It’s hot. You’re staring at your closet, trying to decide what will keep you from miserably soaking through a shirt in the heat. It’s tempting to opt for a t-shirt you don’t care about and some shorts. And while a tee and shorts is a solid look, there’s room to dress sharply even when it’s hot. We’re here to break down men’s summer outfits and discuss how to dress in hot weather, offering real-world tips for building a stylish, breathable, and versatile summer wardrobe.
Beat the Heat with Smarter Style Choices
Between work and social functions, sometimes there’s no getting out of dressing up. Even without an occasion, looking sharp for your satisfaction is a worthy pursuit. Luckily, dressing for hot weather isn’t about abandoning style—it’s about being strategic. The right choices in fabric and fit can help you maintain polish while avoiding the swampy discomfort of sweat-soaked outfits.
Best Fabrics for Dressing Well in Summer
No shocker here, but the cornerstone of dressing well in summer is choosing breathable, lightweight fabrics that release heat and wick moisture. You want to invest in materials that work with your body, not against it.
Linen
When it comes to men’s summer outfits, nothing beats linen. Made from flax, it’s incredibly breathable and has a casual elegance that suits both day and night occasions. For a more polished option, consider a linen-cotton blend, which reduces wrinkling while still allowing for airflow. For more on styling linen, check out our blog How to Style Men’s Linen Shirts for Summer.
Cotton (Lightweight or Open-Weave)
Warm-weather classics like poplin, seersucker, and open-weave twills can provide shape without the weight. Look for unstructured cotton jackets and breezy cotton shirts.
Wool & Wool-Blends
There’s a misconception that wool is scratchy and warm like a blanket at your grandmother’s house. Even heavy wool is breathable, but this dynamic fabric comes in a range of weights. Tropical wool, as the name implies, is crafted for warmer climates. A tropical wool suit allows for airflow while wicking away moisture. Additionally, wool is a great fabric to blend. Wool-linen blends are popular for summer suits and sport coats. You can even find wool and silk as a glossy but cool option. If you’re considering wool suits for a summer wedding, consider giving Best Fabrics for Summer Wedding Suits a read.
The Importance of Fit for Hot Weather Style
Fit matters too. Tight clothing traps heat and restricts airflow, making you sweat more and feel uncomfortable. Instead, opt for garments with a bit of drape—shirts that skim the torso without clinging, trousers with room to breathe, and jackets with unstructured silhouettes. A slightly looser fit enhances comfort, looks relaxed, and helps you hit the notes of Summer 2025 Fashion.
Parting Thoughts on How to Dress in Hot Weather
If you want to go casual, go casual. But don’t let the temperature be the reason you skip dressing up. Summer style is about intention—choosing the right fabrics, the right fit, and the right construction. Linen, cotton, and lightweight wool keep things breathable. A looser silhouette with proper drape ensures you stay cool and look sharp. And thoughtful construction adds shape without trapping heat. If you’re unsure where to start, Proper Cloth’s virtual stylists can provide recommendations on everything from sizing to season and style for the perfect summer wardrobe.
Looking for more? Check out some additional hot-weather dressing tips from our friends at Put This On.