The Worst Men’s Summer Style Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)


Summer should be your style sweet spot: fewer layers, more freedom and plenty of opportunities to show off a little flair. But when the heat’s on, a lot of men get it wrong. Really wrong. From sweat patches that make you look permanently stressed to flip-flops in wildly inappropriate settings, summer dressing has its pitfalls.

Here’s your guide to avoiding the worst warm-weather style mistakes – and how to fix them before they ruin your look (and your social life).

Sweat Patches

Nothing kills a look quicker than visible underarm patches or a damp lower back. It’s not just about looking hot — it’s about looking too hot. If you’re sweating through your clothes within 30 minutes of leaving the house, your outfit needs rethinking.

The Fix: First, sort your fabrics. Breathability is key; synthetic materials just don’t cut it in serious heat. You want linen, lightweight cotton poplin, seersucker, or anything with an open weave. These fabrics allow air to circulate and moisture to escape, keeping you cooler and drier for longer.

Next, reconsider your fit. If your shirts cling to your sides and sleeves pinch your armpits, you’re only accelerating the problem. Looser cuts let the air flow and reduce contact points where sweat builds up.

Colour choice is more strategic than aesthetic here. Light tones like white and beige reflect heat and look crisp, but may show sweat if you’re prone to soaking through. On the other end, darker tones like navy and black can conceal sweat but trap a bit more heat. The one colour to avoid entirely? Mid-grey. It’s the T-shirt equivalent of turning on a UV light in a hotel room.

If sweat is a serious issue for you, go one step further with undershirts that absorb moisture or products like sweat-blocking pads. Switch your high-street deodorant for a clinical-grade antiperspirant that does more than mask the problem.

Flip-Flops (Everywhere That Isn’t a Beach or Shower)

Flip-flops have their place. That place is next to a pool or inside a communal changing room. The second you’re on concrete, cobbles or any setting that involves standing near food, they immediately drop your outfit rating to a 3/10.

Aside from looking out of place, they’re unsupportive, impractical and often just plain lazy. The flip-flop slap is a sound that screams, “I gave up.”

The Fix: Start with a good pair of leather sandals. Brown or black leather with a minimal design can look surprisingly refined – think more Roman holiday, less lads-on-tour.

Woven styles bring texture and work brilliantly with linen or tailored shorts. And if you’re loyal to the slide shape, opt for matte leather or suede versions.

The key is choosing footwear that looks intentional. The kind of sandal you’d be happy to wear into a restaurant, not just across hot sand.

Board Shorts Masquerading as Real Shorts

Wearing your bright blue Quiksilver trunks to lunch might have been acceptable at 15, but if you’re grown and (hopefully) employed, your shorts need an upgrade.

Board shorts are often too long, too baggy, and covered in graphics that belong on a sticker sheet, not your thighs. They scream ‘hangover’ rather than ‘holiday’.

The Fix: Invest in tailored swim shorts that can pass as proper shorts. These are cut more like chino shorts: mid-thigh, slightly tapered and usually with adjustable side tabs or a clean waistband.

Stick to solid colours or tasteful patterns: olive, navy, burgundy or stripes all work. Brands like The Resort Co., Orlebar Brown and Frescobol Carioca make versatile options that dry quickly but look stylish long after you’ve towelled off.

You should be able to wear your swim shorts to the beach, then walk straight into a café or beach club without looking like you’re lost.

Too Much Chest

Somewhere along the line, the deep V-neck became a symbol of summer swagger. Combine that with men treating their linen shirts like they’re auditioning for a perfume ad, and suddenly you’re dealing with way too much chest exposure.

The deep V is rarely flattering. It elongates the torso awkwardly, draws attention to the wrong parts of your chest, and almost always reads as try-hard. Shirts unbuttoned to the navel aren’t much better. There’s a fine line between Riviera elegance and looking like a cruise ship magician on his night off.

The Fix: Everything in moderation. A button or two undone? Absolutely. Let the collar breathe and show a bit of skin. But once you’re exposing the sternum and beyond, you’ve entered questionable territory. If you’re wearing a V-neck, keep it shallow. A crew neck or relaxed open-collar shirt offers the same airflow without the sleaze factor.

Want to show off the chest? Do it poolside, not while ordering coffee.

The Sleeveless Gym Tank Resurgence

We all want to feel cool in summer, but dressing like you’re about to deadlift your suitcase isn’t the answer. The gym tank (you know the one – razor-thin straps, oversized armholes, gaping neckline) is a summer misstep we keep seeing.

Yes, your shoulders are impressive. No, they don’t need to be on display at brunch.

The Fix: Focus on breathable, well-fitted T-shirts or towelling polos that are soft, textured and inherently more stylish. A boxy cut or slightly oversized tee gives you airflow and a modern shape without trying too hard.

If you must go sleeveless, choose structured tank tops in heavyweight cotton with wide shoulders and a clean neckline.

Style is about knowing when to turn it down – not every day is chest day.

Shiny Fabrics in Direct Sunlight

Glossy materials + midday heat = sweaty disco ball. It’s one thing to sweat, it’s another to actively reflect sunlight onto people nearby.

Silky shirts and high-sheen synthetics only amplify sweat patches and look out of place before sundown. These fabrics cling, highlight problem areas and do nothing to help with breathability.

The Fix: Choose fabrics with a natural matte finish. Slubbed cotton, washed linen and brushed poplin all lend depth without the glare. Save your silks and satins for evenings or heavily air-conditioned indoor events where you won’t be sweating through them.

Texture over shine every time.

Heavy Layers in 30°C Heat

Some people insist on wearing jackets year-round, but when the mercury hits 30°C, you need to adapt. That perfectly structured overshirt might complete your fit, but it’s not worth looking like you’ve just sprinted there.

The Fix: Lightweight layering. Think unlined linen-blend blazers, gauzy overshirts and cotton popovers – all of which add visual interest without insulation. These pieces give your outfit shape and intention, especially when paired with looser trousers or elevated shorts.

Bonus: they also protect against the sun. So yes, you can still layer in summer. Just be clever about it.

Wrinkled, See-Through Linen

Linen is the fabric of summer. But that doesn’t give you a free pass to wear see-through, shapeless shirts that look like you pulled them from the bottom of a suitcase. Thin, overly sheer linen also looks cheap and unkempt.

The Fix: You want linen with a bit of structure – medium or heavy weight that still breathes but doesn’t disintegrate with wear.

A proper cut helps, too. Look for pieces with defined shoulders, a slightly boxy fit, and decent collar construction. Slightly rumpled? Sure. Creased to oblivion and translucent? Absolutely not.

Style it right and linen can go from sunlounger to sundowners effortlessly.

Grey T-Shirts – The Pit Stain Amplifier

Grey T-shirts look great in a vacuum. But they betray you the moment they come into contact with heat and sweat. Sweat darkens the fabric dramatically, and suddenly you’re walking around with two ominous patches under each arm.

The Fix: Pick colours that hide or distract. Off-white, navy, sage or even muted clay tones will always look cooler (and cleaner) for longer.

If you love grey, look for heathered textures or performance fabrics that breathe and dry quickly. You’ll still get the look, without the underarm wet zones.

Fragrance That Fights the Heat (Not You)

Summer calls for fragrance with finesse. The smoky, spicy scent that works wonders in winter becomes a thick cloud in July – and not in a good way.

The Fix: Look for fragrances with citrus, herbal or aquatic notes. Neroli, bergamot, vetiver – these are your summer heroes. Eau de colognes or light EDTs give you freshness without heaviness, and they can be reapplied without becoming overpowering.

A light spritz on pulse points (not your clothes) goes a long way. The goal is to smell like you’ve just stepped out of a Mediterranean breeze, not like you got locked in a sauna with a bottle of oud.

Over-Accessorising in the Heat

Summer is not the time to layer jewellery like you’re headlining Coachella. The more metal you pile on, the sweatier you’ll feel – and look.

That stack of chains might seem like a good idea in the mirror, but give it half an hour in the sun and you’ll be readjusting it constantly, pulling it off your damp chest.

The Fix: Choose one or two pieces that complement your outfit. A slim silver chain. A woven bracelet. A fabric-strapped watch. That’s it.

Minimal accessories not only keep you cooler but also show restraint – a key ingredient of style.

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