What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: The Modern Men's Style Guide

Summer weddings are back — and so is the question every man asks when that invite hits the mailbox: What do I wear? Whether it’s a chic garden wedding, a barefoot beach ceremony, or a more formal countryside affair, dressing well (and smart) for warm weather is key. At NØLSON, we’re here to help you stay sharp, cool, and confident all day long — without sacrificing comfort.

The Key to Summer Wedding Style? Fabric.

Let’s start with the most important tip: fabric matters. Breathability and fit are everything when the temperatures rise — and your outfit choice should work with the heat, not against it. That’s why we offer three types of high-quality shirts designed for summer wear:

1. Linen Shirts – Relaxed, breathable, and effortlessly elegant

If the wedding is outdoors, coastal, or has a more relaxed dress code, a linen shirt is your best friend. Lightweight and airy, linen lets your skin breathe while giving off a refined, European flair. Our Lindo collection — made with 55% linen and 45% cotton — offers the perfect mix of structure and softness, ideal for warm weather events.

Style tip: Pair a light linen shirt in white or beige with tailored trousers or chinos and loafers. Go open collar for beach weddings or add a blazer for a more elevated look.

2. Cotton Shirts – Timeless, crisp, and versatile

For a classic summer wedding outfit that never goes out of style, you can’t go wrong with a 100% cotton shirt. Cotton offers structure, a sharp appearance, and all-day comfort, especially when crafted from breathable weaves like those in our Business & Button down Collection. Perfect for semi-formal weddings or events with a more traditional dress code.

Style tip: A crisp white or pale blue cotton shirt, tucked into dark chinos or light suiting, strikes the perfect balance between formal and fresh. Finish with minimal dress shoes or clean white sneakers.

3. Stretch Shirts – Sharp meets flexible

Dancing, moving, sitting through ceremonies, and socializing — weddings are not just about looking good, but feeling good too. Our stretch shirts give you that extra freedom to move without compromising on style. Crafted for a tailored yet comfortable fit, they’re ideal for active summer weddings where comfort matters just as much as polish.

Style tip: Choose a stretch shirt in navy or subtle patterns for an evening summer wedding. Combine with slim-fit trousers, and you’re set from ceremony to last dance.

What About T-Shirts?

For the after-party or more casual summer weddings, our new heavyweight T-shirts in white or dark blue offer an elevated yet relaxed alternative. With a 310GSM 100% cotton structure, these tees hold their shape and style, whether worn solo or layered under a blazer. They’re not your average base layer — they’re a style statement.

Final Touches for your summer wedding

• Blazers: Lightweight wool, linen, or cotton blazers are ideal. Keep it unstructured and breathable.

• Footwear: Loafers, suede derbies, or minimal sneakers (for the casual invite) — choose comfort and style.

• Accessories: Keep it simple. A leather belt, minimal watch, and a pocket square go a long way.

Stay Cool, Look Sharp

At NØLSON, our collections are designed for real life — and real style. Whether you’re the groom, the best man, or a guest, we’ve got the perfect shirt for every kind of summer wedding. Linen for breezy elegance, cotton for classic polish, and stretch for all-day comfort — all crafted with premium fabrics and timeless fits.

Ready to dress this wedding season?

Explore our shirt collections and build your perfect summer wedding outfit.