6 Summer Essentials For Men | April 2018

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s finally time to dig out clothes that, for the better part of autumn and winter, have been residing in the back of your closet. It’s a well-known fact that every season has particular rules or hallmarks for how to dress; so what might work well during autumn and winter, might not work as well during spring and summer. Hotter weather usually means dressing lighter and it’s also the season where bright and bold colours come out to play. We’ve chosen our top five summer essentials that we believe every man should have in their wardrobes to help with warm-weather styling – should you need the help of course.

A Polo Shirt

A true summer essential, polo shirts deserve to be on this list because of their versatility. Simply put, polo shirts can help you transform your look from casual to smart casual with just a few tweaks. Not only can they help you look more put together, but they’re also wearable all year round, so investing in a good quality polo is more than worth it. It’s almost a mortal sin to shy away from pastels during the season that embraces it the most, so instead of reaching for the black and navy tops you’ve probably got a ton of in your closet, opt for the Marl Tacting Polo from C.P. Company. Not only does this polo boast a stunning colour, it’s also got that used look, which is achieved through the label’s intensive garment dyeing process that they’re best known for. Fancy a classic polo? Tommy Hilfiger’s Slim Polo should suffice. It’s got style, it’s flattering, and it’s an easy to pair polo – what more could you want? If you’re after a heritage piece that refuses to blend in with the background, then Aquascutum’s Dillon Polo is the one for you. Cut in a casual fit, this contrast sleeve polo showcases the label’s signature vicuna check all over; a striking detail that will surely completely your off-duty attire. Pair with chino shorts and low top sneakers for a laidback summer ensemble.

A Button Down

And we’re not talking full, formal, long sleeve button downs either. With warmer weather finally upon us, you can finally re-integrate short sleeve shirts to your rotation. Although a more casual style compared to long sleeve shirts – especially when it’s dominated by loud prints – short sleeve shirts look just as smart and can keep you cooler in the summer. We recommend the Esalsa Short Sleeve Shirt from Boss Orange with beige or navy chino shorts for a laidback summer look if you’re feeling brave. If you prefer subtle prints, then Emporio Armani’s Short Sleeve Printed Shirt is perfect. Tuck the shirt in white shorts and finish the look off with a brown belt for a look that’s well put together. Feeling minimal? Pair our Soft Collar Shirt from Folk with black shorts, a white t-shirt and white low top sneakers.

A Lightweight T-Shirt

A t-shirt is quite possibly the unsung hero that sits in your wardrobe all year round. A basic but good quality t-shirt is incredibly versatile and transeasonal, so it makes sense to have a few in your collection that you can rely on. They’re the perfect layering piece during autumn and winter, they’re stylish enough to wear on its own during spring and summer and they’ll almost always match with anything you own, so styling a simple tee should never be too much of a problem. For a t-shirt that will see you through many seasons to come – when cared for properly of course – and one that will no doubt go with almost anything in your wardrobe, it’s got to be the Classic Logo T-Shirt from Lacoste. It may be simple, but it’s a t-shirt that oozes style with every stitch – just ask the embroidered crocodile logo to the chest. Graphic t-shirts are known to have a bad reputation because what usually comes to mind are loose fitting, unflattering t-shirts with cringey, sometimes misspelt slogans. However, a good graphic tee can pull an outfit together and do a lot to add interest to an otherwise simple look, and we think this Laurel T-Shirt from Fred Perry will do just that. Just remember to keep it casual when you wear graphic tees and you’ll be fine. And finally, no fashion conscious gentleman’s t-shirt collection is complete without a striped t-shirt. For when you want a nautical inspired attire, the Guerreiro T-Shirt by Portuguese outfitter La Paz will certainly deliver – just pair it with chinos or shorts this summer for an easy to throw on look.

Smart Summer Shorts

Shorts are one of the pieces in your collection that are only really appropriate to wear during summer. While the sporty variety can be worn all year round if you’re not susceptible to the cold, other shorts variations should ideally be kept away until it’s hot enough, because no one during the height of winter will congratulate a man for wearing chino shorts, even if it was all for the sake of fashion. But now, with summer just around the corner, it's different. Get ready to set your calves free gentlemen. It's finally time. While their roots lie in the military, chino shorts have, over the years, become a staple piece in civilians’ wardrobes. These days, chino shorts vary in length and fit, are available in multiple colours and material composition has diversified, giving men a huge selection to choose from. Struggling to find the right one? Why not start with the Slim Chino Shorts from Boss Orange? Made from stretch-cotton and boasting a flattering slim fit, these shorts are breathable, stylish and will pair with almost anything this summer. If it’s your goal to stand out this season, we recommend the Winster Club Check Shorts by Aquascutum. Featuring the label’s signature vicuna check all over, these shorts feature a very laid-back aesthetic and will surely help you make an impression on sunny days. While some believe that cargo shorts have no place in fashion, others just can’t get enough of them, which is why these Cargo Goggle Shorts from C.P. Company have made it on the list. Designed with a bit less bulk compared to other styles, these shorts have been garment dyed, have buckle adjusters to the waist sides as well as a drawstring in the leg hem, both of which keep it in line with a utilitarian style. The label’s signature lens is embedded in one pocket for a subtle touch of branding. If you’re looking for a practical yet sophisticated pair of shorts to wear this summer, then you’ve just found it.

Swim Shorts

More of an essential if you’re going abroad or if you’re planning to lounge poolside this summer, but nonetheless, there’s no harm in having a few in your collection. Add a little touch of heritage check to your swim shorts collection with the Lomond Shorts from Barbour. Adjustable, lightweight and fully lined, these shorts boast a large-scale version of Barbour’s signature tartan check, instantly making them a classic. Want a pop of colour this summer? Of course you do, and the Perch Quick Drying Swim Shorts from Boss Bodywear is just what you need. Crafted from quick drying fabric while showcasing a clean style, these shorts will look great when paired with a white linen button down shirt and sliders. Prefer a more contemporary style that still maintains practicality? Then the Dante Plain Swim Shorts from Aquascutum is perfect for you. It’s understated, with just enough detail along the side seams and waist fastening to keep it from looking plain.

Caps

Some accessories are a must in the summer, and this includes caps. One of the fashion accessories that doubles up as something very practical, you can’t fault them very much – unless they barely cover your head – when they’re made to protect you from the harmful rays. Because they only ever make an appearance when temperatures soar, you can be forgiven for getting excited about the fact that you can dig them out of your closet again. Introduce a pop of colour to your accessories collection with the Icon Cap by MA.Strum. Crafted from a soft, cotton twill, this baseball style cap boasts a distinct shade of khaki that will effortlessly compliment more casual looks. Built with air vents for breathability, adjustable and finished with an embroidered compass to the front, this cap is simple, but will absolutely come in handy during hotter days. Take it back to basics with the Core Cap from EA7 – an accessory that will match almost any outfit you wear, provided that it’s not a suit. Lightweight, adjustable and breathable, this accessory will be perfect for keeping the sun out of your eyes while you’re doing the family barbecue. A woven and more colourful version of the iconic fedora, the Tain Trillby Hat by Barbour will help add that bit of sophistication to your look and wardrobe. The hat’s striped design pulls colours from the label’s classic Barbour Tartan, making it the perfect wear this summer if you’re going for a sharper look. And there you have it. Have we missed other types of clothing that should be a summer essential? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to visit EQVVS to discover more styles from a range of premium menswear brands, including Aquascutum, Hugo Boss, Barbour and more.