The hot summer capsule wardrobe for men who wanna look, well… hot (2024)

That first drop of radiant, summer sunlight: a miracle drug for both inner peace and terminally pallid English skin. Yes, the scorched season of chaos is upon us. And, while that signals all sorts of good things to come, it's also a reminder: your wardrobe stock check is overdue.

The best summer menswear of 2024 is the kind that feels joyous. It's as heated as that couple on the next table who are lost in the dopamine of a successful third date in the sun. It's built for the all-dayer that turns into an all-nighter that turns into a quickly deleted Instagram story at 11am the next day. It's deeply, deeply fun. And as menswear continues to luxuriate in all areas of the left-field, there's so much choice.

The summer capsule wardrobe checklist:

• The wear-everywhere shirt
• The swim shorts that work on dry land
• The park bag
• The bucket hat 2.0
• The essential long sleeved tee
• The party shorts
• The god-tier white vest
• The rugby shirt
• The smart(ish) shirt that'll still keep you cool
• The simple T-shirt
• The advanced cap
• The one ring to rule them all
• The utility vest
• The post-6pm layer
• The serious swimmers
• The beach bag 2.0
• The grailed sandals
• The anytime sneakers
• The It boy glasses
• The anytime shorts

Too much choice, maybe. Which is why GQ's put together a definitive hotlist of all the menswear that'll make you feel like your hottest ever self. A few hours on the bench might get you a summer bod, but, really, it's all for nothing if you don't have some sick gear to put on top. This is everything you need to build a summer capsule wardrobe in 2024.

The wear-everywhere shirt

You want crisp but cool; you want to make an effort, but look effortless; you want Marni, my guy. As one of the ultimate IYKYK labels to come out of Italian fashion's more intellectual wing, this vacation shirt is emblematic of everything it does does so well: structured, easy-to-wear vibes that work all summer long (and for every other season, to be honest).

The swim shorts that work on dry land

There's a reason everyone loves cult label CDLP. Because the marketing matches up with the product: it's sexy, low-lift swimwear (and underwear and loungewear) that doesn't try too hard. It's not as obvious as a pair of Speedos – and no shade if that's your thing. But CDLP swimmers do have a little more polish thanks to a well-made, eco-driven design which works just as well on dry land too.

The park bag

Leather is luxury, got God bless canvas: a hardy, humble brother that can survive multiple bangs in the washing machine and an afternoon on the hellscape that is your local park. And there's no better maker than A.P.C. A Parisian label that's known for its clean yet functional menswear, this is a bulletproof summer accessory for your keys, your phone, your laptop, your warm beers, your Lost Mary, your train tickets that are six months out of date, and anything else you could need this summer.

The bucket hat 2.0

Dress like a strapping Provençal artistic lad, feel like a strapping Provençal artistic lad. Or at least that's the vibe at Jacquemus, one of the few self-made brands in recent years to really bang. And the designer's wavy Nu France aesthetic is summed up in one very excellent bucket hat.

The essential long sleeved tee

Carne Bollente is a sex positive, up-and-coming label from – where else? – Paris. And though it's carnal, it's far from crass. Instead, the brand's artistic approach to sex is the energy we need for summer 2024, and the statement-y long sleeved tee is the sort of artistic celebration of fornication is signature Carne Bollente. Look, you said you wanted to feel hot this summer.

The party shorts

Yeah, chino shorts are fine. But to really amp up your summer wardrobe, Bode just dropped some banging shorts. Like the rest of the American luxury label's collections, these are inspired by vintage textiles and upholstery. They've also got a matching jacket if that's the way you roll.

The god-tier white vest

Wearing a white vest is the slu*ttiest thing a man can do this summer – and Uniqlo legit make one of the best options out there. They're now permissible under a suit in lieu of a regular shirt. They're the best things to show off hard-won biceps. But most importantly of all, they let you cosplay the sort of guy Lana Del Rey sings about. And look, everybody fancies him.

The rugby shirt

Rugby shirts, but make it non-Henley Regatta: a brief that Story MFG grabbed with both hands and knocked out of the park. The London-Brighton label is known for a wavy, homey approach that casualises without compromising on cool, and though this rugby shirt is slightly more preppy than we're used to seeing from Story MFG, it's ideal for in-between summer (this is still the UK, after all).

The smart(ish) shirt that'll still keep you cool

You should probably be paying attention to American Vintage. Because the brand's hit a key change, and with that comes a selection of summer-appropriate, smart-but-still-cool shirts. They're classic, boxy, and not at all boring, and the oversized fit pinpoints that elusive slouch that keeps on trafficking in menswear.

The simple T-shirt

French brand Ami Paris made its name on cosy cardigans. But they do a lot of other good things, like technical trousers, breathable shirts, and, for summer, pretty wavy logo-stamped T-shirts. Wear it with shorts. Wear it with jeans. Wear it in layers. Wear it wherever you like.

The advanced cap

The trucker cap goes five stars with Cherry Los Angeles. A blend of vintage Americana and modern streetwear, it's everything you'd expect from a trucker. Except it's got a nice suede construction. It's got big bold branding that doesn't feel like typical overdone logomania. And it's all made in LA. It is, in short, a very advanced cap.

The one ring to rule them all

Designed in London and designed for anyone that's a little tired of the Connell's chain chokehold or , Bleue Burnham goes big. This is jewellery that packs a punch, and it's proof that the uber-luxe fine category needn't be boring or overly bougie – just like this engraved sterling silver ring.

The utility vest

For all the fishing you may (or may not) be doing, and for more pockets than you could ever need in your entire life, the utility vest is the ultimate gorpcore grail. Because it's essentially just for show. But as we continue to lean into the hyperfunctional for our menswear, it makes sense to go for a brand that was doing that in the first place – and Columbia is king among them.

The post-6pm layer

Remember that PE teacher everyone crushed on? Now you can be him! Picante, a British label that hones in on slightly collegiate (and very of the moment) sportswear, has dreamt up the ultimate post-6pm layer. Plus, it works hard with a pair of short shorts and white trainers, because coachcore will forever be hot.

The serious swimmers

Burberry's dropped a playful take on the functional swimmer that'll have all eyes on you by the pool this summer. Whether that's down at Brockwell lido or Brits abroad style in Capri.

The beach bag 2.0

JW Anderson is an inherently British brand and this tote sweetly sings “We're all going on a summer holiday” to the Great British Seaside. Pack your sarnies and sunnies and get going.

The grailed sandals

Beachside. School run. Coffee dash. Whatever you're doing, thes are the sandals you need on your feet if you want real footwear kudos this summer. They're basically like Birkenstock's classic Arizona, but just more advanced.

The anytime sneakers

Built for running (ultra comfy these!), these sleek sneaks are destined for the wardrobes of well-dressed guys who like to blur the boundaries between what's right and wrong in menswear. The New Balance 1000 first dropped all the way back in ‘99, and they’re re-released just in time for their big 25th birthday. Many happy returns!

The It boy glasses

Jay-Z loves them. As does Maluma. Sebastian Stan too. Rhude collaborated with the brand. Hell, Shiv even wears them in Succession. Thierry Lasry sunnies are the ones and you'll look damn good in them.

The anytime shorts

Pleated and slightly oversized, these Arket shorts are reminiscent of the sort of thing Dickie Greenleaf and co would've worn on the Italian Mediterranean coast. They go with just about anything and can be worn for just about anything.