Summer is fast approaching, and it’s almost time to shove on the OOO and hit the airport. Whether you’re going for a cultured city break, an active hiking adventure, or a lazy beach-side restoration session (it should be this one), you’ll want to look good while you’re there.
To help you do just that we’ve pulled together a list of brands with the best High Summer collections this year so you don’t have to look too hard to be completely kitted out. You’re welcome.
I have two criteria for a summer travel wardrobe: it has to fit in hand luggage, and it has to be as versatile as possible so I don’t have to go back to my digs between afternoon cocktails and evening, well, cocktails if I don’t want to.
The collections from these brands will allow you to mix high and low, poolside and restaurant, with absolute ease. All that’s left will be to choose your drink.
Sunspel
For my money no brand does staples better than Sunspel. Its Classic T-shirt has been around for about 100 years and is still the best on the market, but it’s the Riviera Polo which covers all the bases for summer.
The unique cotton mesh fabric used was invented by the brand in the 1950s and allows heat to escape freely for utmost comfort.
Again, it’s versatile: that breathability is perfect for the heat of the afternoon; the tailored fit and sharp collar are smart enough for the evening.
It’s even recently released a relaxed summer tailoring collection so those who want maximum shopping efficiency can get everything in one go.
Frescobol Carioca
Where better to go for summer wardrobe inspiration than Brazil? Frescobol Carioca’s collections are all infused with the carefree elegance of the Copacabana, making them summer-perfect. Soft linens and bold prints are the brand’s wheelhouse, but it also does a great line of swimwear.
Its High Summer collection this year has a great mix of vibrant shirts in linen and silk, complemented by matching shorts, as well as an exceptional Ivory Linen Double-Breasted Jacket to raise the whole look up when you need to.
It’ll guarantee you Brazilian style, but sadly not the beach football skills to match.
Pal Zileri
You might not think of an Italian tailoring house as an obvious stop for a summer resort wardrobe, but a recent change in the creative direction of Pal Zileri has seen it rapidly become a fresh, contemporary choice for elevated-yet-relaxed outfits.
This season in particular it has some great pleated shorts which will be comfy and casual enough for the beach but formal enough for the evening when you chuck a jacket on top.
Pair them with a polo or a linen shirt to complete an all-day look.
Crockett & Jones
Men’s shoes were pretty much perfected in Northampton centuries ago, so it makes sense we turn to one of the city’s most famous exports for summer footwear.
The new collection of light, unlined suede loafers from Crockett & Jones comes in classic summer colours, is flexible so they won’t become uncomfortable as your feet warm up through the day, and are designed to give grip on damp yacht decks as well as withstand the coarseness of strolling through fine sand.
Subtle enough to nicely contrast a punchy shirt or complement a more reserved look.
Orlebar Brown
It’s still important to look good at the beach, so quality swimwear is a keystone of summer packing – step forward, Orlebar Brown.
The brand was originally created in response to the founder’s need for swimming trunks which looked smart and still performed their main function well, and has kept that concept at the core of its offering since.
The 2025 versions of its iconic Bulldog shorts include some pretty striking prints, like the Paeonia pictured at the start of this article with matching shirt, but there are more subdued pairs for the less adventurous as well.
Whichever you choose, the addition of sartorial details like side adjusters will allow you to feel and look tailored even when cooling off in the water.
Reef
Cold beer but nothing to open it? Never fear, your flip-flop is here…!
Well, it is if you pick up a pair of Reef’s iconic Fanning Sandal. This June, Reef is celebrating the 20th anniversary of this iconic footwear staple – a fusion of surf culture and ingenious design.
Introduced in 2005 and inspired by pro surfer Mick Fanning, the sandal gained fame for its unique built-in bottle opener on the sole, making it a beach essential.
Beyond its novelty, the Fanning boasts a synthetic nubuck upper, padded liner, compression-molded footbed, and a heel airbag for superior comfort.
Crack one open, kick back, and let your sandals do the hard work.
From £55-£70, reefsandals.co.uk
MOSCOT
New York brand MOSCOT have been making sunglasses for over 100 years and even if you don’t know the name you’ll have seen a pair – everyone from cinematic royalty (John Malkovich) to actual royalty (King Charles) wears them.
Its iconic LEMTOSH frames are the monarch’s frame of choice, but it has styles to suit all faces and each pair shares the same quality of construction and attention to detail of the best sellers.
Its four stores in London can even sort you out with a prescription pair on-site, should you need them. We like to make things easy for you.
Carl Friedrik
I’ve said before on squaremile.com that your luggage should look as good as the rest of you. I’ve also said at the top of this page that I only do hand luggage for my summer travels.
Lucky then that Carl Friedrik this year released a collaboration with Atlassian Williams Racing which happens to have the most icy-cool carry-on you’ll find this summer. It’s superbly light and agile, the crisp white-with-blue-accent styling looks great in the sunshine, and it even does spacious backpacks and weekenders, which will hold your last few items and can usually be counted as your under-seat bag.
Two weeks in the sun, if you pack sensibly, will easily fit in one of these.
Vilebrequin
If you do have a little extra room in your luggage, it could make sense to pack a gadget to enjoy by the beach. Tropezian brand Vilebrequin, usually known for its trunks and beachwear, have released a fun collaboration with Sublue, makers of underwater scooters.
Two small propellers and easy-to-grip handles will allow you to zip about underwater for up to an hour, while the smartphone/camera mount will allow you to capture video of everything you see under the water for posterity.
If you already enjoy snorkelling or diving, this will enhance the experience by adding speed and agility to your time beneath the waves, as well as protecting your tech while you get those all-important social-worthy shots.
Because in 2025, did you even go on holiday if the world didn’t see the stories?
