50 men’s summer wardrobe updates under £100, from classic jeans to the perfect white T-shirt

1 day ago 6

I’ve found it a delight to write this list of 50 summer wardrobe updates for men, as browsing for menswear is one of my favourite pastimes. I love keeping up to date with what’s trending and finding ways to recreate it on a budget. I’m always looking for under-the-radar independent brands and trawling the secondhand market for a bargain. And not just for myself – I regularly receive messages from friends and family asking for help choosing a birthday gift or deciding what to wear to a specific event, and (nearly) always happily oblige.

It’s what I do professionally, too. As a stylist and menswear writer with years of experience in helping guys dress their best, I spend a great deal of time looking at clothes online. I know which high-street retailer sells the best jeans; I know where to find good tailoring; what’s worth buying vintage; where to go for high-quality T-shirts; and the brands to shop for the best trainers.

So naturally when this commission dropped in my inbox, I gladly accepted. You’ll notice I’ve included quite a bit of butter yellow. It’s the colour of the season (remember Timothée Chalamet’s Givenchy suit at this year’s Academy Awards?) There’s a breezy linen shirt you could wear with black trousers and some retro sports shorts that would pair well with a simple T. I’ve also covered this year’s swimwear of choice, as well as some summer season accoutrements – such as sunglasses and jewellery – and everything in between.

My top tip? When you’re scrolling through the list, go for pieces that don’t feel like a departure from your personal style. Sure, it’s always good to push yourself to try new things, but you want to feel like the new things you buy merge with your current wardrobe – that way, they’re much less likely to end up at the charity shop in a matter of months.

I’ve also listed some inexpensive hacks to help keep your clothes looking their best and lasting longer, as well as a handful of grooming tips that can make a big difference with minimal effort required.

The best part? Everything costs £100 or less. You, and your summer wardrobe, can thank me later.


1

Buy a vintage silk tie

From spring/summer 2025 fashion shows to TikTok, neckties have made a comeback. Wear with a full suit for a wedding, or a shirt and jeans for a preppy smart-casual look. If you search secondhand, you can get designer options made with luxurious silks for a fraction of the price.

Three vintage ties (Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent) on a white background

Giorgio Armani tie
£35 at Rokit
Christian Dior tie
£40 at Rokit
Yves Saint Laurent tie
£45 at Rokit


2

Invest in a checked shirt

Even though checks are in the spotlight this season – everyone from Burberry to Fendi offered their own take – it’s a timeless pattern that you can wear over and over. The easiest way to opt in is with a shirt. Scandi high-street hero Arket has you covered with this relaxed-fit Oxford.

Check shirt on a white background

Relaxed cotton shirt
£67 at Arket

2. Gant shirt

Checked classic poplin shirt
£95 at Gant


3

Go for a boxy-fit top

 Tailoring Black Style” In a brown suit with a box jacket, cream tie, light brown shirt and brown leather bowling bag. Bad Bunny wears black lens sunglasses. There are white flowers in the background.
Bad Bunny sports the boxy fit at the 2025 Met Gala. Photograph: Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

All the guys are going for a boxy fit this year. Jacob Elordi. Bad Bunny (above). Barry Keoghan. The slight crop and squarer shape will give your outfit stronger proportions than a regular fit, making it feel more elevated and considered. You could opt for a shirt, a sweatshirt, a jacket or a knit – but if you’re trying it for the first time, maybe a T-shirt is the easiest way to go.

A model wears a checked shirt under a boxy grey sweatshirt.

Boxy heavyweight terry sweatshirt
£39 at Weekday
£39 at H&M

4. boxy fit T-shirt (Carhartt)

S/S Catalogue T-shirt
£50 at Carhartt WIP
£40 at John Lewis


4

New balls, please

Tennis is becoming more menswear-adjacent every year. From the top players signing deals with big brands – see Jack Draper and Burberry, Jannik Sinner and Gucci, and Carlos Alcaraz and Louis Vuitton – to high-street labels offering collections inspired by the sport, it’s turning into a firm fashion favourite.

It’s also the perfect blend of two of this year’s biggest trends, preppy and sporty. You want to look as though you’ve played tennis in the morning, then thrown on some casual wear to go for lunch. Avoid any actual sportswear and instead go for sporty-inspired classics, such as a V-neck sweater over a polo or shorts with a collegiate sweater.

For inspiration, take a look at Mango’s Tennis Club range: it’s full of well-priced and wearable tennis-inspired pieces.

A model wears a white polo shirt with navy detail, a cream jumper draped around the neck, navy knee-length shorts, white socks with navy detail and white tennis shoes.

Polo shirt
£49.99 at Mango


5

Retro sports shorts

And tennis isn’t the only sport making its way into this season’s collections. From tracksuits to football jerseys paired with tailoring, sport references are everywhere. One easy way to add sporty energy is with retro shorts. My favourites are from vintage stores, but it does take some digging. If you want a quick fix, Urban Outfitters has a good few options to choose from. Pair them with a louche shirt for a Call Me By Your Name-coded look.

A model wears a brown chequered pair of Umbro shorts with their hands in the pockets and a thin bracelet.

Umbro football shorts
£36 at Urban Outfitters
£36 at Umbro


6

Opt for a crew neck cardi

The crew neck cardi has been a womenswear staple for a while, and it’s now made its way to the men’s knitwear section, worn by everyone from Paul Mescal to Troye Sivan. The silhouette is a touch classier than your standard low-V button-up, and since most of us wear a round neck most often (myself included), a crew neck feels much more wearable. Those that look most luxurious have a loose hem, superior softness and a slightly cropped fit for an easy, relaxed finish.

7. Crew neck cardigan

Knitted crew neck cardigan
£36 at Asos


7

Spread some butter yellow love

Timothée Chalamet at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre on 2 March 2025 in Hollywood, California.
Timothée Chalamet in butter yellow at the 2025 Oscars in Hollywood. Photograph: JC Olivera/WWD/Getty Images

Butter yellow is the shade of the season, and you’ll find it everywhere from Zara to Asos to Massimo Dutti. It works well with most classic shades, such as black, blue denim and dark brown, so it’s easier to wear than you might think, and will brighten up your colour palette this summer.

A model wears a butter yellow open shirt, with a low neck white T-shirt. A pair of dark brown trousers and a taupe holdall.

Striped textured shirt
£45.99 at Zara


8

Printed T-shirts

Ever since Loewe recreated JFK Jr’s “I Told Ya” T-shirt for Luca Guadagnino’s movie Challengers, printed designs have been rising in popularity. Couverture & The Garbstore always has a good selection from independent brands, and Uniqlo regularly collaborates with the estates of big artists such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Jean-Michel Basquiat to produce painterly T-shirts that hit way above their accessible price point.

A red short-sleeved T-shirt with a central illustration of a rat and the words “Track Down Rats” in white.

TDR Rat T-shirt
£50 at Couverture & The Garbstore

9. Printed T-shirts (Uniqlo)

Henri Matisse UT graphic T-shirt
£19.90 at Uniqlo


9

Not a patch on applique

Applique has always been a great way to personalise your clothes, and it’s trending this season (seen at Kenzo and KidSuper), so it’s a great opportunity to get crafty. Vintage patches are the best way to go – anything too new can look a little tacky – and it’s always best to have a vision before you start. If you need some inspo, take a look at Bode’s Scouts-inspired jackets as a starting point.

A selection of applique badges

Miscellaneous vintage patches
£23.30 for 10 at Etsy


10

Freshen up your sock drawer

Alexander Skarsgård on the ‘Lorraine’ TV show, London, UK – 23 May 2025
Alexander Skarsgård kicks off shorts-and-calf-length-socks season on Lorraine in May. Photograph: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

It’s official: Alexander Skarsgård’s recent appearance on Lorraine has launched the start of shorts-and-calf-length-socks season. His socks were by young London designer SSDaley, who’s also a favourite of Harry Styles, but you can get a pretty good match at Moss, the star of smart casual menswear on the high street, and responsibly minded brand Asket. Always go for plain colours and novelty is to be avoided, no matter how funny the joke.

Three dark taupe socks

Merino socks
£40 for three pairs at Asket

12. Socks (Moss)

Off-white fine ribbed socks
£8.95 a pair at Moss


11

Boxer shorts as actual shorts

Actor Paul Mescal in a blue shirt, boxer shorts and black sunglasses.
Paul Mescal appears to wear underwear as outerwear. Photograph: Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Gucci

As anyone who keeps a close eye on Paul Mescal will know, shorts are getting even shorter – he actually wore what looked like oversized cotton boxer shorts to attend Gucci’s spring/summer 2025 show. Ever since, brands including American Vintage and Axel Arigato have jumped on the underwear-as-outerwear look.

Rather than buying the designer versions, though, you could buy a multipack from a high-street store known for good basics (such as the John Lewis ones here, or Gap, Uniqlo or Marks & Spencer), and you’ll essentially get three pairs for the price of one. I’d suggest sizing up for a roomier fit – and don’t forget to wear your underwear beneath to avoid any embarrassing mishaps.

3. Boxer shorts (John Lewis)

Seersucker stripe boxers
£28 for three at John Lewis


12

The perfect white T-shirt

Everyone should own a well-fitting crisp white T-shirt, particularly when the warmer months hit. While it’s impossible for the same style to work for everyone, there are a few brands known for having the best to offer – namely Merz b Schwanen, the creator of Jeremy Allen White’s T-shirt in The Bear; Sunspel, the heritage label known for luxury basics; and Uniqlo for great affordable alternatives.

A model wears a white Merz b. Schwanen 2M15 Vintage Machine Refined Classic Fit T-shirt. They also wear a beige baseball cape and chinos.

2M15 vintage machine jersey T-shirt
€64.80 (about £55) at Merz b Schwanen

13. T-shirt (Sunspel)

Riviera midweight T-shirt
£90 at Sunspel

uniqlo white t-shirt

Crew neck T-shirt
£14.90 at Uniqlo


13

Layer up with a knit

Don’t forget warm layers, particularly for cooler summer evenings. A super-soft cashmere or merino wool knit can be thrown over your shoulders, the arms tied in a loose knot. Try not to spend too long making it look perfect: you’re aiming for effortless, not over-laboured.

A model wears a navy merino wool crew neck jumper.

Men’s merino mid-weight crew neck jumper
£95 at Rise & Fall


14

Upgrade your undies

Threadbare, tired underwear is a big no-no, so make sure your kegs are up to scratch. Boss’s signature trunks launched earlier this year in a campaign fronted by David Beckham. If they’re good enough for Becks, they’re good enough for us. Or if you’d rather keep it low-key with a similar unbranded option, H&M’s your best bet.

Three pairs of black stretch cotton trunks with a white Boss logo on the waistband

Stretch-cotton trunks with logo waistbands
£45 for three at Hugo Boss

15. Boxers (H&M)

Cotton short trunks
£19.99 for five at H&M


15

Choose an elevated Henley shirt

Whether you’ve seen them on influencers or the racks at high-street stores, you might have noticed that Henley shirts are blowing up this summer. If you’re not yet familiar, it’s a crew neck top that originated in Henley-on-Thames as a training staple for rowers during the Royal Regatta. It’s characterised by an elevated three-button placket, and more often than not, it comes ribbed. Cos’s navy design would look great with anything from denim to bermuda shorts.

A model wears a navy ribbed henley T-shirt and dark brown trousers

Ribbed Henley T-shirt
£35 at Cos
£35 at H&M


16

Jeans are best done classic

Jeans shapes fluctuate from season to season, from the indie sleaze skinny leg that reigned supreme during the late noughties, to the boot-cut that took off as part of last year’s western revival and the relaxed wide leg that’s big right now. But straight fits will always be a staple, and you can’t go wrong with Levi’s 501s.

A pair of blue Levi’s 501 jeans on a white background.

501 original lightweight jeans
£100 at Levi’s


17

A tank top for hot evenings

 The World Tour at Moda Center on 27 June 2022 in Portland, Oregon
Shawn Mendes keeps it cool on stage in Portland, Oregon. Photograph: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Shawn Mendes

A ribbed tank top is a useful base layer during hot weather, especially for an evening outfit. It means you can wear a shirt undone without revealing too much skin. Or, if you’re feeling braver, you could take style cues from singer Shawn Mendes and wear it solo instead.

A black verst with deep arm holes hangs on a white hanger against a white background.

Ribbed organic cotton vest
£30 at Wax London
£32.80 at Brown Thomas


18

It’s linen season

Alain Delon in a scene from Plein Soleil (Purple Noon), 1960.
Alain Delon does linen right in the 1960 film Plein Soleil (Purple Noon). Photograph: Classic Cinema Archive/Alamy

Linen has a lot to offer. It’s breathable, it deals with excess moisture, and it’s antibacterial, meaning it controls body odour. It will even look good without being ironed or steamed (as long as it’s not too crumpled).

It’s usually best to size up for an expensive-looking finish, and always go for a pure linen. For your moodboard, look no further than Alain Delon’s wardrobe as Tom Ripley in Purple Noon.

A buttoned-up brown linen shirt with white buttons. The background is white.

Pure linen shirt
£45 at M&S

A light blue buttoned-up linen shirt. It has long sleeves and is on a white background.

Pocket linen shirt
£49.99 at Mango


19

Get a transitional Harrington

Few jackets are as versatile as a Harrington. The silhouette – a slightly cropped, zipped jacket with a cuffed hem and button-up neck strap at the collar – originated from the Mancunian brand Baracuta. It was designed to be lightweight outerwear for golfers that doesn’t limit movement but still protects from inclement weather.

It may have made its way off the golf course and into the wardrobes of everyone from James Dean to the Gallagher brothers, but it’s still useful for exactly the same reasons – a light top layer that can deal with the unpredictable British forecast. With Britpop-core on the rise, there’s no better time to invest.

A beige harrington jacket on a white background

Backer Harrington jacket
£100 at Levi’s
From £70.32 at Amazon


20

Louche, tailored trousers

A$AP Rocky attends the “Highest 2 Lowest” red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on 19 May 2025 in Cannes, France
A$AP Rocky on the red carpet at this year’s Cannes film festival. Photograph: Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Flowy tailored trousers were the hot topic at 2025’s Cannes film festival – see Austin Butler, A$AP Rocky, Paul Mescal et al. Uniqlo’s pleated wide trousers hit all of this summer’s sweet spots. They’re comfortable, breathable and flowy, and the pleats and soft fabric make them look and feel expensive. The brand also offers alterations online or in store.

The model wears a pair of loose dark navy trousers and black shoes.

Pleated wide trousers
£39.90 at Uniqlo


21

Stylish sleepwear set

This year, luxury sleepwear has taken to the skies. If you fly first-class long haul with some of the top airlines, you’ll be treated to a pair of designer PJs – Jacquemus for Air France, Giorgio Armani for Etihad and Tekla for Lufthansa. While us mere mortals can but dream, you could invest in your own stylish pyjama set that’s acceptable to change into after you take off. David Gandy Wellwear’s ultra-soft cotton modal, enriched with an aloe vera treatment that nourishes the skin, will keep you comfy for the long haul – whether you’re flying or not.

A T-shirt style pyjama top and a pair of short pyjama shorts. Both in navy on a white background.

Henley short set
£100 at David Gandy Wellwear


22

Double-breasted suit

Wedding season is now in full force, so you may be hoping to update your suit rack. This year’s all about double-breasted – and seeing as it’s a cut that’s been around since the early 1900s, we’re sure you’ll be able to wear it for years to come.

If you have a few events coming up where you’ll need tailoring, don’t worry about buying multiple suits: just switch up the accoutrements – shirt, tie, socks and so on. Once this year’s nuptials are over, you can wear the jacket or trousers as separates, too.

asos double breasted regular suit in sage green

Double-breasted suit
£90 at Asos


23

The plain polo

Fashion’s obsession with the Gallagher brothers and all things Britpop has returned for 2025 – most likely thanks to Oasis’s reunion tour happening later this year. Whatever the reason, it seems polo shirts, a key part of the Britpop uniform, are back in a big way. I’d recommend sticking to the brands best known for their signature polo shirts, such as Lacoste, Fred Perry, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, and go for the classics.

A forest green polo T-shirt with the Lacost crocodile logo on the left breast. It is on a white background.

L1212 polo shirt
£61.75 at Debenhams
£78 at Frasers


24

Lesser-known retro trainers

If you’re experiencing Adidas Samba fatigue, it could be time to update your sneaker collection with a pair that’s not so overfamiliar. Enter: Gola’s signature silhouette, the Harrier. It ticks all of the same boxes – comfy, retro-inspired and versatile – and for a great price. But let’s keep it as our little secret.

The side view of a white Gola trainer. It has the Gola name in gold across a black stripe. There are two further black stripes. It is on a white background.

Harrier trainers
£68 at John Lewis
£85 at Debenhams


25

Gladiator-inspired sandals

Gladiator sandals are, quite literally, ancient history. Though they date back quite some time, they’re most recently associated with the boho It Girls of the noughties, such as Sienna Miller and Kate Moss. This time, it’s men slipping into the strappy soles instead.

Don’t worry – we’re not suggesting you go for those with knee-high ties like the socialites of the early aughts. The menswear take is tougher and sleeker. Most are a slip-on construction with thicker leather straps and a proper base – if you’d rather go for an ankle strap, try to keep it minimal and understated. Schuh has just the pair.

skip past newsletter promotion
The side view of a black leather sandal with a buckle on the upper strap. It is on a white background.

Summit leather sandals
£45 at Schuh
£45 at Next


26

The return of the Casio

A brand that’s still as relevant today as when its watch collection launched in the 70s? Casio. This year, the instantly recognisable gold-tone design, the A168WG-9EF, was worn by golden boy Harris Dickinson in cult favourite movie Babygirl. A couple of years ago, it was Barry Keoghan wearing the silver version in Saltburn, and the Casio F-91W is a regular in Stranger Things. Whichever you pick, you’re guaranteed a great balance of style, practicality and affordability.

A gold Casio digital watch. The time displayed is 1058. It is on a white background.

Casio A168WG-9EF
£49.99 at John Lewis
£49.99 at Argos

A Casio Digital Display Watch that has a black resin strap. It is on a white background.

Casio F-91W
£12.99 at Argos
£12.99 at Amazon


27

Penny loafers for smart-casual settings

With the rise and rise of modern New York prep – take a look at fashion crowd favourite Aimé Leon Dore for the style cues – a pair of loafers is a great investment for the shoe rack.

They’re capable of smartening up pretty much every outfit you can think of. Trousers and a shirt. Jeans and a polo shirt. Even track pants and a T-shirt. Two-tone penny loafers are great in the sunny weather, but you could also keep it classic with a pair that’s all black – and never forget your socks.

The side view of a brown leather loafer. The tongue section of the show is beige. It is on a white background.

Richard leather loafer
£65 at Schuh


28

Buy a baseball cap

It’s a testament to the baseball cap that not even Trump’s campaign could kill its hype within the fashionsphere. There’s even an ongoing TikTok trend about how much hotter men look while wearing caps (especially backwards, apparently). Just make sure you avoid the Maga slogan at all costs.

The best baseball cap in 2025, in my opinion, is one with understated embroidery or applique detailing, an unstructured front section – which usually comes with six panels – and a curved peak. Scrt has a unique offering that’s inspired by cult classic pop culture from La Haine to the Streets.

A black baseball cap on a white background. It has the words original pirate material across it.

Original Pirate Material dad cap
£45 at Scrt


29

Wear a sterling silver chain

A silver chain is the perfect finishing touch to an unbuttoned collar – and silver offsets a light summer tan nicely (don’t forget your SPF, though). In this era of financial uncertainty, the unfussy, cheaper alternative to gold is rising in popularity. You can get solid sterling silver for a great price, so try to avoid anything made using brass as it will tarnish and leave green traces on your skin. My favourite? Mejuri’s barrel chain: each individual link will glint nicely in the sun.

A silver chain is on a white background.

Barrel link chain necklace
From £68 at Mejuri


30

A strong, high-quality tote bag

Although tote bags are nothing new, there aren’t many which deliver on good quality and design. There are three main factors to look out for: a substantial fabric, a structured bottom, and a handle that easily goes over your shoulder. A bag with all three is APC’s Laure bag – or the Daniela (£115) if you’re after a slightly bigger size. Choose right, and you’ll be covered for beach trips and park picnics alike.

A navy tote bag. There are there are three large letters printed on the middle of the bag whit are A. P. C. and the A is upside down. It is on a white background.

Laure denim tote bag
£100 at Mr Porter
£100 at Next


31

Ditch your wallet

Still using your bulky, silhouette-damaging wallet? Now that cash is becoming increasingly rare, it’s time to switch to a streamlined cardholder. Leather goods expert Aspinal of London is a great place to start. This may look plain at first glance, but the cobalt blue lining is a nice surprise. Or go for classic American cool with Tommy Hilfiger’s subtly branded option.

A black three pocket leather card holder. There is a silver enamel Aspinal logo at the bottom in the centre. It is on a white background.

Slim credit card holder
£70 at Aspinal of London
£70 at John Lewis

A three pocket leather card holder with an enamel Tommy Hilfiger flag logo in the bottom right corner. It is on a white background.

Eton leather card holder
£45 at Fenwick
£27 at Amazon


32

Belts are accessories, too

The celebrity Patrick Schwarzenegger in a two piece navy suit brown belt and yellow top.  He holds a brown clutch and is on a blue carpet with a white daisy pattern. There are flowers and photographers in the background.
Patrick Schwarzenegger rocked a statement belt at the 2025 Met Gala. Photograph: Savion Washington/Getty Images

Lots of guys overlook the power of a good belt. One who doesn’t? Patrick Schwarzenegger. At this year’s Met Gala, he proved his expertise in the belt department by making an oxblood design the centrepiece of his Balmain look. We’re not suggesting a bold red leather strap would work for everyone, but it proves just how much a good belt can do.

For more wearability, stick to those made from premium leather with decent buckles – nothing too slight or delicate – and you’ll be on the right track. I’d suggest starting with black, which goes with everything. If you’re set on brown, though, keep light toffee tones at arm’s length and instead go for deep, rich hues like chocolate and mocha.

A black leather belt with gold buckle on a white background.

Leather belt
£85 at Mr Porter


33

Try a bracelet

A close up of an arm showing a delicate gold bracelet. The arm has a tattoo of small markings. One hand is in another and in the visible hand there is a chess piece tattoo on the middle finger.

No, really. Since your wrists tend to be more on show while it’s warm, it’s the best time of year to wear bracelets. An oft-overlooked accessory for men, it’s an added touch that says you’ve made an effort. Avoid anything too chunky and macho (steer clear of dark gunmetal), and err towards simple, delicate chains constructed from precious metals.

A Missoma Mens Filia Chain Bracelet in gold. It is on a white background

Gold-plated sterling silver bracelet
£95 at Missoma


34

A new kind of floral accessory

A photo of actor Jeremy Allen White wearing a beige baseball cap, navy T-shirt and jeans. He is carrying in his right arm a very large bunch of flowers, including sunflowers and irises. He is on a street that, in the background, has construction signs and a white car.
Jeremy Allen White with this season’s floral accessory in Los Angeles. Photograph: DUTCH/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Hear me out: there’s nothing that looks more attractive than a guy holding a hand-selected bunch of flowers. Don’t believe me? Look at the shots of Jeremy Allen White leaving the Studio City Farmers Market in Los Angeles with a huge bag of blooms, and you’ll see what I mean. Even the big brands have taken note: Bottega Veneta created a huge range of knitted flowers that spilled out of models’ bags during the label’s spring/summer 2025 show.

Buy a bunch from a local florist while you’re out and about, and you’ll have the look nailed down.


35

Elevate your beach towel

A stylish towel takes your whole beach experience to the next level. Antipodean brand Baina has a great selection to choose from, spanning chequerboard patterns, collegiate stripes and geometric prints, all of which are spun from organic cotton.

An off folded white beach towel with a brown chequered pattern

Busby pool towel
£85 at Baina


36

Dig out your flip-flops

A summer fashion faux pas for as long as I can remember, the flip-flop is back. Last year, it was the It Girl shoe of the summer, worn by everyone from Zoë Kravitz to Bella Hadid, and there’s now a TikTok microtrend of guys wearing them with flowy trousers. We’re not talking elevated leather styles – it’s the run-of-the-mill rubber Havaiana thong strap that’s made a comeback. Zara has even collaborated with the Brazilian label on a collection of four monochrome colourways this summer.

A black flip flop, pointing to the right.  It is on a white background.

Flip-flops
£23 at Havaianas
£23 at Office


37

Switch to tailored trunks

Channel Patrick Schwarzenegger in the latest season of The White Lotus with a pair of tailored swim shorts, a more refined alternative to your standard trunks. They’re usually cut to a considered fit with elevated details like buttons instead of a drawstring, adjustable sizing and metal hardware.

A pair of terracotta brown swim shorts

Side-adjuster swim shorts
£68 at Reiss
£68 at Next


38

Or have a Speedo summer

A model walks the catwalk wearing dark red Speedo-style swimming trunks, a striped T-shirt and white shoes. He carries a black holdall on his right shoulder.
Speedo-style swimwear on the Wales Bonner runway at Paris fashion week spring/summer 2025. Photograph: WWD/Getty Images

If you’ve ever wanted to try Speedos, this summer’s your chance. Guys in the menswear big leagues have switched to barely there swimwear, whether it’s Walton Goggins on the cover of Cultured magazine or Theo James’s Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue fragrance campaign. Maybe they’re following spring/summer 2025 trends set by the likes of Wales Bonner and Martine Rose, or maybe they’re just embracing their inner James Bond: either way, it seems there’s no better time to feel sexy while you swim.

Blue Speedos

Endurance+ 7cm brief
£19.60 at John Lewis
£24.50 at Speedo


39

Classic, affordable sunnies

American actor Tom Cruise at Cannes film festival 2025. Red Carpet Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Cannes (France), 14 May 2025 (Photo by Rocco Spaziani/Archivio Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
Tom Cruise in his trademark aviators at Cannes film festival 2025. Photograph: Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images

As a self-confessed sunglasses addict, I’ve tried my fair share of brands over the years, from luxury labels to niche independents and high-street stores. Here’s what I know: two of the best online stores are Le Specs and Meller – and the latter almost always has a two-for-one offer available.

Just make sure you lean towards classic shapes over anything too trendy such as micro-minis or pronounced ovals. Tom Cruise sets a great example: he was spotted wearing his trademark aviators at this year’s Cannes, a silhouette he’s been wearing since the first Top Gun in 1986.

A pair of black sunglasses. The lenses are a wide hexagonal shape. On a white background.

Kessie sunglasses
£40.89 at Lentiamo
£49 at Meller


40

Travel track pants

Whether you’re travelling on a flight, in a car or by train, it’s good to have a pair of track pants at the ready for the journey – and Adidas Originals’ Firebird joggers are the best on the market. The sheeny tricot fabric and bold triple stripe pulls on the 80s, while the straight leg and ankle zip feel retro yet relevant. They’re so good I have them in three colours.

Green Adidas tracksuit bottoms

Adidas Adicolor Classics Firebird track bottoms
£55 at Adidas
£55 at Asos


41

Take a steamer on holiday

A handheld steamer is one of the most useful tools you can buy: it smooths creases in seconds. Philips’ 3000 Series folds up so you can easily pack it in a suitcase when you’re travelling.

A handheld teal clothes steamer made by Philips

3000 Series STH3000/26 clothes steamer
£27.99 at John Lewis
£27.99 at Amazon


42

Never forget your lint roller

Having clothes covered in fluff or animal hair is never a good look, so make sure you always look sharp by keeping a lint roller in your backpack or tote bag while you’re out and about. Opt for reusable ones such as Steamery’s lint brush, so you can do last-minute touch-ups without the waste.

Three lint rollers with turquoise handles. On a white background.

Pet Plus lint rollers
£2.10 for three at Dunelm
£7.99 for three at Amazon

A Steamery Lint Brush. It is on a white background.

Steamery reusable lint brush
£15 at Selfridges
£15 at the Dressing Room


43

Treat yourself to a debobbler

In every wardrobe, there’s a couple of pieces that could do with a debobble – basically anything that’s looking a little worse for wear after the fabric has started to pill. Steamery’s electric fabric shaver is super effective and easy to use, and if you think you’ll use it regularly, it’s worth it. If not, you could try a manual pilling comb such as this one from the White Company, which is a great budget-friendly option.

A sage coloured fabric shaver. With the branded word Steamery across the bottom. It is on a white background.

Pilo 2 fabric shaver
£55 at John Lewis
£55 at Selfridges

The White Company Beech Wood Pilling Comb and its white packet. On a white background.

Manual pilling comb
£8 at the White Company
£8 at Selfridges


44

Elastic bands for sleeves

Stay with me. Elastic bands are a useful wardrobe tool during summer – especially if you like wearing shirts. They allow you to roll up your sleeves and secure them in place throughout the day. I usually gather the sleeve and hide the band by folding the cuff upwards, but you could also secure the elastic higher up and fold the sleeve over it. Either way, you’ll have a turn-up that doesn’t need to be constantly readjusted.

A plastic box of different coloured rubber bands.

Rubber bands
£2.49 for 100 at Amazon
£4.20 for 100 at eBay


45

Keep your shoes clean

Whether you’re wearing leather shoes or sneakers, make sure they’re looking sharp before you leave the house. For leather, you’ll want polish, a brush and a microfibre cloth like the kit below, while trainers call for the Lab Co’s shoe care kit. It includes a protector, too, so they should stay fresher for longer.

A Gentlemen’s Hardware Travel Shoe Shine Tin is open. At the top is the black lid with white text and on the bottom is the inside of the tin with a brush and a pot of buff. It is on a white background

Travel shoe shine tin
£12 at John Lewis

A box of show and fabric cleaning products. The box is white with black text and product silhouettes. It is on a white background

Premium shoe and fabric care kit
£26.07 at Amazon


46

Take a fragrance with you … everywhere

Wearing a quality fragrance is an easy way to make a great first impression. It’s always a good idea to have one with you to freshen up before you walk into any room, be it work, a date or just dinner with mates.

Most brands offer portable versions of their bestselling scents, meaning you don’t need to lug around a full bottle. Alternatively, you can buy a portable atomiser that easily extracts from an aftershave you already have on the shelf.

A bottle of fragrance. It is a clear bottle with white text and Malin and Goetz branding. It has a white lid. It is next to an ombre box packaging with white text. It is on a white background.

Leather perfume oil
£34 for 7ml at Malin+Goetz
£34 for 9ml at Sephora

A black AsaNana atomiser with lid. It is on a white background.

AsaNana portable atomiser
£7.55 at Amazon


47

Invest in some makeup

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about blemishes or undereye darkness, a touch of concealer can go a long way. Choose a shade a little lighter than your skin tone, and it will be practically unnoticeable once you blend it in. New to the makeup game? Try a few shades in person with the help of an in-store expert at any of the big department stores, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

A concealer tube and wand. The concealer is white flesh tones. The lid is black. It is on a white background

Radiant creamy concealer
£21.60 at Look Fantastic
£28 at John Lewis


48

Get beachy hair everywhere

Even if you’re not heading to the coast this summer, you can still achieve a just-off-the-beach look with a sea salt spray. Spray it evenly through your hair and use your hands to scrunch upwards for a naturally messy look with minimal effort required.

A bottle of sea spray for hair by Sam McKnight. It is a yellow bottle with a black cap and text. It is on a white background

Sundaze sea spray
£22.40 for 150ml at Sephora
£26 for 150ml at Cult Beauty


49

Cure tired eyes

Summer often ends up being a busy social season of late nights and early mornings. So it’s no surprise that many of us experience undereye bags and dark circles. Gel patches are the quickest, easiest way to help with any concerns. Keep them in the fridge for best results.

A packet of eye masks by 111 Skin. It is blue with white text. It is on a white background

Cryo de-puffing eye masks
£80 for eight at 111Skin
£80 for eight at Look Fantastic


50

Non-negotiable SPF

If you’re not already using a daily SPF on your face, it’s time to start. Not only is it good from a health perspective, since it blocks harmful UV rays, but it’s also proven to reduce signs of ageing. An Australian study performed over four-and-a-half years found that those who used SPF daily experienced 24% less skin ageing than those who used it on a discretionary basis.

The best formulas will be enriched with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and plant oils to impart goodness while they protect. Grooming brand Horace is always a good choice.

For more SPFs, see our guide to the best sunscreens for every need

A bottle of Horace sunscreen. The bottle is navy blue with orange cap and text. It is on a white background

Face and body sunscreen SPF50+
£22 for 100ml at Horace
£22 for 100ml at the Grooming Clinic


  • Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear and beauty

Read Entire Article
International | Politik|