Every year, we see white jeans bubble to the surface of menswear. Inspired by the stylish gents of Pittt or menswear heroes like Steve McQueen, they are inevitably in the mix when the weather gets warmer. But yet, most men wouldn't give them a second thought. Though, their hesitancy with wearing might just be stopping them from effortlessly nailing summer dressing.
On the face of it, white jeans are a neutral piece that should be simple to dress. Versatile enough to absorb many colours, they should be a no-brainer in summer. But, if we approach it haphazardly, it can quickly leave even the savviest of dressers quaking in their deck shoes.
To deliver that style masterclass of our European peers, we are on hand to help men feel confident enough to slip into their white jeans this summer. These failsafe outfits border both smart and casual, ensuring whatever the dress code, we'll have you covered.
An all-white outfit might seem scary but don't take it so literally. Sure, some guys will be confident to wear all white and be able to dodge every rogue spillage or stain the whole day. For us mere mortals, we recommend a tonal palette of complimenting colours.
For our tonal hues, men should be looking to partner their white jeans with off-white, beige or cream colours. It is a step down from the pristine all-white version, though it can still become a staple summer outfit.
To adjust this look somewhat, men can introduce colour and contrast in their accessories or with a light jacket. This will help ground the outfit and add some additional interest.
White is a perfect accompaniment to pastels for a chic summer look. And when golden summer days are on the horizon, menswear explodes into a myriad of pastel tones. So, there are plenty of men's pieces to choose from.
Make white jeans your base layer with this look, and choose a pastel t-shirt, polo or even shacket to support. The white jeans will draw the eye, even softening the pastel colour, creating an overall polished outfit.
Keep that centring when considering shoes to wear with your jeans. We want pastels to be the standout colour so we can stay neutral with white trainers, for example. Or, offer some contrast with brown sandals or loafers as long as the tone remains lighter to not jar with the rest of the look.
White and blue denim is a simple, laidback hookup. Of course, you could opt for grey or black on top, but we find it hard to see past the more popular blue.
You can incorporate blue denim within a jacket, worn over a t-shirt or as the main player itself in shirt form. Both will give men a spring/summer look, making your weekend dressing fuss-free.
To perfect the look, focus on the fit. You might be a guy that prefers a regular fit over slim-fit jeans, and that is entirely fine. We draw the line at the polar opposites (skinny and baggy). Neither would work in this look or most of those other potential ones in your wardrobe.
There is no end of statement shirts for men to choose from come summer. From Cuban collar prints to Hawaiian-inspired palm trees, this time of year is a sublime opportunity to let your creativity shine.
Unleashing such boldness in summer can often lead to a conflicting array of colours and patterns that struggle to work together. White jeans can offer a welcome respite to this assault on your senses. They happily do the legwork of absorbing the noise from your top half, ensuring your look remains palatable.
With the hard work completed, men can focus on exploring their new found clothing confidence knowing their white jeans have their back.
These two menswear pieces are a lighthearted combination of nautical attire. This partnership has been adorning the most stylish gents for decades. A clear contrast between the top and bottom half plays into a cohesive look that is perfect for summer.
You could take the ensemble further to its naval roots with a Breton stripe top for added French vibes, or keep it simple with a blue shirt or plain tee. Either way, you'll have an ideal combo for the summer garden party or an early evening date.
Feel free to accessorise with a patterned pocket square; just make sure you aren't seen without your sunglasses.
Take your style notes from the campuses of North America's finest colleges. The explosion of this smart casual attire from the 1920s onwards is still much revered worldwide. White jeans were an integral part of this movement in the 50s and 60s, routinely matched with an Oxford button-down shirt and a college logo sweatshirt.
These days, you don't need a Harvard degree to dip your toe into this approach. Any sweatshirt will be enough, and you can even add a Harrington jacket for an additional nod to this era.
The Ivy League style is open to interpretation in our modern world, though its core elements are as timeless today as they were back then.
We have all been guilty of sticking on some new threads only to attract a rogue bit of lunch sauce or a splashed after-work drink. Maybe, that's why, as men, we approach wearing the colour white with trepidation.
History shows us the most admired stylish men wore white with ease. Steve McQueen's Superga's, Fred Astaire's wide-legged trousers and Marlon Brando's figure-hugging tee embraced it with aplomb. Sure, white doesn't have the sleek, refined positioning of black or navy. But, in summer, it is a great example of pared-back dressing. Notably able to absorb a range of other hues while reflecting the sun's rays.
Those looking to involve more white in their summer wardrobe needn't look like they are off to Pitti. Sure, there is a movement towards all-white ensembles. But, as someone with kids, I'm perturbed to recommend this for fear of big dry cleaning bills. So, let's break down the best ways to introduce white into men's clothing during the warmer months and beyond.
A multi-faceted piece of menswear, the white t-shirt, might seem humble. However, it is adept at delivering a staple for nearly all occasions.
As a growing trend to a less-formal workplace gathers pace, men can choose a white t-shirt as an ideal way to break up tailored clothing. Its unassuming nature makes it a subtle backdrop to suiting, especially if you want to rock pastel blues or autumnal greens in your rotations. While at the other end of the scale, the sheer simplicity of a white t-shirt pairs itself nicely with chinos, shorts and even denim.
Like the Swiss army knife of menswear, white t-shirts don't have to stop there. The inception of such a garment was to serve a purpose as an undergarment. As a result, men can still wear it astutely for this reason. Either hidden during the colder months or as a succinct piece of layering in those transitional months when the weather can't make up its mind.
As men embrace a more hybrid formality, we should see greater confidence in wearing white trousers. A glance across the water sees no end of men donning white trousers in the summer months. For those on these shores, it still remains a menswear taboo.
Guys can go a couple of avenues if they want to introduce white on their bottom half. The easiest is to pick a pair of white jeans. They are less pristine and can be a quick switch to your beige chino. Wear within the realm of smart casual as a partner to a nice polo shirt or linen shirt.
Alternatively, more formal white trousers can revamp your separates. The colour can sit well with those hues you typically already have in your blazers, like navy, beige, or brown. Just make sure you choose smart footwear that compliments the overall aesthetic. Our pick is a loafer in suede or leather for that dash of Neopolitan-tailored summer dressing.
White footwear shouldn't be too much of a jump for the men reading. A versatile menswear staple, the white trainer is a firm favourite among the stylish elite. It is unassuming and minimalist, making it ideal for being worn with a variety of clothing.
We like to give our tailoring a contemporary feel by incorporating a pair of white trainers. But, it is worth noting that the whole look has to play to this aesthetic. So, we can't go formal on top and trainers on the feet. You'll look like an office worker about to change into their heels after walking to work. Try to loosen the top half with a t-shirt or polo shirt instead of the traditional shirt and tie.
White trainers can be worn with pretty much anything in your wardrobe outside of smart wear. Chinos and shorts all look natural with a pair of these trainers. If you don't already have this footwear in your rotation, you are missing out on their minimalist power.
White shorts can offer a welcome relief for men in a sea of navy and beige. As with everything on this list, fit is crucial. Above the knee is the sweet spot for guys, with a rising hemline from here a sign of the wearer's confidence.
The neutral tone of white makes it an ideal partner for a robust palette choice. Why not introduce a pattern within a Cuban collar shirt for an attention-grabbing style? Alternatively, a plain Oxford button-down or linen shirt delivers a polished finish. Whichever way you wear them, white shorts offer a twist to the typical summer outfit that can deliver a mix of casual and smart.
Whether you are going for the all-white ensemble or introducing just a white blazer, men can find a nice way to update their formal attire.
In the summer months, our tailoring takes on a more unstructured nature. Removing the lining and relaxing the shoulder can steer men to a more laid-back formality. A white blazer can nestle within this, delivering a European take on traditional smart clothing.
To partner with your white blazer, follow this unstructured nature. Think open-neck shirts and loafers with no socks to play into this cultivated look. At the same time, accessories like a coloured pocket square or sunglasses can finish the outfit without becoming too showy.
Now you have a wealth of options, you can feel confident in wearing white this summer no matter the event.
When it comes to summer dressing, few fabrics can enable men to toe the line between formality and laidback nonchalance like linen. Crafted into a shirt, linen's breathability means men have a dependable staple that can keep the sweat patches at bay. All while giving some much-needed structure that allows us to wear this shirt within multiple dress codes.
No longer a laughing stock, the linen shirt has become our warm-weather saviour, leaving beach weddings and excessive creasing in the past. It has been neatly blended with fabrics like cotton or silk to deliver formality while still keeping an element of this in its rawest form. Whichever way you wear it, it is time to start embracing a linen shirt as a staple of summer wardrobes.
What isn't there to love about a linen shirt? A natural fabric with a low thread count, it allows air to circulate the body, keeping men cooler in the heat. Not to mention being adept at wicking away sweat. As if the morning commute in summer isn't hard enough without worrying about damp patches. Linen has your back (and armpits) covered.
For those men keeping an eye on their environmental impact. Linen comes from the flax plant, requiring less water and pesticides than other crops. Thus making linen a more eco-friendly choice versus different fabrics.
There have definitely been advancements in the production of linen in menswear. But, there is no escaping from the fact that compared to other materials, it is more susceptible to creasing. However, we can almost eradicate this by looking for cotton-linen blends.
In its rawest form, 100% linen is hard to beat for smart casual summer dressing. Available in various fits and cuts, there is no shortage of options to suit every wedding invite or weekend date over the next few months.
Styling a linen shirt is easy because it's such a versatile piece of clothing. You can wear it with shorts for a casual look or pair it with chinos for a more formal look. A linen shirt also works well as a layering piece, so if it gets cooler in the evening, you can easily throw on a denim jacket or lightweight blazer.
Here are a few of our favourite linen looks.
Granted, the linen shirt might give off more than a whiff of Caribbean holidays. Worn with your favourite choice of swim shorts and sandals, it is a surefire classic for those days in the sun. But back home, you don't need to discard the linen shirt to the back of the wardrobe.
For our daily rotation, we are looking to the Med. Think the South of Frace or the Italian coastline. That mix of off-duty formality can combine tailored shorts with espadrilles for coastal shades of elevated European style. It is a relaxed silhouette, with a lightweight shirt giving a welcome partnership to the summer heat.
Men can accessorise this look with their favourite watch or jewellery to take it further from the pool and closer towards everyday practicality.
Although linen shirts are often associated with a slightly casual feel, they can also be dressed up with a more formal look. The key to mastering this is twofold.
First, reach for a linen blend shirt to minimise creasing and keep that air of formality. Secondly, utilise texture to your advantage. A linen shirt gives off a different aesthetic to a basic cotton shirt, so use that as a contrast to your summer suit. Doubling up by partnering linen on linen will only remove the depth needed and leave your outfit lacking the smarter edge.
In addition, men can create that contrast through colour. This works well if you have chosen to lose the blazer. Opt for darker-tone trousers to ground the look while using a lighter-coloured linen shirt on top for the disparity.
This is where you get free reign to style your linen shirt. Out of summer, we might be choosing our polo shirt or oxford button-down for that smart-casual weekend look. Something not too smart but far enough from slobbish, you don't look like you've just popped into the corner shop to buy some milk. On warmer days, the linen shirt is ready-made to step in and deliver what its predecessors have before it.
We would suggest breaking the outfit up a little by rolling the sleeves and adding a belt. It will draw the eye and ensure we don't look like we've just stepped off the beach. Alternatively, try a striped linen shirt or even a Cuban collar version to offer some interest and something different to a more basic cut.
On the feet, mix it up. Men can choose trainers, desert boots or driving shoes, which will all play nicely into this off-duty look.
Available in a rainbow of colours, Uniqlo has easily allowed men to get their hands on linen at an affordable price. For those on the fence, this is an entry-level way to showcase how linen can take your outfits up a level in summer without losing the style you have honed the rest of the year.
Purveyors of a Scandi-minimalist aesthetic. Arket is known for delivering the core basics that every stylish guy needs. This linen shirt is no different. A classic cut in 100% linen, this will ensure you are kept cool but refined wherever those hazy summer days take you.
Get that touch of European style with this Italian-made, 100% linen shirt. With a slightly shorter hemline, this is the perfect piece for cultivated casualwear. Men get all the hallmarks of a formal shirt but with a casual twist, giving them versatility and comfort entwined in this striped number.
The signature linen shirt from Luca Faloni, the Portofino, is a fine example of not messing with the classics. From its timeless cut, Italian linen and mother-of-pearl buttons. The brand has shown by beautifully crafting great clothing, men will get a shirt that will last them for years to come.
One of the beauties of great quality linen is its ability to get softer the more you wear and wash it. And that's exactly what men can expect from Asket's headline linen shirt. The ethos of linen as an eco-choice for menswear pairs nicely with Asket's own views on sustainability. It's a match made in heaven.
Why does a linen shirt have to be for your holiday? Invest in a 100 Hands shirt, and you will get a menswear piece that will feel wasted on the beach. Intricately crafted, this is a luxury bit of kit that deserves to be worn through summer and beyond.
This linen shirt from Emma Willis carefully plays into how versatile this fabric can be. Wear it tucked in for a formal take on summer dressing. Or, the curved tail at the back allows for men to wear this untucked, maybe with the sleeves rolled up and still get that air of formality, albeit slightly more casual.
A Mao collar evokes visions of balmy East-Asian days. Stripping the collar away from a traditional collar relieves restrictiveness, which is much needed in the heat. There is no place for a tie, and nor should there. Your OOO is now firmly on.
The brand of the moment, Percival is everywhere with their fun take on menswear. Partner this long-sleeved linen shirt over a simple vest and tee for an artful summer layering piece. Remember, we live in Britain, and the sun is a cherished, fleeting moment, so be prepared for evening chills in the beer garden with this modern pick.
Delivered in summer hues of cornfield yellow, this colour palette is screaming out for you to stick your shorts on and grab a cocktail. It's time to clock out of work and enjoy the summer sun. Made in Portugal from 100% linen, Sirplus again gives us a masterclass in underrated, timeless men's style.
As the name suggests, Reiss is making holiday prep a breeze with their collection of short-sleeve linen shirts. With a blue that hopefully mirrors the seas of your far-flung getaway, the cutaway collar also helps to add a vintage touch to this summer staple.
Inspired by Mediterranean tiles, this Peninsula linen shirt gives us bucketloads of Santorini vibes. Soft linen has been cut into a tailored fit, making this a great choice for the evening restaurant date.
Rocking a Sean Connery, James Bond-inspired shirt is a great way to nail the Riviera look so many of us crave at this time of year. Wear this NNO7 linen shirt with shorts or chinos for a luxe version of weekend casual.
Head to Mr Porter's, Mr P. line for something a little different. Surprisingly easy to style, this checked linen shirt needs a simple pair of trousers and a chore jacket for a laidback spring/summer outfit. Less Texas cowboy and more man about town.
Lastly, we have this classic from Massimo Dutti. No bells and whistles here, just a simple, well-made linen shirt that will be as dependable as an ice-cold drink this summer.
As men grow older, priorities change—none more so than when we become parents. In a monetary sense, dads are faced with astronomical childcare bills—a pram that costs more than your first car and nappies, endless piles of nappies. So, the focus moves from filling your basket at Mr Porter to trying to make your paycheck last the month.
In the style stakes, as men spend their days keeping a tiny human happy and fed, they face a conundrum. Frugality does not always mean stylish. Can they still invest in the clothing they love while facing the fear of their cashmere jumpers being spoiled by rogue flying ketchup, baby sick or something worse? The simple answer is yes. I understand there might be some budget constraints, but you can still look and feel great.
Approaching a dad wardrobe is about scaling back your options without scaling back on the dad. We don't want this guy to be replaced by a sleep-deprived zombie in joggers. Comfy and practical clothing doesn't have to mean missing out on top-notch style. It is all about striking a balance between style and function. Thankfully, we are here to help. So, learn our tips on dressing better as a dad.
Being a dad is a rewarding experience, but it can also be extremely challenging. Stress, lack of sleep and the weight of responsibility in keeping this small human alive. It isn't easy. However, we shouldn't lose sight of how taking care of your appearance is one way you can boost your confidence and self-esteem and set a positive example for your children.
When you dress well, you feel good about yourself. You know that you look your best, which can give you confidence and self-assurance that carries over into other areas of your life. This can be especially important if you're feeling down or stressed out.
Moreover, dressing well shows that you respect and value yourself. It sends a message to others that you take care of yourself and expect to be treated with respect. This can positively impact your relationships with your spouse, children, and those you work with.
As a dad, you're a role model for your children. You teach them how to behave, interact with others, and take care of themselves. When you dress well, you show your children that you care about your appearance and that taking care of yourself is important.
You can also use your clothing choices to teach your children about style, fashion, and self-expression. For example, you could involve your children in shopping for clothes or ask for their opinion on your outfits. This can be a fun way to bond with your kids and instil a sense of style and individuality in them.
When building a dad-friendly wardrobe, having the basics down is important. Men should look for pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create different outfits. These foundational items are the backbone of dressing better. Whether it's a great pair of denim jeans, fitted cotton t-shirts or robust knitwear, they can, for the most part, be worn most of the year and will effortlessly interchange with one another.
It is a subtle shift from trend-led menswear to elevated basics that enables you to look great without constantly shopping. You end up taking the stress out of shopping while leaving you enough room to layer extra pieces. These could be items that have a bit more personality for example or that hold seasonality and don't mean having to rotate your entire wardrobe every six months.
With parenthood comes less time and less sleep. Working out might seem like a distant memory, and a slowing metabolism might see you put on the pounds faster than you were younger. So what, men shouldn't feel ashamed of this. It is ok to grow old gracefully and changing bodies can be one element of this.
The problem occurs when you don't accommodate this different body into your dressing. Nailing fit is the ultimate rule for dads to look their best every day. If everything has got a little tighter, get it altered or replaced.
As we mentioned in our article about dressing better in our 40s, don't be sucked into the shiny world of fashion-led menswear. It is typically a young man's game that will leave dads constantly falling short of the expectations they have for dressing in this way. Clothes won't fit how you'd hoped, or your budget won't stretch to the whole look.
Stick to creating a wardrobe of timeless, quality menswear that will suffice in having you dress well every day. Then if something catches your eye and there is money in the budget, dads can buy it knowing that piece won't make or break their outfit.
Men who have taken a more-than-average interest in menswear over the years should have an arsenal of brands in their knowledge base. This is an ideal time in life for men to start refining that list. Syphon off brands that were more style over substance or whose clothing tends to wear out quicker than others.
If you are lucky, there might be a brand that meets your aesthetic and whose pieces fit you better than others. Lean into this. No one is going to judge you for buying more from a single brand.
With parenthood comes soft play, playgrounds and kid's parties to name but a few events. We need our clothes to be dependable and able to stand up to the daily tasks of these environments.
The key step here is in choosing the right materials. Cheaper, manmade fabrics tend to be less comfortable than natural fibres. Even in pre-dad life, you might have experienced how some clothing can look great but lack comfort. This will be exacerbated as a dad, so heed the warning signs. Better fabrics will not only feel more luxurious when worn, but they will hold their shape better post-wash enabling you to get more wear out of them.
Going back to the previous point about materials, this can also be evident in the wear and tear of men's pieces. As dads, we are on our knees, changing nappies one day and climbing playground obstacles the next. With cheaper fabrics, this could be detrimental. But superior fabrics will take this robust impact and embrace it.
Invest in quality jeans or thicker cotton t-shirts and oxford shirts for example. They will stand up to the rigours of parenting and even look and feel more appealing the more they are used.
Over the past five years or so, menswear has been counter-intuitively accepting the way bady dressed older men used to dress. Chunky trainers, unflattering high-waisted jeans and shapeless knitwear have all had their time in the sun. Don't be fooled. The irony of looking like 90s Frasier is not something to partake in.
Similarly to avoiding the trend-led menswear, steer clear of the stereotypical dad-wear. It wasn't stylistically acceptable back then, and it isn't now.
Grooming is a key cog in the wheel of presentability. Your sleep has probably decreased from the recommended 8 hours, and your face shows the effects. Try, even in a reduced way, to keep up with some kind of grooming routine.
A cleansing wash, subsequent tone and moisturise will keep your skin looking fresh and supple. At the same time, a deeper scrub or face mask can help to remove impurities. The latter may be a step too far for new fathers on a limited-time schedule.
Low maintenance can be taken on top as well. Ask your barber for a trim that requires minimum care.
Dressing well as a dad doesn't have to be difficult or complicated. By following these tips, you can build a dad-friendly wardrobe that looks stylish, feels comfortable, and boosts your confidence. Remember to dress for different occasions, choose clothing that flatters your body shape and enhances your natural features, and invest in quality pieces that will last you for years to come.
The traditional swim short has now become an essential piece of summer menswear and is no longer just an afterthought. Embrace this by choosing an elevated pair that will look great in and out of the water.
Whether you're heading to the beach, poolside party, or tropical getaway, finding the perfect swim shorts is essential for a stylish and enjoyable summer experience. To help you we have brought you a a mix of vibrant patterns and timeless, classic designs. Which means, whether you like short shorts, or head-turning patterns we have something for everyone. All with the typical focus on quality you can expect from all our buying guides. So, you can dive into the summer season with style and comfort.
Should you be heading on a sunny holiday or enjoying the summer vibes in your local area, pairing your swim shorts with the right ensemble will elevate your style and ensure you're ready for any occasion. For a casual beach look, consider pairing your swim shorts with a lightweight linen shirt and a pair of stylish loafers. This combination exudes laid-back sophistication and is perfect for strolling along the shore or grabbing a refreshing drink at a beachside bar.
If you're heading out for a daytime adventure, opt for a more confortable outfit. Team your swim shorts with a vibrant t-shirt and a pair of comfortable trainers. Add a baseball cap and some sunglasses for a cool and casual vibe that's perfect for exploring the city or joining outdoor activities.
Fit-wise, every man might require something different, but a more tailored finish which sits around mid-thigh will flatter most men. Those with greater confidence can take the hemline higher, though approach with caution. Essentially, go with what you makes you feel the most comfortable and confident.
Made from a quick-drying, brushed soft fabric, these Rip Ripa shorts are a dependable summer staple. The tailored fit and bold stripe are bringing all the Italian-style pazazz we need during the warmer months.
Giving men a British take on resortwear, Che Studio's familiar striped clothing is starting to turn heads within the sartorial elite. These shorts take inspiration from 70s basketball styles with a retro stripe and boxy feel. Nonchalantly bridging the gap between swimwear and casualwear.
Made from a sustainable, high-quality 4-way stretch fabric these shorts deliver comfort and sophistication. Handmade in Portugal, men only need now find a boat to wear these nautical stripe shorts aboard.
Ideal for going from beach to bar, these Reiss shorts give men a formal take on the traditional swim short. Easily worn with summer footwear and a polo shirt, they will be your summer favourites both here and abroad.
Another affordable pick from British high-street stalwarts, M&S. If you can comb through the sheer number of options, there is always something great for summer from this brand. These quick-drying swim shorts have a contemporary feel that makes them an essential summer choice.
For men that like their swim shorts a little more retro, look no further then GANT. The purveyors of preppy have nailed the vintage aesthetic with this logo-branded swimwear. All you need now are your flip-flops and a cold drink.
If you want something a little more everyday but don't want to scrimp on quality? Then head over to Sunpel. Based on the shorts worn by Sean Connery in Thunderball, these are a classic piece of menswear kit. They will effotlessly partner with nearly everything in your wardrobe. So, slap on your espadrilles and we'll meet you at the pool.
Channel your inner James Bond with the British spies favoured swimwear brand. The geo-print of the Bulldog shorts is an ageless choice for men that prefer a shrewd investment. Side adjusters are an added touch to help create a more flattering silhouette.
Full of Italian vibes, these shorts from Frescobol Carioca feature a stunning tiled print. In a relaxed fit, they are made from a quick-drying material in a mid-weight shell. Making them comfortable and stylish.
If you don't want to break the bank for your swimwear this summer, then look no further than Next. With a range of swim shorts at a wallet-friendly price, there is something for every guy. We especially like these coral shorts made from recycled polyester that could easily pass for a pair double the price.
It's hard to imagine this pick from John Lewis is actually a piece of swimwear. They are expertly delivered in seersucker with a tailored fit that combines a shorter length. The result is an incredibly flattering pair of shorts that have been crafted from the sartorial secret weapon of fabrics for summer. Now you just have to find a reason not to wear them.
Born amongst surfers, Finisterre prides itself on multi-functional menswear. Just as comfortable in the water as they are out of it, these shorts are lightweight and quick-drying. Perfect for when you are heading from one adventure to another.
Simple, and understated, Mr Porter delivers another timeless classic from its own-brand label, Mr P. With a focus on the cut and fit, these are a comfortable pair of swim shorts that can easily be partnered with a linen shirt post-pool.
Make a statement by the pool with these flamingo pink shorts from Represent. For those brave enough to try, you'll get thigh-length swimwear that is sure to turn heads.
In a flattering, tailored fit, OAS has crafted a pair of swim shorts ideal for this summer and beyond. A resort brand that combines the Scandinavian aesthetic with a mix of the Mediterranean that inspired the brand's inception, its a winning combo for us.
Historically overlooked in a man's wardrobe due to its more functional aesthetic. The polo shirt is now a dependable staple that needs to be embraced. Sure, the pique versions made famous by Lacoste are still available. But, to do it justice, men should be perusing the array of waffle knits and zip-neck alternatives.
The recent resurgence of polo shirts might be down to menswear embracing the 'dad-look' or changing opinions towards office dressing. Either way, this humble piece has had a menswear shot in the arm, showcasing how enhanced fits and fabrics alongside tweaks in collars and necklines can resonate with a modern audience.
From a holiday beach bar to the daily office grind. Men can include the polo shirt in multiple rotations due to the options we now have. Pick a silk cotton blend or cashmere version to partner with tailoring for a more contemporary look. Or stick on your sunglasses and statement shorts with a jacquard knit polo for a summer-ready outfit that is an upgrade to the standard t-shirt.
Just remember, whichever aesthetic you choose, it’s still important to focus on the end goal of where and how you are going to wear the polo shirt.
Like with our smart shirts, the polo shirt should have a natural finish on the shoulder and not be too tight (or baggy) through the sleeves or torso. A failsafe is to keep the top button undone as it looks complimentary for a wider range of men. While the polo shirt length should finish between the upper and mid crotch.
Convinced about the polo shirt? AGR is here to help you navigate the vast range available, and have picked our favourites in the list below.
We are getting started with an effervescent classic. This polo shirt is from the Italian brand Aurelien and has been expertly cut from Egyptian cotton. The drape is sublime with the length slightly longer making it ideal for being worn tucked or untucked depending on your mood. Simply bellissimo!
Presented in a colourway ideal for the warmer months, Paul Smith has added interest with a striped collar. The overall feel is quintessentially British, with a nod to the mod subculture that the brand has leaned into heavily over the years. Bonus points for the use of machine-washable merino wool in its construction.
Spoke London is blazing a trail in menswear enabling men to get clothing that is true to their shape. Their polo shirt range is no different. Available in a myriad of colours, men can choose their size, cut and length to get a dependable staple that will see them through summer and beyond.
A classic polo shirt from Drake's has been given a facelift for summer with a fabric blend of linen and cotton. Made in Italy it delivers a delicate soft finish that would look great partnered with tailored trousers. Pass us the Aperol Spritz.
Part of the eight-piece collection that British brand Sunspel has created in partnership with Mr Porter, this honeycomb knit is a winner for 2023. Offering breathability through its use of premium cotton and honeycomb construction it delivers an elevated but relaxed look. It has all the hallmarks of the British brand's trademark minimalism with a Mr Porter twist.
From the mind of street-style favourite Oliver Cheshire comes Che Studios. Serving as their creative director, Mr Cheshire has been getting rave reviews for his modern range of resort wear pieces. This pick references 1960s Americana, with a truckload of vintage vibes completed with tortoiseshell buttons and the brand's trademark stripes.
A modern, understated piece from Arket. Opening the collar up by removing the buttons, not only offers a cooling edge to this polo but also delivers a contemporary neckline. The relaxed feel should only be an encouragement for guys to try this out with their favourite shorts or chinos.
There is so much to love about this polo shirt from GANT. But marvel at the drop needle technique, and the subtle use of yellow on the sleeves for starters. It has all the preppiness we would expect from the Amercian brand, though somehow still feels modern and relevant.
Perfectly merging both the 'polo' and 'shirt' elements, this waffle option slaps of Mediterranean sun in a terracotta colour palette. Made from organic cotton, the full breadth of buttons makes it ideal for that beach-to-bar look with a hybrid of style and functionality.
The towelling effect of the terry cotton used to make this polo makes it suited for your upcoming summer holiday. Throw it on over your swim shorts after exiting the pool for shades of Rivieira chic.
Bringing texture to your summer wardrobe is this choice from Mr Porter. A refined pick, we can see it effortlessly being worn for a day at work or even the weekend BBQ invite. Just make sure to keep the ketchup at arm's length.
A sexy neckline from Purdey is backed-up with medium 18-gauge cotton construction. So, for those men that understand how the finer details can make or break an outfit, this is the polo shirt for you.
Men don't have to stray from the high street to get a great polo shirt this summer. Massimo Dutti has done a great job of creating a range of products suitable for urban living this season, with this polo a firm favourite for us.
Applying their detailed tailoring eye to more than just smart wear, Thom Sweney has been able to create products that bridge the smart casual dress code. A fine example is this navy polo shirt that can easily be worn with a suit or dressed down with chinos or shorts with a deceptively sharp finish.
This is a classic example of how menswear brands can modernise a staple like the polo shirt. Mango has switched up this primary men's piece with a zip collar and fitted drape. A streamlined top, we recommend wearing with tailored trousers and white trainers.