Men's summer essentials
Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale. Image Alamy
How to survive summer’s relentless heatwaves? You don’t need me to tell you that natural, breathable materials, such as pure linen and cotton, are non-negotiable, nor that bowling shirts with airy open neck camp (or Cuban) collars and a relaxed fit are going to help with airflow. These boxy styles don’t work for all: you need to be broader around the shoulders to carry them off. The alternative, a more fitted shirt, unbuttoned and billowing in the breeze, aka Daniel Craig’s James Bond in Casino Royale (2006), is equally chic. Colour-wise, dip into deep swimming pool blues – a new neutral complementing virtually any ensemble – riviera-style stripes or pastel shades that inject fresh modernity into a summer capsule.
Shorts are a key piece in any man’s stay-cool arsenal. The stylish take currently leans into mid-thigh retro cuts (with 5-inch inseams) or relaxed knee-grazing designs. Think athletic or tailored shorts paired with a slim-fit polo or sliding-on a short-sleeved Cuban collar shirt over a clean white base tee, paired with relaxed canvas shorts. Ultimately anything goes – it’s all about what’s comfortable – but one way to elevate your shorts game is to go for a matching short-and-shirt set. Orlebar Brown and Derek Rose offer stylish collections. For styling tricks look to the SS26 and 2027 runways: Saint Laurent’s colourblocking suit-short ensembles, Ralph Lauren’s eclectic preppy layers and Bottega Veneta’s voluminous shirt and knee-grazing short combinations paired with oversized bags (a place for sunscreen, towels or a change of clothes) or a smaller piece tucked under the arm. Whatever way you go, stay cool.
Dive in
-
1
Sunspel Tailored Swim Shorts, £165
View details -
2
Orlebar Brown Mid-Length Relaxed Fit Boxer Swim Shorts in Night Iris/ White, £275
View details -
3
La Marzocco x Frescobol Carioca Rio Swim Shorts, €265, Mr Porter
View details -
4
Derek Rose Cabo Swim Shorts Multi London Scenic Print, £225
View details
Style file
-
1
Ralph Lauren Men's Spring 2027 Ready-to-Wear-Collection
View details -
2
Lacoste Men's Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear Runway Collection
View details -
3
Canali High Summer Men's Collection
View details -
4
Orlebar Brown Maitan Relaxed Fit Passetto Print Shirt and Setter Shorter Length Tailored Swim Shorts, both in Vermillion
View details -
5
Elongated white shirt and sculptural shorts from the Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2026 collection
View details
Linen go-tos
-
1
Vilebrequin Linen Shirt Solid in Green Caribbean, £230
View details -
2
Paul Smith Casual-Fit Piece-Dyed Khaki Linen Shirt, £135
View details -
3
Zegna Short-Sleeved Camp-Collar Shirt, £680, Farfetch
View details -
4
Polo Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Linen Shirt, £175
View details -
5
Orlebar Brown Colburn Lino Tailored Fit Linen Shirt in Night Iris, £345
View details
