The best cooling clothes for men to beat the heat

Men's Health · Jul 16, 2026 17:10 · 2 min read

Sweat Less This Summer With These Cooling Clothes — From breezy linen shirts to moisture-wicking underwear and breathable tank tops, these cooling clothes help you stay dry, comfortable, and stylish through the hottest days of summer.

Linens, polos, shorts, even caps—it’s all here.

I LIVED IN Florida for three years, so I can handle the heat. What I can’t handle is feeling like my clothes can’t keep me cool before I even get to my destination. There’s nothing worse than a soaked T-shirt plastered to my back, shorts that refuse to dry, or a button-up that traps every ounce of humidity. That’s why I’ve become picky about what I wear this time of year. Not all fabrics are going to magically lower your body temperature, but the best cooling clothing won’t have you looking like you’ve just ran through a sprinkler either. Think breathable linens, moisture-wicking performance materials, and airy vibes. After testing a bunch of summer staples over the years—and wearing them out on everything from sweaty commutes to tropical vacations—I know exactly what cooling clothing to reach for when the forecast calls for hot, sticky weather and temperatures climbing into the 90s.

Man in a light blue shirt and white pants leaning against a wooden doorframe in a modern interior setting.

Linen Shirts & Pants

No other fabric can compete with linen in the summer. The naturally breathable material allows heat to escape while its loose weave promotes airflow, making it the first thing I reach for on especially humid days. I rely for it heavily for my shirts and pants.

Polos

When I need to look put-together, but I already know I’ll be sweating, a performance, mesh or lightweight knit polo is typically my best bet. Moisture-wicking and open-weave fabrics, stretch, and quick-drying materials help me stay cool from the office to the tennis court and so forth.

Moisture-wicking Basics (tanks, tees, underwear)

I hate for my everyday tee to leave me drenched, so I always opt for something that can pull sweat away from my skin and dry much faster than standard cotton, which is ideal for workouts, travel, and casual outings. Mesh fabrics make for great summer options because they offer maximum ventilation with minimal fabric. And the last thing I want in the summer is a pair of boxer briefs that traps heat and leaves me damp until I get home to shower again. These tanks, tees, and underwear styles use moisture-wicking fabrics to keep me dry and prevent chafing.

A person in a sleeveless white top and patterned pants stands in a sunlit outdoor dining area with palm trees.

Shorts

The best cooling shorts prioritize lightweight fabrics, quick-drying materials, and enough stretch to keep you comfortable whether you’re sightseeing, hiking, or simply running errands.

Hats

Sure, a breathable hat completes an outfit but it’s designed to keep the sun off your face, maximize airflow, wick sweat, and prevent overheating. The most common styles include synthetic baseball caps, running caps, bucket hats, wide-brim, and straw hats.

Socks

Your feet deserve the same treatment as the rest of your body. Lightweight performance or merino wool socks improve breathability, manage moisture, and help prevent sweaty feet.