Buying Guide: June
Every month this summer I’ll be recommending 15–20 things to buy this month. It can range from menswear to grooming products, to new apps to try, or anything that seems worthwhile or will make your life a bit easier.
I know, I know. June is almost over. Bare with me here. Even as the month’s wrapping up, let’s think about what you’ll need to thrive this summer.
Let’s start with some out-there swim trunks
Embrace that 5.5" inseam and show-off those thighs. Ignore your hesitations about their frat-boy fanbase and snag a pair of their wild print-patterned shorts.
A rugby shirt that works in the summer
Rugby shirts are typically a heavier weight and long sleeved. This version from Wallace & Barnes is the inverse. They don’t have their own store but do have a page dedicated to them on J. Crew. Check ’em out.
A funky denim button-down shirt
Don’t just get any denim shirt or jacket this summer. Grab this distressed double front pocket shirt with a sweet design on the back. It’ll help you stand out in a crowd for all the right reasons.
A pair of almost white chinos
Heavier weight chinos are not the route to go this summer. Get yourself some lighter weight pants in a light khaki or almost stone color. Dark khaki is meant for boarding school kids in the dead of winter.
An actual pair of white chinos
These are perfect for a date night, concert in the park, or even paired with a linen blazer for a summer wedding. Just make sure you’ve got a tide to-do white pen, or some good detergent because as you know they’ll get dingy.
A tie that screams “summer wedding”
Speaking of weddings, get yourself a tie that’s more extra than a simple stripe or paisley. Bold floral prints paired with a white or light blue shirt. Dazi has an amazing collection of very flamboyant to very simple floral ties. Also, check out The Tie Bar for any of your tie needs. No need to break the bank on one.
Loafers your grandpa would be proud of
Ditch your boat shoes from college and upgrade to a suede penny loafer. It’s versatile with almost any look. Shorts, jeans, chinos, you name it and it should work well.
Quick Tip: If you go sock-less, an easy way to keep them from smelling funky is to lay a dryer sheet on the sole and some crumpled up newspaper. The newspaper absorbs any moisture, and the dryer sheet leaves them with a fresher smell.
A short-sleeved sweater
For when you’re feeling indecisive on how intense the A/C will be in your office on Friday. While you could wear these with jeans, I’d stay towards keeping it paired with a nicer chino. Keeps you from looking too dressed down.
An ethically-made cotton sweatshirt
Cool summer nights always call for a lightweight, comfy and warm sweatshirt. Plus, Everlane gives you all the details on where and how their clothes are made. Check it out here.
A hat to wear all summer
Hurley has a whole collection of national park hats, but what I really love about this hat is the mesh siding that adds breathability. Perfect for hot days at the pool, hiking, or when you’re hungover on the couch all day.
Fresh running shoes
You’ve been pounding the treadmill at your gym all winter. Running specialists say you should replace shoes after running 200–400 miles. If you go to the gym 3–4 times a week and run around 2 miles each workout, you’ve blasted past 200 miles in 6 months. Time to upgrade.
Or running shoes that look like classic Jordans
Maybe you have a little Hypebeast inside you that wants a running shoe with a little more flash. They don’t have all the bells and whistles of the newer Nike running shoes, but not everyone needs that.
Paired with liner-less running shorts
Sticking with Nike, grab a pair of the liner-less shorts. I’ve had mixed results with their running/training shorts with a liner in them. So avoid it all together with their awesome shorts with the 7" inseam.
Athletic socks with a throwback feel
Every guy is already wearing the white socks with the Nike swoosh on the side. Switch it up with some old-school flair.
A disposable grill
This blows my mind. Grill everything you need, and then dump it in a bonfire. Totally safe, and incredibly genius. Perfect for those wild beach day parties that go from “darty to narty” (for the older folks that’s day-party to night-party).
What are you getting to prep for the summer? Maybe it’ll be featured in the July buying guide. Who knows…
