5 summer menswear trends you should be prepping for now
A change of weather means it’s time to hit refresh on your wardrobe – here are the styles to keep in mind
Words: Josh Lee
If you’re a longtime reader of Gentleman’s Journal, you’ll know that we tend to advocate for timeless style over trend-chasing – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a little experimentation in your wardrobe. The start of the sunnier season is the perfect time to reassess your wears, edit out any pieces that are past their best (even if that does include your favourite moth-eaten cashmere jumper) and replace them with updates that tap into the season’s most exciting new styles.
So, if you want to sync yourself into the rhythms of the coming months, these are the menswear trends to ready yourself with now…
Brighten up: pieces with colour
When it comes to dressing, we have a firm commitment to classic, subtle hues – swathes of navy, seas of black, jumpers in grey, and t-shirts in white. But, when the sun flashes through and lightens the mood, we also encourage you to up the saturation and vibrancy in your daily getup.
Brighter than navy and richer than sky blue, &Sons’s chore jacket strikes the right chord when it comes to the colourful. Moreover, the piece will fade with wear, giving it a coveted worn-in look, and it’s great to slip over a lightweight t-shirt when the weather takes a negative turn. If, however, you would prefer a warmer shade, consider Ripa Ripa’s cotton jacket, which is also designed in a boxier fit. Then, when heading poolside, make a splash with your swimwear by circumventing the conventional unembellished designs in favour of this bold-patterned option – courtesy, once again, of Ripa Ripa – that brings to mind ornate tiles.
Lighten the load: summer shirts
During the coming months, a period when the heat is turned up viciously high, not only should you arm yourself with a bevy of t-shirts to keep you cool and calm – but, for those more dressed-up occasions, you’ll need to stock up on a considered selection of more formal options to sharpen your look even further.
For something a bit offbeat and leftfield, Ripa Ripa’s linen creation feels like a hybrid of a polo (due to the fact that the buttons don’t run all the way to the bottom) and a shirt (owing to the spread collar and long sleeves). Moreover, the easy-breezy look is enhanced by the light hue of the blue. We quite appreciate the Polo Vomero for its throwback aesthetics (the oversized placket, the slouchy silhouette, the off-white shade), which is ideal for gatherings at the country club. And, for a classic style, perfect for evenings by the sea, Emma Willis’s pink linen shirt pairs perfectly with some slim-cut chinos and loafers.
Step to it: durable, versatile footwear
Running around Italian piazzas, Iberian beaches and across town this summer will take its toll on your heels and soles – and though a pair of Birkenstocks or some slip-on-kick-off lightweight knitted trainers can be a good idea, we still recommend you have a decent rotation of well-made sneakers at hand in order to keep your feet fully protected.
A master of essentials, Uniform Standard’s suede kicks feature clean curves, a full leather lining and a moulded footbed that offers maximum comfort. (The fact that they’re produced from recycled materials is just an added bonus.) Offering an even more textured look are these tennis-court inspired sneakers, by North-89, whose breathable cotton mesh facilitates ventilation in balmy climes. The label also proffers an all-conditions alternative – the upper is water-resistant, and the outsole is made from durable rubber – which is perfect for walks along the coast.
Ruck-n-roll: rugby styles
Though the Rugby World Cup may be slated for the autumn, we have nothing against premature prepping for the tournament with a few key pieces that take their cues from the sport’s iconic throwback styles.
For this particular aesthetic, we almost always turn to Aubin, a brand that is celebrated for its British-heritage wears that age gracefully over time. When starting from the top, the Brockham shirt is a timeless piece that you can revisit year after year, due to its evergreen palette of navy and white, and the lustrous feel gives a soft edge to the high-impact sport. If that staple is on the receiving end of too many spilled stouts when down at the local, how about copping a backup; we quite like the Brockham alternative, which is defined by its punchy horizontal green stripes that are emblazoned across the front. Of course, to round out the look, reach for the Wold shorts, which have a laundered quality.
Shady business: statement sunglasses
Of course, with great weather comes the fine excuse to channel your inner James Dean and Steve McQueen and whip out a bold pair of shades that won’t just shelter your peepers from the rays, but will also finesse your ensemble.
The contrast between the tobacco-toned lenses and the clear frames is the main allure in TBD Eyewear’s Cran model. For an angular feel, and for something that features tones that are more in sync, we’d advocate the Nelson, by Oscar Deen, which has been influenced by the 1950s sunglasses issued by the American military to its service members. And, finally, to subtly stand out from the ocean of black clubmasters you’ll see this summer, Curry & Paxton have made their design with caramel-toned acetate.
Want more summer style? Pop your collars, these are the ultimate polos for the warmer months…
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