Summer essentials for men

By Ed Biado

The temperature’s rising and it’s getting quite difficult to stay cool and stylish at the same time. Well, being well-dressed is not only about wearing all the new trends. The fashionable guy’s summer closet should be summed up using the words “light,” “white,” “cotton” and “understated.” Leave the experimentation with layering and different fabrics to the cooler months. Now is the time for ease and looking impossibly fresh every minute of the day.

1. Officewear – The way we dress at the office is pretty much the same anytime of the year. The only thing during summer is that you should be more conscious of the fabrics that you’re wearing, especially if you’re gonna have dinner and drinks after work. You can’t stay in an air-conditioned place forever. Cotton, excellent. Polyester, not so good. Wool, bad.

2. Streetwear – Jeans and T-shirts are the primary building blocks of streetwear. However, it’s not confined to that. For the ultimate in comfort without sacrificing style, try this simple un-layered ensemble: a hooded t-shirt, a pair of light-colored pants cropped just right at the ankles and a pair of slip-on sneakers; no socks. Just don’t forget to spray some foot deodorizer.

3. Clubwear – These days, you can’t go clubbing in a roundneck T-shirt. Collars are required. So it’s okay to get a little creative if you’re out on the town, like throwing on a coat. Again, it’s all about the word “light.” Don’t go around in winter jackets. And no matter what you see on other people, scarves are so out!

4. Leisurewear – For traveling or just spending a lazy afternoon sipping iced tea, the crisp white shirt and khaki pants combination remains a favorite. There are many variations of the khaki pants—cropped, tapered, shorts, drawstring. It’s up to you. What matters is it looks effortless and very summer-fresh.

5. Beachwear – One of the most repulsive things is denim on the beach. Every major brand drops a beachwear line this time of year. Get a decent pair of boardshorts already! Put flip-flops (not leather grandpa sandals), tank tops and loads of sunscreen on your shopping list, too.

6. Innerwear – This is not a boxers-or-briefs debate, but for the sake of comfort, boxers are highly recommended. If you’re gonna insist on briefs, it all comes down to fabric choices. Have I mentioned cotton?

7. Accessories – For all seasons, men should keep accessorizing to the minimum. Shades are a must-have, though, this season. Anything vintage and classic works. And no, those roundish oversized ones are for women only.

8. Scents – Keep it simple and not overpowering. Go for traditional woodsy scents with playful hints of citrus. For both daytime and nighttime, colognes and body sprays should do it. Save your signature scent for a hot date, not a hot day.

9. Skincare – Even if the temperature’s off the charts, moisturizers are mandatory. The more you deprive your face of it, the more your pores will produce their own moisturizer. And that is in the form of oil. Before you know it, you’re that pimply kid again. Also, shave religiously because all that facial hair is only trapping dirt and grime.

10. Grooming – Summer and excessive hair is so not a good match. Keep everything trimmed if you don’t wanna look like a caveman when you’re lunching al fresco. But we also know that short hair equals more styling products. Make sure to stay away from “wet look” products because what’s worse than a caveman is a perspiring caveman with gel dripping on his forehead.