1. Hairstyle

Step 1: Get a neat and stylish haircut. Summer is so hot and humid, don't let your bangs cover your handsome forehead anymore. Show off a bit of your forehead; it will make you look much more refreshed.

Tony, your hairstylist, is the man who decides your hairstyle, so try different salons and find a reliable stylist with good taste and eye contact to give you a clean and refreshing look.

2. Skincare

Guys should pay attention to skincare regularly. Avoid having dry, flaky skin, or an oily face with large pores. Otherwise, you won't look fresh; you'll just look greasy and lacking in energy.

Skincare ≠ washing your face. Simply washing your face with facial cleanser does not constitute skincare, especially for some men who buy "men's facial cleansers" from supermarkets. These cleansers are mostly soap-based, and soap has a very strong cleaning power. Initially, your face will feel very dry after washing, but then it will feel very clean and effective...

But don't be fooled. Over-cleansing can damage the stratum corneum over time, causing irreversible damage, leading to skin allergies, increased oil production, and even acne-prone skin.

Unless you have extremely oily skin, I recommend using an amino acid-based cleanser as the primary cleanser and a soap-based cleanser as a secondary option. The most basic skincare routine should consist of three steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. For a more refined approach, there are five steps. Please wait for my skincare post tomorrow for more details.

Regarding clothing: Wearing black, white, and gray is a safe bet, but it doesn't equal looking good; wearing ordinary clothes just makes you look like anyone else on the street. Below, we'll discuss the key summer items and how to create eye-catching combinations:

I. Single Item

Men's summer wardrobe staples generally fall into these categories. First, the three essentials: tops, bottoms, and shoes are a must. Then, accessories include: watches, necklaces, bracelets, bags, hats, etc. ↓

(Click on any image in this article to enlarge it)

Let's start with the top, one of the three main pieces.

1. T-shirt

When choosing a T-shirt, pay attention to the neckline, fit, and style. If you're wearing it as outerwear, a crew neck is a good choice.

(Click on the image to enlarge)

V-necks are suitable for people who are overweight, have round faces, short and thick necks, and are relatively robust. However, V-necks look like underwear and are more suitable as innerwear. They are not flattering for people with large heads and long necks and are not suitable for most Asian body types.

A crew neck gives a more refined look and is less selective in terms of who it suits. However, be careful not to choose a crew neck that is too large, otherwise it will make you look listless and unkempt. Those who are on the heavier side can also choose a crew neck, while those with short, thick necks can use a necklace to create a V-neck effect (we'll discuss necklaces later).

Common crew neck styles include bound collars, regular ribbed collars, and American-style rolled collars.

①. Fabric-bound collars are easily deformed and also look cheap, commonly found on inexpensive T-shirts priced around 9-29;

②. American-style rolled collars are not easily deformed and are commonly found on some thicker, heavyweight T-shirts, such as American retro and Americana styles. Of course, wearing too thick a T-shirt in summer can also be stuffy.

③. Ribbed necklines look more refined and elegant, and are highly recommended. However, please note: ordinary ribbed necklines are also relatively easy to deform. For example, that 39 RMB short-sleeved T-shirt from a certain clothing store has a relatively thin fabric and neckline, and it will deform after a few machine washes...

If you want a T-shirt to last longer, we recommend choosing one with a blended fabric (spandex) or a thicker fabric for the neckline.

Or, a ribbed collar reinforced with double or triple stitches will not deform as easily and will be much more durable than a regular ribbed collar T-shirt.

Of course, nowadays, even slightly better quality T-shirts will have a reinforced shoulder collar strip to prevent the collar from turning into a ruffled, rolled-up collar after a few washes.

While two or three needles are desirable, the cost also increases accordingly. The typical retail price is around 60-150 yuan. If I'm not mistaken, those popular items on Taobao that offer 9.9 yuan shipping with free shipping and require classmates to help cut the price to 50 yuan, or those buy-one-get-two-free deals at 39 yuan, generally don't use this kind of craftsmanship...

Regarding the fabric of T-shirts, pure cotton is fine for everyday wear. Pure cotton is more absorbent and breathable than synthetic fibers, more comfortable and skin-friendly, and looks more textured.

Polyester and nylon blends are soft and clingy, making them less aesthetically pleasing and more demanding in terms of body shape. They are commonly used for quick-drying sports T-shirts, and are suitable for those who frequently exercise, run, sweat, or go to the gym. Consider buying one or two of these.

For everyday wear, pure cotton is more suitable. I've already discussed fabric thread count and weight in my previous summer post, so I won't repeat it here: "Men's Summer Self-Help Guide." One thing to note is not to blindly pursue thicker fabrics; consider whether it's for an inner or outer layer.

For inner layers, choose a normal thickness or even a slightly thinner one. Thick, heavy fabrics will feel stuffy and uncomfortable in the summer. For outer layers, choose slightly thicker fabrics; they're less likely to show nipples and will look more structured and sophisticated.

Pattern

Regarding T-shirt styles, they are categorized as fitted, slim-fit, regular, and loose.

Overly fitted T-shirts look outdated and old-fashioned. Looser T-shirts are more suitable for summer. We recommend a fitted or slightly loose fit. Compared to fitted styles, which are more selective in terms of body type, fitted or slightly loose T-shirts are more versatile and create a more refreshing look.

Of course, I'm talking about a just-right loose fit, not an infinitely baggy style like oversized (oversized is more suitable for women). Overly baggy T-shirts can easily look overdone, making you appear unkempt, sloppy, and lacking energy. Trends come and go, but classics last. Are you sure you want to chase trends? ↓

And please, absolutely avoid tight-fitting t-shirts. I've said this countless times. For men, it's better to choose a looser t-shirt than a tight one.

First, tight-fitting clothes feel too restrictive and stuffy. Second, they can look effeminate. Third, they're more suited to a "streetwise" or "socially awkward" image. Fourth, if you don't have a six-pack, it's awkward. Did you really develop a six-pack just to wear tight clothes? Even if you did, you'd probably need to learn about gyms and swimming or work in a club...

.clothes length

One thing guys often overlook in summer is the length of their T-shirts, so I have to say a few words: Most guys prefer looser T-shirts in summer, so they simply buy them 1-2 sizes up. But this creates a problem with the length. I've seen many guys wearing T-shirts where the shoulder width, chest circumference, and sleeve length are just right, but the length is a few centimeters too long. Wearing them makes a guy who's actually 175cm look like he's only 165cm...

Everyone needs to pay attention to this detail. Even a 3cm extra length makes a huge difference in the visual effect. As a cunning guy who's been trained by his girlfriend, you shouldn't make such a basic mistake, okay?

The proper garment length should just cover the belt by 2-3 centimeters, that is, reach just to the wrist (for a looser fit, you can allow for a slight allowance of about 2-3 centimeters).

If your clothes or pants are too long, you can take them to be altered; it won't cost much.

.Sleeve Length

T-shirt sleeves should ideally not extend past the elbow; too short is also not good, especially for slimmer individuals. Short sleeves are very unforgiving and better suited to a more muscular, muscular physique with a Western-style silhouette. A suitable sleeve length is as follows ↓

Standard sleeve length and three-quarter sleeves are more suitable for most people. If you choose three-quarter sleeves, pay attention to the fabric thickness. The longer the sleeve, the thicker the fabric needs to be. If the fabric is too thin, the sleeves will look floppy and baggy, making you look sloppy and lacking energy.

Regarding T-shirt colors, the three essential solid colors are white, gray, and black:

Especially in summer, a white short-sleeved T-shirt is simply an unbeatable item, a panacea for all ailments:

However, white T-shirts have a problem: clothing is always a consumable item. In summer, because of the heat and sweating, if white T-shirts are washed frequently, they will generally turn yellow or become somewhat deformed after about a season. Even if they don't turn yellow during the season and are stored in the closet, they may turn yellow when you want to take them out the following year. This is a basic physical and chemical characteristic of the fabric.

In this situation, you can try the cleaning methods I introduced before to see if it can be restored: "What to do if white T-shirts turn yellow easily from sweat in summer?". If it really can't be restored, then don't wear it anymore. A patchy white and yellow look sloppy. And if you calculate it, you only need to use about 2-3 white T-shirts a year, costing around 200 yuan. Considering current prices, 200 yuan for more than 4 months of wear is quite a good deal...

And don't tell me it's already 2020 and your wardrobe only contains monotonous black, white, and gray, especially those guys who still wear all black in the summer. It just looks so dull and monotonous.

In summer, the most commonly worn clothes are nothing more than a t-shirt and pants. Why not be a little bolder? Try vibrant ice cream or candy colors, refreshing blues, gentle Morandi colors with low saturation, warm and sunny orange-reds, sultry dusty pinks, or understated and elegant gray-purples – all are worth trying! ↓

Want to stand out from the crowd this summer? Add some flair and experiment with color combinations! Be cool, be an extraordinary, energetic, and subtly stylish guy! (❁´3`❁)

So, another question arises: how should clothing colors be matched? Here comes the answer: "How Should Men Match Clothing Colors? | Color Summary"

Regarding T-shirt designs, avoid those trendy designs on Taobao. Not only are they ugly, but you'll also run into someone wearing the same thing all the time.

If you find something aesthetically pleasing, try to look at more attractive images in your spare time to improve your taste. I recommend choosing patterns with a sense of design, such as fun little animals, simple logos, or artsy, minimalist styles.

In general, the design should have a theme. It can't be a mess with an animal in the top left corner, a Paris Tower in the bottom right corner, and a dragon and a tiger in the background, making it unclear what it's trying to express.

Human thinking tends to lean towards logic, and people prefer things that are simple and easy to understand. Of course, I'm not referring to overly simplistic patterns like "I LOVE YOU" or "fuk*", but something with a bit more meaning. ↓

In addition to this, you should also consider factors such as your own body type when choosing clothes. For example, the body proportions of Asians are different from those of Europeans and Americans. As I mentioned in the article on how men can dress to appear taller, the body proportions of Europeans and Americans are usually eight heads tall, with small heads, short bodies, and long legs.

Asians generally have larger heads, narrower shoulders, longer bodies, and shorter legs, so the choice of pattern should be based on body shape. The pattern is best placed on the upper part of the T-shirt, and horizontal patterns are preferable to vertical ones.

Horizontal patterns visually widen the body proportions and flatter a narrow figure, while vertical patterns elongate the upper body, making the torso appear longer and the legs shorter. Specific pattern selection was discussed in previous "Spring" and "Summer" articles, so I won't repeat it here due to space limitations.

Here's something fun: you can add some interesting brooches to a plain T-shirt. Just change the brooch and it becomes a complete outfit!

3. Striped T-shirt

A striped t-shirt is definitely an essential summer item. It's incredibly versatile and exudes summer vibes. Just pair it with any striped t-shirt and any pants, and you'll feel like you're wearing the whole summer with you.

When choosing a striped T-shirt, pay attention to the stripes not being too chaotic, and the number of colors (excluding black, white, and gray) should not exceed three. Also, check the alignment of the stripes, paying attention to details: for example, on a striped T-shirt with a chest pocket, check if the stripes are aligned.

Including stripes on the body and sleeves, especially thick stripes, the more aligned the stripes are, the more visually appealing and pleasing they are to the eye. Aligned stripes are one of the secrets to making striped shirts look good.

For thin stripes, the requirements can be slightly relaxed, because I've found that very few striped T-shirts on the market in China actually achieve perfect stripe alignment. Even if the stripes are aligned, they might not fit properly due to body shape. Therefore, you just need to try them on more often. Don't expect 100% alignment, at least 70% or 80% is needed so it doesn't look too awkward...

Thick or thin stripes: Thick stripes are more suitable for slimmer people than thin stripes. So, slimmer people should choose thick stripes, while those who are more muscular can choose thin stripes. Very overweight people should avoid stripes when going to the gym.

The devil's detail: The fabric of a striped T-shirt should ideally be a bit thicker. When standing normally, the garment should naturally crisp and have a defined shape. If the fabric is too soft and limp, the garment will deform too much when worn, causing the stripes to become crooked and look messy, which is far from attractive.

For solid colors, you can be a little more lenient, as long as the T-shirt isn't wrinkled when you go out. Some guys wring out their T-shirts like towels when washing clothes (I've heard that a couple of shakes when drying beats 50% of their peers) and hang them on a hanger. Wringing a pure cotton T-shirt like that will cause it to wrinkle after drying.

Pay attention to it occasionally. Although it will gradually return to its original state after wearing it like this, going out like this from the start will not give a good impression. It makes you seem unhygienic and sloppy, especially when you're going on a date or blind date...

T-shirt style reference:

This post primarily focuses on sharing information. To avoid any appearance of advertising, product links can be found in the original article on my public WeChat account: "How Men Can Dress Stylishly and Stay Cool in Summer? | SS2020"

4. Polo shirt

Unlike the casual nature of T-shirts, polo shirts are a versatile piece that straddles the line between work and casual/sportswear, offering a balance of casual and formal, making them ideal for everyday casual wear for office workers. Of course, I'm not referring to shirts with smooth, unrefined fabrics, overly fitted styles, outdated designs, overly bright colors, or various patterns.

These are all fatal flaws of polo shirts, especially for Asians with their larger heads and smaller bodies; wearing one of these can be quite unflattering... A good-looking polo shirt requires careful attention to cut, fit, fabric, and details.

For summer polo shirts, prioritize pure cotton or pique cotton (also known as "pineapple fabric"). Compared to fabrics like polyester or silk, it's more structured, breathable, durable, and less prone to deformation. (Pique cotton is more absorbent and breathable, suitable for sunny outdoor environments, while pique cotton is better suited for air-conditioned environments.)

In terms of cut and fit, ribbed cuffs are a better fit for most people. If your arms are thin, the cuffs won't be too wide and flap around in the wind; if your arms are thicker, they can show off your muscles and give you a masculine look. Some polo shirts also have a spandex blend in the collar for a more structured look.

You ask me what the difference is between expensive and cheap clothes? Answer: It often lies in the details.

Unlike T-shirts, which can have a wide variety of patterns and stripes, polo shirts should ideally avoid any extra patterns besides a small logo or embroidery on the left chest. Large logos are also not recommended, and thick stripes can make you look heavier.

Unless you're extremely confident in your appearance and physique, girlfriends don't recommend guys wear striped polo shirts, as they're a sure way to look older. Without filters and photo editing, it'll look like this:

In particular, overweight people should avoid wearing striped polo shirts, because even people of average build need certain styling skills. There are requirements for choosing the right fit and size, as well as color coordination and matching of elements. See below for reference:

Generally speaking, a well-fitting polo shirt should have a collar that is neither too tight nor too loose, similar to a formal business shirt. When buttoned up, it should fit snugly around the neck, with about one or two fingers of room to move.

The overall fit is very natural, with slight wrinkles but a very natural look. Try to get a feel for the way the model in the picture above is wearing it.

If you are on the thinner side, you can choose a slightly looser fit and light colors, which have a visually expanding effect, or a combination of darker colors on top and lighter colors on the bottom.

For overweight people, darker colors are better, as they have a slimming effect and can conceal a fuller figure (if possible, overweight people should avoid wearing polo shirts...).

Polo shirts with striped trim on the collar and cuffs are suitable for slimmer individuals, as they create a more fashionable and youthful look, helping to avoid the label of being a "middle-aged item."

Also, when wearing a polo shirt, be careful not to pop the collar up, as that looks too old-fashioned. You can button it up to look more refined, or unbutton one or two buttons to look more masculine (provided you have a good physique).

Polo shirt style reference:

The simplest and most refreshing way to style a summer polo shirt: polo shirt, cropped pants, and shoes. Shoes can be sneakers, casual shoes, sandals (not recommended), etc. It's casual and versatile.

For formal occasions, swap the shorts for long pants. If the weather is cool, you can wear a suit jacket, workwear jacket, aviator jacket, or any other type of jacket over them. They are versatile enough to be both elegant and casual.

5. Shirt

For summer, choose light colors for long-sleeved shirts. Cotton or cotton-linen blends are good choices for summer fabrics. Oxford cloth with rolled-up sleeves is more prone to wrinkling and is better suited for autumn and winter. A slightly looser fit allows for layering in cooler weather or indoors where the air conditioning is too strong.

Shirts aren't just long-sleeved; there are also more refreshing short-sleeved shirts. But don't rush to think of retired cadres in rural towns—I'm not talking about that kind.

Short-sleeved shirts often look greasy because the style isn't right. Unlike polo shirts, which are more sophisticated, the neat checks and overly fitted cuts of short-sleeved shirts only make them look serious and stiff.

We recommend choosing a slightly loose-fitting, slightly dropped-shoulder, three-quarter sleeve with an irregularly gradient length.

Choose fabrics like cotton or cotton-linen for a better feel, and definitely opt for an open collar (Cuban collar) for a more casual look.

Pay attention to the design of the hem of your clothes. Some, like long-sleeved shirts, can make the garment too long. For these, consider tucking the hem into your pants, as shown in the picture above. This will raise your waistline and make you appear taller.

If you find basic styles too boring, then why not be bolder and try a more casual and fashionable Hawaiian short-sleeved shirt? Hawaiian shirts are characterized by patterns featuring tropical plants, fruits, birds, and islands. You can also choose synthetic fibers that are thin, smooth, and cool to the touch.

Short-sleeved shirts can be layered as outerwear to enhance the overall look and create a stylish outfit. For those seeking coolness, they can also be worn alone. After all, layering is a bit impractical in the hot southern summers without air conditioning.

A styling tip: When wearing striped, plaid, or all-over print shirts, use a solid color to neutralize the somewhat overwhelming patterns or plaids, making the overall look more harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Reference styles for short-sleeved shirts:

6. Pants

①. Five-quarter pants

In the sweltering summer heat, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pants is a super cool and refreshing mini skirt—not mid-length shorts, of course! Boldly show off your sexy leg hair!

Buy some decent-looking baggy pants, otherwise your girlfriend won't even want to wear them. Here's a key point: when choosing capri pants, pay close attention to the style; avoid these kinds ↓

Styles that are too fitted or too loose, overly exaggerated pockets, overly patterned designs (only suitable for everyday wear like beach trips, please don't touch them), patterns without any design sense, and eye-catching letters (which will draw people's attention to indescribable things)—can ordinary people look good wearing these out in everyday life?

And forget about 7/8 length pants. When choosing 5/8 length pants, pay attention to the length and leg width. I've mentioned the length many times, but people still make this mistake: too long and you'll look shorter, too short and you'll look effeminate.

Especially short, fitted, and made of thin fabric = that's exactly what "gay" means to you.

The most basic requirement for acceptable 5/6 length pants is that they should not exceed the knee. Since Asians don't all have long legs like European and American models, it's recommended that those with shorter legs wear pants that end 5-10 centimeters above the knee. Exposing the knee will create a more harmonious visual effect. If you really feel that your legs are too thin and long, you can lower them slightly to the middle of the knee.

Pay attention to the size of your pants: This is because some people have thin legs, and some have thick legs. If you have thin legs, avoid pants that are too fitted, as this will attract envy and jealousy from other girls. If they hate you, you can forget about getting them to like you. Don't try to hide it with baggy pants; it will only make things worse. A good fit is the priority.

Boys with thick legs shouldn't try to hide it by wearing fitted pants. The pant legs can be slightly wider (but not so wide that the bottom of the pant leg is wider than your shoulders). For the fabric, you can choose something like thicker cargo shorts. If you have short legs or aren't in good shape, it's generally recommended to wear long pants whenever possible.

Regarding the fabric of the trousers

If you're worried about lint and don't want to deal with it, avoid black pure cotton pants. If you really love the softness and comfort of pure cotton, consider khaki, gray, or gray-green pure cotton pants; these lighter colors won't show lint as noticeably. Twill cotton fabric is more breathable and absorbent, and looks more luxurious, making it ideal for pants, although it wrinkles more easily.

Linen fabric also has excellent breathability, but its downside is that it wrinkles easily. However, the wrinkles look quite natural (though they can easily look sloppy if not worn properly), and it has a strong casual feel.

Seersucker is made of polyester. After being machine-pressed, its surface has an uneven, bubble-like texture, giving it a strong three-dimensional feel. It doesn't cling to the body when worn, is wrinkle-resistant, and offers excellent coolness and a crisp, structured look. It's commonly used in jackets and shirts. While seersucker pants are relatively rare on the market, they're still a stylish option for cool guys in the summer.

Five-quarter length pants should ideally have a structured feel when worn. Avoid buying those made of soft, pure cotton like a T-shirt, as they tend to look like underwear/sweatpants/pajamas.

Reference styles for 5-point pants:

②. Trousers

Long pants include denim trousers and casual trousers. Denim trousers are a very versatile item for men, belonging to the essential basic category. They can be worn in all seasons. In summer, they can be paired with striped T-shirts or contrasting colors for a rugged, stylish, and handsome look.

When choosing denim shorts, avoid overly fitted styles, as they look outdated and unfashionable in the 2020s. If you don't really like cropped denim shorts, you can opt for plain-weave cropped shorts in the same color family. Crop shorts have a somewhat rustic, rural feel and are difficult to pull off, requiring some color-matching skills.

Tight-fitting pants are definitely out of the question; honestly, anyone who wears tight pants out in public will get their girlfriend mad. Overly baggy pants are also a no-go. Most importantly, unless you have long legs and a model's nine-head-tall figure, wearing them will make you look like a giant sweet potato walking down the street...

Especially for boys with unflattering leg shapes like bowlegs or knock-knees, the idea that wearing loose-fitting pants will cover up and improve their leg shape can easily backfire.

In summer, men's pants should have a good balance of fit and comfort. Those with slim legs can choose a fitted style, while those with thicker legs or less-than-ideal leg shapes can opt for slightly looser straight-leg jeans.

For example, you can order 1-2 sizes up and take them to be altered for the length (most jeans are manufactured with a default length that is longer than expected). For summer jeans, the ideal length is just to the top of the shoes. You can also roll up the cuffs to create a visually layered look and make them appear more streamlined.

Here are some basic denim jeans to rock color blocking this summer: light blue, sky blue, turquoise, dark blue, dark gray, and raw denim are all great choices ↓

Casual trousers

Like jeans, avoid casual trousers with unusual styles and exaggerated cuts. A messy design and excessive wrinkles make them look sloppy and make you look like a sweet potato when standing and like a rowing boat when walking.

Just imagine how these models look with filters and carefully chosen angles; how disastrous would it be for ordinary people in real life? Please forgive my lack of fashion sense...

Of course, aesthetics are subjective, and there's nothing wrong with liking this trend, but... ↓