The business casual market is expected to value US$1091.75 billion by 2030. From breathable fabrics to versatile colours and smart layering, business casual men summer collections break free from the monotony of traditional office attire and embrace a style that’s both comfortable and professional.
Business casual men summer. Image: Zegna Spring Summer 2025
During the summer, business casual for men typically includes chinos, lightweight dress pants, polo shirts and short-sleeve button-up shirts in lightweight fabrics. Suits may be replaced with unstructured blazers to maintain a polished look without sacrificing comfort.
In warm weather, striking the right balance between professionalism and comfort is crucial. A well-curated summer business casual look should communicate competence without compromising on personal comfort. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen help prevent overheating while maintaining a polished look. Choose colours wisely—preferably lighter shades—as it contributes to a professional look with a summer vibe.Fashion brands have significantly shaped summer business casual trends by encouraging the use of innovative fabrics and modern design as per the season’s requirements.
Collaborations between luxury and streetwear labels have led to casual elements—like relaxed fits and vibrant patterns—being integrated into business attire. These influences encourage versatility, allowing professional attire to feel fresh and aligned with contemporary trends, redefining the boundaries of acceptable summer business casual wear.
Understanding business casual men summer
The term “business casual” might appear to be a recent development but its origins date back several decades. In the 1960s, as American corporate culture began to evolve, companies started introducing “Casual Fridays” as a means to enhance employee morale. This shift marked a departure from the stringent, formal attire that had been previously mandated.
Business casual men summer. Prada Spring Summer 2024
The tech boom in Silicon Valley introduced a more relaxed attitude towards workplace dress, paving the way for what we now identify as business casual. As workplace dynamics changed in the 1980s and 1990s, organisations sought to attract younger talent, leading business casual attire to spread across sectors—from technology to creative industries—shaping our work culture. However, business casual remains one of the most commonly misunderstood dress codes, as it requires a delicate balance between professionalism and comfort. Whether preparing for an office environment, a networking event, or a business lunch, knowing how to assemble an appropriate business casual look is key.
Traditional business casual revolves around heavier fabrics and formal silhouettes like tailored trousers, dress shirts and wooden blazers. In contrast, summer business casual prioritises comfort and breathability, utilising lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen, and allowing for relaxed fits and short-sleeved options. While traditional attire leans towards darker or muted colour palettes, summer business casual embraces lighter shades, reflecting the season’s relaxed ethos while still maintaining an air of professionalism.
In summer, the choice of fabric influences comfort and style, with breathable materials like linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking blends being preferred to keep cool during warm temperatures. The fit of summer business casual attire also plays a crucial role; looser silhouettes allow for better airflow and movement. Additionally, colour choices enhance the overall aesthetic—lighter and brighter shades create a refreshing look. Together, these elements create a polished comfortable summer business casual look that balances professionalism with the need to remain cool.
Business casual men summer. Image: Hugo BOSS Holiday campaign
Business Casual Men Summer Guide
1. Lightweight Shirts
| Types | Polo shirts, linen button-downs, breathable cotton shirts. |
| Recommended Brands | Ralph Lauren (classic styles), Uniqlo (modern essentials), Everlane (sustainable options), Brooks Brothers (timeless style). |
| Pro Tip | Explore Uniqlo’s Airism collection for materials designed for summer breathability. |
2. Chinos
| Types | Slim-fit chinos, lightweight wool trousers, dressy drawstring pants. |
| Recommended Brands | Bonobos (excellent summer-weight chinos), Lululemon ABC pants (modern twist on business casual), J.Crew (stylish and versatile options). |
| Pro Tip | Bonobos’ summer-weight chinos are breathable and tailored for a great fit. |
3. Breathable Blazers & Outerwear
| Types | Linen and cotton-blend blazers in unstructured silhouettes for easy movement and style. |
| Recommended Brands | Hugo Boss (high-quality blazers), SuitSupply (exceptional summer blazers), Ted Baker(British-inspired business casual looks). |
| Pro Tip | SuitSupply’s linen blazers are perfect for warm-weather meetings. |
4. Business Casual Footwear
| Types | Loafers, suede derby shoes. |
| Recommended Brands | Cole Haan (stylish and comfortable options), Allen Edmonds (classic, high-quality styles). |
| Pro Tip | Cole Haan’s GrandPro Sneakers offer work-appropriate style and comfort, ideal for casual Fridays or creative offices. |
5. Layers & Accessories
| Types | Lightweight blazers that can be removed in warm conditions while maintaining a polished look. |
| Fabrics | Prioritize breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking blends. |
| Accessorizing | Keep it minimal—consider a leather belt, wristwatch, or silk neck scarf for a subtle yet stylish touch. |
Business casual men summer: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
✅ Choose lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking blends that keeps the wearer cool.
✅ Tailored pieces provide a polished look while allowing for ease of movement, perfect for summer days.
✅ Select simple, timeless accessories such as a quality leather belt and a minimalist watch.
✅ Embrace light pastels and subtle patterns to keep the look fresh.
✅ Choose comfortable, stylish shoes that elevate the look such as loafers.
Don’ts:
❌Steer clear of flip-flops, tank tops, and cargo shorts, which can undermine the business casual tone.
Avoid clothes that are too tight or loose; instead, choose items that are tailored to your body.
A well-groomed appearance is essential, as it complements the business casual attire.
While patterns can be fun, steer clear of bold designs that could take away from a professional look.
Stay away from heavy, dark materials that trap heat and makes the wearer uncomfortable.
Notable fashion collaborations in business casual men summer
Uniqlo x Jil Sander
This collaboration between Uniqlo, a pioneer in affordable high-quality basics, and Italian maison Jil Sander, offers the best of minimalistic design and premium fabrics. The co-created lightweight shirts, trousers and blazers reflect a chic, effortless elegance. Crafted from high-quality materials, each piece is characterised by its simple silhouettes and attention to detail, ensuring the wearer looks polished and feels comfortable.
Todd Snyder x Timex
When American fashion designer Todd Snyder and legendary watch brand Timex teamed up, they created timeless watches that complement the business casual aesthetic of today’s modern man. From sleek leather strap watches to adventurous nylon options, each model showcases Todd Snyder’s signature aesthetic and expertise while paying homage to Timex’s rich history. This partnership brings together fashion and function, ensuring you’ll never go wrong with a stylish timepiece that completes the business casual ensemble.
Theory x Lucas Ossendrijver
Lucas Ossendrijver’s vision for Dior Men infuses Theory’s designs with the sophistication you’d expect from a high-end label, while maintaining a practical focus on comfort. The resulting collection features high-quality fabrics, precise tailoring, and thoughtful details, ensuring you’re stylish and at ease in the office. With this collaboration, you’ll experience summer business casual like never before, where form and function coalesce into a refined, put-together appearance.
Where to shop for business casual men summer
Building a summer business casual wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. Retailers like H&M, Uniqlo, and Mango make it easy to stay stylish and professional without overspending. H&M’s business casual line features trendy pieces at unbeatable prices, while Uniqlo is known for its high-quality, functional clothing that’s perfect for warm weather. Mango brings a touch of European chic to the table.
When investing in high-quality, mid-range pieces, Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Bonobos are excellent choices. Banana Republic’s professional attire is versatile and chic, suitable for office environments. J.Crew’s classic American style with a twist provides a unique touch to a business casual wardrobe. Bonobos, known for its perfectly fitted trousers and stylish tops, offers a modern take on traditional business wear. These brands provide a solid foundation for a versatile and stylish summer wardrobe.
Business casual men summer. Image: Zegna Spring Summer 2025
For those seeking luxury and high-end quality, Hugo Boss, Zegna, and Brunello Cucinelli are among the top destinations. These brands offer exquisite craftsmanship, premium materials, and timeless designs that elevate any business casual ensemble. Hugo Boss is renowned for its sophisticated, modern tailoring, while Zegna brings Italian luxury to the forefront with its impeccable suits and separates. Brunello Cucinelli’s understated approach results in pieces that are elegant and comfortable. Investing in luxury items from these brands ensures a superior quality wardrobe that makes them a worthwhile investment for professionals who value style and excellence.
Conclusion
In navigating summer business casual for men, it’s essential to prioritise breathable fabrics, versatile colours, and smart layering to maintain comfort and professionalism. Opting for lightweight materials like cottons and linens can help keep the wearer cool while a cohesive colour palette allows for easy mixing and matching of pieces. Smart layering, such as lightweight blazers, add a polished touch without compromising on comfort. Dressing appropriately for the workplace reflects professionalism and enhances confidence. So, investing in business casual essentials this summer is crucial; these pieces will elevate your style but also ensure you feel comfortable and put-together throughout the warmer months.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
