Now that it’s officially spring and the snow is melting away, it’s time to start shopping for the new season and toss those hideous winter sweaters and sweatpants aside. Everyone wants to look fresh and clean for the summer, and honestly, it’s not that hard. The problem is finding pieces that are worth the investment. You don’t want to dig a hole in your wallet for a new look, but you don’t want to buy something just because it’s cheap. Everything you purchase should be a worthwhile investment. Of course this isn’t always going to be the case. Sometimes it’s good to splurge and spoil yourself a little, but why not save where you can? It may be hard to find affordable clothing that’s also high quality at the same time – but it’s not impossible. Gentlemen, we’ve got you covered from head to toe for your summer clothing. Keep reading if you want to find out what to wear without wearing out your bank account this season.

The Essentials
Let’s start with the necessities: undergarments. Microfiber is a fine synthetic yarn and it’s often the material of choice when it comes to underwear. Not only is the soft texture comfortable against the skin, but it’s also very breathable. This is great for the warm weather because, well, we all get sweaty and microfiber is known to wick away moisture quickly. It also has elasticity to it, but it doesn’t stretch out over time; they’re made to last. Calvin Klein has an assortment of 100% microfiber underwear in every colour you can imagine and they cost about $35. There’s bound to be a colour that suits your taste!
The Basics

Next, we have the basic wardrobe staples: basic tees. These simple pieces make it effortless to put an outfit together in under a minute while still looking summertime fine. G-Star’s classic collection includes t-shirts that hug your body and this is absolutely perfect for those of you that work out and want to show off that body. Even if you don’t work out, it accentuates your natural build. These shirts are available in v-neck and crewneck, your two best friends for the season. You have the option of a thicker material for chillier days or a light cotton material for the warmer summer days. They range from $25-$50 depending on the pattern and material, what a steal! I’d pick one up in every colour if I were you; you can never have too many! The quality is amazing and it lasts through several washes without losing its shape. Solid colours are best if you’re going for a crisp and clean look, or pick up some patterned ones for a more fun-filled beach vibe.

Beach Wear

So we’ve got your undergarments covered, and we’ve got your basic shirts. Now we get to the exciting part – what to wear to the beach! Swim trunks are the obvious choice here. But even so, there are so many styles. G-Star carries knee length swim shorts that also have pockets, which is great so your phone and your wallet aren’t lying in the sand while you’re playing beach volleyball and whatnot. Diesel carries swimwear for men that runs on the shorter side. If you work out your legs, you might want to give these a try to show off those leg muscles. G-Star and Diesel’s swimwear costs an average of $75 and they will last you forever because of the high-grade material. You can wear them multiple times, wash them, and they’ll still look new. While at the beach, you may want to go for a beater as opposed to a v-neck. Check out Jack & Jones for loose tanks that are breezy and available in a wide variety of colours and patterns. And finally, don’t forget your sandals! You can find high end but still inexpensive footwear from Diesel. Men’s sandals start at $35 and it will last you the entire season – and maybe next season too!
You want what’s best for your wallet but sometimes inexpensive also means crappy quality that will lose its shape or colour after the first wash. As you can see, it’s possible to find high-end items without spending a fortune – and there’s no beating high end and affordable. This summer, push your limits and broaden your horizon. Step out of your comfort zone and pick out something that doesn’t fall into the category of what you would normally wear. You’ll be surprised at what you discover. Hopefully these tips will make your next shopping trip a lot easier. Happy shopping!
Written by Julie L.