7 Men’s Co-Ords That Make Summer Dressing Easy

What if we told you that you could look immaculately dressed without having to give your outfit any real thought whatsoever? Well, that’s the general idea behind the co-ord – a matching two-piece set that functions sort of like a casual suit for the summer months. It looks clean and considered, but there’s no sartorial chops involved, meaning anyone can create the illusion that they know what they’re doing.

Of course, co-ords are nothing new. We’re old enough to remember a number of summers gone by when the menswear world was abuzz with talk of matching tops and bottoms. What has changed is the execution. Think muted neutrals and earth tones, plain colour, textured fabrics and loose, forgiving silhouettes.

In other words, co-ords got even easier to wear. If any of that sounds appealing to you, read on for some more need-to-knows and our pick of the best combinations to try.

What Is A Co-Ord?

A co-ord is simply a matching top-and-bottom set designed to be worn together. Think of it as a more relaxed cousin to the suit. But instead of a tailored jacket and trousers, you might have a camp-collar shirt and drawstring trousers cut from the same fabric, or a knitted polo paired with matching shorts.

The appeal is obvious. Because everything is designed as a set, most of the legwork is already done for you. There’s no need to worry about whether colours clash or proportions work together. Throw it on and you’re good to go. Better still, most co-ords can be broken apart and worn separately, giving you multiple outfits from the same purchase.

The Co-Ord Combos To Know

Shirt + Trouser

Raith

If you’re struggling for a starting point, this is it. Think of it as the default co-ord, usually consisting of a relaxed camp-collar shirt and easy-fitting drawstring trousers.

Dark colours read smarter while lighter shades feel more summery and relaxed, and going for a longer leg as opposed to shorts makes the whole thing feel slightly more elevated and mature.

Look for fabrics that will keep you comfortable while adding a tactile element – seersucker and linen are hard to beat.

Overshirt + Trouser

Wax London

For occasions when you might want a little more coverage, an overshirt is a good option instead of a short-sleeve shirt. This take on the co-ord introduces a layering element, which admittedly requires a little more thought, but it will add a bit of depth and allow you to add some contrast, too.

If you’ve chosen a light colour for the co-ord, pick a dark tee or vest for layering. For a dark co-ord, the opposite applies. Linen is great in warmer climates, but cotton twill is a good option if it’s a bit cooler where you are, and it will give the whole thing a bit more structure, too.

Worker Jacket + Trouser

Wax London

Workwear, but make it summer. Utilitarian details and heavier fabrics make this one a good option for awkward transitional days. It’s also an excellent suit substitute for those averse to proper tailoring.

Yes, you can wear it casually with a T-shirt, but you can also dress it up with a shirt, tie and chunky derbies or loafers and you’ve got an outfit that wouldn’t look at all out of place at a summer wedding.

Linen Shirt + Shorts

The Resort Co

The holiday specialist. A matching linen shirt-and-shorts combination is about as effortless as summer dressing gets.

Lightweight, breathable and intentionally relaxed, it’s the sort of thing you can throw on over swimwear during the day before dressing it up with loafers or sandals in the evening.

Oh, and embrace the creases. Linen is supposed to be rumpled. It always looks better when it’s a little lived in.

T-Shirt + Shorts

Todd Snyder

For those who find the idea of a co-ord slightly intimidating, this is probably the easiest place to start. A matching heavyweight T-shirt-and-shorts set requires almost no styling whatsoever.

The key is quality. Thick cotton jersey, a boxy fit and understated colours will make it feel deliberate rather than something you’d wear to bed. Think less gym kit, more luxury loungewear.

Knitted Shirt + Shorts

Reiss

Knitted shirts, especially crochet and open-weave styles, have become one of the defining menswear trends of the last few summers, so it was only a matter of time before matching sets followed.

Whether rendered in open crochet, textured cotton or fine-gauge merino, they strike a nice balance between smart and casual.

Perfect for beach clubs, rooftop bars and any occasion where a classic linen shirt perhaps feels a little too predictable.

Tailoring Adjacent

M&S

Not every co-ord needs to lean into the leisurewear angle. For those who like their summer clothing on the smarter side, there are plenty of tailoring-inspired options available that offer a hint of formality without leaving you sweating and uncomfortable in the heat.

Think unstructured jackets paired with matching drawstring trousers, pleated shorts cut from traditional suiting fabrics, or overshirts styled more like blazers.

They offer much of the polish of traditional tailoring without any of the stiffness, making them ideal for modern summer occasions.