Beyond Bermuda Shorts: A Basic Guide for Men Who Want to Dress Well This Summer

BarcelonaI propose an observation exercise. Look for a man of indeterminate age on the street wearing a dark, often faded T-shirt, a dull shirt, Bermuda shorts that have seen better days, and flip-flops that look like they're from another era. If the individual is young, he's probably wearing neutral sneakers from an internationally recognized brand with ankle socks. Have you seen any? I'm sure you have. Perhaps you fit the description yourself. It's an unwritten but easily identifiable law: a masculine visual code that repeats itself every summer like an unofficial uniform.

A great aesthetic void

When the thermometer rises and there is no imposed dress code—neither for work nor for a special occasion—men's style tends to disappear. In fact, it seems lazily written. Layers fall away, and sometimes so does the desire to dress with purpose. In offices, the air conditioning tries to bring order to a general aesthetic chaos that is often (mis)labeled as Casual Friday. On the beaches, on the terraces, in the streets... the ensemble triumphs antilookA kind of laziness that some experts believe has more meaning. "Many men don't just renounce clothing, but also any kind of aesthetic narrative," observes editor and art director Carlos Marán, who argues that fashion can be thoughtful, functional, and comfortable at the same time, without falling into monotony. "The 'I love summer' discourse ends when you're a man wearing a shirt on the subway in 38-degree heat," he adds ironically. But that, he says, doesn't justify lowering the bar: "The pleasure of dressing can also exist in the heat."

The roots of the problem

Stylist Patricia Gutiérrez points out that the way traditional masculinity has been constructed has greatly limited freedom of expression through style. "Labels like metrosexual either feminized "They've left their mark. Not only do they generate insecurity, but they've also placed functionality above aesthetic pleasure, as if enjoying clothes were incompatible with being a man," he reflects. Therefore, he argues that "we need to start seeing dressing not as something superficial, but as a form of expression."

Thinking Mu, a brand committed to creative dressing, points to another key factor: the lack of inspiring styles with which people identify. "Often, the styles they see are liked, but they feel distant or inaccessible," says Marta Iglesias, marketing director of the Barcelona-based label. Added to this is a consumer driven by a sense of security: "It's easier to buy a piece you know you'll wear many times than to take a risk with a trend, even if you really like it."

Carlos Maran sums it up this way: "It's not a question of interest, but of the message you intentionally choose to project. A man wearing Comme des Garçons sweatpants and a cotton T-shirt is making a statement of intent. He says he's comfortable, that he likes the design, and that he steals the message; he values some quality."

Unlimited supply, limited aesthetics

Added to this context is a commercial offering that often doesn't accompany us either. The panorama within the men's section of many stores is monochrome, homogeneous, and repetitive: an amalgamation of basics that seem cloned. The absence of a single item is also striking. Furthermore, the contrast with women's fashion is notable: while women have a more diverse wardrobe—with silhouettes, colors, textures, and accessories of all kinds—men repeatedly resort to the same old elements.

Marta Iglesias of Thinking Mu agrees. She points out that the very nature of summer pieces—lighter and simpler—makes innovation difficult, but also opens up an interesting challenge. "To change this, we would have to broaden our perspective on pattern making. That way, men could experiment without fear of being judged."

Fortunately, all is not lost. New generations are more open to playing with clothes, trying out textures, or introducing small stylistic gestures. This shift in mentality has also led to the emergence of brands seeking to redefine the masculine visual code and offer real alternatives.

Changing the rules of the game

In our country, there are also fashion projects that embrace a fresher approach to menswear. "Our collection is very colorful, with prints reminiscent of natural landscapes seen from different perspectives, T-shirts with classics like chiringuito and gildas, and fabrics that emulate Mediterranean textures," explains Iglesias. His approach emphasizes detail and character: "We're constantly looking for new fibers and techniques to make each piece unique."

From the Pompeii brand they defend another sensitivity: what they call refined streetwear, a fusion of classic and casual aesthetics. "Basics can be very powerful if they're well made," says Jandro Tapiolas, content manager. "With good materials, thoughtful patterns, and soulful design, you can dress stylishly without looking like a costume."

For its part, Arrels Barcelona is a brand that uses art as its hallmark. Specializing in printed shirts, they collaborate with international artists to give each garment character and uniqueness. "Our collections have a lot of personality," acknowledges Javier Llaudet, co-founder of the brand. Their audience? Men aged 30 to 55, lovers of art, culture, and travel. And yes, also open to daring. "I would say that in summer there are more risks than in winter. More and more people are daring with fun and cheerful prints," he notes.

To explore these alternative paths, Carlos Marán recommends looking to the local scene. He invites us to discover platforms like 080 Barcelona Fashion, where very diverse sensibilities coexist: "From the minimalist dandy of Scorpio and Lemachet to the fanciful hedonism of Victor von Schwarz and Outsiders Division." He also highlights new names like Guillermo Justicia and Rubearth, who embody a younger, more fluid, and unapologetic masculinity.

Beyond brands and designers, Marán detects a change of pace. "It's not a question of a lack of risk, but rather a reflection of an industry that's coming out of a deep emotional hangover," he notes. "But now fashion has entered a phase of re-love and is once again dreaming, experimenting, and seeking creative solutions." In this scenario, menswear is in full swing: "Imagination is profitable again." There's also room for everyone: "From the man who values the details to those who just want to dress well to face any Tuesday."

Aesthetic Survival Manual

Dressing well in summer shouldn't be about chasing an oasis in the desert. It takes judgment, intention, and some good decisions to create a good look. look Summery. "You don't need more, but you do need to choose better," recalls Patricia Gutiérrez.

Linen shirts, well-cut t-shirts, structured Bermuda shorts, or a good pair of loafers can make all the difference. "They're versatile pieces that adapt to any situation," explains Patricia Gutiérrez. According to the stylist, accessories—sunglasses, watches, bracelets—elevate any outfit.

All eyes should be on the silhouette you choose. "Not too wide, not too tight," says Gutiérrez: "Finding the right cut stylizes the figure and makes the look "works effortlessly."

Organic cotton, linen, viscose... they're pleasant to the touch, allow the body to breathe, and add texture. Carlos Marán insists: "Observe how you react to the heat with pieces that allow you to move naturally."

There's no need to embrace fuchsia or lemon yellow if it doesn't suit you. There are more subtle shades that work very well: browns, greens, blues... that add personality without being too loud. "Soft tones are a very elegant and easy-to-match option," says Gutiérrez.

Loose-fitting clothes are more flattering than we think and are comfortable to wear. Plus, they can be combined with looser or tighter clothing to balance the outfit.

Less influencers that follow absurd trends and more auteur cinema that often opts for classic combinations that never go out of style. Carlos Marán suggests taking inspiration from classics such as The Great Beauty, Call Me by Your Name, Parthenope or any style of Queer".

One look Summer shouldn't be extreme, but it should be coherent. Whether it's a white T-shirt or a bold print, everything communicates. Stop and think about why you chose it or what you want to convey to others. Every detail counts.