Summer, as far as your wardrobe’s concerned, is a test of restraint. When the mercury climbs past 25 degrees and your patience drops accordingly, there’s a real temptation to throw on the first sweat–stained tee you find and call it a day. But here’s the thing: looking sharp in the heat isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing less, better.
Enter the capsule wardrobe. A handful of pieces that work together, whatever the forecast. No more staring blankly into your wardrobe when you’re already running late. No more lugging around two outfit changes in your tote bag. Just a small but perfectly formed selection of clothes that make you look like you know exactly what you’re doing, even when you’re wilting on a packed train.
Table of Contents
What is a capsule wardrobe?
The idea is simple enough: a capsule wardrobe is a tightly edited collection of clothes that all play nicely together. Everything earns its place, nothing sits at the back gathering dust. You’re not aiming for endless choice – you’re aiming for just enough.
A good summer capsule wardrobe makes getting dressed borderline foolproof. You know every shirt works with every pair of trousers. Your footwear makes sense whether you’re heading to a rooftop bar or the office. And you don’t need an entire suitcase for a weekend away because you’ve already done the editing.
Think of it as a kind of sartorial autopilot – you look good without really thinking about it. And when the heat’s on, that’s exactly what you want.
Why every man needs a summer capsule wardrobe
There’s a reason the best–dressed men tend to be repeat offenders. Steve McQueen wore the same Harrington jacket on loop. Paul Newman’s summer uniform rarely strayed far from white tees and casual tailoring. The trick is finding what works, and sticking to it.
A capsule wardrobe saves you time, money and mental energy – all of which are better spent enjoying an ice–cold beer somewhere breezy. The fewer pieces you own, the more considered they need to be. That means better fabrics, better fits and fewer cheap fixes you’ll bin after one summer.
A good capsule also makes packing for holidays laughably easy. With the right selection of lightweight shirts, tailored shorts and smart–casual shoes, you can stroll off the plane looking like you belong there – not like you’ve dragged your entire bedroom along for the ride.
The essential pieces
Clothing
The linen Shirt
If you only pick up one piece for summer, make it this. A classic long–sleeve linen shirt is a sweat–dampened man’s best friend. It breathes, it drapes, and it looks just as good creased as it does pressed – which is a relief, because nobody’s ironing on holiday.
Wear it open over a vest for that just–back–from–the–beach look, roll the sleeves for afternoon beers, button it up and tuck it into smart trousers for dinner. White is the obvious choice, but pale blue, olive or stripes add a bit of Riviera swagger.
The camp-collar shirt
If the linen shirt is the backbone of summer style, the camp collar is its cooler cousin. Boxy, breezy and just the right side of retro, it’s what you throw on when you want to look vaguely continental without going full cruise–ship crooner.
Pick one up in washed–out pastels or stripes. Pair with drawstring trousers and sandals for the beach, or with chinos and loafers when the dress code calls for ‘smart casual’ but the thermostat disagrees.
Lightweight T–shirts
You don’t need a drawer full of graphic tees to get through summer. A couple of good–quality cotton or linen T–shirts will do nicely. Look for a cut that’s relaxed but not sloppy – you want it to skim, not cling.
Stick to neutral colours: white, navy, grey, maybe a muted green if you’re feeling bold. These are the workhorses you’ll reach for when you can’t be bothered to think. Layer under shirts, wear with shorts, chuck one in your bag just in case.
Smart shorts
There’s a difference between shorts that say ‘man on holiday’ and shorts that say ‘man giving up’. The latter should be avoided. A good pair of tailored shorts is the sweet spot – not too baggy, not too short, and made from something that won’t cling when the temperature spikes.
Cotton or linen is your friend here. A drawstring waistband can help if you want something a touch more relaxed. Navy, stone or olive will see you through countless combinations. Team them with a linen shirt for smarter dinners or a tee when you’re wandering about town.
Linen drawstring trousers
The closest thing to socially acceptable pyjamas. A pair of linen drawstring trousers is a non–negotiable for any man who likes to look put together without feeling constricted.
You want a pair that sits comfortably on the hips, with a taper through the leg to keep things neat. They’ll work with a tucked–in shirt and loafers, or with a tee and sandals when you’re pottering down to the café for a morning coffee. Stone, navy and khaki are all safe bets.
Smart linen trousers
Sometimes you need something that says ‘grown–up’ but still feels like summer. That’s where smart linen trousers come in. They’re light, breathable and look great with a few creases – all good things when you’re sitting through a humid wedding ceremony or a long lunch in the city.
Go for flat–front or subtle pleats, nothing too stiff. Pair them with a linen shirt and blazer if the occasion calls for it, or keep it simple with a polo and loafers.
Unstructured jacket
Every summer wardrobe needs that one piece you can throw on when things get vaguely formal. An unstructured linen or lightweight cotton blazer does the trick. No padding, no lining, just something to smarten up a shirt and trousers without sending you into a sweat spiral.
Stick to light neutrals – pale grey, sand, soft blue. It should look better rumpled than pressed. And if you really want to push the boat out, find one that pairs with your smart linen trousers as an easy summer suit.
Swim shorts
Don’t overlook them. A good pair of swim shorts that wouldn’t look out of place at the bar is worth its weight in SPF. Look for tailored cuts, quick–drying fabric and colours that won’t clash with the rest of your capsule.
Footwear
White trainers
A pair of clean white trainers is the backbone of warm–weather dressing. Go for something minimal that can handle day trips, dinners and impromptu nights out. They work with shorts, linen trousers and smart chinos, so you’ll get plenty of mileage. Just keep them box–fresh. Scuffed and stained defeats the point.
Leather sandals or espadrilles
When the sun’s blazing, your feet want air. A pair of leather sandals strikes that sweet spot between practical and grown–up. If sandals aren’t your thing, a decent pair of canvas or rope–soled espadrilles does the same job. Both look good with tailored shorts or linen drawstring trousers, and they slip on and off easily if you find yourself poolside.
Smart slip–ons or loafers
There are times when trainers feel too casual and sandals won’t do. That’s where a lightweight loafer or slip–on steps in. Suede penny loafers, Belgian slippers, or soft leather slip–ons add just enough polish for dinners and summer weddings. They pair naturally with linen tailoring or smart chinos, and you can skip the socks without anyone batting an eye. Keep them in a neutral shade – brown, tan or navy – to blend with the rest of your kit.
Accessories
Sunglasses
One pair you actually care for beats three throwaways. A classic pair will complement everything from pool shorts to tailoring. Look for proper UV protection and stash them in a hard case. No one wants scratched lenses on day two of a trip.
Baseball cap
Yes, the baseball cap deserves its place. It’s casual enough for the beach, practical enough for days when the sun’s relentless, and helps dress down a smarter look when you want to feel more off–duty. Pick one in cotton or linen in a neutral colour so it goes with your whole capsule.
Bag
A sturdy canvas tote or simple cotton beach bag will see you through most scenarios. It’s big enough to carry sunscreen, a paperback and a spare tee, but won’t look out of place if you find yourself wandering into a café after the beach. Look for one with a zip pocket inside – practical for wallets and keys.
Woven belt
A woven or braided belt handles the relaxed feel of summer clothes far better than stiff leather. It works with drawstring trousers, smart shorts and chinos alike, and it feels lighter in the heat. Brown or navy covers most bases.
Dive watch
If you’re the sort to wear a watch, make it a diver. Rugged enough for the pool or the sea, just dressy enough to hold its own with a blazer. Rubber or NATO straps work best – they’re lightweight, comfortable and dry quickly. Plus, you won’t fret if it takes a knock during that ill–advised beach football match.
Rope bracelet
A small detail, but it makes a difference. A simple rope or cord bracelet feels casual, looks good with sun–tanned skin, and gives your summer outfits a hint of that ‘just off the boat’ vibe without going full yacht–club cliché. Choose one in a neutral or nautical colour – navy, olive or natural rope – and make sure it’s the sort you can wear in the sea or the pool without it falling apart. One is enough. Any more and you’re veering into festival territory.
Next up: The best men's shorts to buy now.
