Summer Alternatives

Summer is the time of the year when style simplicity reigns. The nuances of fashion and its many trends are generally skipped over at the height of the season – when temperatures are at their peak – with the majority of men opting for a more relaxed, casual approach to their daily attire.

Yet even though your outfits have been stripped-back to the bare minimum, a few tweaks here and there will make all the difference to your look without sacrificing practicality or comfort.

One easy adjustment is to opt for subtle alternatives to your current wardrobe staples – for example, a band collar shirt in place of a traditional Oxford button-down.

With that in mind, today we focus on three alternative summer tops that offer something extra over your basic t-shirts and polos this season…

1. The Baseball Shirt

The sports luxe aesthetic has stamped its mark on designer collections in recent years, with sportswear becoming one of the fastest growing sectors in menswear. One of the more literal interpretations to crossover from the world of sports to men’s fashion has been the baseball top, which has quickly developed into a go-to casual option for many men.

The baseball jersey brings a relaxed feel to any summer look, typified by its collarless neckline and soft cotton construction. A contemporary choice, its relative absence outside of US fashion circles ensures it will make a subtle statement while adding a unique twist to your day-to-day looks.

Whether you favor a team replica, branded version or more pared-back design, restricting your top to casual aesthetics is the easiest way to master it. While slim or skinny tailoring layered over a baseball shirt can appear ultra-modern, they often look best when styled in a laid-back way.

The baseball top isn’t just a one season wonder either. DKNY are major fans and included them within their SS15 collection, styling the shirt on its own alongside tailored trousers as well as rakishly layered underneath a suit for a true sports luxe feel: