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The Best Summer Suit Styles for Men

It used to be that wearing a suit in the summer was…not every guy’s idea of a good time. The fabrics were sweaty. The fits were restrictive. And the styles were old-fashioned and fusty. But men’s summer suiting has come a long way. Thanks to smart tailoring, lightweight fabrics and a low-key approach, men’s summer suits are dripping with style. They’re easy to wear, ideal for events formal and less-so, and absolutely excellent for pictures. Ahead, our guide to the best summer suit styles for men right now. Suit season starts today.

Fabric check.

 

Although most suits are made from wool or wool blends, those fabrics don’t have enough levity when the weather is hot. So do opt for a suit in a breathable fabric like brushed cotton or seersucker. While both offer plenty of ventilation, the raised puckers on a seersucker suit lend just a skosh more ventilation, meaning it’s great for summer’s hottest days. A technical fabric that adjusts and breathes is also a modern option with a sleek and polished appeal. All of the above will let you maintain your style without suffocating.

Express Men's Chino Suits
Express Men's Linen Suit

A linen love story.

If you’re really going to be somewhere hot, hot, hot, linen may be your only option. Of course, this isn’t the linen from your mom’s tablecloths. Today, linen is blended with other fabrics like cotton, rayon or polyester, making the weave softer, more durable and more rumple-resistant. So sure, start with it freshly pressed, and then stop worrying about creases and wrinkles. In the end, that’s part of the charm. And didn’t you know? Dancing shakes out deep folds and rumples in no time.

Express Men's Color Suits

Color wars.

Sure, you are permitted to invest in a single summer suit in a medium gray tone that you can wear to work events, formal events and weddings for every season of your life. But just one. The rest of your summer suits should reference the season in fun shades. A light blue suit will get more wear than you might imagine. Every guy looks great in a crisp white suit—picture it layered over a tropical print shirt. And real men wear pink suits, full stop. There’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing a colorful summer suit. The point is that you get one, and that you enjoy wearing it.

Express Men's Shirts

What lies beneath.

The most classic option would be a breathable button-up like our classic 1MX. And for professional commitments and events with an air of formality, that’s definitely your best choice. But if you’re wearing a suit to a party, you can have a little more fun. A loose rayon shirt in a fun print. A performance polo in an unexpected color. And easiest of all? T-shirts are great under summer suits, worn with fresh white sneakers and ready to dance into the sunset.

Express Men's Accessories

Finishing touches.

Your summer suit is a social kinda guy. He doesn’t want to go at it alone. So do add accessories, like patterned ties, colorful bowties, sunglasses or even pocket squares. Even at the fanciest events, summer suits are less fussy than fall or winter styles. Everyone—including your suit—wants to kick back and enjoy the season.

Express Men's Sneakers

Sneaker heads.

You don’t need us to school you in the supreme versatility of a good pair of kicks. For the summer months, white sneakers are a go-to for suits. And we’re not just talking about all-white sneaks. A black sneaker with white soles could work, too. And so could a slip-on sneaker in a light canvas tone, or a suede version in a flashy shade like blue or turquoise. Sandals or espadrilles with a summer suit might be pushing it, but for the right beach wedding, you might be able to get away with it.

Express Men's Dress Shoes

Shoe fly.

Unless you’re headed to a black-tie wedding, you’re going to want to skip shiny, formal black shoes for the summer months. Instead, look for brown or cognac oxfords or lace-ups. Better yet, find loafers with a little personality, like a two-toned pair, or ones with sharp details like hardware or tassels.

Linen Tanks & Tees

 

 

Here’s where things get really interesting. Once you try a linen t-shirt or tank, you might never go back to cotton again. Ours have a blend of linen, rayon and spandex for an ultra-soft feel, an elegant drape and minimal wrinkling. And because linen dries quickly and wicks moisture away from the skin, linen tanks and tees are especially lovely on summer’s hottest days.

 

A linen tank or tee should never fit tightly—that’s not the aesthetic. Instead, look for one that fits properly through the shoulders without feeling constrictive, but hangs loose and unfettered through the torso. As for the neckline, take your pick. A crew neck has a preppy charm, ideal under suits, while a v-neck works well dressed down with skirts or jean shirts. A bateau-neck is another work-ready option, and would look great with linen suit pants.

 

Linen tanks and tees can be worn untucked with low-rise jeans, shorts or skirts. Go a size down if you plan on tucking the top in for a more polished finish. 

 

 

Express Womens Linen Tanks and Tees
Express Womens Linen Suits

Linen Suits

 

No doubt a linen suit is more casual than its wool or tweed alternatives. A few simple style tweaks, though, can help elevate your favorite two-piece linen set. First, you’ll need to decide what you’re pairing it with, and in this case, it’s best to keep things simple. You won’t want a linen suit with a ruffled blouse, a garish pattern or a top with tons of embellishments. The styles are too disparate. Instead, stick to the classics, like a fitted tee or a classic button-up blouse.

 

When it comes to accessories, though, you can start to get more creative. Because linen has a more relaxed vibe, big-time accessories are a welcome addition. Chunky earrings, a tangle of layered necklaces, an armful of bangles or a statement watch could all amp up the cool factor. And the same goes with shoes. Rather than pairing a linen suit with something expected—say, a flat leather sandal—try a taller, flashier heel for a new level of dressiness.

 

Of course, with a linen suit there’s always the option to break it up into pieces. Linen suit pants would look cool with a denim jacket or a floral top; a linen blazer could look great on a summer night over your favorite sundress.