$28 Mack WeldonFreenote Cloth
Ribbed Tank Top
$70 Huckberry
The Double-Duty Swim Trunks
Swim trunks aren't only for the beach or the pool. Take 'em out onto terra firma like any other pair of shorts, and they'll add even more swag to your repertoire.
Bather
Swim Trunk
$90 BatherPatagonia
5" Baggies
$69 PatagoniaBuck Mason
Laguna Swim Short
$128 Buck MasonStone Island
Mid-Length Logo-Appliquéd Nylon Metal Swim Shorts
$245 Mr. Porter
The Face-Framing Shades
With the sun brightly burning, a sophisticated set of sunglasses can make extricating squinting a no-brainer. And that's no exaggeration.
Jimmy Choo
57mm Oval Sunglasses
$366 NordstromRetrosuperfuture
Edku Sunglasses
$285 SSENSEWalden
Airman Sunglasses
$99 HuckberryAkila
Iris Sunglasses
$160 Akila
The Simple Canvas Sneakers
Finding the perfect pair of summer kicks boils down to personal preference, but we recommend going simple with light canvas sneakers-socks optional. The key part? Make 'em your summer project and wear 'em into oblivion.
Moonstar
Herringbone Deck Shoe
$158 Buck MasonConverse
Chuck 70 High Top
$90 NikeVans
Authentic Shoe
$55 VansWakouwa by Anatomica
Oxford Trainers
$225 Drake's
The Rock-Solid Polo
Though polos have been a controversial topic in recent years, there's a reason we're still singing their praises. A tried-and-true pique polo in a solid neutral hue is all the statement you need, and it's perfect for summer.
J.Crew
Washed Piqué Polo Shirt
$80 J.CrewPolo Ralph Lauren
Classic Fit Mineral-Dyed Mesh Polo Shirt
$110 Ralph LaurenLacoste
Classic Fit Original L.12.12 Polo
$98 AmazonMr P
Linen and Organic Cotton-Blend Polo Shirt
$210 Mr Porter
The Cool, Classic Chinos
For the fashionably modest, roomy chinos are the ultimate summer choice. And lo and behold, they have the power to make you look classically stylish once sweat becomes inevitable. Vintage chinos are an added plus.
Buck Mason
Parachute Poplin Full Saddle Chino
$158 Buck MasonJ.Crew
Classic Chino Pant
$98 J.CrewStudio Nicholson
Bosworth Twill Pant
$330 Studio NicholsonAlex Mill
Straight Leg Chino
$165 Alex Mill
The Farmers' Market Bag
Summertime, with its abundant farmers' markets and produce galore, calls for a robust bag to haul your goodies. Plus, it adds an extra touch of swag to your warm-weather ensembles.
Steele
Steeletex Zip Top Beach Tote
$110 SteeleAmiacalva
Washed Canvas 6 Pockets Tote
$230 Mohawk General StoreBode
Parakeet Logo-Embroidered Striped Canvas and Corduroy Tote Bag
$650 Mr PorterBottega Veneta
Andiamo Large Intrecciato Leather Tote Bag
$8,400 Mr Porter
The Flip-Flops That Don't Flip Flop
Summertime, with its plethora of adventurous activities, calls for flip flops that can keep up. Here's your excuse to try 'em with loose, airy pull-on pants or pair 'em with cargo shorts and a graphic tee. We only ask one thing: get a pedicure.
Havaianas
Top Flip Flops
$18 AmazonGianluca
L'artigiano del cuoio Handmade Slippers
$129 AmazonAuralee
Tong Flip Flops
$690 SSENSEArchies
Arch Support Flip Flops
$40 Amazon
The Summerweight Suit
Arguably one of the most versatile wardrobe staples, a summer suit can transform any outfit. Whether you're attending a wedding or just want to step up your warm-weather swag, a breathable, breezy suit will never go out of style.
Buck Mason
Capitola Linen Carry-On Jacket
$248 Buck MasonDrake's
Antique Linen Games Blazer Mk. I
$1,195 Drake'sJ. Mueser
Waferly Suit Jacket
$1,495 Mr PorterTodd Snyder
Wythe Suit
$1,196 Todd Snyder
The Beach-Ready Watch
The sun might be shining, but that doesn't mean you have to forfeit your precious timepieces. Instead, opt for a watch that you can throw around indiscriminately. Here's your summertime life jacket.
Shinola
Ceramic Monster Automatic
$2,150 ShinolaNoah x Timex
Lighthouse Watch
$228 NoahSeiko
Essentials Watch
$125 AmazonVaer
S5 Calendar Field Watch
$179 Bespoke Post
The Fresh Fragrance
Spritz in something light and you'll be the life of the party. Bow out of the pungent winter scents and step into summer with a fresh aroma under your arms. It's the ultimate symbol of swagger.
Serviette
Sour Diesel Perfume
$175 ServietteLoewe x Paula's Ibiza
Cosmic Eau de Parfum
$175 Neiman MarcusHawthorne
Mineral Wave Eau de Parfum
$48 NordstromCreed
Silver Mountain Water
$250 Nordstrom
The Land-Lubbin' Boat Shoes
Loafers may be your go-to footwear, but in the summer, boat shoes are where it's at. Their soft, flexible leather and chilled-out, loungey vibe are everything you need for chillin' by the water. And don't forget to grab a pedicure while you're at it.
Sperry
Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe
$95 AmazonQuoddy
Canoe Shoe Camp Sole
$249 HuckerryMorjas
The Boat Shoe
$350 NordstromVinny's
Boatman
$350 Nordstrom
The Bolder, Brasher Belt
A well-chosen belt can make or break an outfit. Give your summer ensembles a leg up by incorporating a statement belt, no matter how big or small.
Emily Dawn Long
XO Belt
$358 Emily Dawn LongOur Legacy
Studded Double Tongue Belt
$325 SSENSEBode
Clover Suede Belt
$460 Mr PorterTory Leather
Western Buckle Sert Leather Belt
$58 Front General Store
The Dressy Shorts
If you're a bit iffy about shorts in general, we have one thing to say: The summer heat will make you don shorts whether you're ready or not. Because let's face it, anything less is ineffective against the perspiration. So embrace this summer staple and experiment with these sleek, stylish options.
Todd Snyder
7" Tropical Wool Tab Short
$228 Todd SnyderMfpen
Classic Short in Vintage Stripe
$270 Mohawk General StoreLemaire
Maxi Pleated Bermuda Shorts
$820 SSENSECOS
Tailored Drawstring Linen Shorts
$120 COS
The Ice-Cold Accessories
With your clavicles on full display, what better way to chill out than with some icy accessories? Adorn them with a fresh chain or two and treat your wrist and fingers to some ruggedally fab rings.
John Hardy
Heishi Bracelet
$695 John HardyDavid Yurman
Box Chain Necklace
$295 NordstromBleue Burnham
Mini Lotus Ring
$322 SSENSELuis Morais
14-Karat Gold, Lapis Lazuli and Agate Beaded Bracelet
$465 Mr Porter
GQ recommends the Washed Canvas Baseball Cap from J.Crew as an essential for flaunting a light hat during summer, allowing it to get all worn out and torn up.
From the trusty plain tank to the rock-solid polo, minimize the camp collars without undershirts and opt for plain tanks for good measure.
The Dad-Approved Dad Hat is a summer must-have, perfect for a worn and torn look by summer's end.
For personal preference, go simple with light canvas sneakers, making them your summer project and wearing them into oblivion.
Style the Rumpled Button-Up shirt with versatility, as it adds style even when half unbuttoned and casually unruffled.
Swim trunks aren't only for the beach or the pool; take them out onto terra firma like any other pair of shorts and they'll add swag to your repertoire.
