15 Summer Wardrobe Essentials Every Guy Needs

The best men’s summer wardrobe essentials are dead simple. Whereas loud statement pieces and overly niche garments are usually only appropriate for a few settings, minimally-branded, well-made products should be your go-to all summer long. So before the temperature gets too hot, make sure you’re stocked up on sunglasses, caps, tees, trunks and sandals — everything else is secondary. With a strong rotation of essentials, you’ll be set for whatever the warmer months have in store.

Sunglasses

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Sunglasses are necessary for the summer to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s worth investing in a quality pair of shades, as you will likely wear them every day.

RB3025 Original Aviator by Ray-Ban $168

0PO3158S by Persol $300

Elias by Oliver Peoples $380

Caps

No matter where you live, the baseball cap is a smart accessory for everyday sun protection. For the most versatile options, look for neutral colors and minimal branding.

Naturalist Canvas Cap by The North Face $35

Helags Cap by Fjällräven $35

Bird Cap by Arc’Teryx $35

Swim Trunks

Brands are now offering the ideal short for summer: a hybrid between a swim trunk and a traditional short.The style utilizes fabrics appropriate for the water but features design cues lifted from traditional shorts like fly-front zippers, button or snap closures and side pockets.

Class V Belted Guide Trunk by The North Face $45

Calder Trunks by Onia $130

Bulldog Sport Swim Shorts by Orlebar Brown $159

T-Shirts

An essential part of any warm-weather wardrobe, the T-shirt finds its roots in the athletic-wear of the 20th century. For the most versatile options, invest in solid colors without obtuse branding.

Washed Everyday Pocket Tee by Vans $26

The Keeper by Alternative Apparel $28

Cashmere Short Sleeve T-Shirt by Todd Snyder $228

Sandals

Sandals are the unofficial shoes of summer. They’re easy to pack and quick to slip on, and they protect against hot sand. They’re casual and comfortable — sometimes that’s all you need.

Top Flip Flops by Havaianas $18

Z/Cloud by Chaco $110

Arizona by Birkenstock $125

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