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Fashion for Men: 5 Summer Essentials for Men

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 3:40 PDT, Wed June 17, 2026

Last Updated: 3:47 PDT, Wed June 17, 2026

Fashion for Men

Fashion for Men
BY DOUGLAS JAMES SCAMMELL

5 Summer Essentials for Men

Now that Summer has finally arrived, it’s that time of the year to put the heavier fabrics and dark coloured clothing away until next Fall.

The key to a summer wardrobe is to choose protective fabrics from the sun while staying cool and fashionable at the same time. By acquiring the most versatile pieces that you can wear for multiple occasions, you can help get the most value from your summer clothing and accessories. I have broken down my top 5 essentials for the gentlemen for summer 2026 below:

1. Shorts that are tailored above the knee
Throw away your shorts that are cut way below the knees. They look extremely dated in 2026, and elevate yourself to wearing a classic pair of shorts and have them cut above the knees. They create much cleaner visual lines and help balance your body’s natural proportions. Shorts that are cut above the knees will help create an illusion that will help make you look taller and leaner. Shorts that are cut below the knee will cut the look of your legs in half, making you look much shorter. Shorts that are cut above the knee follow the natural taper of your thigh and will help provide a much more polished and con- temporary look rather than something that is ultimately outdated in the fashion world.

2. Leather or Suede Loafer Shoes
Loafer shoes are perfect for summer because they offer a breathable, slip-on design that bridges the gap between casual and polished. They are lightweight, extremely comfortable with or without the no-show socks, and can be worn today with your suits and also look great with a pair of shorts. The lace-less design makes them easy to slip on and off, which is ideal for everything from a summer day at the office to airport travel. I recommend wearing leather loafers on days when you might think it will rain, and on clear days with no moisture in the weather forecast, go with suede loaf- er shoes. For whatever style and fabric you choose, they will help elevate all of your casual and dressy summer outfits.

3. Polo Shirt
They are again perfect for summer fashion because they also bridge the gap between a casual t-shirt and a more formal button-down shirt. They deliver lightweight breathability and moisture-wicking comfort on hot summer days, while the structured collar instantly elevates your look for both casual and more dressy casual settings. They are perfect for the golf course, tennis court, beach vacations, or warm weather nights. You can dress them down with shorts and dress them up with a pair of chino trousers. And even pair them with a blazer for a dressy casual evening.

4. Classic Sunglasses
I have said this before, and I will say it again. You cannot lose by wearing a pair of classic sun- glasses in the summertime or on any sunny day on any day of the year. They will protect your eyesight and help reduce sun glare when you are driving on the road. The key thing is to make sure you go for a classic pair of sunglasses that has stood the test of time. Because you do not want to follow the latest fashion trends for eye- wear, in my past experience, that was a bad idea because in any old picture I had wearing them, the sunglasses always looked so dated. Go for a classic pair and a shape that matches your face. If your face is more rounded, go with a rounded aviator style like the Persol 649 or 714 model, and if your face is more squared, go with a more squared shape of sunglasses like a pair of Ray- Ban Wayfarers. These styles of sunglasses I have mentioned have all been around for many decades and have looked great on the style icons that made them all popular, like Steve McQueen and Tom Cruise.

5. Linen short-sleeve dress shirts
These are essential in summer because they provide unmatched breathability and moisture-wicking comfort in the heat. The natural flax fibers allow air to circulate freely, keeping you cool while offering structured, sharp aesthetics that transition seamlessly from wearing them on the beach to the boardroom. The only thing I need to warn is this linen fabric gets very wrinkly, so make sure you either steam or iron it to get fewer wrinkles. These shirts are perfect to wear if you are attending a warm summer wedding and need to be dressed in something more formal. This will help you feel much more comfortable and relaxed while the others who were not prepared for the heat are dying of heat, wearing their cotton long-sleeve dress shirts.

I hope that these 5 essentials I have laid out will be useful by helping provide some ideas for what to wear over the summer months, and most importantly, make you love and look forward to what you are wearing out daily. Is important to love what you wear because it helps you feel good and happy when you are out in the world and in the sun.