Want to amp things up a bit for a rooftop happy hour? Swap your shorts and sneakers for breezy linen or linen-blend trousers-or comfortable, lightweight, and tailored stretch chino pants-then add suede loafers for a dressy finish. Heading to a weekend barbecue? Look for classic chino shorts with a seven- or nine-inch inseam (so they hit above the knee) and pair them with a button-down and white canvas sneakers for a laid-back look. But when in doubt, go classic and casual.

Of course, that brings up the question: How do you style button-down shirts for summer? Since they come in a variety of colors and prints, button-down shirts give you the chance to incorporate some pattern into your shirts rotation, which is always a solid style move. Even traditional cotton fabrics can work fine as long as the weather isn’t too steamy.įinally, look for button-down shirts in lighter colors they reflect light instead of absorbing it, keeping you cooler.

In addition, not all cotton is bad: Light cotton or soft-washed varieties are cooler and more comfortable in the heat. You might also find shirts with more technical fabrics designed to dry quickly and wick moisture they’ll vent any sweat that manages to sneak out. Other natural fibers, like linen and chambray, are lightweight and breathable, so they’ll help you stay cool, and merino wool is breathable and anti-microbial, so it’ll ward off odors. That’s not such a great look for the office or the weekend barbecue with friends.įabric blends, like a stretchy, breathable combo of polyester and cotton, are a much better bet.

The problem with cotton is that it tends to absorb moisture instead of venting it, likely resulting in a pool of sweat underneath your arms. In really muggy weather, or whenever you think you might get sweaty, you want to avoid attire that’s made with 100-percent cotton. When picking out a summer button-down, focus on the fabric.

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