Summer Wardrobe Essentials For Shorter Men

Outfit Inspiration, Clothing Essentials & Style Tips

May Contain Affiliate Links (What’s This?)

Those back-to-school signs are starting to pop up everywhere – jeez time goes fast! Young people are starting to get nervous, educators and transit people here in the city are beginning to get weary, while parents everywhere are getting ready to rejoice! Fret not however, it’s still August and very much still summer. The heat is far from being removed from the kitchen (and unfortunately, neither is the humidity – ugh!). Lighter clothes are still required. We here at The Lower View want all of our shorter brethren to look and feel their best, and also to look like they have it all together (yeah, we’re talking to you). For this reason, we’re going to discuss some items that every fashion-conscious shorter man should have in their closet and to-go bag. Also, keep your eyes open for those summer clearance signs. We promise you that they will be appearing!

Remember, just because this weather will univariably be unbearable doesn’t mean that your appearance has to match that energy lol. Okay gents, let’s dive in - here is our Summer Wardrobe Essentials Guide for Shorter Men, get ready to take some notes!     

INTRODUCTION

It’s not easy to pinpoint where summer wear began, but it likely originated in the world’s hot climates, where lightweight clothing was essential for comfort. Many summer staples have ancient roots. Sandals date back thousands of years to ancient Egypt and the American Southwest, where they appear in artwork and archaeological discoveries. The ancient Egyptians were also renowned for their linen clothing, while other warm-climate societies produced lightweight garments from local natural fibers. More modern summer staples, such as short-sleeve shirts and boat shoes, emerged in the early 20th century. Short-sleeve shirts gained popularity through military and tropical uniforms, while Paul Sperry invented the modern boat shoe in 1935 for better grip on slippery boat decks. We could go on, but before we move on to our wardrobe discussion, we need to touch on another topic which will help ground this conversation.

SUMMER PALETTE

Some time ago, we published an article on Winter Tonal Colors. It’s worth briefly discussing the summer color palette for the discerning, masculine-presenting shorter guy. Too often, people associate summer with bright colors and bold pastels, but that doesn’t have to be the case. As we mentioned in our spring color discussion, we highly recommend exploring muted pastels, stark contrasts, and two-toned pieces.

Beige is another color that reigns supreme in the summer, and there’s no need to shy away from neutrals and "sun-washed" earth tones. After all, what color are straw hats—whether traditional Panama hats or paper straw hats? Beige. What about terracotta, sage, and adobe? Sun-washed earth tones! Just seeing those colors should warm you up.

Now, let’s move on to our summer wardrobe essentials. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

TOPWEAR

Our first major category. For this section, we’ll discuss both the clothing item itself and the materials that make said items work best for the warm weather.
 

HENLEYS

No, Henleys aren’t just for winter outfits and pajama wear. When most people think of a Henley, they picture a thick, waffle-knit thermal designed to show off one’s physique. But what if I told you they also come in lightweight cotton fabrics that let the breeze through when you need it most? Short-sleeved Henleys are certainly an option, but the best look usually comes from the long-sleeved variety with the sleeves casually cuffed.

POLOS

We published a guide on polos just last month, so we won’t spend too much time on them here. Just know that every man should own a variety of polos—they’re a true summer staple. Pay attention to the fabric, knit, and subtle design details, such as thin stripes. Don’t be the guy who only buys solid colors, and when pairing a polo with shorts, stick to monochromatic combinations or understated contrasts to avoid looking like you're stocking shelves at the local big-box store. A tasteful logo on the left chest can also add a bit of visual interest. Best of all, polos are everywhere, so you won’t have any trouble finding one that suits your style.

LINEN SHIRTS

When people hear the word "linen," eyes tend to roll. Linen is controversial to some because it wrinkles... fast! But that’s kind of the whole point—it’s simply the nature of the fabric. If you’re like me and can’t stand wrinkles with a passion, don’t worry. Plenty of linen blends are available today that tend to wrinkle a little less while still offering that classic linen look.

For summer, a long-sleeve linen shirt—whether the sleeves are cuffed or left down—just works. Linen blends, especially in solid colors, add a touch of elegance to almost anything you pair them with. I’m not a fan of parallel vertical designs on either side of the box plate (where the buttons are), but that’s just me. Many do have an affinity for that, and to be fair that also screams “summer”. One last tip: pay attention to the collar. A slightly stiffer collar usually gives the shirt a cleaner, more polished appearance. You already know we get judged on our appearance and as shorter men, doubly so. Look like you have it all together! A structured form is a great place to start.

RIPPED DENIM & CASUAL BUTTON DOWNS

If casual is your plan, don’t overlook this category. Whether in denim or cotton, short-sleeve shirts with tasteful distressing on the shoulder, sleeves, or lower front can add a tougher edge while still showing that you know what you’re doing style-wise.

A quick tip: wear a T-shirt underneath. Letting too much skin show through the rips can cheapen the overall look. Pair a distressed short-sleeve shirt with some ripped denim shorts featuring patches underneath the cuts, add a fresh pair of white low-tops, and you’ll be magazine-ready.

BOTTOM WEAR

Well, we don’t expect you to pair the items above with just underwear, right? For this section, we’ll cover two simple summer bottom-wear staples. Chances are you already own some version of these pieces, but we’re going to discuss why they work.

CHINO SHORTS

Let’s be clear: I’m not talking about baggy cargo shorts (ugh). For those who wear them, they have their place. We’re going for a more mature, crisp look here, and chinos are the winner.

Here in the mid-2020s, big-box stores and online retailers alike carry chino shorts in a variety of colors, lengths, and fabric weights, making it easier than ever to find the right fit for your personal style. Many style guides recommend shorts ending a few inches above the knee, but that can feel a bit too preppy for my taste. Personally, I think an inseam that ends right around the kneecap is the sweet spot.

Go much below the knee and they start to look more like cropped pants—or like you’re auditioning for a 90s music video. Spare yourself from the highwater and height jokes. The ideal fabric weight should be light enough for your legs to breathe but substantial enough to avoid excessive wrinkling. Chino shorts, especially when paired with complementary muted topwear, can make your entire outfit sing like a morning dove on a summer sunrise.
 

DENIM SHORTS

Here goes another eyeroll! I get it—some of you may be thinking denim shorts are reserved for the youngins. Well, that’s partially true, but the right color, cut, and style can absolutely work for for those who are salt-and-peppering as well.

Speaking to a broader audience, if you’re looking for a cleaner, fresher, more structured, and fashion-forward look, stick with darker washes and muted lighter washes. Think deep blues and indigos on the darker side, and faded or ocean-inspired denim washes on the lighter side.

Ripped denim isn’t just for the younger crowd either. A reasonable amount of strategically placed distressing, especially with patches underneath (no need to show skin here), can add character when paired with a solid or horizontally striped button-down shirt.
 

FOOTWEAR

You’re obviously not going to wear snow boots or timberlands to a theme park on a hot July afternoon (though I’m sure you’ll find those types abound, especially here in NYC lol). Here are some items every shorter guy should possess in their armoire.

SANDALS

I hated sandals as a kid and, to be honest, I’m still not exactly a fan of them. That said, there are some genuinely good-looking options out there. Fisherman sandals, for example, feature a caged upper with multiple leather straps that protect the foot while still allowing plenty of airflow. They have more of a shoe-like appearance than most sandals, making them a dressier option than flip-flops for summer outings.

Personally, I think a nice pair of brown fisherman sandals looks best. Black, regardless of the make or model, tends to look a bit cheaper by comparison.
 

FLIP-FLOPS

Flip-flops are about as casual as footwear gets. No, you’re not going to wear these to the earnings call next Friday. But for a stroll along the boardwalk, a visit to SummerStage in Central Park, or a family get-together, they’re perfectly at home.

If you're after a more mature look, choose flip-flops with woven soles and thick leather straps that cross the bridge of the foot. They’re among the most refined and luxurious-looking options available, yet they don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Brown, black, and white are all excellent choices, and if you can find a pair with subtle two-toned straps in complementary shades, even better.

LEATHER LOW-TOPS

Low-top sneakers are almost always the preferred choice during the summer months, and pick your brand! That said, I’m a big fan of the newer smooth leather low-tops in eggshell or glossy white finishes that seem to be popping up everywhere. They look higher quality and really put the "dress" in dress casual.

If you prefer athletic-style low-tops, I’d recommend looking for a pair with gum soles. They do a much better job of hiding dirt and scuffs than bright white outsoles. Most dress-casual low-tops, on the other hand, feature darker outsoles beneath their signature white midsoles, giving you a cleaner look without sacrificing versatility. Don’t forget your ankle and no show socks!

BOAT SHOES AND LOAFERS

Boat Shoes and Loafers are the most formal of our recommendations in this category, and if you’re going for a more refined presentation, these are must-haves. Pop these on and they will make most outfits look far more formal. Even if you’re watching your budget, there are plenty low-cost options that will make these easy to acquire (Burlington or Marshalls anyone?). With a  pair of chinos, long-sleeve linen shirt, a pair of two-toned loafers will have you looking like you were invited to the latest shindig at someone’s pool at an oversized Victorian in the suburbs. As usual, neutral again are your best bet, but even muted pastels can make quite the fashion statement without stealing the show. For chino shorts and a polo, boat shoes can complete the outfit.

THE UGLY, THE BAD, AND NOW THE GOOD

Accessories can take your outfit up ten levels and should never be ignored. They don't always have to serve a practical purpose either—they're also a chance to show off your inner fashionisto (yes, we know the proper word is "fashionista," but The Lower View is a men's lifestyle blog after all... deal with it!).

SUNGLASSES

Go polarized for your casual outfits—it cuts glare and your eyes will thank you. I’m also a fan of silver frames. Silver, blue, and even red mirrored lenses can make you look ready for a stroll through the city while helping protect your eyes from those pesky UV rays.

Think about those blustery mornings in the Bowery that turn into warm summer afternoons on the Upper West Side (for our New York readers). If you live somewhere else, just substitute your favorite neighborhood!

For more formal outfits, think monochromatically, with the lenses just a shade darker than the frames. Aviators and Wayfarers without the studs get my vote every time. Be sure to check out our guide on glasses for smaller faces for more info on pairing!
 

HATS

I’m not much of a hat wearer myself, but I do own a few summer hats. Please stay away from heavily branded baseball caps! The subject here is summer, and we need your hair (or lack thereof) to breathe. Plus, we’re talking fashion here!

Panama hats, boater hats, lightweight cotton or linen flat caps, and straw fedoras should all be on your to-buy list. If you absolutely must wear a baseball cap, opt for an unbranded canvas one in a neutral color with an adjustable strap. Please! The last thing you want is to be standing next to a beautiful lady at a crosswalk and have her pinching her nose because neither her or your scalp can breathe!

WATCHES

For us gents, a watch is definitely a conversation piece. For us shorter gents, our watch can do the talking. I heavily recommend large face watches. In step with our other advice and observations here, consider neutral colored leather straps or chrome straps with large links. Gold despite its value, can look cheap my opinion at times, unless it color coordinates with the rest of your outfit (i.e. your shirt has brown accents, or your sunglasses are brown with gold accents).   

BEST PLACES TO BUY SUMMER WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

All of these items with a few exceptions are seasonal, so get on it unless you want to fight people in line for summer clearance (which will be starting soon).

I would start at the big box stores. American Eagle has the best selection of the type of Flip-Flops I described above. For chino shorts, no one comes close to Uniqlo and Express for their selection. Without sounding like a fan boy (which I am for Express), their selection is amazing because of the color options. You can find every tint and shade imaginable which gives you options. For Linen shirts, Uniqlo comes out on top once again, and then there’s Banana Republic Factory and The Gap. Both offer items down to XS. I don’t like that the prices on linens at Uniqlo have gone up (they were once $19.99, but are double that today). For cotton button downs, believe it or not, I have been going to H&M, purchasing their long sleeve Easy Iron shirts (they don’t offer short sleeve versions anymore) and having them tailored. J. Crew also has a decent selection (though heavy cotton). Aeropostale wins with their current Polo collection. Pique, stretch and tight around the arms.

To save money, don’t skimp on Marshall’s, TJ Maxx and Burlington, though your mileage may vary. What you see is what you get, and if you don’t get it, it’s gone.

ONLINE OPTIONS

You know how this goes—online prices run the gamut, from easy on your wallet to downright running your pockets. As we always say, pay close attention to the fabrics and construction advertised, and always read the reviews for durability before pulling the trigger.

Proper Cloth has a modest linen collection, and because they're a made-to-measure clothier, they're a great option for us shorter men looking for a better fit. They offer sizing all the way down to XXS, but quality comes at a price—their linen shirts start at around $145 at the time of writing.

JAXX Everett is another option. Their color selection is a bit smaller, but they also offer plaid designs, which are less common. At this time of writing, many of their linen shirts are on sale for around $75. MagicLinen (surprise!) has one of the most extensive linen collections available online. They even greet you with a discount offer when you visit the site, so bargains can definitely be found. Of the brands mentioned here, their pricing was generally the most competitive.

These aren't endorsements, by the way—we're simply pointing you toward places that carry these items.

Although they're best known for their brick-and-mortar stores, J.Crew has a solid selection of chino shorts in a variety of colors, and at the time of writing many are selling for around $35. Banana Republic Factory also has great options, with some chino shorts priced around $21. If you're looking for premium flip-flops, Bombas offers nubuck thick leather styles for around $70 (a bit pricey, if you ask us). If you're shopping on a budget, there's always (ta-da!) Amazon and eBay, where leather flip-flops can range anywhere from about $20 to well over $100.

OUTFIT IDEAS

THE BODEGA ON THE STRIP

Starting off with something casual: if crisp and fresh is the goal, pair ripped dark-wash denim shorts (like this) with patches underneath the cuts (make sure there are some light denim strands around the distressing) and a distressed olive-green shirt with sleeve rips (like this).
 

Two Summer Outfits In With Our Suggested Color Palete & Essentials | Source: The Lower View
 

Complete the look with leather dress-casual low-top sneakers featuring a gray accent strip near the heel (like these), a chrome or stainless steel watch with a larger face and substantial links (like this), ankle socks (like these), and a pair of polarized aviators (like these). This combination will have you ready to turn heads wherever you go.

Be sure to add a dash of cologne to make smiles from her be accompanied with even bigger eyes. If low-tops aren’t your thing, you can move up to mids at most. Avoid high-top sneakers with shorts at all costs unless you want to look like someone who refuses to leave their adolescence.
 

THE SUPPER CLUB

For our more smart-casual gents, a freshly ironed cotton short-sleeve dress shirt (like this) paired with beige or tan chino shorts (neutral colors!) and either loafers (like this) or boat shoes (like this) is a summer classic.

If you choose boat shoes, make sure the leather lace detail running through the side eyelets contrasts with the main color of the shoe. It’s a small detail that adds visual interest and makes the shoe feel more intentional.

This outfit is a timeless combination that works whether you’re heading to a dinner party, a night out on the town, or a Broadway show. You’ll look put together without looking like you tried too hard. As always, I prefer a structured collar or a shirt with collar stay slots. If a more formal presentation is the goal, structure is the way to go.
 

THE CONTRASTING CHAP

Remember when we spoke about muted pastels earlier in this article? This is where that approach really gets some mileage. Consider pairing a lightweight cotton or linen long-sleeve button-down in a lighter shade with a complementary hue from the opposite side of the color wheel.

For example, a muted blue shirt like Palladian (like this) paired with Fuchsia Rose chino or linen-cotton blend shorts (like this—blends will help manage wrinkles) creates a look that is eye-catching without being overwhelming. The contrast is enough to turn heads, but not so much that your outfit starts shouting louder than you do (and we’ve all seen plenty of that!).

Footwear here is really your choice. Depending on the occasion, you can finish the look with loafers, boat shoes, dress-casual sneakers, or even a refined sandal.
 

THE PARTY AFTER A PROMOTION

Ready to break out the linen? Well, linen-shirt we mean. For the trendy, dress-casual, yet comfortable and approachable look, try pairing a cuffed long-sleeve linen or linen blend shirt with a pair of chinos (avoid linen pants here unless you’re going for a resort, barbecue on the promenade look), and some high-quality leather boat shoes, preferably brown.
 

Two Summer Outfits In With Our Suggested Color Palete & Essentials | Source: The Lower View
 

For this example, we’re going with a white linen-blend long sleeve shirt (like this), beige chinos (like these) and brown boat shoes (like these). Don’t forget the watch and sunglasses (like these) and maybe a chain if you dare.
 

THE OLD AND BORING, BUT CASUAL

Boring isn’t necessarily bad, especially if you’re an older shorter man who’s had enough (raise your hand if that’s you haha!). For family get-togethers, or a stroll along main street of a quaint suburban downtown, try lightweight denim, a polo shirt, a woven belt and some loafers.

For this look, try a gray pique polo, dark-wash denim, brown loafers and a nice thick brown leather belt. You may get called “Dad” or “Unc”, but you won’t be called badly dressed.

BUT WAIT!

We know you’ve been waiting for this part. What are some don’ts? With these essential wardrobe items, here are some basic rules to follow. Avoid the same fabric or knits for top and bottom pieces. Likewise, avoid the same color for both items. The exception is if your footwear complements the color clothing (think tonal contrasts). Watch clothing lengths. For shirts, a tailor is always shorter man’s best friend. The lowest part of your shirt shouldn’t hang too far below your belt line - two inches at most. This is especially important when wearing shorts. Metallic polarized sunglasses look best when paired with muted pastels. Neutral sunglasses frames pair best with earthy tones.

When wearing low-tops, ankle socks or no-show socks are the right way. No tube socks! You’re a grown man! Instead opt for neutrals of any thickness (like these) to accommodate your comfort.

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CONCLUSION

Enough information for ya? I know we covered this topic extensively, but it’s all coming from the heart. Here in New York, when we explain something, we throw in everything including the kitchen sink (add some spices and a healthy dose of incessant car horn blowing).

Everyone’s taste will differ, and this article won’t be without criticism—so bring it! Summertime is the season when you want to feel your most comfortable, especially during those hot, humid days, but you don’t have to sacrifice your aura in exchange.

As a shorter, fashionable man, your summer wardrobe should include these essentials. And don’t forget the finishing touches: cologne and deodorant. You know how it is on the subway when you encounter someone wearing neither... lol.

Share your thoughts in the comments, post photos of yourself rocking these items, or drop your own suggestions. We look forward to seeing you in our forum here on The Lower View!

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