The major men's fashion trends for summer 2026

Summer is the season that demands the most precision in clothing choices. It is not about doing less, but doing better: every piece must combine lightness, style and versatility.

Well-cut shorts, polos in fine fabrics, Fresco blazer… here are the essentials to have in your wardrobe to get through the warmer months in style.

The short: the piece worth rehabilitating

Long confined to the beach or the garden, the short has evolved considerably. Today, when chosen well, it can be incorporated into elegant urban outfits, even semi-formal ones.

Which cut to favour?

The golden rule is simple: shorts should stop above the knee, ideally at mid-thigh. Cuts that are too wide age the silhouette; cuts that are too fitted lack ease. The aim is to find the right balance, with a structured waistband and a slightly tapered leg.

Fabrics to favour

- Linen: breathable and naturally slightly crinkled, it offers a relaxed look ideal for a terrace lunch or a day by the sea.

- Seersucker or twill cotton: more structured, it allows the short to be worn in smarter contexts, paired with a shirt or a polo shirt.

- Lightweight cotton: the most versatile fabric, comfortable to wear all day and easy to care for.

Summer colours

Khaki, ecru, navy blue, terracotta or sage green: natural tones combine easily and allow you to put together harmonious summer outfits. Plain models remain the simplest to wear on a daily basis.

The polo shirt: the timeless summer essential

There is no complete men's summer wardrobe without a good polo shirt. At once elegant and relaxed, it suits holiday days as well as professional contexts where a casual outfit is appropriate.

Piqué polo or jersey polo?

- The piqué polo: with its textured and slightly structured fabric, it is the great classic of menswear. Its collar holds its shape beautifully and it ages particularly well.

- The jersey polo: softer and closer to a premium t-shirt, it is particularly comfortable during the hottest days and lends a more relaxed look.

Fabric first

A summer polo shirt must above all be made from quality cotton. Pima or Supima cotton offers a particularly soft feel as well as excellent durability. Some models also incorporate linen to further improve breathability. Conversely, polyester is generally best avoided as it retains more heat and moisture.

The cut that makes the difference

The cut should be fitted without being tight. The shoulders should fall perfectly while the length should cover the waistband when the polo shirt is worn untucked. These are the details that immediately give a more polished look.

Winning combinations

- Polo + cotton seersucker shorts: a relaxed yet elegant silhouette, ideal in the city or on holiday.

- Polo + lightweight chino: a casual chic outfit suited to summer working days.

- Polo + linen bermuda shorts: a comfortable combination that retains real elegance.

The Fresco blazer: summer's secret weapon

Talking about a blazer in summer may seem paradoxical. Yet Fresco, this open-weave wool fabric, is precisely designed for the hottest months. It is among the most breathable materials in men's tailoring.

What is Fresco?

Fresco is a worsted wool fabric whose intentionally open weave allows air to circulate. This open structure enables it to offer excellent thermal comfort while maintaining a very fine drape. Naturally resistant to creasing, it is particularly well suited to summer temperatures, especially in weights between 260 and 320 g/m².

Why choose a Fresco blazer in summer?

- Excellent breathability: its open construction promotes air circulation and limits the sensation of heat.

- An impeccable drape: unlike linen, it holds its shape more easily throughout the day and creases far less.

- Great versatility: it can be worn with matching trousers to form a summer suit or paired with chinos, or even with thick cotton shorts for a more relaxed silhouette.

How to wear it?

The Fresco blazer reveals its full potential in light and natural tones such as sand beige, light grey, powder blue or ivory. It pairs easily with a lightweight shirt, a piqué polo or even a thick cotton t-shirt for a more casual interpretation.

Other pieces not to overlook

Beyond shorts, polos and blazers, a few other pieces also deserve a place in a well-built summer wardrobe.

- The linen shirt: a seasonal essential, to be worn open over a t-shirt or buttoned up with shorts for a light and cohesive silhouette.

- The lightweight chino: in cotton or linen, it is an excellent alternative to jeans during summer thanks to its lightness and comfort.

- The belt: when outfits become more streamlined, accessories take on greater importance. A fine belt allows you to complete a silhouette with discretion.

The Nines: expertise at the service of the men's summer wardrobe

The Nines is a French high-end men's fashion brand, designed for men who want to dress with care without sacrificing comfort or practicality. Its offering rests on three pillars: materials selected from recognised European suppliers, manufacturing predominantly in Europe (Portugal, Italy, Romania) and timeless cuts designed to last.

For men who want to build a thoughtful summer wardrobe, made up of pieces capable of transcending seasons and trends, The Nines is a reference both for those just starting out and for those looking to complete an already well-established wardrobe.

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