Crafting the perfect summer wardrobe requires detailed attention paid not to just the individual pieces, but the structure of an outfit. While many are content to wear a t-shirt and basketball shorts during the hottest months, a big & tall man with style knows keeping a few strategies in mind (along with some quality stylistic options in the closet) is the best way not to just beat the heat, but to be cool this summer.
The overall fashion sensibility for the summer months is relaxed-casual with a touch of refinement. Of course, holiday and vacationwear options are essential too. In this article we’ll suggest ways to incorporate more design into the functionality of typical summerwear, along with some choice examples to help guide the big & tall man toward specific pieces that complement their size and emphasize their style. No matter what your taste level, there’s something to elevate all big & tall men who aim to be fashion forward!
Bolder Options, Versatility and Durability
As always, there are so many options in men's style to explore for the warmer months. Far from boring, summerwear designs can range from sleek, classy, and youthful to cater to all demographics. And of course, clothing that does not sacrifice style for comfort is essential to the big and tall man in the summertime.
Transitional pieces that can transform work to play at the drop of a hat are all the more highly sought after in summer. With sustainability and investment shopping being the latest trend, more brands are offering clothing built to survive rigorous wear; this is a key factor to picking out the best in summer attire.
Fashion-forward men who purchase dynamic items like these find it easier to coordinate and get the most out of their wardrobe. Similarly, understanding what styles work well with one's lifestyle is always a smart approach to shopping for summer menswear. To keep it simple while pairing pieces, employ methods that only call for small edits to make them fancier – this will also create truly memorable summer swag. Exposure to a variety of brands will also help a person curate an impressive personal style statement.
Men’s Style Fundamentals
When the word ‘essentials’ comes to mind, we often think in terms of basics. A solid basic wardrobe is the origin of style – key to dressing well. It’s. To build a wardrobe, the building blocks are simple: A white tee-shirt, solid color button down shirt, a hoodie or jacket, and blue jeans (light and dark). Pieces like these are reliable, and if possible, should be bought in multiple colors. The quality of these items is worth the investment too: they are constructed mainly from natural fibers, and for certain items, a mix of poly fibers or stretchy synthetics materials make caring for basic garments easy. Investing money upfront for quality clothing basics will save money in the long run.
Versatile Casual Summer Style Pieces for Big Men
Regardless of the unpredictable weather and restrictions for outdoor events, summer is still a great season to express sleek and sexy style. Light weight fabrics, such as cotton and linen used to make breathable textiles are the go-to for expressive summer style. Styles that are easy to coordinate and transform will help accommodate a busy summer lifestyle and creative styling methods will achieve the most optimum looks.
For example; after a long day of work, it’s easy to combine light-weight neutral colored pants in breathable fabric, like moisture-wicking pants with a light outerwear jacket or pullover. It’s a clever way to dress up casually and effortlessly too. Footwear in the form of low top sneakers such as a classic canvas sneaker helps to give the laid back look a bit more sleek appeal. The key is to be able to easily step out from work to nightlife in these casual styles.
Denim is everyone’s go to pants when thinking of relaxed wear, but experimenting with different fabrics will introduce a whole new range of fashion options. When accessorizing, less is more; since the sensibility of the fashion season is chill-lux, the essentials that have a polished feel tend to be the go to for the season.
Here are some examples of summer staples that can be mixed and matched to build a great, stylish summer wardrobe:
- Short Sleeve Performance Zip Polo
- Southport Linen Pant
- Dockside Knit Cord Shorts
- Ralph Lauren Camo Cargo Shorts
- No-Tuck Long Sleeve Button Down
- Peter Millar Lava Wash Pocket Tee
- Peter Millar Cool-Spun Quarter Zip Sweater
- Ralph Lauren Light Wash Denim Jeans
Dressing Up in the Summer
Even in summer, big & tall men need to dress up every now and again. Here is where we need to explore the dressier side of apparel basics for summer. These include the oxford cloth shirt, along with a gingham, for a bit of pattern. Slacks are often more traditional, but these days even chinos paired with a light summer jacket can give off a more formal vibe. Suits come in a variety of summer styles and should be properly sized to fit larger men.
Some basics that give off a dressier summer vibe include:
- Peter Millar Montauk V-Neck Sweater
- Ralph Lauren Oxford Dress Shirt
- Ralph Lauren Flat Front Slacks
- Sonoma Two Button Side Vented Sport Coat
- Stretch Linen 5 Pocket Pant
- Savannah Striped Twill Sport Coat
- Peter Millar Linen Spread Collar Sport Shirt
Big & Tall Beach & Pool Wear
Who doesn't look forward to holiday or vacation during the warmer months? But what to wear?
Never be hesitant when it comes to color for summer. Bold patterns that pop have an eclectic flare for summer that can’t be beat. Think long or short-sleeved pattern sport shirts with their popping prints. Floral patterns are the conventional print for summer beach wear and are popular in all trends. Bottoms like flexible performance shorts in a berry or pink tone will off-set the typical neutral khaki style a person might wear on the day-to-day. Cargo inspired shorts are back in style and are a great substitute for plain chino style-shorts, especially on the resort.
Sandals are a must for vacation footwear. High-quality and durable sandals are preferred over foam flip-flops. Styles from trusted brands like OluKai can go from beach to street in a flash. Other styles from Swims are purpose-built for cruising the streets, the sands or the deckboards in style – they’re even well-suited for going out on the town to restaurants or more dressy affairs.
Obviously, getting to the water is the ultimate way to beat the heat. Here are a few stylish and functional options for getting wet and wild this summer:
- Tommy Bahama Short Sleeve Rash Guard Shirt
- Saybrook Half Elastic Board Short
- Long Sleeve Sunshield Hoodie
- Peter Millar Caiman Swim Trunks
- OluKai Ohana Water Resistant Slip on Sandals
- Short Sleeve Beach Print Linen Shirt
Men’s Big & Tall Summer Style: Bold & Thoughtful
As long as we’re being thoughtful in our apparel choices, it’s easy to organize a perfect men's summer wardrobe. While bold unconventional patterns and colors will boost the appeal of any look, there are neutral key pieces that will always be on trend and remain the cornerstone of men’s fashion. The ‘new norm’ is no longer an inhibitor of summer fashion; there are styles that are convenient to any change in the world. The examples above are a great place to start but remember to add your personal touch. Be inspired to put your unique best foot forward!
Date Published: April 14, 2021
Updated: August 4, 2025
