MENSWEAR SUMMER 2022 PROMINENT TRENDS IN FUNCTIONALITY

by Joseph DeAcetis

When it comes to key pieces in menswear, we can’t ignore the inclusion of the hybrid options available in summer 2022. Today, just like the technology business, consumers are looking to buy the latest generation in apparel and related industries that offer the ability to choose fashion that fits your style preference and fits your body. In addition, men’s grooming products are now well-equipped with advancements in ingredients to give customers staying power during the hot and humid temperatures of summer. There are even new shaving lotions that help moisturize the skin while helping to minimize nicks and cuts making the shave a much more pleasant experience for men.

And in the apparel industry, this season, there is a strong focus on functional materials and sustainable production methods for men who enjoy expressing their individuality by effortlessly mixing modern and heritage elements. More to my point, there is a wide range of fabrics and colors to choose from. And for American consumers, these items are more and more prominent due to advances in product engineering to enhance high-performance by featuring ultra-comfortable proprietary breathable fabrics to keep consumers dry and comfortable during the summer months. 

The term hybrid is being used because just like in the automotive industry, you’ll get more mileage out of the garment while exercising healthily sustainable actions. When it comes to the menswear business, it is clear that we are living through a period of great inspiration. Ironically, the 1920s were referred to as the golden age of menswear and here we are a century later, living through a distinct golden age. This decade will be known for alternative fabrics and lighter construction. In fact, an abundant number of tailored brands are producing more and more unconstructed jackets and suits.

Summer fashion is a fun time for men to look good and feel comfortable. Functional attributes such as moisture-wicking, and iron-free set the standard for the growing range of consumers’ needs. The simple pleasure of these new product offerings seems to capture a recognizable desire for American men to step forward into functional hybrids that will address concerns of shedding the skin of the past and delighting in knowing that your apparel is working for you. 

Courtesy of Indochino. Indochino’s seersucker is the definitive Summer fabric; its puckered design helps keep fabric off your body to promote ventilation and it’s nearly impervious to wrinkling.

Indochino  Indochino’s offerings are a must-have for men this SS22 season as they offer you the ability to choose something that uniquely fits your style and precisely fits your body. Cream Suit – The perfect colored suit to add to your wardrobe as you can wear it to the office, a summer wedding, or a casual weekend with the family. $449  

Photo by Macrae Marran for POTRO. This pique Pima cotton polo in royal blue carries a logo with pride.

POTRO  Stemming from a brand built on Latino heritage, a new chapter is born in menswear. POTRO reigns supreme with great style and a strong influence on Latino culture in the USA. While all polo shirts have new vibes to them, no brand does it like POTRO.  The prewash cotton polo lends a softness to a durable polo shirt. The Polo is made with comfort while being fitted through the sleeves and chest. Available in a variety of rich colors as well as conservative hues this is a great gift for every man’s summer wardrobe.  The concept of the brand will become path-breaking in men’s fashion when worn by consumers who set out to make their mark. #SomosPotro  $149.00

Courtesy of The American Boxer. The American Boxer Complete System is powered by proven organic ingredients to gently cleanse, balance, hydrate, and strengthen, ensuring every user’s skin looks youthful and healthy.

The American Boxer is a performance skincare brand inspired by the world of boxing, a sport founded on the principles of discipline, resilience, artfulness, and agility. We believe that these characteristics live in all of us and that if we choose to harness them, we are capable of anything. The brand celebrates contenders who transform adversity into opportunity while offering premium skincare products that are designed for performance and simplicity. With the idea that every contender knows training is everything, The American Boxer has developed a performance skincare line with a mission to help the everyday man “train their skin.” The three-step system is comprised of a cleanser to purify and invigorate, a toner to tighten and brighten, and a moisturizer to complete the regimen. 

Courtesy of Santoni. Men’s blue suede double buckle loafer.

Santoni conceives a man with a vivid sense of style, who loves to express himself in a unique and unmistakable way, effortlessly mixing formal and casual, modern and vintage elements. This men’s loafer enriched by the iconic double buckle is distinguished by an ultra-soft premium suede in a bright blue shade and rubber sole that provide a supportive yet lightweight feel from morning to night. It’s the perfect choice for a man who wants to distinguish himself by looking for artisanal savoir-faire and contemporary design.

Photo by Macrae Marran for Jack of Spades.

Jack of Spades is a men’s innovative global lifestyle brand, producing a wide-ranging collection of jeans and accessories. Since the Mann family took over in 2011, Jack of Spades has evolved from being a leading pioneer in luxury denim into an authentic premium denim brand, developing into a realistic alternative for today’s man. Jack of Spades’ philosophy has been consistent: a brand standing for comfort, individuality, and self-expression of style. Our denim is designed and made in Turkey; soft-to-the-hand and hand-modern techniques are combined with a bevy of colors to choose from and an excellent fit to evoke a rich and arresting medley. Our men’s collection has developed sustainable efforts in design and production and continues to be at the forefront of technology. $165.

Courtesy of 2(X)IST. 2(X)IST’s “LIGHTNING” collection comes in several design combinations, including blue and black block colors, striking camouflage prints, and electrifying oranges designed to stand out from the crowd.

2(X)IST Engineered to help you show off your best assets – in and out of your clothes – 2(X)IST’s new performance-ready underwear collection, Lightning, features effortlessly sexy designer sports briefs and ultra-comfortable underwear basics including; low-rise briefs and trunks, as well as high-performance long boxer briefs. Made using their proprietary Speed Dri nylon fabric that moves with you for the best possible fit, the line boasts an ultra-lightweight, breathable mesh fabric that wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable as you’re moving around and working up a sweat. $28-$34

Courtesy of OffCourt.Fuel for post-sweat skin! This Performance Body Spray Trio Pack from OffCourt is a 3-part collection of a new generation of body sprays made with prebiotics to help deodorize by fighting bacteria, while also smelling better than your “good cologne”.

 OffCourt The trio pack of Fresh Citron + Driftwood, Fig Leaves + White Musk, and Coconut Water + Sandalwood has an answer for every mood, from a quick blast of freshness to all-day staying power even during hot, humid temperatures. The Performance Body Spray gets noticed for its fresh scents, but it’s more than just odor-masking-fragrance-in-a-can. It’s an innovative, aluminum-free deodorant formulated with powerful prebiotics and three deodorizing ingredients to fight body odor at its source. $33

Courtesy of MYRQVIST.The Solvik Sandal – A summer essential crafted with premium materials.

Myrqvist The Solvik Sandal from Myrqvist is the perfect companion for any occasion – a summer day in the garden, an evening on the balcony, or days at sea – the slipper for every day. 

Courtesy of  ECCO. ECCO Men’s BIOM C4 Golf Shoe is the newest development in the BIOM® series. Crafted from ECCO Performance Leather, the ECCO GOLF BIOM® C4 comes in four stylish colorways for men; Black, White/Black, Concrete/Black, and White/Concrete.

ECCO Golf USA An updated BIOM last offers superior control and support, while the outside TPU posts add stability, and BIOM NATURAL MOTION technology enables the foot to move naturally and close to the ground. GORE-TEX SURROUND construction is combined with an ECCO EXHAUST GRID that directs fresh air towards the sole of your foot, and the ECCO MTN GRIP outsole has three different sections providing traction, stability, and rotational support.  $230

Courtesy of Under Armour. Your go-to polo—it’s quick-drying, light, and super-stretchy so it always moves with your swing.

Under Armour This go-to Men’s UA Playoff Polo 2.0 is quick-drying, light, and breathable with a 30 SPF. Made out of anti-pick, anti-pill, and anti-odor fabric, this polo is super-stretchy, always allowing you to move in every direction. With 39 different colorways and an affordable price of $58.50, there is a choice for every man. $58.50

Courtesy of Barbour. Barbour’s Cascade Bucket Hat.

Barbour Protect yourself from the sun with the classic bucket hat. Crafted from sustainable cotton from the Better Cotton Initiative, the hat features an overstiched brim and a tartan lining and is finished with an embroidered Barbour shield logo on the front. $45

Courtesy of Fleur du Mal. Ultra-luxe silk Unisex Boxer Short in custom Fleur monogram print.

Fleur du Mal A radical shift in cultural boundaries separating masculine and feminine apparel has prompted the inevitable rise of the men’s luxury lingerie segment. As one of the first luxury lingerie brands to cater to the men’s demographic, Fleur du Mal is leading this new era with their Fleur Pour Homme line. Fleur Pour Homme finally lets men feel sexy with an assortment of boxer briefs, robes, and pajama sets, ranging from luxe everyday basics to more risque pieces. $135 

Courtesy of Paka.  Paka’s high-performance alpaca ankle socks in white.

Paka’s high-performance ankle socks are the perfect socks for staying active. Made from naturally thermoregulating and antimicrobial alpaca fiber, Paka challenges runners to make them smell. The socks feature Paka’s signature Triple-Sole Cushion™ for extra padding, a compression arc to prevent friction and blistering, a side ventilation mesh for breathability, and a supportive back tab. They’re fully machine-washable and designed to withstand a lifetime; if you are able to wear them down, Paka will replace them as part of a lifetime guarantee. Wearing Paka means you are supporting a Certified B Corporation that actively improves the lives of 100+ Peruvian women in Peru. Good for your soles and your soul. The socks are available in 3-packs in light gray, charcoal, and white.  $42

Image courtesy of Fieldtrip.Blaze a smooth trail anytime, anywhere with this nourishing, slick, translucent shave lotion.

Fieldtrip Trail Blazer Anywhere Shave Lotion on the brand website:  The new Trail Blazer Anywhere Shave Lotion, formulated with birch sap extracted with care from white birch trees in Northern Europe, is a shaving cream that helps to moisturize the skin to minimize nicks and cuts, making it perfect to clean up their beard looks this Father’s Day. $13

Image courtesy of Timberland.

Timberland The Greenstride Solar Wave St Low is a lightweight, trail-inspired sneaker for every summer adventure. Step out and chase the light in this new silhouette that offers progressive style and lightweight comfort to take you from the city streets to summer trails and back again. $125.00

Courtesy of Wilson. A modern track jacket that has just the right mix of retro details and performance tech.

Wilson Sportswear wants to help dads spring clean their wardrobes and fill them with new athleisure styles like the Wilson Eastwood Tricot Warm-Up Jacket. Designed with comfort and style in mind, these pieces are a perfect way for dad to look and feel fresh for summer. Whether he’s relaxing at home or getting ready for a long workday, this jacket will keep him stylish no matter the occasion. $118

Image courtesy of John Varvatos. John Varvatos XX Artisan Teal.
John Varvatos For the adventurous and rebellious man, John Varvatos XX Artisan Teal is the perfect cologne. Inspired by fresh coastal vibes with hints of mineral driftwood and masculine musk, the fragrance embodies expert craftsmanship, style, and music. The fragrance is the ultimate form of self-expression, and XX Artisan Teal will allow men to showcase their masculinity and sophistication in any situation. $95