17 things every guy needs in his closet for summer

Since it's the hottest season of the year for most regions, dressing for summer is about more than just looking good. It's important to choose the right fabrics to feel good, too.

Linen shirts, lightweight fabrics, and no-show socks are all things you can wear to avoid feeling too constricted.

Here are the 17 clothing items every man needs for summer.

A pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.

When the sun starts to get serious, it's time to protect your eyes.

J.Crew came out with a line of sunglasses last year, and there's a look for everyone.

J.Crew ($198 - $118)

Chino shorts beat out cargo shorts any day of the week.

Ditch the cargo shorts — chino shorts just look so much better, and they have a much more flattering silhouette.

We recommend you grab a pair that hits above the knee (nine inches or shorter inseam) with a hint of stretch for additional comfort.

J.Crew ($65)

Likewise, elastic shorts beat out jorts.

For more casual times (think: Sunday brunch) don't reach for the jean shorts.

Instead, consider a pair of elastic shorts. They're not quite sweat shorts, but they're not quite chino shorts, either — they rest in the nebulous, comfortable in-between area.

Thery're also extremely comfortable — perfect for lazing around on the weekend.

Uniqlo ($15)

Summer means swimming, so make sure you're prepared.

Swim trunks are often overlooked until the moment you need them.

Don't let that happen again this year, and buy a stylish pair of trunks way before you're headed to the beach. Stripes and color blocking can add interest, but the real thing to watch out for is length.

Long swim trunks always look awkward. Aim for ones that hit about mid-thigh.

Club Monaco ($90)

Lightweight chinos will keep you cool.

Loath as we are to admit it, there are times when you're going to need to wear long pants.

Lightweight chinos will make those times all the more bearable.

Brooks Brothers ($60)

Hawaiian shirts are hot right now.

It's true that Hawaiian-style shirts have been popular for a while now. They're cool, fun, and undeniably perfect for summer.

Hop on the bandwagon with a safe take on the trend, like this one from Old Navy that has a bold print on a muted background. Since it's just a fun tongue-in-cheek item, you can go cheap here.

Old Navy ($27)

Loafer socks can get you the sockless look without the stink.

Taft ($20)

A fun T-shirt for when it's just too hot for anything else.

You know those hot summer days: As soon as you leave the house, you instantly become a sweaty mess.

But plain T-shirts can get boring after a while, so try mixing it up with a fun pattern. Stripes are a classic summer look, and they have a great history in menswear.

Uniqlo ($15)

A polo shirt to keep it casual.

If you don't have a nice polo shirt to pull out of your closet in case of a heat emergency, it's time to invest in one.

This Theory version isn't cheap, but you can't beat its casual-cool look. There are endless options — find one that speaks to you.

Theory ($85)

A high-quality linen shirt is a godsend in hot weather.

Though linen has a reputation for being scratchy and uncomfortable, it's worth it to have something lightweight in hot weather.

A high-quality linen blend, like this one from Uniqlo, is the best of both worlds. It's not scratchy, and it's extremely light but durable. As a bonus, it's work-appropriate.

Uniqlo ($30)

A patterned nylon watch strap to jazz up your watch rotation.

Leather is so heavy and sweaty in the summer. Look summer-ready with a NATO watch strap, which will instantly give your whole outfit a more casual, laid-back vibe.

They're available in virtually every color and pattern under the sun, so they can go with whatever summer wardrobe you're working with.

NATO Watch Straps ($14)

A cotton belt will give your outfit a summery look.

Leather is for winter — cotton is for summer.

Dress down with a cotton belt, which elicits the carefree, seafaring attitude of summer havens like Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.

J. Crew ($30)

Sandals are necessary for the beach.

While some prefer the ease of flip-flops, we prefer the structure of sandals when we head to the beach.

Birkenstocks ($120)

White low-top shoes are a summer staple.

It's no secret that white shoes are the new thing to wear when the weather gets a little nicer.

That means you should get a pair. The basketball-inspired new white shoe by Maine-based moccasin manufacturer Rancourt hits the perfect sweet spot between price, quality, and style.

Rancourt ($260)

Boat shoes are over — get some grown-up moccasins instead.

Ditch your sweaty boat shoes for the more refined look of a blucher moccasin.

It's not a far cry from its seafaring cousin, but it's definitely an upgrade. L.L. Bean has a great pair in its signature line.

L.L. Bean ($99)

A suit in a lightweight fabric will provide some much-needed relief from the heat.

Whether it's for a wedding or an office day job, sometimes you just need to wear a suit in the summer. Don't reach for that heavy woolen thing when you can get one in a summer-friendly fabric like linen.

As a bonus, the jacket from a suit like this would make a great blazer when the time calls for that.

J.Crew ($168)

For weekend getaways, you're going to need a decent duffel.

Our favorite is from Everlane — it's the perfect size, with a great strap that can go either over the shoulder or in your hands.

It's not too expensive, either. You'll likely get years of use out of it.

Everlane ($98)