Easy Ways to Wear Men’s Summer Sandals
Sandals for men are experiencing a revival. Gone are the times when you’d only pull them out for a holiday or a trip to the gym—now, they're perfectly acceptable in urban settings as well as on the beach. Open-toe footwear comes in various styles, so figuring out what to wear with sandals for guys really boils down to your personal taste and the vibe you want to achieve. If you're into streetwear, opt for hiking-style sandals or mules; prioritizing comfort—fisherman sandals remain a reliable choice; and if you’re aiming for some polish, there’s no shortage of chic leather sandals that can be dressed up with tailored trousers.
However, with the expanding selection of men’s fashion sandals comes an increased risk of missteps. Make the wrong choice, and you might end up looking like a confused tourist on their way to Disneyland. But when you know what to do, you will be fashionable and comfortable under the summer sun, ready for anything from a city adventure to transitioning from the beach to a bar, or even a nice dinner.
Below, we will explore the easiest yet stylish sandals outfits for men and discuss the most questionable moments—should you wear socks with sandals, how a sandal should fit—read on and find out!
Suit with sandals
In traditional fashion circles, the notion of pairing tailoring with sandals has long been considered a style faux pas. Yet, it can be done—with a bit of guidance. First and foremost, forget about socks—especially those sporty white ones. The type of sandals you select is crucial—stay away from flip-flops, aim for a sleek pair of formal sandals for men in black or navy, free of logos and patterns.
As sandals are already quite bold for suiting, tone down the rest of the look with an easy-to-wear set in a classic palette. Linen suit from Tiger of Sweden, featuring the Linen blazer and Linen casual trousers, is a great option for hot summer days.
Sandals with chinos
If you have any lingering doubts about sandals, give them a try with the simplest ensemble in men’s summer fashion: chinos and a T-shirt. This basic pairing actually gains a bit of flair with the right sandals, and you can go in multiple style directions depending on the colors you choose and the functionality of the footwear.
The Casual chino-fit trousers from Tiger of Sweden pair well with any shoe, even Hereu’s Interwoven mule. Men wearing mules exude a deep sense of style and—dapper street vibes.
Sandals with tailored shorts
Fashion is evolving. That’s part of its charm. However, the resurgence of sandals and their popularity among fashion insiders was somehow unexpected. Yeah, pairing sandals with shorts on vacation feels as natural as enjoying margaritas at 10 a.m., still—pulling off this look requires a bit more consideration.
To tone down the statement of exposing more leg than you might want to, opt for a tonal look with muted colors on classic pieces like the Tailored jersey shorts by Aeronautica Militare and the Patch-pocket jacket from Moose Knuckles. And that margarita as an accessory.
Sandals with jeans
Unless you live in a consistently warm tropical area, you may find it challenging to cope with high temperatures. But wearing sandals doesn’t mean you have to completely overhaul your wardrobe. Pair sandals with the pieces you already have hanging in your closet—jeans make for a great match.
Light and medium wash jeans, such as the Relaxed rise jeans from Citizens of Humanity, make for a wise choice that won’t jar with laid-back footwear. Slipping into jeans also probably means that shorts feel a little too optimistic, so bolster your defenses up top with lightweight summer knitwear—the Graphic knitted polo shirt by Dirk Bikkembergs, for example.
Sandals with trousers
Sandals might not be the first shoes that come to mind when you think of smart trousers, but they can actually look pretty good together. You just need to find the right combo. For the trousers, go for a slightly wider leg that tapers down to a cropped ankle.
This isn’t going to be an office look, despite the formal lean of the Tapered drawstring pants by Les Deux. But a woven pair of sandals radiates as much smartness as possible, meaning when worn with the Short-sleeve shirt, this is a combo firmly in the realm of smart-casual attire.
Sandals with swim shorts
The technical-looking beach sandals for men are a step up from traditional flip-flops and sliders—the best option for a holiday. While the multiple straps may sacrifice the convenience of easy slip-on wear, they offer a stylish way to transition from the beach to the bar or a restaurant without drawing unwanted stares from fellow guests.
To avoid looking a bit weird, better not pair your sandals with speedos, though. Stick to tailored Stripe swim shorts by Les Deux and the Embroidered t-shirt to bring out that newly formed tan.
Sandals with Bermuda shorts
City walks or trail detours—sandal says yes. Pair them with Bermuda shorts for that sweet spot between easygoing and ready-for-anything. This is the outfit you wear when the day starts with coffee and ends with chasing sunsets. Add a long-sleeve and a bucket hat, and become the main character in a very stylish travel film.
We love the relaxed attitude of the Drawstring-fastened linen bermuda shorts by 120% Lino. Team it with the Embroidered longsleeve t-shirt from Aeronautica Militare and a pair of fisherman sandals, and even white socks won’t look awkward here.
Sandals with linen pants
This is a no-brainer with taste. Maybe it’s the shared love for sun and breeze, maybe it’s just good chemistry—but these two go together like espresso and ice. All you need is a color combo that doesn’t argue and pieces that don’t wrinkle under pressure (at least, not too much).
The Drawstring-fastened linen trousers, combined with the Long sleeve linen shirt by 120% Lino in blue shades, make for a lovely neutral base. Add the Fisherman sandals from Hereu to the look for that summer ease on the edge of leisure and polish.
FAQ
Still think sandals are just for tourists and toddlers? You're missing out on the fashion upgrade your summer wardrobe could ask for. If you're sandal-skeptical, scroll through the FAQ below—we just might change your mind—and your toes will thank you.
Can you wear sandals to work
Yes—if your office doesn’t demand suits from 9 to 5, men in sandals can make it work. Go for leather pairs, skip the flip-flops, match them with tailored trousers or linen separates. If your workplace is casual or creative, sandals can pass as part of a summer uniform.
How should men's sandals fit
Men wearing sandals should feel just as confident as they do comfortable—and that starts with the fit. No toes hanging off the edge, no heels sliding around. The straps should hold your foot snugly without digging in, there should be just enough room to breathe. A good pair feels like it was made for your foot, not borrowed from someone else’s.
How to wear fisherman sandals
A great fisherman sandal outfit works for so many occasions. Pair your sandal with loose trousers or linen shorts, toss on a relaxed shirt or tee—you’re done. They’ve got enough character on their own, so keep the rest easy and unfussy. That’s “walked out of a gallery into a beach café” energy.
Socks with sandals, right or wrong?
Socks with sandals are no longer a fashion crime—rather, a style move. Once taboo, now runway-approved and street-style certified. Just stick to short or mid-calf socks, keep your sandals minimal, and save the combo for casual or creative settings. Festivals—yes. Formal dinner—let’s not.
