Extreme Hot Weather Clothing for Men: Surviving Style

Dressing for cold weather can be a breeze. So many footwear options, a variety of textures, the added dimension of layering—plenty of possibilities, in other words. In contrast, dressing for summer often poses a greater challenge. While the rising temperatures usher in delightful experiences like barbecues, beer gardens, and sun-kissed skin, they also mean that our wardrobe choices dwindle considerably.

Staying cool tops the list of priorities, but looking good is a strong contender. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true Summer clothes for hot weather—no need to reinvent the wheel here. By mastering these essential ensembles, you can avoid falling into a style rut during the warmer months.

Braving the office during a heatwave or searching for the ideal smart-casual look, this guide will help you navigate what to wear in 100-degree weather, showcasing versatile men’s heatwave outfits.

Office Heatwave

How to dress for 60-degree weather in a business setting is straightforward, but what about when temperatures rise above 80? The office can be quite uncomfortable when the heat is on, but with a few adjustments, you can make summer days at work much more bearable. The first rule is to lighten up—leave behind the tie and belt. Next, choose the right fabrics. Say goodbye to heavy winter materials like wool and Oxford cloth, and embrace lighter options—linen and poplin. If you’re looking for a custom shirt, ask your tailor to use voile cloth for the back panel to enhance breathability. Complete your look with suede Derbies and your fave sunglasses.

No one cancels meetings because of the heatwave, unfortunately. Therefore, we suggest you lighten up your wool suit and substitute it for something made of linen. The Linen blazer and the Linen casual trousers by Tiger of Sweden create a lovely summer suit that fits a business lunch as much as other formal occasions.

Shorts and shirt

While shorts may never fit into the realm of black-tie, they can certainly be dressed up. As long as you don’t wear them to a formal garden party, shorts with a well-chosen shirt work beautifully for most smart-casual summer events. Start with a pair of premium mesh sneaks—consider slip-ons for added comfort. Choose either tailored or chino shorts in understated colors. Then add a well-fitted shirt, which can be a solid block color, a light summery pastel, or a subtle print. Vertical stripes not only offer a slimming effect but are also very much in vogue.

The best shirt for hot weather is breathable, made of lightweight material, and allows you to wear it with bare arms. It can be short-sleeved, like the Short sleeve shirt by Les Deux, or with rolled sleeves. Combine your shirt with the Tailored jersey shorts by Aeronautica Militare for a smart-casual ensemble that easily beats the heat.

Short sleeves and trousers

When it feels like the sun’s sitting on your shoulders, short sleeves are a survival tactic. A short-sleeved shirt lets your skin breathe without breaking dress codes; only you’ll have to pair it with heatwave pants—yes, those exist. Heading to work or a terrace lunch, this duo works overtime so your body doesn’t have to. Keep the colors and fabrics light and the layers minimal.

Combine the Tapered drawstring pants and the Short sleeve shirt from Les Deux for a look that reflects the sun yet attracts the marveled gazes. To make it even more heat-ready, try the light-colored bottoms.

Tucked tee and smart pants

Looking for a quick way to elevate your style from ordinary to chic? A simple tucked-in tee could be the answer. While tucking tees into trousers was once seen as a style reserved for middle-aged men, the fashion landscape has shifted. Start with the right fit for your tee—the seams should sit on your shoulders, the hem ought to hit above your hips. Once you’ve got that sorted, think about your bottoms. Tailored pants are a great option, especially if they’re cropped at the ankle. But denim or chinos are perfect substitutes.

The basic white tee is a great option for a summer look, but minimalist prints can make your combo more personal and exciting. Try the Regular fit t-shirt from Les Deux with the Straight-fit trousers by Tiger of Sweden—understated as they are, these two will save you from overheating in style.

Layered shirt

Layer a shirt over a tee—this tried-and-true combo works wonders for warm summer weekends and beyond, especially when you choose a lightweight linen shirt paired with a basic cotton tee. To pull it all together, stick with a casual vibe for the rest of your ensemble. Chinos or linen trousers make for great bottoms. Whichever you decide on, complete the look with a sandal and don’t hesitate to show off some ankle.

What to wear on a 60-degree day is a simple question when you want a layered look. Yet, how about layering in a heatwave? It is not taboo—you just have to choose your fabrics and fits correctly. For example, the Linen shirt by Les Deux over a basic cotton tee, paired with the Linen trousers 5-pocket by 120% Lino, creates a summer layering option that can withstand the scorching heat.

Linen shirt and swim shorts

The linen shirt might carry a bit of a reputation for its hippy vibe, but leaving it out of your summer wardrobe would be a huge mistake. The secret to this beach look lies in the choice of legwear. Instead of trousers, go for tailored swim shorts. They’re smart, practical, and allow for a seamless transition from beachside to bar, radiating a touch of Riviera chic. Complete your outfit with leather sandals and a summer cap—you’re all set for a stylish day out.

Master the hot weather clothes by teaming the Long sleeve linen shirt by 120% Lino with the Stripe swim shorts by Les Deux. You can add a tee underneath a shirt and wear it open or go full relaxed-mode-on without additional layers.

T-shirt and shorts

The perfect pair of shorts is a bit of a challenge. But, once you take the plunge and invest in a great pair, you'll want to wear them throughout every sunny, sticky day of summer. Swim shorts are an awesome choice for the hot season—they easily double as casual everyday shorts. If you’re not planning to hit the water but still need a reliable pair for casual looks, opt for cargo or Bermuda instead.

How to dress for 80-degree weather and maintain a stylish look? Mix the Regular fit t-shirt from Les Deux with the Cargo cotton shorts by Moose Knuckles. Streetwear-inspired and breezy, this is your answer to a hot weather forecast.

Summer shoe

Summer dressing doesn’t have to be all that sloppy. In fact, it’s entirely possible to be seasonally appropriate and fashionable. At the same time. A great pair of summer shoes serves as your foundation, making it worthwhile to invest in quality options. Suede loafers or leather sandals, let’s say, pair nicely with no-show socks and cropped trousers. This is also the perfect time to pull out your white or beige jeans or chinos. For the upper half, choose a contrasting jacket to layer over a polo shirt or a high-quality tee.

A typical error when dressing for summer is to opt for linen and overlook your footwear. Nothing can ruin a hot day more than a hefty pair of leather dress shoes paired with silk socks when the temperature hits thirty degrees. Yes, they are fine when you’re dressing for 60-degree weather, but for anything above, we recommend sandals or slip-ons—the Interwoven mule by Hereu, for instance. Team this pair with the Drawstring lightweight trousers by Aeronautica Militare and the Short-sleeve polo shirt from Tiger of Sweden for a simple look with preppy vibes.