The Best Summer Accessories For Men Plus How To Wear Them

The devil’s always been in the detail. But this is particularly true in summer, when — unless you take a winter break at a nudist resort — you have to rely on fewer square inches of fabric to make you look good than at any other time of year.

Though only some satisfy any form of practical need, summer accessories are often the difference between a good outfit and a great one when the mercury hits double digits.

To that end, these are the only six small additions you need to know about this season, and how to wear them.

1.THE SUMMER HAT

Headgear has long been a staple in a gentlemen’s wardrobe. Men have relied on hats to endure all weather and for various occasions. Dating back to medieval times, hats were worn as a sign of sophistication and culture as well as used for necessity.

Like sunglasses, hats are a functional element of men’s summer style and can be a great look. Some practical benefits of hats are:

• Protect the head/eye/ face from UV rays
• Provide shade from the scorching sun
• Shield the head and face from summer rainstorms

When donning a summer cap, it’s all about the material. As with shirts, summer hats must be constructed from breathable fabric and have a sweat-wicking or sweat-absorbing headband.

The summer is all about being light and fun, so your hats should follow suit. Common summer hats are:

• Straw fedoras
• Bucket hats
• Straw pork pie hats
• Linen newsboy caps
• Polyester baseball caps

An added benefit of upgrading your headgear is the confidence that it will bring. It’s an accessory that draws people and compliments it. When wearing a great hat, it can become the centerpiece of the look. Wear it proudly, gents.

2.D-FRAME SUNGLASSES

Apparently the trendiest shades to be seen in this summer are gigantic sports sunglasses that look like they’ve come straight off the cover of a Daft Punk album. Biiig look. If, like me, you have reservations about shielding your face behind massive mirrored visers, there is another way. Look for some D-frame sunglasses – there are lots of good options around at the moment, and they suit most tastes and face shapes.

Big and angular without looking comical, they’ll go with pretty much everything you’re planning to wear this summer from a linen suit to some tailored swim shorts. Resist the ubiquitous Wayfarers if you possibly can and go for something a little more 70s instead. Pair them with a pair of tailored trousers, an open-collar shirt and loafers for a look that works for the majority of summer dress codes.

3.THE CROSS BODY BAG

About three summers ago, people like me rolled their eyes at the apparent return of the bumbag. What I then thought was ironic fashion at its sniggering worst has since proven itself to be a surprisingly versatile, surprisingly practical accessory. So much so that people are wearing cross-body bags with tailoring and it looks natural and modern.

That’s in part because tailoring itself is more casual, but even if you’re not into streetwear (still the natural habitat for this type of bag), they can work well as part of a high-low, smart-casual look. For summer, try a boxy shirt or cropped jacket worn with rolled trousers or shorts and the belt bag, as they’re also known, slung across your chest.

4.LIGHTWEIGHT FOOTWEAR

Footwear is to style as wheels and tires are to cars. The whole look is off when the wheels let the team down.

Summer is a great time to spice up your shoe game. We’ve discussed at length about understanding and purchasing quality shoes. Quality is determined by the construction and materials (leather). High-quality leather means a high-quality shoe. It also can mean a hot shoe.

Switch it up during the summer with a lightweight shoe that is comfy and breathable. Look to try:

• Espadrilles: Constructed using canvas or cotton for the upper and a sole made of jute rope which is the defining characteristic of the shoe. The upper’s breathability is a great feature that keeps the foot cool, and the fabric can hold all types of colors and patterns.
• Lightweight Sandals: The ultimate laid-back summer shoe. I stress lightweight because the leather can still make the foot sweat. Now the key is to get stylish sandals! The hiking sandals are not in that category. You can wear a stylish sandal with nice pair of chinos or linen pants/shorts.
• Canvas sneakers: The canvas upper is the same technology as the espadrilles, but the canvas sneaker is far more casual. Classic gentlemen only pair them with shorts and jeans, but they also work with chinos.

Regardless of the lightweight shoe, you decide to choose, make sure that it’s breathable and full of style. It’s the summer, so you’re going to show some leg when wearing shorts. Make sure that the shoe is worth looking at.

In addition to the lightweight shoe, make sure that you wear no-show socks. The upper of most of the suggested footwear doesn’t rise above the ankle. The no-show sock is the most stylish option that’s out, and it’s functional and can aid in the health of your feet.

Some advantages of wearing socks are:

• Sweat can be absorbed and wicked away from the foot
• Helps to manage and prevent foot odor
• Can prevent fungi from forming
• Protects the foot from chafing due to rubbing on the shoe

5. AQUATIC FRAGRANCES

Aquatic scents are reminiscent of the sea. Picture sitting at the beach, and a subtle breeze comes in from the ocean and grazes your nose.

Perfumers achieve this effect by using Headspace Technology – a method in which the scent molecules around objects are isolated for replication later on.

Popular aquatic men’s fragrances include Acqua Di Gio, Cool Water by Davidoff, and Virgin Island Water by Creed