Look, guys, we get it. Dressing well in summer is hard, especially when it’s a scorcher out there. With hot weather, new challenges are presented to earnest fellas looking to stay on top of their style game.
Some of the most frequent and generally sound men’s style advice we can offer is that outfits are almost always made better with an additional layer.
We’re not the first to recommend this – much has been said about the art of “layering.” But when it’s toasty out? It seems downright impossible.
But before you throw the entire concept of layering out the window, stick around a bit. See, it’s not actually that hard to create interesting and layered outfits during the summer months. It just takes a bit of creativity and direction.
So, let’s get you started back on the path to great summer style, and how men can still layer like a king even in the warmest climates.
First, the Foundation
Forget your traditional undershirts. While the argument can be made that a classic undershirt can help absorb sweat and thereby protect your top garment, you don’t want such a thick layer inhibiting breathability when the temperature truly begins to climb.
Instead, consider the perfect alternative – the ribbed tank top. Also commonly known as a wife-beater, and in more recent years, redubbed in some circles as a “wife-pleaser,” the classic ribbed tank should be your go-to foundation for any multi-layered summer outfit.
Now, not all tank tops are created equally. Ideally, you want one with texture, like a classic ribbed option, though there are some other valid alternatives, such as a perforated or mesh tank top.
One thing that should remain consistent throughout is the material – while it’s normal for these to feature some spandex in the fabric to give them a flattering fit – try to go for a version with less synthetics in the mix, or even better, full cotton.
Also, keep ‘em on the thinner side. After all, the key to a good layered outfit is by keeping your thinnest layers on the bottom and the thickest ones on top.
Polo Ralph Lauren makes some great tanks for a fair price, though there are equally compelling premium options available across the market, from Todd Snyder to Scott Fraser Collection.
A ribbed tank does not make a complete outfit, however. It’s important to style it properly before adding an additional layer. Half of this is in the fit – ensure that yours fits you well, especially around the belly region.
Then, and stay with us on this part – tuck it in. It barely matters whether you’re wearing shorts, jeans, fatigues, or chinos. To keep the rest of the outfit’s proportions in check, always tuck your tank neatly. If your bottom layer permits it, tie things off with a nice belt, too.
Now, you’re ready to layer.
Layers of Layers
Lucky for you, there are a ton of unique and interesting options to then layer on top of your tucked tank. But remember, you want to keep things relatively light, airy, and breathable, especially on hotter days. After all, that’s kind of the whole point in putting together an intentional layered summer outfit.
Option 1: Camp Collar Shirts
On the more casual side, a classic camp collar shirt will be one of your best friends. These can come in a variety of fabrics, including cotton, linen, seersucker, silk, and even rayon. Due to their open collar construction, if worn buttoned up, the top of your tank should still peek through.
However, to truly lean into the laid-back nature of this particular look, we recommend wearing camp collar shirts open over your tank top. Not only does it look pretty damn cool, it’ll keep you comfortable on an especially warm day.
Option 2: Knit Polos
There are many different types of knit polos, including ones that feature collars not unlike a camp collar, to ones that button all the way up. Some are composed from a simple cotton mesh. Others have cable-knit detailing.
But regardless of which type of knit polo speaks to you, they can be coupled with a tank top base layer to great effect. Just follow the same rules as you would for option 1, and you’re golden.
Option 3: Oxford Cloth Button Downs
This one might seem like an unexpected choice at first, but hear us out! A quality OCBD can and should be one of the most versatile shirts you own, and you absolutely can use them for casual summer layering. It’s preferable to go with one in a mid-to-light weight cotton, but even then it should be fairly breathable.
Roll up the sleeves, and feel free to hang loose by wearing it open over a tank base layer and your favorite shorts, jeans, chinos – whatever, really!
Looking to smarten it up just a tad bit more? Button up the bottom half or two thirds of the shirt, and tuck it in as well, leaving the top few buttons open to show off your tank and let some air in. This effect works best the more loose and billowy the shirt is. It’s a bit tidier, but still plenty relaxed.
Option 4: Short-Sleeve Mechanic Shirts
If you’re trying to stay on-trend this summer season, look no further than the humble mechanic shirt.
Also known to some as a “work shirt,” these differ from your standard short sleeve button up by typically featuring twin breast pockets and a boxier fit. The trendiest takes on this option usually have sleeves that nearly graze your elbow and some sort of embroidery detailing.
Option 5: Casual Suiting
This one’s a bit of a wildcard, but with the right styling, is arguably one of the most stellar looks on this list.
Believe it or not, you can pair a suit made from a casual summer fabric (think cotton, linen, or seersucker) with your tank top foundation to create a look that’s bold and powerful. And yes, we mean going sans shirt.
Again, the key here is to choose a suit that has casual leanings, whether stemming from its fabric composition or details like patched pockets and soft-structured or even unstructured shoulders. Tuck that tank and throw the jacket on over it for one of the coolest and most daring looks to pull off this summer.
Bonus Layering
While the tank top/shirt combo should definitely be your blueprint for easy summer layering, there are a few other ways you can enhance your summer style.
See, if you treat your body as the “base layer,” then anything you add on after can work to the effect of soft layering, too.
Summer heat makes us want to forgo anything beyond what’s necessary in terms of clothing, but accessorizing properly can make an outfit look layered and give off the impression of visual depth.
Here’s what not to skimp out on to take your summer outfits from “meh” to delightfully detailed.
1. Socks
Most shoes should generally be worn with socks. But even though the heat may encourage you to go for an ankle or no-show sock, a standard crew sock can help act as a stand-in for layering if style correctly.
Just make sure to push them down a bit and let them scrunch a bit for the best effect.
2. Belts
If your pants or shorts have belt loops, and especially if you’re tucking in a tank with it, don’t miss the opportunity to express yourself with a quality belt. So long as the rest of your outfit leans casual, try to go for something textured like a braided leather belt. It can make a big difference!
3. Watches and Jewelry
At the very least, it’s a good idea to sport a wristwatch with your summer outfits. Otherwise, the emphasis on short or rolled sleeves can leave your arms feeling a bit bare – and not in a flattering way.
A good watch demonstrates an extra degree of intentionality and care for your style. Ideally, it should match or complement your belt and/or shoes.
Once you’ve got your watch game on point, consider adding some jewelery into the mix. A simple gold or silver chain looks great over a tank top, or you can get something with a pendant of some kind. Rings can add a great dash of personality to your outfit, too.
4. Headwear
Don’t lose your head! Or hat, we suppose. A trusty ball cap is one of the easiest ways to give your summer outfits a little something extra, plus it provides shade! Other options include bucket hats, straw/panama hats, tennis visors, and more.
5. Shades
Lastly, few summer outfits are complete without the perfect pair of sunglasses to tie everything together. Again, it’s the kind of detail that gives the impression of “layers.” In that, your outfit won’t appear too skimpy and barebones. You’ve considered everything and have incorporated every last detail.
Good shades should complement your face shape and head size – everything else is a matter of preference. A bonus? Less squinting!
The Final Layer
Summer outfits don’t need to be boring. The last thing you want is to be that guy who just resort to a plain pair of shorts and a generic tee shirt every single day for three months straight.
While perhaps that’s excusable on the absolute hottest day of the year, you should generally aim a bit higher with your style ambitions!
Don’t let the heat get you down. There are still plenty of ways to maintain your fashion sense during the hotter months, and skillful summer layering plays a key factor.