How To Wear Black In The Summer Without Overheating

Wearing black when the red-hot August sun is slowly roasting you alive goes against every bit of summer style advice in the book. And for good reason. It’s true that light colours reflect the heat, keeping you cooler, and that dark colours absorb it, doing exactly the opposite.

Unfortunately, black just happens to be one of the most flattering, versatile and infinitely stylish colours there is. But the good news is that you needn’t write it off entirely.

Keeping black in your wardrobe is possible during the summer, just as long as a few considerations are made. The trick lies in selecting the right garments in suitable cuts and made from seasonally appropriate fabrics that will help to mitigate some of the heat.

Below are a few of our favourite garments and accessories that will allow you to enjoy the perks of black clothing even in the height of summer. From linen trousers to leather sandals, these are the pieces to consider for beating the heat in black.

Linen Trousers

Naturally, linen was always going to be high up on this list. This wonder fabric has been sworn by in the Earth’s hottest corners for millennia.

It’s breathable, light, quick-drying and comfortable. White can’t be beaten, but the material’s cooling properties make it one of the best options if you’re determined to wear black.

A pair of black linen trousers, particularly in a nice loose cut, will allow your legs to breathe far better than cotton or, worse, denim, while offering all the versatility and ease of styling the black trousers are so good at.

Camp-Collar Shirt

With its open-collar design, boxy cut and easy-going energy, a camp-collar shirt will look summer-appropriate regardless of the colour. Not only does black work, it actually elevates the template, giving it a dressier, more refined flavour that works perfectly for evenings out around town.

Fabric, again, is key. Think light and breathable. The objective is to offset the heat of the colour with the coolness of the material, so think linen, silk, Tencel or seersucker.

Knitted Polo

As far as we’re concerned, the knitted polo is one of the defining menswear staples of the past few summers, and it’s one of the few tops that arguably looks better in black than almost any other colour.

Where cream or pastel versions can read a bit Riviera cliché, black feels clean, understated and quietly luxurious.

The key is choosing the right knit for the job. Chunky cable knits need not apply. Instead, a fine-gauge merino or cotton version will work well. But for the hottest days, look for open-knit constructions that allow plenty of airflow.

Teamed up with ecru linen trousers or stone-coloured shorts, a black knitted polo creates enough contrast to feel summery while retaining a nice degree of sophistication.

Open-Weave Shirt

If you’re going to insist on wearing black in the height of summer, you need to find ways of letting the air in. That’s where an open-weave shirt comes into its own.

Crochet, lace and loosely woven cotton constructions create thousands of tiny ventilation holes, allowing heat to escape while bringing a bit of texture and visual interest to the table.

Black is particularly effective here because the intricate weave is more noticeable than it would be in a lighter shade. The result feels relaxed but considered, making it an ideal option for holidays, beachside dinners or long evenings in the city.

Throw one over a white vest or wear it buttoned with tailored shorts and leather sandals, depending on the setting.

Tailored Shorts

Shorts are already doing a lot of the hard work when it comes to keeping you cool, so wearing them in black isn’t nearly as impractical as you might think.

In fact, a well-cut pair of black tailored shorts can be one of the smartest additions to a summer wardrobe, offering far more versatility than brighter seasonal colours.

Look for relaxed pleated styles cut from linen or lightweight cotton with a little room through the leg. A looser fit promotes airflow, while the dark colour makes them easy to dress up with a knitted polo or camp-collar shirt when the occasion calls for it.

Finish with leather sandals or minimalist canvas trainers and you’ve got an outfit that can do it all.

Leather Sandals

Footwear is a good place to bring black into your outfit without succumbing to the heat. Even better if it’s done via a pair of sandals that will do much of the cooling for you.

A black leather fisherman sandal or slide is a grown-up option that can lean smart or casual depending on how it’s styled. For something a bit more laid-back, a suede clog such as a Birkenstock Boston can work well.

Try pairing some with linen drawstring pants and a boxy plain tee for a look that will be at home almost anywhere.

Sunglasses

Eyewear is one of the few places you can bring some black into your summer outfit without experiencing any negative side effects pertaining to the heat. In fact, black shades are classic, stylish and, depending on the frame, extremely versatile.

A nice bold acetate frame works best, but make sure to try a few pairs on to find a style that works with your face shape. If in doubt, you can check out our article on the matter.

Baseball Cap

A black baseball cap is one of those rare accessories that works just as well in July as it does in November. While lighter colours can feel overtly sporty or pick up marks surprisingly quickly, black always looks clean, understated and easy to incorporate into an outfit.

Material matters more than colour here. Heavy brushed cotton can get uncomfortably warm, so opt instead for lightweight cotton twill, linen or technical performance fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly.

The beauty of a black cap is its versatility – it’ll tie together everything from an all-linen outfit to swim shorts and a T-shirt, while offering the practical benefit of keeping the sun off your face.