Here’s the scoop on how to dress if you want to dress like you’re in-the-know this summer!
Some guys hear the word “trend’ and run because trendy isn’t necessarily classic, timeless, or even versatile. If you’re trying to build a timeless wardrobe, trends probably aren’t your focus, but they do offer some great inspiration.
Luckily, this summer, some of the best-emerging trends for men’s fashion are easily incorporated into your wardrobe.
In this guide, we’ll review the best summer 2024 fashion trends for men. I’ll also highlight the trends that are more classic. I think that some will stick around for longer than a season.
What to Focus on for Men’s Summer Fashion
Before we dive into trends, it’s important to know what to pay attention to when it comes to men’s summer fashion to stay cool, comfortable, and stylish. Trends are great, but comfort and functionality are even better.
Summer Fabrics
Regardless of what’s trending for summer, it benefits everyone to shift to lighter and breathable fabrics. They’ll always be timeless for men’s summer fashion.
Think about light linens, seersucker, merino wool, and breathable cotton. Ditch heavy wools, tweeds, and even thicker cotton.
One of the biggest reasons guys find it hard to stay stylish in the summer is because they’re sticking to their fall and winter fabrics.
If you’re looking to make a change from just tees, tanks, and shorts, summer fabrics are your friends.
High Quality, Simple Pieces
Speaking of tees, tanks, and shorts, investing in quality basics is important. Summer heat forces the layers into hibernation, so make sure you have basics that are in good condition.
No matter what, ratty tees, stretched-out tanks, and ill-fitting shorts are neither timeless nor on-trend. If you want to appear more put together this summer, invest in better basic pieces.
Light Layering
It’s a common misconception that layering in the summer is simply out of the question. The reality is that light summer layers are always on trend.
There are some light-layer options for men. If you’re not an only-tees-and-shorts kind of guy, focus on layering with those lighter fabrics to stay comfortable in the heat.
12 2024 Summer Trends for Men
Let’s explore what’s trending in men’s summer fashion by highlighting specific pieces and accessories. These pieces are either newly popular or returned to the spotlight thanks to vintage and retro fashion.
This starts with some simple trends that easily fit into your wardrobe (the more timeless and classic ones) and ends with some of the more unique and eccentric trends that just entered the chat.
Remember, they may not be trends that you want to incorporate into your summer style. However, you can always draw inspiration from them. Additionally, you can use what you already own to refresh your wardrobe.
By the end of this guide, you should be able to use these trends to add to, renew, or build a summer wardrobe.
High-Quality White Tanks
White tanks might not be a particularly new trend. But, it does seem like men and most masculine-presenting dressers rediscovered the versatility of a white tank.
They made a strong comeback last season as layering pieces, but this year, many folks are choosing to wear them on their own.
If you want to be one of those guys, invest in a few good tanks that you don’t over-wear. Keep them white and crisp so they retain their structure and shine. That way, you can wear them on their own when paired with shorts or trousers.
High-Waist Shorts
Just like pants, high-waisted shorts are definitely in for men’s summer fashion. They help define your waist and offer great pleated or even Gurkha details. If you’re a suit guy, these are a great option to maintain an elevated look.
These pair well with white tanks and casual button-down shorts.
Short-Shorts for Men
Not to be outdone by high-waist shorts, short shorts are still in and becoming even more popular among all men and masculine-presenting people. Guys are letting their thighs breathe, and it looks great.
Short shorts help the shorter guys look a little taller. More legs create an optical illusion that is in your favor. Think about 6” inseams and shorter.
Vests
Vests in all of their forms made a very strong comeback with the revitalization of 90’s and early 00’s fashion. They’re not just for fall and winter anymore. They are now clutch light layering items for men’s summer fashion, especially if you’re a “Grandpa-Core” style aficionado.
Knit vests offer lots of breathability and unique style.
You can also forget the layers and wear them on their own to show a little more skin if you’re so inclined.
Lace Trims and Details
Lace in menswear has been a trend for a few seasons. It toes the line between masculine and feminine style while also inviting creative designs into your wardrobe.
If your fashion is more timeless, consider reserving it for statement pieces.
If you’re not totally sold, consider it for light layering. A little lace fringe goes a long way for added detail in men’s summer fashion.
Crocheted Tops and Polos
Crocheted polos and tops are so hot right now. You can find crocheted polos, vests, shirts, and more.
They typically have unique designs that often incorporate different colors and crocheted patterns ranging from simple to bold. Because they’re crocheted, they’re usually breathable and great for light summer layers.
The must-have pieces are button-down polos and cardigans.
Even if your wardrobe is more classic, crocheted tops can seamlessly blend into your wardrobe, depending on the design and color. They’re a fun summer trend for men.
Matching Sets for Men
Who doesn’t love an easy decision? Matching sets, especially the ones in bold colors and prints, are great for chill pool days or brewery hopping.
It’s a fun way to express your personality and look stylish without spending a lot of time making decisions on what to wear.
While not a brand-new trend, the matching set offers an easy way for guys to experiment with bolder fashion, which is why it’s become more and more popular.
Ascots and Neckerchiefs
More and more guys are throwing on a little ascot to put a retro stamp on their summer outfits. It can be a bandanna, neckerchief, or even an oversized pocket square as long as you have enough fabric.
It’s a fun little pop of color or print without doing too much. This is an easy one to slide into your rotation.
They’re great for those of you who don’t want to busy yourself adapting to major trends. Here’s how to tie them to make them stand out.
Stacked Necklaces and Accessories
No, necklaces and accessories for men in and of themselves are not the trend. However, stacking and layering more of them together is.
More is more this season, so feel free to do even more than what’s pictured here. Layering your necklaces, rings, and bracelets adds back some of the detail you might be missing from fall and winter fabric layers.
Don’t be afraid to mix metals and vary the sizing of each piece to create depth and a unique personal touch to your styling.
Loafers and Socks
A few years ago, most menswear “experts” would balk at the idea of a white sock with loafers, especially with shorts. Now, it is a retro trend that many guys are replicating and wearing regularly this summer.
Loafers are a no-brainer decision for summer footwear. They’ll probably pair well with almost everything in your wardrobe.
Try a penny loafer with white shin-length socks and high-waisted shorts to get in on this summer 2024 trend.
Baseball Caps and Cowboy Hats
Hats are back in a big way. Baseball caps are nothing new, but pairing them with suits and other elevated pieces is definitely trending this year. Logo-ed trucker hats and baseball caps, especially with vintage logos, are the move.
With regard to cowboy hats, maybe it’s because Beyoncé released a country album. Or maybe people finally garnered the right appreciation for a good Stetson.
Whatever the reason, there is most certainly a resurgence. They offer a great personality to an outfit, especially when paired with unconventional items like suits and ties.
Not a big Western fashion fan? Even so, caps and cowboy hats are great for catching sweat. They might even help you to maintain some extra personal space by sporting a wider brim.
Bold Sunglasses
Everyone needs a pair of polarized sunglasses to keep their eyes protected, but now you might also need a fun pair. Big, bold, and colorful sunglasses make for great statement pieces.
Even if you’re not someone who goes for trends, sunglasses are always a good way to add some pop to an outfit.
Try some oversized sunglasses reminiscent of 60’s fashion or even ones with some red lenses for a change of color.
12 Summer 2024 Trends for Men: Honorable Mentions
These might not be exactly the trends for you, but they definitely hold some ground when it comes to men’s summer fashion.
Animal Prints
More and more men sport animal prints as a fun experiment for the summer. Even fashion experts at GQ noticed the movement.
Summer months are great for testing out new colors and louder prints because of the casual nature of the season’s fashion.
Sparkles and Sequents
While not for everyone, many men are opting to add more shimmer to their style as of late. Tanks with embellishments, pants with sequents, and more are popping up.
They’re especially showing up in evening wear and outfits for nights out. It’s a fun trend if you need a little more pizzazz in your style.
What Are Your Summer 2024 Trends for Men?
Hopefully, this guide offered you some new trends to try out for your style this summer.
Men’s summer fashion can be anything but boring. If you have more trends you’re tracking that weren’t mentioned, share them below.
What trend are you trying this summer? Let me know in the comment section!
