Men’s summer style used to be predictable. Plain T-shirts, shorts, a pair of trainers, and maybe a cap — job done. But in 2025, men are finally breaking out of that rut. Modern men care more about fit, comfort, and personal expression, and this year’s summer wardrobe is proof of that. This summer’s trends are practical yet stylish, drawing inspiration from classic menswear, outdoor culture, and streetwear influences. Much like choosing casinos not on GamStop for more freedom, men are exploring bolder, more flexible styles that reflect their individuality.
Let’s break down what men are truly putting on and why these choices feel fresh, wearable, and easy to pull off.
Relaxed Tailoring for Warm Weather
Summer suiting is back, but it’s no longer stiff and formal. Men are going for relaxed tailoring in breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or light wool blends. These summer suits have an unstructured, looser silhouette that lets air circulate, helping men stay cool, echoing the menswear summer shift towards softer shapes. Popular colours include pale grey, cream, olive, and muted blues.
Guys are pairing these relaxed blazers with drawstring trousers instead of the classic button-fly version. It makes the whole outfit look more laid-back but still polished enough for a summer event or a smart dinner. Shoes with these suits are more flexible too — loafers, slip-on moccasins, and even clean leather trainers are acceptable, giving men plenty of ways to dress up or down depending on the day.
Wide-Leg and Pleated Trousers
One of the biggest changes this summer is the move away from skinny jeans and slim-fit trousers. Wider cuts are making a strong comeback. Pleated trousers, inspired by vintage tailoring, are popping up everywhere, usually in earthy tones like sand, brown, or khaki. These wide-leg pants work surprisingly well even in office settings, pairing with fitted polo shirts, linen shirts, or simple T-shirts tucked in.
They work with fitted polo shirts, linen shirts, or simple T-shirts tucked in. Men are discovering that pleated trousers not only look sharp but are more comfortable in hot weather, giving legs extra airflow and avoiding that sticky feeling.
The Polo Shirt Renaissance
If one top dominates men’s wardrobes this summer, it’s the polo shirt. Polos have shaken off their stiff, golf-club reputation and returned in fresh shapes, including relaxed, slightly boxy cuts. Many come in high-quality cotton or terry cloth, which is soft, absorbent, and ideal for staying cool in summer.
Colours go beyond the standard navy or white. This year, you’ll see sage green, burnt orange, dusty pink, and even pale yellow. These shades match perfectly with tan skin and sunny settings. Polos pair well with almost anything — chinos, pleated trousers, or even tailored shorts — making them a reliable summer staple.
Co-Ord Sets and Matching Separates
Matching sets are a favourite for 2025, as men realise how easy they are to throw on while still looking considered. From matching camp-collar shirts and shorts to coordinated linen trouser-and-shirt combos, these outfits take the guesswork out of getting dressed.
Prints are popular, but not loud. Think subtle stripes, tonal checks, or textured fabrics instead of wild florals. Earthy colours dominate, reflecting a broader move towards a calm, timeless style. The best thing about matching sets is that you can also break them apart and wear each piece separately, giving you more outfit mileage for the summer.
Linen Everything
Linen is still the king of summer fabrics, but it’s no longer just for beach shirts. Men are wearing linen trousers, overshirts, jackets, and even linen-blend knits for cooler evenings. It is naturally breathable and wicks away moisture, making it perfect for high temperatures.
This season, linen shirts often come in a slightly oversized fit with open Cuban collars, giving off a breezy Mediterranean vibe. Neutral colours like white, beige, stone, and soft green dominate, with some men also picking bolder colours like rust or cobalt blue to stand out.
Workwear Touches
Workwear details keep showing up in summer clothes. Think carpenter pants, overshirts with utility pockets, and relaxed chore jackets in lighter denim or canvas. These pieces blend durability with style, making them easy to wear from city streets to summer holidays.
Workwear-inspired shorts, featuring side pockets or hammer loops, are also trending. They give a bit of ruggedness to otherwise simple outfits, which appeals to men who don’t want their style to feel too precious or fussy.
Elevated Shorts
Men’s shorts have evolved beyond sloppy cargo styles. This summer, men are wearing tailored shorts with a slightly longer, mid-thigh to knee length. These come in cotton-twill, linen blends, and even lightweight wool for a dressier option.
Paired with a crisp button-down or a knitted polo, these shorts can go from casual to smart-casual without missing a beat. Avoiding overly tight or overly baggy shorts is key — this year’s silhouette is relaxed but tidy.
Technical Outerwear
Even in summer, the British weather can turn on a dime, so men are investing in lightweight technical jackets. Water-resistant shell jackets, windbreakers, and packable parkas in muted shades like sage or grey are practical enough for summer rain but still look good over a T-shirt and shorts.
Some brands are adding hidden pockets and lightweight linings to these jackets, making them suitable for city commutes, travel, or a last-minute weekend adventure.
Statement Footwear
Footwear is seeing a big shift this summer. Men are moving away from clunky trainers and investing in cleaner silhouettes. Minimalist sneakers in white or off-white remain a safe choice, but leather sandals are having a real moment.
Men who avoided sandals in the past now feel confident enough to try leather fisherman sandals or sturdy slides, especially when paired with tailored shorts or linen trousers. Espadrilles are also back, offering a casual, breathable slip-on option that fits perfectly with warm weather and relaxed looks.
Simple but Polished Accessories
Accessories for men this summer are about subtle details. Slim belts in suede or woven leather, lightweight scarves, and classic sunglasses in tortoiseshell or black acetate are all popular. Bucket hats and caps continue to trend, but in simpler fabrics and muted colours, avoiding loud logos or patterns.
Jewellery remains minimal: a simple chain, maybe a signet ring, and that’s about it. A good summer watch with a fabric or leather strap rounds off the look without screaming for attention.
Understated Patterns and Soft Colours
Patterns in men’s summer wardrobes are taking a quieter turn. Gone are the days of loud tropical prints, neon geometrics, and oversized logos plastered across shirts. Instead, men are leaning into subtlety. Patterns are more refined — think fine stripes, small checks, gentle florals, or minimal block designs. These understated patterns create visual interest without overpowering an outfit.
Colour palettes are following the same restrained path. Instead of eye-popping neon, men are drawn to tones inspired by nature: clay browns, olive greens, sandy beiges, chalky whites, dusty pinks, and soft blues. These shades are gentle on the eye and flatter most skin tones, especially in sunlit summer months. Plus, soft colours are easier to mix with other wardrobe pieces, reducing the chance of clashing and making daily dressing simpler.
Essentially, men are moving away from seasonal fads and focusing on shades and patterns that can carry through multiple summers. It reflects a more thoughtful, grown-up approach to style — calm, considered, and quietly confident.
Eco-Minded Choices
Sustainability is no longer a niche concern for men’s style. More men are questioning how their clothes are made, where they come from, and what impact they have on the environment. In 2025, this growing sense of responsibility is shaping summer shopping habits.
Men are prioritising organic cotton, linen grown without harmful chemicals, and recycled materials that reduce waste. Brands have responded by expanding their collections of eco-friendlier garments, proving that sustainable choices can be stylish, well-made, and comfortable.
Eco-minded choices also mean paying attention to working conditions. Many men are checking labels and asking questions about fair wages and ethical manufacturing. Brands with transparent supply chains are earning trust by showing exactly how their products are made, which resonates strongly with today’s more aware customers.
The Return of Classic Swimwear
Men’s swimwear is seeing a definite revival of classic, clean shapes. Those long, baggy board shorts have stepped aside for more fitted, mid-thigh styles that look grown-up and versatile. These swim shorts are inspired by vintage tailoring, sitting comfortably on the waist and cut in a way that flatters the legs without being too tight.
Colours are simple and confident. Navy, olive, burgundy, and soft grey are popular, often with a subtle side stripe or a fine drawcord. Patterns, when they appear, are restrained: pinstripes, small dots, or nautical influences rather than giant tropical flowers. This helps swimwear double as casual shorts once you leave the beach or pool, making them far more practical for summer holidays.
Men are also demanding better fabric quality in swim shorts. Quick-dry, lightweight materials that don’t feel clingy after a swim are key. Some brands use recycled ocean plastics to produce these fabrics, tying into the sustainability movement while delivering performance and comfort.
Why These Trends Matter
Summer fashion trends might look like a fun style game, but they actually reflect deeper shifts in how men think about clothing. Comfort and practicality now hold more value than ever, but men are refusing to sacrifice style. Today’s choices show that men want their clothes to do more than just look good.
Modern men want clothes that match their lifestyles. They need outfits that transition from morning to evening, office to weekend, city to countryside. That means fewer fussy items, more versatility, and styles that adapt to heatwaves, summer rain, and everything in between.
Finally, these summer styles support a mindset of responsibility. Choosing sustainable fabrics, investing in better-made pieces, and thinking carefully about patterns and colours signals a more mindful attitude. It is a welcome shift that means men can enjoy their clothes without worrying about waste or fleeting trends.
Final Thoughts
In short, what men are wearing this summer is a confident step forward. Gone are the days of shapeless shorts and tired T-shirts. Today’s men want clothes that feel good, fit well, and express their personality. They’re embracing wider trousers, linen everything, relaxed tailoring, simple patterns, and footwear that can handle the heat.
If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, try one or two of these ideas. You might find that summer style feels easier, sharper, and more personal than ever, without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
