So now we know who to hat-tip for the early equal-opportunities move, let’s get into our annual roundup of appropriate gifts for the occasion. This time, we’ve tapped into typical likes that often coalesce around his preferred hobbies, pastimes or fandoms.

Whether he listens to a particular type of music, likes to watch or play sports, is a dog lover, likes good clothes, or enjoys being outdoors, these pursuits offer the most fertile ground for gift inspiration.

Just remember, it’s not always the most expensive presents that he’ll appreciate the most. Sometimes it’s the simple things that bring the most pleasure.

Generational Menswear

Opened by Samuel Slater in 1904, Slaters is Glasgow’s foremost menswear outfitters and a family-owned business to this day. His son, Ralph Slater, was known for hand-picking suits for his clientele, and while they now have 27 outlets across the UK, personal service remains a top priority. It’s still the best place to score a made-to-order suit, hire a formal outfit or seek out a top-tier present from the many indie labels.

We’re eyeing the Cascade Navy Holdall Bag from Barbour as a high-quality item that he’ll use year-round. It’s strong with webbed handles, roomy, with individual compartments for his laptop or shoes, and lined in the classic Barbour check.

In a matching navy shade, these Tommy suede slip-on loafers from Soho Shirt Company, Slater’s own line, offer similar benefits. Made with soft, real suede and a contrast sole, these shoes nail the smart-casual, business-casual and holiday-travel brief.

Shop now at Slaters

A Scent With Bite

It was The Osbournes that gave us an insight into the family life of the former Black Sabbath frontman and solo artist, Ozzy Osbourne. Amongst the chaos and tiny dogs, it was apparent that he was a great dad, and unable to function without his right-hand woman, Sharon. His wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, deftly managed the man and his career, right down to the tiniest detail.

A devotee of Czech & Speake, Sharon Osbourne chose No 88 for Ozzy over 30 years ago. He loved the complex blend of geranium, bergamot, rose otto, frangipani, vetiver and sandalwood so much he wore it every day.

To celebrate his legacy, the London perfumer has created a limited ‘Prince of Darkness’ edition in gothic shades of black and purple. Ozzy Osbourne suffered from Parkinson’s disease toward the end of his life, and Czech & Speake will donate 20% of the proceeds to Cure Parkinson’s for every bottle sold of Eau de Parfum.

No 88 is an unforgettable scent for an unforgettable man, and for every treasured dad out there.

Shop now at Czech & Speake

Poolside Colour

Does he like to make a splash at the local pool? Famed footwear label Kurt Geiger has just released its first foray into apparel, Kurt’s Cabana, a sunshine-fuelled beach collection that includes swim shorts, crew-neck sweaters, pool slides, retro sneakers, embroidered caps and bucket hats, priced between £79 and £179.

Whether he’s in Margate or Marbella, you’ll be able to spot him on the beach in these vivid striped shorts or Miami pastel swim shorts.

Shop now at Kurt Geiger

The Do-It-All Jacket

Technical menswear designer Saul Nash adds another instalment to his collaboration with activewear expert Lululemon, and it’s inevitably too stylish to actually get down and dirty. The SLNSH spring 2026 collection is a highly desirable mix of smart, practical and adaptable items that will migrate effortlessly from his sports kit to his main wardrobe.

The Define Transformable Jacket is made with movement in mind, thanks to well-considered design details such as detachable sleeves and a hood, a hidden phone sleeve and a two-way zipper. If he works up a sweat, he’ll appreciate the quick-dry, perforated fabric with four-way stretch.

Caught in the rain? He can whip out the detachable hood and switch between jacket and gilet to suit the season. It’s so nicely styled he can easily wear it out and around town, too.

Shop now at lululemon

The Viral Body Wash

We wouldn’t be surprised if the internet ripples from the Redacted Body Wash have made their way into his online feed. Reddit is abuzz with Harry’s latest drop, which bears a strong resemblance to a certain woody fragrance from a well-known designer brand. You know the one: hand-poured in NYC, typewriter font, industrial-style shop fits, initials L.L.

With highly imitative packaging, Redacted is an unashamed dupe of the numbered santal-and-violet-leaf scent. The real McCoy will set you back £48, whereas Harry’s is £8, so your dad can smell exactly like a Lower East Side hipster for less. It’s the perfect gift for the budget-conscious who won’t compromise on quality. To be fair, that’s a lot of dads.

Given the instant popularity, the real challenge will be getting your hands on some.

Shop now at Harry’s

Rugby Style, Refined

Ensure he’ll stand out from the crowd during the Nations Championship this summer and beyond in this natty rugby shirt from Kent & Curwen.

Available in white, grey, burgundy, dark green and our favourite, navy, the Three Lions rugby polo shirt is the more stylish way to show his support for England, whether he’s watching from the stands or the big screen.

High-quality pure cotton with an embroidered three lions patch, it’s in a different league to the over-branded, polyester competition.

Shop now at Kent & Curwen

Stylish Footwear

If his wardrobe leans towards the cleaner, more considered end of the spectrum, GREATS is a brand worth knowing. Founded in Brooklyn in 2014, the label has built a loyal following on a straightforward premise: premium leather sneakers, made to last, at a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage.

The Kingston is the one to lead with – a refined low-top that strikes the right balance between structure and ease, the kind of sneaker that works just as hard with tailored trousers as it does with jeans. For something with a little more edge, the Reign offers a slightly slimmer profile, while the Charlie keeps things sleek and versatile. If he’s moving away from laces altogether, the Veneto loafer is a handsome slip-on that works just as well at the office as it does on holiday.

With sizes running up to a US15 and a current sitewide sale of up to 40% off, it’s a well-timed moment to pick something up. And until June 22nd we have an extra 15% off for Ape to Gentleman readers using code: GENTLEMAN15.

Shop now at GREATS

Affordable Watch Of The Year

The hottest watch of 2026? An early contender is the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Collection.

Drawing from the enduring popularity of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the iconic pocket watch format inspired by the POP Swatch, the Bioceramic Royal Pop is a hybrid of the Royal Oak’s recognisable octagonal bezel and Swatch’s love of fun and colour.

In a riot of colour, the collection has six Lépine styles (Huit Blanc, Blaue Acht, Ocho Negre, Green Eight and Otto Rosso) with the hours and minutes at 12 o’clock, and two Savonettes (OTG Roz and Lan Ba) with the crown at 3 o’clock and small seconds.

Each watch is powered by Swatch’s signature SISTEM 51 movement, has a petite tapisserie dial with Grade A Super-LumiNova hands, a bioceramic crown with eight hexagonal bioceramic screws, with colours placed at random on the Huit Blanc model for extra exclusivity, and a transparent sapphire case back with Warhol-esque pop art design.

Sold globally through registered Swatch boutiques, there’s only one allowed per customer, and despite the footage of crowds, they anticipate having stock throughout June. Too youthful for his style? You’ll just have to keep it for yourself.

Find your nearest Swatch boutique

Silver For Bikers

Motorcycle enthusiasts will love the Harley-Davidson collection from Thomas Sabo. Crafted in blackened sterling silver, the famous logo is presented on rings, pendants, chain-link necklaces, and curb-chain bracelets.

There are also Willie G. skull rings, a skull pendant and a dog tag named after the former house motorcycle designer, plus a very intricate motorcycle pendant with actual moving wheels.

Prices start at £185 and go up to £1,860 for the heavier curb chain pieces.

Shop now at Thomas Sabo

Small Gifts, Big Points

Anyone with a child under 10 will know MINISO. It’s a small-person paradise of blind boxes, novelty key rings and Sanrio characters. Lesser known is that it’s a bit like Muji’s fun cousin.

Past the plushies and imported snacks, you’ll find a selection of speakers, earphones and power banks, along with travel accessories, toiletries and useful homewares.

Those on the hunt for a pocket-money-sized Father’s Day gift could opt for the Clip Table Lamp, an excellent choice for bedtime readers. This Star Wars black ceramic mug, from The Mandalorian and Grogu collection, is also a nostalgic pick for elder millennial and Gen X dads.

Shop now at Miniso

The Gift That Means Business

Father’s Day gifting can be a minefield. There are only so many novelty mugs, novelty socks and novelty BBQ tools a man needs before the cupboard is full and the sentiment has worn thin. This year, GoDaddy has a more useful suggestion: give him a domain.

For the dad who’s always talking about a business idea, picking up side income, or muttering that he really should “get a website sorted”, a domain name is the nudge he actually needs. It’s a practical, thoughtful gift that costs less than a round of drinks – and unlike most Father’s Day presents, it has the potential to turn into something real.

With UK Father’s Day spending hitting £1.12bn in 2025, there’s clearly no shortage of willingness to splash out. The question is whether it’s on something he’ll use. A domain costs a few pounds, lasts a year, and gives him something to point at when the next big idea comes up.

Shop now at GoDaddy

For Dog Dads

Surely we all know a man who protested at getting a family dog, only to dote the most on his canine companion? Hackett’s original founder, Jeremy Hackett, is a well-documented dog lover.

His beloved Sussex spaniel, Harry, is the inspiration behind the embroidered doggy icon on the Harry Crew-Neck Sweat from the Hackett Heritage line, which comes in light grey marl or old navy and is available in sizes XS through to 3XL. It’s the sort of favoured pullover he can chuck on whenever.

Of course, we wouldn’t leave his furry sidekick without a little something. The Hackett x Hugo & Hudson collaboration, priced from £25 to £65, offers a range of coat styles for every breed. Rover can match his master in a cable-knit jumper, a quilted down puffer or a tweed herringbone jacket. There’s even a harness, dog collar and lead to match.

Paws down, they’ll be the best-dressed pair in the park.

Shop now at Hackett

Less Plastic, More Polish

Dads love facts, so here’s an unsettling one: we’re consuming a credit card-sized amount of plastic each week. You can debate that at length, but recent studies show that microplastics are ubiquitous in the human body.

Chilly’s Abyss Black Essential Kit will instantly reduce his reliance on shop-bought water, plastic straws, disposable coffee cups and cutlery. It comprises three daily essentials: a Series 2 flip bottle, a Series 2 coffee cup and a matching four-piece, full-size cutlery set in a travel case. There’s a knife, fork, spoon, a telescopic stainless steel straw and a brush to clean it.

The flip-lid drinking bottle will keep contents cold for up to 24 hours, and the coffee cup will keep drinks warm for up to four hours. It’s also a money-saver: bringing drinks from home will cut his discretionary spending.

Shop now at Chillys

A Smarter Car Scent

Baobab, the home fragrance company, makes a very polished range of car diffusers that will improve time spent at the wheel. Using polymer bead technology, this sleek-looking diffuser will emit one of four enjoyable scents for up to three months.

One of the four metallic shades should blend in nicely with his dashboard. Pop it on a vent, and enjoy the floral aroma of Pearls White, the citrus notes of Pearls Black, the amber and spice of Les Exclusives Platinum, and the woody scent of Les Exclusives Cyprium.

Consider it payback for all the times you ate a greasy drive-thru in the front seat.

Shop now at Baobab Collection

Sport Shades That Work

Whether he’s a pavement pounder, road cyclist, winter sports obsessive or water sports regular, he’ll appreciate the look and technical appeal of Bliz sports glasses and goggles.

The Swedish company specialises in Nano Optics precision lens technology that offers integrated properties, including anti-fog, anti-scratch, impact resistance, photochromic lenses, UV protection, hydrophobic coating and extreme contrast, in a single lens with minimal distortion to enhance performance.

Add in a huge choice of styles and colours with custom options, at surprisingly affordable prices, and it’s a strong gift.

Shop now at Bliz

The Luxury Failsafe

Whatever your budget, MR PORTER will rise to the challenge with its stunning curation of covetable home accessories.

At the top end, this handsome leather chess set from Ralph Lauren Home will be sure to keep his synapses firing. For the home mixologist, this stainless steel bar tool set from The Conran Shop will become the highlight of his cocktail hour.

Finally, is it even Father’s Day without a pair of slippers? Mr P.’s plush-lined babouche-style slippers are now up to 40% off.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Golf Kit That Travels

Tom Holland is a brand partner of Vuori, the aspirational Cali athleisure brand that’s pioneering a cooler style on the course. The actor and entrepreneur has curated his favourite pieces across training, travel and golf, including the Aim Trouser, £110, or short for warmer weather.

A masterclass in style and functionality, the Aim has a slim, tailored fit, neat scorecard pocket and breathable, lightweight fabric, so it can swing smoothly from the green to the club.

Shop now at Vuori

The post The Most Stylish Gifts For Father’s Day 2026 appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

The problem is that style rules tend to become outdated. What worked decades ago doesn’t necessarily make sense today, especially when modern fabrics, relaxed tailoring and changing attitudes towards dress have transformed the way men build their wardrobes.

The truth is that the best-dressed men rarely follow every rule to the letter. Instead, they understand the principles behind them and know when it’s worth making an exception.

These are the summer style rules that deserve to be challenged.

“You Can’t Wear Black In Summer”

Black is often treated as a seasonal taboo. The theory goes that dark colours absorb more heat, making them impractical once summer arrives. While there’s some scientific truth behind that, the reality is far more nuanced.

Fabric plays a much bigger role in comfort than colour ever will. A lightweight black linen shirt, a breathable cotton poplin overshirt, or relaxed drawstring trousers will feel considerably cooler than a heavyweight white Oxford shirt or thick chinos. Construction matters more than shade.

There’s also a reason many of the world’s most stylish men continue to wear black throughout the summer. It creates clean lines, looks sophisticated and pairs effortlessly with everything else in your wardrobe. Brands such as Our Legacy, Lemaire and The Row regularly build entire warm-weather collections around darker palettes because they understand that texture and silhouette can do the heavy lifting where colour normally would.

Rather than avoiding black altogether, think about how you wear it. Opt for breathable fabrics, relaxed fits and lighter-weight pieces. A black linen shirt with ecru trousers or tailored shorts can look every bit as seasonal as a pastel alternative, while feeling considerably more refined.

“Linen Is The Only Fabric Worth Wearing”

If summer menswear had an official mascot, it would probably be linen.

Every year, style advice columns tell men to replace half their wardrobe with it, and for good reason. Linen is lightweight, breathable and naturally suited to warmer temperatures. However, treating it as the only worthwhile summer fabric ignores a host of excellent alternatives.

Modern cotton-linen blends offer many of linen’s benefits while creasing less aggressively. Tropical wool provides exceptional breathability for tailoring. Seersucker creates airflow thanks to its puckered texture. Tencel and Lyocell fabrics drape beautifully and feel cool against the skin. Even lightweight cotton poplin can outperform poorly made linen garments.

Many men buy head-to-toe linen because they’ve been told it’s the answer to summer dressing, only to spend the day looking as though they’ve slept in their clothes. While some creasing is part of linen’s charm, not everyone enjoys the effect.

The smarter approach is to focus on breathability rather than obsess over a single fabric. The best summer wardrobes tend to combine different materials, using each where it works best.

“Shorts Should Always Sit Above The Knee”

One of the most repeated pieces of menswear advice in recent years has been that shorts should finish well above the knee. Social media has only accelerated the trend, with shorter inseams becoming increasingly common. The reality is that there is no universally flattering shorts length.

A five-inch inseam can look fantastic on some men, particularly those with athletic builds or average proportions. On taller men, however, the same shorts can appear disproportionately short. Likewise, men with larger thighs often find slightly longer cuts create a more balanced silhouette.

The goal shouldn’t be chasing a specific measurement. It should be achieving proportion. Most men look best somewhere between mid-thigh and just above the knee, but exactly where that falls will depend on height, build and personal preference. A tailored seven-inch short might look far more elegant than a trendier five-inch alternative.

Instead of focusing on arbitrary rules, pay attention to how the shorts work with the rest of your outfit. Proportion will always matter more than following the latest inseam trend.

“Tailoring Is Too Hot For Summer”

Many men treat tailoring as something that gets packed away the moment temperatures begin to climb. Suits are associated with boardrooms, weddings and uncomfortable commutes, not hot afternoons spent outdoors.

The problem is that most people are judging modern tailoring by the standards of old-fashioned business suits.

Today’s best tailoring is designed very differently. Unlined and half-lined jackets remove much of the internal structure that creates heat. Soft shoulders make garments feel less restrictive. Lightweight fabrics such as tropical wool, linen and cotton blends allow air to circulate far more effectively than traditional worsted wool.

In fact, a well-made summer suit can often feel cooler than a pair of heavyweight denim jeans and a thick cotton T-shirt. The fabric sits away from the body, encouraging airflow rather than trapping heat against the skin.

The key is choosing tailoring specifically designed for warm weather. Think relaxed cuts, lighter colours and breathable fabrics. A softly tailored linen blazer worn over a knitted polo can look polished while remaining comfortable throughout the day.

Rather than avoiding tailoring altogether, rethink what tailoring means. Summer is arguably the season when modern soft tailoring makes the most sense.

“Sandals Are Essential”

Few summer style recommendations divide opinion quite like sandals. Fashion editors love them. Designers continue pushing them. Every year, we’re told they’re an essential warm-weather purchase. Yet many men simply don’t enjoy wearing them.

Whether it’s personal preference, concerns about exposing their feet or the fact that sandals don’t fit naturally with their wardrobe, forcing the issue rarely leads to better style.

Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives that deliver the same relaxed summer feel. Suede loafers, woven leather slip-ons, espadrilles and lightweight canvas trainers all work beautifully in warm weather without requiring a full commitment to the sandal trend.

The most important thing is wearing footwear that feels authentic to you. Summer style should feel effortless. If you’re constantly thinking about the fact that you’re wearing sandals, chances are they’re not the right choice.

There’s nothing stylish about forcing yourself into a trend that doesn’t suit your personality.

“You Need Bright Colours In Summer”

Every summer arrives with an explosion of pastel pinks, powder blues, mint greens and citrus shades. For some men, that’s great news. For others, it’s a quick reminder that dressing like a gelato stand isn’t particularly appealing.

The good news is that bright colours aren’t a requirement. In fact, many of the strongest summer wardrobes rely on a much more restrained palette.

Stone, ecru, olive, tobacco, chocolate brown, navy and soft grey all work exceptionally well in warm weather. These colours feel seasonal without screaming for attention and often pair together more easily than brighter alternatives.

One of the biggest misconceptions in menswear is that summer style is defined by colour. More often, it comes from texture. A cream knitted polo, olive linen trousers and dark brown suede loafers will usually look more sophisticated than a brightly coloured outfit built around louder shades.

If vibrant colours suit your personality, wear them. If they don’t, there’s absolutely no reason to abandon the palette you wear throughout the rest of the year.

“White Trainers Go With Everything”

For the last decade, white trainers have become the default recommendation for almost every outfit imaginable. Need a versatile shoe? White trainers. Smart-casual dress code? White trainers. Summer holiday? White trainers.

While there’s no denying their versatility, many wardrobes have become overly reliant on them.

The problem isn’t that white trainers look bad. It’s that they often become the automatic choice when better options exist. A pair of chocolate suede loafers can add warmth and sophistication to summer tailoring. Taupe trainers feel softer and more refined than stark white leather. Woven slip-ons offer texture and character that basic trainers simply can’t match.

White trainers also come with a practical drawback. Keeping them pristine through summer barbecues, festivals, city breaks and holidays can become a full-time job.

The solution isn’t abandoning white trainers entirely. It’s recognising them as one option among many rather than the answer to every footwear question. The best-dressed men tend to build variety into their wardrobes, choosing footwear based on the outfit rather than defaulting to the same shoe every time.

“Layering Doesn’t Work In Summer”

Layering is often viewed as an autumn and winter technique. Once the weather warms up, many men strip their outfits back to a single shirt and call it a day. Unfortunately, this approach often leaves outfits looking flat and uninspired.

The secret is understanding that summer layering isn’t the same as winter layering. You’re not piling on thick knitwear and heavy outerwear. Instead, you’re introducing lightweight pieces that add depth without adding significant warmth.

An unstructured linen blazer instantly elevates a simple T-shirt and trousers. A lightweight overshirt creates visual interest while remaining easy to remove if temperatures rise. Even a fine-gauge knit draped over the shoulders can make an outfit feel more considered.

There’s also a practical benefit. Summer weather, particularly in Britain, is notoriously unpredictable. A day that begins at 24 degrees can easily end with temperatures dropping into the mid-teens after sunset.

By embracing lightweight layers, you create outfits that adapt throughout the day while looking considerably more stylish.

“You Need To Show More Skin To Stay Cool”

When temperatures rise, the instinctive response is often to remove as much clothing as possible. Shorter shorts, sleeveless tops and minimal coverage are frequently presented as the logical solution to hot weather. While that approach may feel cooler initially, it’s not always the most effective strategy.

Many of the world’s hottest regions offer a useful lesson. Across the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East, loose-fitting garments that cover the body are often preferred over exposing more skin. The reason is simple: breathable fabrics protect the body from direct sunlight while allowing air to circulate.

A relaxed linen shirt with sleeves rolled casually to the forearm will often feel more comfortable than a tight-fitting vest. Wide-leg linen trousers can feel cooler than slim shorts when temperatures become extreme. The real goal isn’t exposing skin. It’s encouraging airflow.

Focus on lighter fabrics, looser fits and breathable materials rather than automatically removing layers. You’ll often feel more comfortable, and you’ll almost certainly look better.

“Summer Clothes Should Only Be Worn In Summer”

Many men view seasonal clothing as a short-term investment. Linen shirts emerge for a few months before being hidden away again. Drawstring trousers disappear at the first sign of autumn. Lightweight tailoring is reserved exclusively for holidays and weddings.

This mindset often leads to wardrobes filled with highly specialised pieces that offer limited value throughout the rest of the year.

In reality, many of summer’s best garments work surprisingly well across multiple seasons. A linen shirt layered beneath a merino crew neck can look fantastic throughout autumn. Drawstring trousers pair effortlessly with heavier overshirts and knitwear during spring. A lightweight, unstructured blazer can become a year-round staple when worn with darker colours and seasonal textures.

Thinking this way changes how you shop. Instead of buying clothes for a single season, you start building a wardrobe in which pieces work together year-round.

Not only does this improve cost per wear, it also helps create a more cohesive personal style. The best-dressed men don’t reinvent themselves every season. They simply adapt the same core wardrobe to suit changing conditions.

The post 10 Summer Fashion Rules All Men Should Ignore appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

Lightweight knitwear offers a way around this. Whether it’s a fine-gauge crew neck, a knitted polo or a button-through cardigan, the addition of a knitted layer brings sophistication and a touch of old-world Riviera style without adding too much unwanted insulation.

The trick to nailing it lies in the fabric, fit and style of the piece in question. Modern blended knits can be breathable enough for summer while looking considerably more polished than a hoodie or overshirt. Here’s what you need to know.

Buying Considerations

Gauge

Velasca

The ‘gauge’ refers to the density of the knit and is one of the biggest factors in determining how warm a garment feels. For summer, look for breezy, fine-gauge knits, which use thinner yarns and a tighter construction to create a lightweight, breathable fabric.

Chunky cable knits have their place, sure, but it’s not during a heatwave.

Material

Velasca

The fibre used in the knit will significantly impact comfort and the garment’s overall feel. People hear knit and think wool, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Cotton is durable and easy to care for, linen offers maximum breathability, and merino wool is famously excellent at regulating temperature. Blended fabrics often provide the best of both worlds, combining, for example, the softness of cotton with the cooling properties of linen or silk.

Look at the label carefully before you commit.

Fit

Wax London

Fit, as we always say, is everything. And that’s no different when it comes to a lightweight knit. Summer knitwear should skim the body rather than cling awkwardly to it or hang clumsily off it.

A little room allows air to circulate and creates a more relaxed silhouette that’s in keeping with the general vibe of summer style. While slim fits still have their fans, a slightly boxier cut tends to feel more contemporary and comfortable in the heat.

Details

Velasca

Pay attention to the little things. Ribbed hems and cuffs help a garment retain its shape, while details like camp collars, quarter zips or button-through fronts can dramatically alter how a piece looks and functions in the heat.

Things like colour and pattern may not affect how the garment functions, but they play a key role in deciding whether it feels summer-appropriate or not.

Price

Luca Faloni

Unfortunately, quality knitwear isn’t cheap, but it’s worth investing in. More expensive pieces tend to use superior fibres, better construction techniques and fully fashioned knitting, which helps garments hold their shape better over time.

That said, there are plenty of excellent options at mid-market prices, particularly for cotton and cotton-linen styles.

Key Styles

Merino Polo

Reiss

Merino often crops up early on in conversations about knitwear due to its natural temperature-regulating ability, but usually in connection with staying warm. What you may not realise is that the qualities that make it perfect for winter weather also make it a great option for summer. When it’s hot, the fabric wicks sweat and releases it into the air, keeping you cool, dry and comfortable.

A merino polo capitalises on this, harnessing everything that’s great about the fabric and presenting it as a highly versatile garment that can be worn with everything from shorts and trainers to summer tailoring.

Smarter than a tee, more intentional than a classic pique polo and perfect for battling the heat.

Crochet Short-Sleeve Shirt

Wax London

With their loose weaves that promote airflow, crochet shirts are great for keeping cool, and the unique texture brings a distinct visual element to summer fits, too. These shirts work particularly well in eye-catching prints and patterns, acting as the main event of an otherwise understated outfit, drawing the eye and giving the whole thing a focal point.

But you don’t have to go bold. The great thing about a crochet shirt is that the fabric’s texture alone gives the garment visual interest, making it possible to create understated summer outfits without veering into boring territory.

Fine-Gauge Crew Neck

Luca Faloni

The humble crewneck may not be the sexiest item in the summer knitwear canon, but it’s arguably the most useful. A lightweight cotton, linen or merino version can be draped over the shoulders during the day, tied around the waist when the sun comes out or thrown on when the temperature inevitably dips after sunset.

It’s also one of the easiest styles to dress up. Worn with tailored trousers, it feels quietly sophisticated; paired with shorts and loafers, it channels the effortless elegance normally associated with the French Riviera.

The key is keeping things lightweight. Save the chunky fisherman knits for autumn and winter.

Quarter-Zip

Luca Faloni

Part jumper, part sweatshirt, the knitted quarter-zip occupies a useful middle ground within the modern man’s wardrobe. It’s more refined than your average sweatshirt, but it retains the same easy-going versatility, making it ideal for travel, weekend wear and relaxed office dress codes.

For summer, opt for lightweight cotton or merino styles in neutral shades. Worn with the zip partially open, they offer a little extra ventilation in high temperatures. Meanwhile, the collar creates a slightly smarter appearance than a standard crew neck, making it a useful option for occasions that call for a touch more polish.

Light Cardigan

Todd Snyder

The cardigan has undergone something of a revival in recent years. Once associated with university professors and elderly relatives, it has become one of menswear’s most versatile layering pieces, embraced by everyone from Hollywood’s leading men to fashion’s biggest tastemakers.

A lightweight cardigan works particularly well in summer because it can be taken on and off with ease. When thrown over a T-shirt, polo or linen shirt, it offers just the right level of warmth for cooler evenings without feeling restrictive.

Look for fine-gauge cotton or linen-blend options that feel soft, breathable and easy to wear.

Knitted Tank

wahts

The knitted tank won’t be for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking to add a little variety to your summer wardrobe. Lightweight sleeveless knits offer texture and visual interest without significantly increasing warmth, making them surprisingly practical when layered correctly.

Worn over an Oxford shirt, they bring a subtle Ivy League flavour to an outfit. Alternatively, a lightweight knitted vest can be layered over a plain T-shirt for a more contemporary look. Either way, the trick is to keep everything relaxed and avoid anything too fitted or overly preppy.

Zip-Through Cardigan

Luca Faloni

Sitting somewhere between a cardigan and a lightweight jacket, the zip-through cardigan is one of the most practical pieces you can own. The front zip allows for easy temperature regulation while the knitted construction keeps things softer and more refined than a traditional overshirt or track top.

It’s particularly useful during those awkward transitional periods that characterise the British summer. Worn open over a T-shirt, it functions as a light layer for breezy afternoons. Zipped up, it provides enough warmth for cooler mornings and evenings.

For maximum versatility, stick to classic colours like navy, grey or ecru.

The post 7 Lightweight Knits Every Man Needs This Summer appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

But with summers stretching and the mercury reaching new heights every year, looking cool and keeping cool can’t be mutually exclusive. The modern vacation wardrobe needs to be adaptable, while remaining head-turningly cinematic.

Here, we’ve curated the essential pieces from Mr Porter’s Summer Edit that will offer comfort and cool wherever you take them.

The Printed Swim Short

From geometric prints to bold floral scenes, printed swim shorts set the tone for your entire resort wardrobe.

A mid‑length pair in a restrained pattern, such as Orlebar Brown’s Portico Bulldog style, has all the sophistication of a Riviera Playboy from the 70s, while a bolder style, such as ONIA’s leaf print shorts, is all about making a playful statement around the villa pool.

The right pair can be worn with nothing more than a deep tan and a book by day, then teamed with a linen shirt and espadrilles for a long, lazy lunch with your feet in the sand.

Shop Swim Shorts

The Unstructured Blazer

Introducing a little formality (because you never know when you might need it) without sacrificing the comfort that defines holiday style is best done with an unstructured linen blazer in a light or neutral tone.

Stripped of heavy canvassing and shoulder padding, it behaves more like a refined cardigan than a boardroom jacket. You can throw Mr. P’s stunning wool and linen DB over a resort shirt and cream chinos for dinners on the terrace, or layer Kartik Research’s peach linen version over a white tee and cream tailored trousers for a classy pre-dinner passeggiata.

Even in the heights of summer, some of the very best restaurants still require a jacket, so don’t get caught short.

Shop summer tailoring

The Tailored Short

Swim shorts have upped their game in the last decade, but they can’t touch tailored shorts for relaxed sophistication. Tailored shorts are the adults in the room, offering a more sartorial attitude without ever feeling stuffy.

Cut just above the knee, with a proper waistband, and in either a flat-fronted or single-pleat style, they pair as naturally with a knit polo as they do with a linen blazer and sandals.

In neutral shades such as stone, navy, and olive – as in Mr.P’s own pleated linen shorts – they become a summer trouser shorthand, and are so versatile when you need your look to go from day to night without any fuss.

Shop shorts

The Knitted Polo

The traditional cotton pique polo has its heritage firmly rooted in sport (thank you, Mr Lacoste), but the modern-day iteration is a luxury knitted style that traverses the smart-casual spectrum with aplomb.

In fine‑gauge cotton, silk‑cotton blends, and even tropical wool, the knitted polo softens tailored fits with its soft-roll collar and adds just enough texture to dressy summer outfits.

Worn open at the neck with tailored shorts or chinos, Sunspel’s cotton mesh version nods to Riviera icons of the 60s and 70s without ever veering into costume, while Aimé Leon Dore brings its own brand of modern preppiness with its textural teal number.

Shop Polo Shirts

The Resort Shirt

Often camp‑collared and sometimes slightly boxy as in the classic Cuban style (Ernest Hemingway’s preference), the short-sleeved resort shirt is non-negotiable when it comes to impactful vacation dressing.

With that open neckline and relaxed silhouette, it is the natural foil for rising temperatures, especially when crafted in cool linen or cotton seersucker. Worn on its own or with the camp collar resting atop the lapels of a linen jacket, it has a way of turning even simple chinos and sandals into something that looks like it has stepped straight off a 70s Miami film set.

Slip on Kardo’s striped camp-collar style over swim shorts for a languid lunch, or wear Gucci’s logo number with pleated linen trousers for an evening that might drift unexpectedly from spritzes to nightcaps.

Shop summer shirts

The Striped Tee

The unsung workhorse of your resort suitcase, the striped tee comes in many different guises, but all share the unerring ability to add depth and pattern to your vacation looks.

For purists, channelling everything from Riviera sailors to 1960s Left Bank philosophers, the blue/white Breton style in breathable cotton jersey ticks all the boxes. It layers easily under an unstructured blazer for evening looks, while also happily paired with tailored shorts for an afternoon spin around town.

Pack Mr P’s classic navy‑and‑white cotton terry tee and NN07’s sun‑faded green version to give your holiday ensembles some easy extra styling moves.

Shop T-shirts

The Espadrille

You know you’re on holiday when you slip your feet into a pair of espadrilles. Originally from the Pyrenees, and traditionally crafted with jute midsoles and canvas uppers, today’s more luxurious iterations from the likes of Savile Row maison Anderson & Sheppard swap in buttery suede or leather while retaining that almost-barefoot nonchalance.

They’re a welcome departure from the ubiquitous sneaker, offering a more quietly considered look with tailored shorts or linen trousers.

Wear them sockless by the pool or at a swanky al fresco dinner – they punch well above their weight.

Shop espadrilles

The Linen Shirt

The linen shirt is the glue that binds your vacation wardrobe together. It smirks at formality and carries a natural crumple that should be embraced.

In classic white – such as Kartik Research’s embroidered style – or soft pastel tones, it reflects the sun, while the fabric’s natural slubs add a subtle element of texture. Add a couple of rolls to the long-sleeved variety and accessorise with some vacation-approved wristwear for lunch.

Alternatively, wear ONIA’s short-sleeved polo style loose over geometric-print swim shorts for those afternoons by the pool that stretch into the evening.

Shop summer shirts

The Linen Trouser

If you want a persuasive argument for dressing up in the heat, then pleated linen trousers are that very thing. Old-world money meets new-world comfort in a mélange of sartorial detail and bohemian attitude.

Slightly tapered for a smart look or wide-legged for a more contemporary silhouette, the pleats provide genuine comfort through the waist (which can come in handy during week two of an Italy trip).

Cut with a higher rise, they look perfect combined with a resort shirt or knit polo, and can be bookended by a variety of summer shoes.

Shop summer trousers

The Lightweight Knit

The last thing you think of but the first thing you miss, a lightweight knit in fine-gauge merino, cashmere or silk/cashmere blends takes up almost no space in your bag, but can be an absolute godsend on cool summer evenings when the heat disappears into the ether.

Drape it over your shoulders when you’re feeling old-school preppy, then pull it on over a polo once the wind picks up.

Neutral tones in a classic crew neck or cardigan silhouette keep it versatile and easy to style with other similar hues throughout your wardrobe.

Shop summer knitwear

The Sandal

Don’t go on holiday without a pair of proper sandals, and by proper we mean leather or suede, strapped and thoughtfully designed.

Exposed feet can seem like a gamble, but provided you’re not a troll, a beautiful pair of sandals can be liberating, both day and night. They are the perfect foil for tailored shorts, linen trousers and even casual suiting.

Fisherman-style sandals, such as J.M. Weston’s, are a great choice – traditional but evolved for a luxury dresser – but any strappy style with a hint of metal hardware will be a great way to casually embellish your vacation looks.

Shop sandals

The Sunglasses

As Jack Nicholson once said, “With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson. Without them I’m fat and 60.” Shades are no frivolous embellishment – they can come to completely define the image you’re projecting, as well as save your peepers from sun damage.

Whether you go for the modernist metalwork of Zegna’s titanium aviators or the vintage cinema sexiness of Jacques Marie Mage’s acetate stunners, look out for a shape that suits your face, balanced weight, precise hinges, and, of course, lenses that actually filter harmful rays.

Specialist makers lead the way in craftsmanship and material innovation while also pushing the aesthetic envelope.

Shop sunglasses

The Tote Bag

While the resort logo tote bag might be appealing, every other hotel guest is thinking the same. Instead, bring your own tote to truly make a statement.

In sturdy canvas, woven raffia or elevated leather and suede, it swallows towels, books, sunscreen and an extra shirt with ease, while also being your under-the-radar style signifier.

It’s a portable basecamp that adds another level of panache to your image, taxiing your vacation accoutrements and holiday keepsakes without ever looking cumbersome.

Shop bags

—

When you round it all up, MR PORTER’s vacation edit leaves you with a chic modern wardrobe that takes the stress out of getting dressed on holiday. With garments that offer true versatility, you can pack light, knowing you’ve got myriad outfit options no matter the vibe (of course, you’ll go over the 23kg limit regardless).

Invest in timeless styles in high-quality fabrics and you won’t need any more excuses to book a holiday this year, and every year after.

A paid partnership with MR PORTER – words and opinions are Ape’s own.

The post Resort Wear Pieces Every Man Should Have In His Vacation Wardrobe appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

The trick is knowing where to look. While luxury fragrance houses often dominate the headlines, the designer and affordable markets are packed with hidden bargains and long-standing classics that deliver freshness, versatility and surprisingly impressive quality without draining your bank account.

Whether you’re after something crisp and citrusy for a holiday abroad, a clean everyday scent for the office or an easy crowd-pleaser for weekends in the sun, these fragrances prove that smelling good doesn’t have to be expensive.

How We Picked Then

Freshness Comes First

Summer fragrances have a different job to do than their winter counterparts. Instead of cutting through cold air with heavy woods, spices and amber, they need to feel refreshing and effortless in warm weather.

That’s why we prioritised fragrances built around citrus fruits, aquatic notes, aromatic herbs and light woods. They should smell clean and uplifting rather than dense or overpowering.

Value, Not Just Price

Cheap doesn’t automatically mean good value. A £20 fragrance that smells synthetic and disappears after an hour isn’t a bargain.

Every scent on this list punches above its weight, delivering quality, versatility and performance that rivals fragrances costing significantly more. Most can be found online for less than £50, with several available for closer to £30.

Versatility Matters

Summer fragrance should be easy to wear. Whether you’re heading to the office, spending a weekend in the city or boarding a flight to somewhere warmer, the best scents adapt effortlessly.

Every fragrance featured here works across a variety of settings, making them safer buys if you’re only planning to own one or two fragrances for the season.

Proven Reputation

The fragrance world loves a hidden gem, but we weren’t interested in obscure scents known only to a handful of enthusiasts.

Instead, we focused on fragrances that have earned genuine respect over time. Some are modern favourites, while others have remained popular for decades, proving their appeal extends far beyond fleeting trends.

Performance Still Counts

Fresh fragrances will never last as long as heavy winter scents. That’s simply the nature of the ingredients.

However, we still looked for fragrances that offer respectable longevity and projection, ensuring you won’t need to completely reapply every hour. The best summer scents strike a balance between freshness and staying power.

The Best Affordable Summer Fragrances For Men

Versace Pour Homme

If there were a hall of fame for affordable summer fragrances, Versace Pour Homme would be one of the first inductees.

Bright lemon, bergamot, neroli and soft musk combine to create something fresh, clean and undeniably Mediterranean.

It smells far more expensive than it is and remains one of the safest blind buys in men’s fragrance.

Buy now at The Perfume Shop

Versace Man Eau Fraîche

The cooler, more relaxed sibling to Versace Pour Homme. Eau Fraîche blends citrus, starfruit and woods into a scent that feels tailor-made for hot weather.

Light, breezy and effortlessly wearable, it’s the sort of fragrance you can spray generously without ever worrying about overdoing it.

Buy now at The Perfume Shop

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme

More than 30 years after its launch, L’Eau d’Issey remains one of the benchmarks for fresh men’s fragrance. Built around sharp yuzu citrus and aquatic notes, it still smells surprisingly modern.

Crisp, energetic and endlessly versatile, it’s proof that classics become classics for a reason.

Buy now at Amazon

Calvin Klein CK One

Few fragrances have had the cultural impact of CK One. Originally launched in the 1990s, its clean blend of citrus, green tea and musk still feels relevant today.

Minimalist, refreshing and remarkably easy to wear, it’s one of the best value summer fragrances ever created.

Buy now at Amazon

Davidoff Cool Water

A true icon of the aquatic fragrance genre. Cool Water’s combination of mint, lavender and marine notes has influenced countless fragrances that followed.

While newer releases may feel more modern, few offer the same combination of freshness, nostalgia and outstanding value.

Buy now at Amazon

Montblanc Explorer

Explorer is often compared to Creed Aventus, but it’s much more than an affordable alternative. Bergamot, vetiver and ambroxan create a scent that’s fresh, masculine and hugely versatile.

Easy to wear in virtually any situation, it’s one of the strongest all-round fragrance buys on the market.

Buy now at Amazon

Missoni Wave

Fragrance enthusiasts have been singing the praises of Missoni Wave for years, and with good reason.

Combining bright citrus, marine notes and creamy woods, it captures the feel of far more expensive designer fragrances while often costing less than half the price.

Buy now at Superdrug

John Varvatos Artisan Pure

A fragrance that smells like an Italian holiday in bottle form. Citrus fruits, herbs and soft woods combine beautifully to create something bright, sophisticated and effortlessly summery.

It’s one of the most underrated warm-weather fragrances available today.

Buy now at Amazon

Azzaro Chrome Extreme

Chrome Extreme takes the DNA of the original Chrome and gives it a modern upgrade.

Fresh marine notes and citrus are balanced by richer woods underneath, helping it last longer than many affordable summer fragrances while retaining its clean, refreshing character.

Buy now at Flannels

Lalique Encre Noire Sport

For those who find most summer fragrances a little too safe, Encre Noire Sport offers something different. Vetiver remains the star of the show, but here it’s paired with citrus and aquatic notes, making it lighter and easier to wear in warm weather.

Sophisticated and surprisingly affordable.

Buy now at Notino

Nautica Voyage

There may be no fragrance that offers better value for money. Apple, green leaves and aquatic notes create a scent that’s bright, youthful and incredibly easy to wear.

It won’t win awards for complexity, but for the price, it’s almost impossible to criticise.

Buy now at Amazon

Jimmy Choo Man Ice

Sometimes simplicity works. Jimmy Choo Man Ice leans heavily into citrus freshness, delivering a blast of lemon and bergamot that feels perfect for the hottest days of the year.

Refreshing, uncomplicated and consistently underrated.

Buy now at Allbeauty

Zara Sunrise on the Red Sand Dunes

Zara fragrances can be hit-or-miss, but this is one of the brand’s standout successes.

Frequently compared to much more expensive niche fragrances, it combines citrus, ginger and airy woods into something modern, clean and remarkably refined for the money.

Buy now at Zara

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy

Before fresh, easy-going summer fragrances became a category of their own, Tommy was already doing it brilliantly. Citrus, mint, lavender and crisp apple create a scent that’s energetic, clean and unmistakably American in character.

First launched in 1995, it remains one of the best-value summer fragrances available and still smells surprisingly contemporary today.

Buy now at Amazon

Coach Blue

Coach Blue rounds things off with a fragrance that feels tailor-made for casual summer wear. Lime, absinthe and amber combine to create a scent that’s energetic, youthful and easy-going.

It may not be the most complex fragrance on this list, but it’s certainly one of the most enjoyable.

Buy now at John Lewis

The post 15 Budget Summer Colognes That Smell Expensive appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

Sure, there might be the odd impulse purchase or questionable financial decision along the way, but generally speaking, we’d all like to believe we’re making smart choices. The reality is often a little different.

The biggest drains on your bank balance aren’t always obvious. They’re rarely one-off disasters. Instead, they’re the purchases that quietly become habits. The subscriptions you forgot about. The gadgets you never use. The clothes you never wear. The things you buy because they represent who you’d like to be rather than who you actually are.

The good news is that identifying where money disappears is often the first step towards keeping more of it. Here are the things men waste money on more than they’d care to admit.

Clothes They Never Actually Wear

Every man has them. The jacket that looked incredible under the shop lighting. The shirt bought for a specific occasion that never arrived. The trainers that seemed like a good idea at the time.

If something spends more time on a hanger than on your back, it wasn’t a purchase. It was a donation to the retailer.

Subscription Services They Forgot They Had

Modern life runs on subscriptions. Streaming services, fitness apps, cloud storage, software memberships, premium newsletters.

Individually, they seem harmless. Collectively, they can quietly swallow hundreds of pounds every year.

Most people would be genuinely surprised if they sat down and added them all up.

Cheap Shoes

The classic false economy.

A cheap pair of shoes might seem like a bargain until you’re replacing them every few months. Meanwhile, a quality pair can last years while looking better the entire time.

Buy well, buy once.

Fitness Gadgets

Most men don’t need another smartwatch, recovery device, massage gun or fitness tracker.

The uncomfortable truth is that the basics still work. Sleep properly. Walk more. Eat better. Lift heavy weights consistently.

No gadget has ever replaced discipline.

Alcohol They Don’t Even Enjoy

There’s a difference between enjoying a drink and drinking out of habit.

A surprising amount of money gets spent on rounds, supermarket wine and forgettable pints simply because it’s become routine. If you’re drinking it purely because it’s there, it’s probably worth asking why.

Takeaways Out Of Laziness

Everyone deserves a takeaway occasionally.

The problem is when ‘occasionally’ quietly becomes three times a week. Spending £25 on a burger, chips and a delivery fee because you can’t be bothered to cook isn’t convenience. It’s an expensive habit.

Cars They Can’t Really Afford

Few purchases destroy disposable income quite like a car bought primarily for appearances.

The monthly payment, insurance, maintenance and depreciation often continue long after the excitement has disappeared. Most people spend far more time paying for their car than enjoying it.

Trendy Fashion

The problem with trends is that they eventually stop trending.

Many men have wardrobes full of pieces that felt current for a few months before rapidly becoming dated.

Classic style rarely delivers the same short-term excitement, but it almost always wins in the long run.

Smartphone Upgrades

Most people use their smartphone for messages, social media, photos and checking the weather.

Yet every year, millions convince themselves they need the newest model immediately. For most users, the difference between this year’s phone and last year’s phone is far smaller than the marketing department would like you to believe.

Lottery Tickets

Someone has to win. It’s probably not going to be you.

A few pounds here and there doesn’t feel significant, but over decades many people spend thousands funding a dream with odds that border on the impossible.

Things Bought For Their Fantasy Self

This might be the biggest money trap of all.

The guitar for the future musician. The camera for the future photographer. The expensive kitchen equipment for the future chef.

There’s nothing wrong with new hobbies. The problem is buying the equipment before developing the habit.

Extended Warranties

Some offer genuine value. Many don’t.

Retailers love selling them because they’re often extremely profitable. Before adding another protection package, ask yourself whether the product is likely to break and whether the cover actually offers meaningful protection.

Branded Luxury Goods

Quality is worth paying for. Huge logos often aren’t.

Many products command enormous mark-ups simply because of the name attached to them. Sometimes you’re paying for craftsmanship. Other times you’re paying for the privilege of advertising the brand.

Supplements They Don’t Need

Walk into any gym and you’ll find cupboards full of tubs promising incredible results.

Most people would benefit far more from improving their diet than adding another powder. Supplement companies have become experts at selling solutions to problems that don’t really exist.

Convenience Fees

Delivery charges. Booking fees. Service fees. Platform fees.

They’re often small enough to ignore. But they can quietly cost hundreds or even thousands every year. Modern life is increasingly designed around paying extra for convenience.

Household Gadgets

For every genuinely useful invention, there are dozens that solve problems nobody actually has.

Most end up at the back of a cupboard after a brief honeymoon period. The kitchen is particularly guilty of this. Ninja Creami, anyone?

Cheap Furniture

A sofa that falls apart after three years isn’t a bargain. Neither is a dining table that wobbles from day one.

Good furniture often feels expensive until you realise how long it lasts compared to buying the same thing repeatedly.

Sales Purchases

A discount doesn’t magically create a need.

Retailers understand this better than anyone. The thrill of getting a bargain often overshadows a simple question: would you have bought it if it were full price?

If the answer is no, you haven’t saved money at all.

Impressing Other People

The hidden expense behind countless bad purchases.

Cars, watches, clothes, holidays, houses. Many financial mistakes start with worrying too much about what other people might think.

The irony is that most people are far too busy thinking about themselves to notice.

Self-Improvement Purchases

Books. Courses. Productivity systems. Online programmes.

None of them are inherently bad. The problem comes when buying self-improvement replaces actual self-improvement. Reading about habits is considerably easier than changing them.

The post 20 Things Men Waste Far Too Much Money On appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

Shorts aren’t always the answer. Sure, it’s nice feeling the breeze on your bare legs on a hot day, but unpredictable transitional temperatures, workplace dress codes and concerns over milk-bottle-pale lower extremities after a long winter can mean that getting the pins out isn’t always the best thing to do.

So, what do you do in those situations when shorts are off the menu but a pair of wool trousers or raw-denim jeans would leave you clammy and uncomfortable? We have a few ideas.

Wearing trousers in warm weather doesn’t have to be an unpleasant affair. If you give some extra thought to fabric, cut and colour, you can keep enjoying the perks of long legwear even when the mercury rises. Think airy materials, light shades that will reflect the sun’s heat and roomy fits to encourage additional airflow.

With that in mind, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite options. Here are the trouser styles to consider as the weather improves this year.

Swishy And Pleated

Velasca

Pleated pants just look suave. But there’s more going on here than aesthetics. Pleats create volume, which allows for increased airflow. Add a lightweight fabric, such as linen, and you might as well be in a pair of shorts as far as comfort goes, but you’ll look a lot sharper.

Plus, they’re easily dressed up or down depending on the setting. Think loafers, and a camp-collar shirt for a simple smart-casual look, or canvas sneakers, a tucked-in tee and a cropped jacket for something more weekend-appropriate.

Cooling Linen Blends

Reiss

Don’t underestimate the power of fabric. Picking wisely in this department is the difference between being comfortable all day and developing soggy sweat patches before you’ve even completed your commute.

Linen, again, is the GOAT in this department, but opting for a blend rather than 100% can be a better option from a practical standpoint. Why? Well, as fantastic as linen is at keeping you cool, it has an unfortunate habit of creasing badly.

Add a bit of rayon, cotton, viscose or Tencel to the mix, and this ceases to be a concern. Give your iron a day off.

Light-Wash Denim

Velasca

Raw denim is trending again, and while we’re all for anything that gets better the more you wear it, it’s not exactly built for keeping you at a comfortable temperature in the heat. In fact, denim in general probably isn’t the best option, but if you insist on wearing jeans, this is the way to do it.

The lighter the denim, the more effectively it will deflect the sunlight, ultimately keeping you cooler. Lighter washes are often slightly lighter-weight fabric too, which works together to keep you cool.

OK, denim is never going to breathe like linen, but this approach can make it feel surprisingly manageable, even in the summer heat.

Drawstring Travel Pants

Percival

What if we told you you could wear jogging bottoms basically all the time, wherever you go, including the office or dinner out, and not raise any eyebrows? Well, you can – just buy yourself a pair of drawstring pants.

Cut from cotton or a linen blend, these casual pants sit somewhere between joggers, chinos and tailored trousers. A relaxed, straight-leg cut will grant you maximum versatility while ensuring optimal airflow and keeping you cool.

Dress them up with an Oxford shirt and derbies, or style them for the day-to-day with sneakers and an overshirt.

Light And Relaxed

Todd Snyder

Fit is often overlooked when people talk about dressing for the heat, but it arguably matters just as much as fabric. Tight trousers cling, trap heat and restrict airflow. Loosen things up, and all of that changes.

A relaxed, straight or slightly tapered leg gives air somewhere to move. It also tends to look more contemporary, which doesn’t hurt. You don’t need to go full wide-leg if that’s not your thing, just avoid anything that hugs the thigh or calf too closely.

Combine that with a lightweight cloth – cotton twill, linen blends, even a fine tropical wool – and you end up with something that feels considered rather than compromised.

Tailored Linen

Percival

Summer tailoring is one of the best things about the season. These are suits you can feel genuinely relaxed in, cut for comfort and made from materials that promote breathability. Most people wait for a July wedding to get theirs out, but it’s a mistake to leave it gathering dust in your wardrobe the rest of the time.

Start thinking of your summer tailoring as separates, and you’ll maximise the use you can get out of it. A pair of tailored linen pants, for example, can work way beyond the context of a full suit.

Pair them with a tucked plain white T-shirt and leather sandals, or style them with a printed camp-collar shirt and loafers for something slightly smarter that’s still seasonally appropriate.

Technical Hiking Pants

Columbia

You don’t have to start dressing like a Nepalese sherpa to enjoy some of the practical perks of outdoor gear. Gorpcore has changed the way men dress, ushering in functional elements that can work in urban environments as well as the great outdoors. Hiking pants are a prime example.

Stretchy, lightweight and moisture-wicking, these technical trousers are designed for moving through alpine environments, but many of the features that make them well-suited to this also make them great for casual daily wear – particularly when the weather warms up.

Ecru Denim

If light-wash denim feels a bit too casual, ecru offers a useful middle ground. It has the denim structure, but without the visual weight of darker indigo. That alone makes a difference in warm weather, both in terms of how it looks and how it wears.

There’s also a versatility to it that darker jeans don’t always have. Ecru pairs easily with other summer tones – sky blue, olive, washed black – and works just as well with a simple T-shirt as it does with a shirt and loafers.

It still won’t breathe like linen, but it’s a far more forgiving option than heavy raw denim, and one that slots neatly into a warm-weather wardrobe without much thought.

The post The Best Lightweight Trousers For Summer 2026 appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

In this instalment, we’ve handpicked 10 essential talking points spanning everything from elevated summer luggage and outdoor kit to film, books, sport, cars, drinks and design-led home upgrades. Whether you’re planning a seasonal refresh, looking for smarter ways to spend your time or simply want to know what’s genuinely worth your attention this month, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s explore how to make June your most stylish, successful and satisfying month yet.

Bennett Winch Sport Holdall

You can always count on Bennett Winch to make everyday luggage classier. The London brand has already revolutionised the suit carrier, and now it’s the humble tennis bag’s turn for an upgrade.

The Bennett Winch Sport Holdall does away with the cumbersome nature of traditional racket bags and the stylistic defeat of the common gym holdall, offering something far more refined. Twin low-profile pockets are designed for whatever racket you’re stashing — tennis, padel, squash or pickleball — while a vented central compartment, removable shoe pouch and internal laptop sleeve make it equally useful before and after court time.

Made from high-performance waterproof 600-denier nylon with veg-tanned Italian leather trim, military-grade cotton handles and a shoulder strap, it’s available in navy, olive and black. A proper grown-up fitness carry.

Buy now at Bennett Winch

Haglöfs L.I.M Horizon Hike GTX Mid

It was the new L.I.M Horizon footwear collection — a set of lightweight trail shoes packing Vibram soles and minimalist GORE-TEX uppers — that first took us to the Haglöfs website. Then we saw these beauties.

The L.I.M Horizon Hike GTX Mid is one of the best-looking hiking shoe hybrids we’ve seen in a while. Light, waterproof and built from a combination of ripstop fabric, GORE-TEX ePE laminate and abrasion-resistant TPU film, it manages to feel sturdy without becoming clunky.

That balance is exactly what you want from summer outdoor footwear. Protective enough for changeable weather and rougher ground, but still mobile enough for long days exploring at home or abroad. A sharp, capable option for anyone who wants technical performance without looking like they’ve raided a mountaineering warehouse.

Buy now at Haglöfs

Ferrand SDA Selection Des Anges Cognac

Father’s Day is on the horizon and your old man deserves better than socks. We’d recommend Ferrand’s award-winning SDA Sélection des Anges Cognac, a welcome opportunity to explore a less obvious fine spirit and one limited to just 7,575 bottles.

Rich and fruity, it opens with notes of crystallised orange, dried rose petals, jasmine, violets, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, before developing into blossom honey, soft vanilla and toasted hazelnut. In other words, exactly the sort of bottle that feels like a proper occasion.

Visit him more, pour slowly and make a tradition out of sharing a glass from time to time. A far better gift than anything that comes in a multipack.

Buy now at The Whisky Exchange

The Last Viking

There’s plenty going on in cinemas this month, from franchise noise to big studio spectacle. Flying slightly under the radar, however, is Mads Mikkelsen-fronted Danish dark comedy The Last Viking.

The film follows two brothers: one newly released from prison, played by Nikolaj Lie Kaas, and the other suffering from dissociative identity disorder, played by Mikkelsen, as they attempt to track down money buried after a previous heist. Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen, the filmmaker behind Riders of Justice and Men & Chicken, it promises exactly the sort of strange, sharp-edged Scandinavian humour worth seeking out.

The film has already gone down well in Denmark and picked up positive attention on the festival circuit, so we’re keen to see how its particular brand of absurdity lands over here.

In Cinemas 26 June

Wimmy Road Boyz by Sufiyaan Salam

Our summer holiday reading recommendation is Sufiyaan Salam’s Wimmy Road Boyz, a Manchester-set rollercoaster tearing through Rusholme’s Curry Mile.

The novel follows three best mates — Immy, Haris and Khan — over the course of one wild night out, as each of their turbulent pasts begins bubbling to the surface. Written with real energy across prose, screenplay-style vignettes, poetry and street slang, it’s a captivating debut that dissects masculinity, friendship and belonging without losing its pace.

More than that, it paints its setting with vivid texture, capturing the culture, rhythm and particular electricity of a place rarely given this kind of literary spotlight. One for the suitcase, certainly, but don’t be surprised if you finish it before you reach the hotel.

Buy now at Penguin

2026 FIFA World Cup

Merry football Christmas to all those who celebrate. The expanded 48-team tournament, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, kicks off this month on Thursday 11 June with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City.

England begin their campaign against Croatia on Wednesday 17 June, while Scotland open against Haiti in the early hours of Sunday 14 June. Expect brand collaborations galore, lock-ins for the less sociable kick-off times, and hopefully the joy of a few upsets at the hands of proper tournament minnows.

The group stage runs until 27 June, before the newly expanded knockout phase begins. Make us proud, Curaçao.

2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe

As Ferrari’s debut electric car gets pelters in some quarters, with unkind comparisons being thrown around with real enthusiasm, we welcome the early rumblings surrounding the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

AMG’s first proper fully electric production car — not counting the lesser-spotted 2013 SLS AMG Electric Drive — is packed full of serious tech. Preliminary figures suggest 0-62mph in as little as 2.4 seconds, a top speed of 186mph and the ability to charge from 10 to 80% in around 11 minutes when connected to suitable ultra-fast infrastructure.

Visually, we’re into it. Sleek, aggressive and unmistakably AMG, it suggests the future of performance saloons might still have a pulse after all. And as we’ve seen elsewhere, it could be a lot worse.

See more at Mercedes

Universal Works Indigo 13oz Selvedge Denim Duke Pant

Denim, yes. Jeans, no. The Universal Works Indigo 13oz Selvedge Denim Duke Pant is very much a trouser, and all the better for it.

We’ve seen them doing the rounds lately and we want in. You get the trademark Universal Works wide leg, a slight taper, a single-pleat front and a fixed waistband, all cut from handsome 13oz indigo selvedge denim. Two patch pockets at the back add a touch of workwear charm, while the cropped finish sits neatly above the shoe when the fit is right.

They look excellent with a crisp white T-shirt tucked in and a prominent derby or loafer doing the heavy lifting below. A strong reminder that denim doesn’t always have to mean five-pocket jeans.

Buy now at Universal Works

Folk Relaxed Assembly Short

The last week has provided plenty of evidence for the importance of shorts. Sometimes the weather simply calls for legs out, pasty or otherwise.

Sartorialists will happily go on for hours about inseam lengths and, while we’re partial to a short short, there’s plenty to be said for something wider, more relaxed and more nonchalant. Step forward Folk’s Relaxed Assembly Short.

Available in a welcome array of summer tones, they offer ample room, ease of movement and just enough structure to feel considered rather than lazy. Build out your summer silhouette a little and wear them with a camp-collar shirt over a vest. Effortless, airy and exactly what warm weather requires.

Buy now at Folk

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle

We love great design. The kind of household object that provides a genuinely useful function while also looking excellent just sitting there. The Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle is one such aspirational piece of kit.

Undoubtedly built with pour-over coffee enthusiasts in mind, it offers precise temperature control, a refined gooseneck spout and the sort of considered silhouette that makes most kitchen appliances look like they’ve given up. That said, we’re sure the delicate pour would also do wonders over a Yorkshire Tea bag.

At a time when we’re exploring caffeine alternatives and trying to slow down for a second, turning tea or coffee into more of a ritual feels like a worthy resolution. This is certainly one handsome way to stick to it.

Buy now at Harrods

The post Ape’s Top 10 Of The Month: June 2026 appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

That’s why understated luxury brands thrive at this time of year. Labels like Luca Faloni specialise in exactly the sort of refined warm-weather staples that make getting dressed in summer feel effortless. Think Italian linen, silk-cotton knits and softly tailored separates that improve even the simplest outfits.

Here are the luxury pieces worth investing in this summer, and why they earn their place in your wardrobe.

The Linen Shirt

A proper linen shirt is one of the few garments that genuinely improves with a bit of wear. The creases soften, the fabric relaxes, and somehow the whole thing looks even better slightly rumpled after a long day in the sun.

It’s the easiest way to make summer dressing feel elevated without looking overdressed. Throw one on with tailored shorts and loafers for dinner abroad, or wear it open over a tee in the city when temperatures climb.

Luca Faloni’s Portofino linen shirts are particularly strong because they avoid the stiff, scratchy feel that cheaper linen often suffers from. The fabric is woven in Northern Italy, garment-dyed for softness and cut with just enough structure to work tucked in or worn loose.

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The Luxury T-Shirt

The humble T-shirt doesn’t get talked about enough in luxury menswear, but the difference between an average tee and a great one is enormous once the weather warms up.

A premium summer T-shirt should feel fluid, breathable and lightweight while still holding its shape properly. That’s where fabrics like linen, silk and jersey come into their own, offering far more texture and softness than standard cotton.

Luca Faloni’s linen jersey and silk-cotton T-shirts nail this balance perfectly. They feel cool against the skin, drape beautifully and instantly make simple summer outfits look more refined. Wear one with pleated trousers and suede sneakers and you’ve basically solved warm-weather dressing.

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The Silk-Cotton Polo

There’s a reason the polo shirt becomes a summer staple every year, but not all polos are created equal. Piqué cotton versions can often feel a bit sporty or corporate. Silk-cotton styles, on the other hand, bring a completely different energy.

The blend gives the fabric a subtle sheen and an incredibly smooth handle, making even simple outfits feel more luxurious. They work particularly well with tailoring because they soften the formality without losing sophistication.

Luca Faloni’s silk-cotton polos are some of the cleanest around, understated, lightweight and finished with the sort of fine detailing Italian brands tend to do best. They’re ideal for dressing down linen tailoring or sharpening up relaxed trousers.

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The Linen Suit

The linen suit gets unfairly boxed into wedding territory every summer, but it deserves far more credit than that.

Good linen tailoring is one of the easiest ways to look elegant in hot weather. It’s breathable, naturally textured and relaxed in a way traditional wool tailoring can never quite replicate. The wrinkles are part of the charm too. A linen suit should never look pristine.

Luca Faloni’s take leans properly Italian: soft shoulders, lightweight construction and a relaxed silhouette that works just as well with a knitted polo or T-shirt as it does with a shirt. It’s tailoring designed for actual summer weather, not air-conditioned boardrooms.

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Linen Trousers

Few garments make summer dressing feel as effortless as linen trousers. They sit somewhere between tailoring and loungewear, combining comfort with enough structure to still look sharp.

The key is finding the right cut. Too slim and they lose their relaxed appeal. Too baggy and they veer into beach-pyjama territory. A softly tailored straight leg is the sweet spot.

Luca Faloni’s linen trousers get this exactly right. The drawstring waists keep them comfortable while the clean silhouette ensures they still feel refined enough to wear with loafers, polos or lightweight knitwear.

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The Silk-Cashmere Knit

Summer knitwear sounds counterintuitive until you actually wear the right version of it.

Lightweight silk-cashmere blends are ideal for cooler evenings, flights, coastal weather or simply adding texture to an outfit without piling on heavy layers. They also have a softness and fluidity that standard cotton knits rarely match.

Luca Faloni works with Cariaggi yarns from Italy, which gives its silk-cashmere pieces an incredibly smooth, luxurious finish. Thrown over the shoulders with tailored shorts or layered over a tee at night, they bring an easy Riviera feel to even the simplest outfit.

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Suede Sneakers

Minimal suede sneakers are one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your summer wardrobe. They’re more refined than standard leather trainers and instantly make casual outfits feel more considered.

The texture is the key. Suede softens everything around it, whether that’s pleated trousers, tailored shorts or lightweight tailoring. Neutral tones work best because they slot effortlessly into a warm-weather palette.

Luca Faloni’s suede sneakers keep things clean and understated, avoiding oversized branding or chunky soles in favour of sleek Italian styling that works with virtually everything.

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Lightweight Pleated Pants

Pleated trousers have quietly become one of the most important pieces in modern menswear. They’re comfortable, flattering and significantly more elegant than stiff slim-fit chinos.

In lightweight wool, they become even better for summer. The fabric breathes properly while the drape gives outfits a softer, more relaxed silhouette.

Luca Faloni’s lightweight pleated trousers strike that ideal balance between smart and casual. Wear them with a tucked-in silk-cotton polo and suede sneakers and you’ve got an outfit that looks expensive without trying too hard.

Shop lightweight pleated pants

Tailored Shorts

Most men get shorts wrong because they default to athletic styles that only really work at the gym or on the beach.

Tailored shorts are a completely different proposition. Cleaner lines, better fabrics and subtle detailing make them far easier to style in grown-up summer outfits.

Luca Faloni’s versions lean into classic Italian summer dressing, refined enough to wear with loafers and an overshirt but relaxed enough for holidays and weekends. They’re the sort of shorts that actually work outside of a barbecue.

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The Lightweight Overshirt

Even in peak summer, there’s always room for a lightweight layer. Whether it’s cooler evenings, flights or unpredictable British weather, an overshirt earns its place surprisingly quickly.

The best versions feel relaxed and easy rather than military or workwear-inspired. Think soft construction, breathable fabrics and minimal detailing.

Luca Faloni’s lightweight overshirts excel because they keep everything clean and unfussy. Worn over a linen tee or polo, they add depth and texture without making an outfit feel heavy.

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The Linen Baseball Cap

Baseball caps tend to fall into two camps: aggressively sporty or heavily logo-driven. Neither works particularly well with refined summer tailoring.

That’s why linen versions make so much sense. The texture instantly softens the aesthetic and allows the cap to work with smarter separates, from pleated trousers to linen shirts.

Luca Faloni’s linen baseball caps are a masterclass in understated luxury. Made in Italy and finished with minimal branding, they feel closer to a Riviera accessory than something you’d throw on for the gym.

Shop linen baseball caps

The post 11 Luxury Pieces That Will Upgrade Your Summer Wardrobe appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

The trick is to set a budget, then decide whether you want familiar names or something a little more interesting. It also pays to buy one bottle from each of the major spirits categories. That gives you versatility, whether you’re pouring for yourself, hosting friends or shaking up a few classic cocktails.

Below are seven bottles to get you started, all around or under the £40 mark (at time of writing), and all offering excellent bang for your buck.

The Gin

Citadelle Gin de France

Hailed as one of the world’s first craft gins, Citadelle has picked up plenty of serious awards since its release in 1996. It was the brainchild of Alexandre Gabriel of Maison Ferrand, the highly regarded Cognac house, and is made at the picturesque Château de Bonbonnet near the village of Ars in France’s Cognac region.

The estate is home to fields of juniper and an orangerie, both of which feed into the gin’s character. Citadelle takes its name from the Citadel de Dunkirk, a distillery that produced genever in the 18th century. A total of 19 botanicals are used in the mix, including cubeb pepper, violet and fennel.

The result is an uplifting, zesty and refreshing gin that is spot-on for a proper G&T but has enough backbone to work beautifully in a gin-based cocktail, too.

Buy now at Amazon

The Rum

Angostura Founders Reserve 1824

This exquisite handcrafted blend of rums, aged for a minimum of 12 years, positively oozes class. The name marks the foundation of the Angostura company and the year its now-iconic bitters recipe was first developed. The rums are produced using locally sourced molasses at the Angostura distillery in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad & Tobago.

It remains the only rum producer in the Caribbean island nation, using charred American oak ex-bourbon barrels throughout maturation. Rich caramel, dried fruit and warming baking spice combine to superb effect, creating a rum that feels far more expensive than it is.

Luxurious and smooth, it’s excellent sipped neat alongside a good cigar. A dangerously easy-drinking combination that will have you reaching for another pour before long.

Buy now at Amazon

The Cognac

Hennessy VS

Hennessy is the largest producer of Cognac in France and one of the world’s best-known spirits brands, accounting for an astonishing 40% of all Cognac produced in the region. The house was founded by Irishman Richard Hennessy in 1765 after he was discharged from the French army following an injury. Today, it still sits on the banks of the River Charente in the town of Cognac.

This VS, meaning Very Special, is the cornerstone of the brand’s success and remains the foundation of the core range. Hennessy is known for its sweet, fruity and floral style, and this expression layers brown sugar, toffee and soft sultana notes over that signature profile.

It works brilliantly neat over ice, topped with lemonade for an easy long drink, or shaken into a classic Sidecar cocktail.

Buy now at Master Of Malt

The Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker Red Soul

Red Soul is the newest addition to the world-famous Johnnie Walker range. The Scotch blending giant is aiming to bring new drinkers into the whisky category, and this approachable dram is designed to do exactly that. Created by Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, it’s essentially a sweeter, smoother take on the iconic Red Label.

The smoky edge has been dialled right back too, removing one of the flavour characteristics that can divide opinion among newer whisky drinkers. In its place, you get notes of brown sugar, vanilla fudge and baked apple, alongside golden syrup, cinnamon and warm gingerbread spice.

Easy-going and versatile, it works just as well in a simple highball as it does stirred into a classic Rob Roy.

Buy now at Amazon

The American Bourbon

Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark is instantly recognisable thanks to its square bottle and signature red wax seal, with each one still dipped individually by hand. The Kentucky distillery was founded by T. William Samuels Sr. in Loretto, and production began in 1954. Unlike many American whiskeys, the mash bill contains no rye, something Samuels reportedly perfected by baking loaves of bread with different grain combinations.

The result is a bourbon loved by bartenders and whisky fans alike for its soft, sweet and expressive character. Expect generous notes of vanilla, caramel, coconut and gentle baking spice, all delivered with an easy smoothness that makes it dangerously drinkable.

Maker’s Mark has also become a pioneer of regenerative farming practices in American whiskey production, using regenerative wheat grown on its own Star Hill Farm. A proper staple for any well-stocked drinks shelf.

Buy now at Master Of Malt

The Tequila

Ocho 8 Plata

Tequila, along with its close cousin mezcal, is firmly having a moment. From Margaritas to Palomas, agave-based cocktails are everywhere right now, and Ocho remains one of the best bottles to buy if you want to understand why.

The brand was founded in 2008 by fifth-generation agave farmer Carlos Camarena and the late, great bar owner Tomas Estes. They are widely credited with bringing the concept of terroir to tequila, with each batch made using agave harvested from a single field on a single estate.

The name Ocho, meaning ‘eight’ in Spanish, comes from the eighth sample the pair tasted during their initial trials. This Plata expression is peppery and vegetal, with notes of lemon, black olive and saline minerality running through it.

Excellent as a shot, but even better mixed into a properly made Margarita or Paloma.

Buy now at Amazon

The Vodka

Witchmark Single Origin

The Witchmark distillery in Wiltshire has quietly been building a reputation for world-class spirits since its founders conceived the idea during the Covid pandemic. Single malt whisky has been maturing since mid-2024, while its gin has already started collecting awards at an impressive rate. Yet it’s this expressive vodka that may be the standout of the lot.

Made with locally grown Wiltshire barley and produced in batches of just 1,000 bottles, it’s a vodka with genuine character. The texture is creamy and almost oily, giving it a richness that’s often missing from the category.

It works beautifully served simply over ice with a twist of lemon, but also adds real structure to cocktails like a Martini or Cosmopolitan. Think vodka is boring? This bottle might change your mind.

Buy now at Amazon

The post 7 Affordable Spirits Every Drinks Cabinet Needs appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.