PART 1 – CASUAL ATTIRE
Whether you believe in climate change or not, here's the reality: every summer sets a new record — and not just for temperature. Dress codes are melting too. Style is looser, context is everything, and the stakes (and the heat index) are high.
How to look cool without losing composure? Start by following a few new rules. We've broken them into two parts — first, Casual Attire, and then Professional Attire. Because being properly dressed in the summer isn’t about suffering. It’s about dressing with intention.
RULE 1 — Consider the Tank Top, Carefully
The tank top is a declaration. It says, “This is me — no apologies.” And when done right, it can feel like a flex (see: Paul Mescal in Loewe, courtside). But let’s not confuse careless with cool. This is one of the riskiest garments in menswear — one misstep and you’re channeling Homer Simpson on laundry day instead of Lenny Kravitz in Ibiza.
If you’re wearing a tank top outside the gym or the beach, layer it with purpose — under a summer-weight shirt, a short-sleeve camp collar, or yes, even a soft-shouldered blazer. Keep the fit slim, the neckline modest, and the color neutral. And always—always—know your audience.
RULE 2 — The Right T-shirt Is a Weapon
A perfectly fitted tee is the unsung hero of a modern man’s wardrobe. It's humble, but potent — if it fits right. That means mid-bicep sleeves, a length that lands a few inches below the belt, and a cut that flatters without clinging.
Daytime: Think white, light grey, or oatmeal. These colors keep you cool and elevate any casual look. Skip anything neon or pastel unless you're doing it ironically at Art Basel. Nighttime calls for black, navy, or charcoal. And make sure your tee isn't stretched out or pilled — this isn’t your sleepwear.
Preferably, opt for pima or supima cotton for a buttery handfeel and long-lasting quality. If you're wearing it on a date or to a dinner party, pair it with trousers, not shorts, and you’ve instantly upgraded the entire fit. Check out James Perse or even Marine Layer for suitable T-shirt options.
RULE 3 — Your Swim Trunks Should Respect Your Knees
The days of oversized board shorts belong to the early 2000s, just like frosted tips and Von Dutch hats. Modern trunks should hit above the knee — ideally mid-thigh — and be tailored enough to pass for real shorts when the sun sets and the dinner reservations start calling.
The gold standard? Orlebar Brown. Look for adjustable side-tabs instead of drawstrings, a crisp print or solid navy, and a fabric that dries fast but doesn’t scream “performance wear.” You’re not on a junior lifeguard shift — you’re a grown man.
RULE 4 — Invest in Timeless Sunglasses
The right pair of shades is like the perfect soundtrack — it sets the tone, hides the hangover, and lets you skip the small talk. But here's the rule: sunglasses should enhance your presence, not scream for attention.
Skip the micro-lens Matrix revival and the gas-station wraparounds unless you’re J Balvin or playing shortstop in the MLB. Instead, think classics: Oliver Peoples, Persol, or the eternally correct Ray-Ban Wayfarers. If you’re bolder, go acetate in amber tortoise or experiment with lighter lenses. Check out Jacques Marie Mage if you want to go all out. But the frame shape must flatter your face. Not your favorite rapper’s face — yours.
RULE 5 — Shorts, but Make Them Smart
Shorts can — and should — be refined. Aim for a tailored silhouette, ideally in a breathable cotton or cotton-linen blend, and hemmed above the knee. No novelty prints. Just clean lines and intentional styling. No cargo pockets - unless you’re a dad, and then you can do anything you want for the sake of utility. Pair with loafers or minimal sneakers and skip the flip-flops unless you’re en route to saltwater. For a sharper look, cuff the shorts and throw on a linen shirt with a few buttons undone. Effortless doesn’t mean careless.
RULE 6 — Slides Are Tricky, Don’t Be
High-end slides have made their way from poolside to prime time. From Gucci to Fear of God, the silhouette has matured. But know this: unless your feet are on point (we're talking clean, groomed, and moisturized), leave the slides for your own patio.
When done right — paired with drawstring trousers, a boxy tee, and confidence — they’re on point. Otherwise, err on the side of loafers or sleek sneakers.
In Summary:
Summer dressing should never feel like a compromise. Comfort and cool can coexist — if you plan your moves. These aren’t hard rules, but they’re tested principles that’ll help you navigate rooftop bars, beach weekends, and city heatwaves with style and intention.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Professional Attire. We'll show you how to beat the heat without sacrificing authority in the boardroom or the courtroom.
Here’s to an endless, properly dressed summer.
— Craig Arthur von Schroeder
Founder, Commonwealth Proper