Buying Guides Style

Men’s Spring Fashion – Essentials to handle warm days and cool nights.

Written by Lee King

Men’s spring fashion essentials are one of my favorite topics. It’s a great time of year to get full use of your wardrobe. Unlike summer where you’re pretty much stuck in shorts, t-shirts, and short-sleeved shirts. Spring allows you to break out clothing for both cooler and warmer weather.

During spring you’re going to encounter rain, wind, sunshine, and a little snow. To help with these ever-changing conditions layers are a must. Spring is great for playing around with layers. Creating interesting combinations. You can go full summer-mode, or to bring out that merino sweater or sweatshirt during the evening.

Spring is also a time for new beginnings. There’s no better time to go through your wardrobe. I like to donate items I haven’t worn over the course of the previous year. One of my favorite things to do is to use the hanger trick. Turn your hangers backward. If you don’t wear an item during the year, it might be time to donate.

Men’s Spring Fashion FAQ

Up first are my favorite long sleeve shirts for spring fashion.

Men’s Spring Fashion: Long Sleeve Shirts

I am a firm believer in wearing long sleeve shirts year-round. Keep the sleeves long in warmer conditions and roll them up when the temps rise. Here are some of my favorites below.

Merino Wool Sweater

When I talk about merino wool sweaters I’m not talking about the super thick wooly version. For the sake of this article, I’m talking about fine merino wool. The type of sweater you can wear all the up to the low 70s. Especially if it’s layered over a t-shirt. These sweaters go with anything in this spring wardrobe.

1. Cos Merino Wool Sweater ($99)
2. Asket Merino Wool Sweater ($110)
3. J. Crew Merino Wool Sweater ($90)
4. A Days March Merino Wool Sweater ($95)

Related Article: Best Merino Wool Sweaters for Men

Oxford Shirt

An Oxford shirt is definitely essential for a complete spring wardrobe. The name “Oxford” actually comes from the type of weave used in the fabric. Called “Oxford cloth.” Again you can throw a good oxford on with anything. Throw a blazer over it. Roll up the sleeves and pair it with some shorts. Or layer it with the above-mentioned merino sweater.
The first color you should buy is white. From there go with a light blue and then black.

1. J. Crew American Pima Oxford Shirts ($78)
2. Asket The Oxford Shirt ($105)
3. Gitman Vintage Oxfords ($165)
4. Alex Mill Over-dyed Oxford Shirt  ($95)

Related: Best Oxford Shirts for Men

Poplin Dress Shirt

The poplin shirt is classic spring fashion. Poplin is the dressier bigger brother of the Oxford shirt. These shirts use a finer stiffer fabric making them the go-to for wearing with a suit. Oxford and Poplin shirts are interchangeable. Make your decision based on the event. More casual affairs go Oxford, dressier casual to formal go with the Poplin.

I only buy these shirts in white. But if you have a blue-based wardrobe the addition of a light blue is also a nice touch.

One last suggestion. You can get away with a wrinkled Oxford, but please make sure you press your Poplin shirt! A wrinkled poplin shirt looks terrible.

1. J. Crew Slim-Fit Dress Shirt ($70)
2.  Bonobos Wrinkle-Free Dress Shirt ($98)
3. Burberry Slim-Fit Poplin Shirt ($420)
4. Brooks Brothers Fitted Dress Shirt ($126)

Related: Best Poplin Dress Shirts for Men

Sweatshirts/Hoodies

I wear hoodies and sweatshirts year-round. Whether I’m coming from a workout or heading to the city for a weekend getaway. You’ll usually find one of these guys in my bag.
Sweatshirts are perfect for those spring evenings when the temps drop into the 60s and 70s. The only shirt I tend not top layer these over is a polo. I’ve seen guys pull this off, but I tend to stay clear.

A rule of thumb to go buy. Hoodies tend to better for more of an urban outfit. While crewneck sweatshirts are great for more of a collegiate look. Again, I tend to start with black and lt grey for my sweatshirts.

1. H&M Hooded Sweatshirt ($25)
2.  Sunspel Men’s Cotton Loopback Hoodie ($195)
3. Todd Snyder Popover Hoodie by Todd Snyder ($138)
4. J.Crew Garment-Dyed French Terry Hoodie ($80)

Related: Best Hoodies for Men

Men’s Spring Fashion: Short-Sleeve Shirts

For those spring days that get above 70, you’ll want to break out a great looking short sleeve shirt. The three options below are an absolute must. They’ll allow you to go from casual events to sharp casual without skipping a beat.

Polos

Polos are ubiquitous when it comes to spring and summer fashion for men. They’ve been around for decades for many reasons. They go great with almost anything in the warmer seasons. And you can also wear them to dress down a suit.

I do have a few simple rules for Polos.

1. Don’t tuck them in, ever.
2. Get rid of them once they become stretched out or discolored.
3. Stay away from huge logos. Even if it’s horsey.

1. J.Crew Pique Cotton Polo ($40)
2. H&M Polo Shirt ($13)
3. Handvaerk Polo ($125)
4. Uniqlo Dry Pique Short Sleeve Polo Shirt ($20)

Related: Best Polo Shirts for Men

T-Shirts

The t-shirt is one of the most important men’s spring fashion essentials. For many of us outside of office hours, this will be the bread and butter of our wardrobe. That’s not to say you should look like a slob though!

T-Shirts are not the same as undershirts. Undershirts are much thinner and worn tighter to go under dress shirts. Manufacturers make t-shirts from heavier materials.

During the spring you can layer with Oxford shirts and sweat shorts for a casual poolside look.

1. Uniqlo Men’s Supima Crew Neck Plain T-Shirt ($9.90)
2. H&M Crew Neck T-Shirt Regular Fit ($7)
3. Sunspel Men’s Class T-Shirt ($90)
4. . Crew Garment-Dyed Slub Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt ($27)
5. Asket The T-Shirt ($45)

Related: Best Plain T-Shirts for Men

Short-Sleeve Button Downs

If you’re looking to dress up a pair of chino or gabardine shorts, you can’t go wrong with a short-sleeve button-down. Again, this shirt will go with anything in this spring wardrobe. Go with white, black, dark blue, and baby blue to start with and add patterns from there.

1. Bonobos Short Sleeve Button-Downs ($78)
2. J. Crew Short Sleeve Button-Downs ($65)
3. Sunspel Short Sleeve Button-Downs ($185)

Men’s Spring Fashion: Pants

Your pants can make or break an outfit. A good fitting pair of jeans, chinos, or sweatpants can completely change the feel of an outfit. That’s why a nice selection of pants is crucial for men’s spring fashion essentials.

Shorts

It can be hard for men to pull off shorts and make it work, but a pair of chino shorts will be the best shot that many guys have. These are cool and breezy, but also look smart enough to wear with spring shirts. They also look great with tees and boat shoes.

A basic rule of thumb, shorts should end about an inch or two above the knee. This is usually around a nine-inch inseam. As far as fit goes leave space for a finger and thumb around your thighs.

Alongside chinos, I also like a good pair of sweat shorts. Not only are they great for a workout, but they also look great poolside. Pair them with t-shirts, and oxfords and you’ll be off to a great start.

1. J. Crew Chino Shorts ($65)
2. Bonobos Chino Shorts ($78)
3. Uniqlo Men’s Chino Shorts ($30)

Related: Best Chino Shorts for Men

Jeans

No matter the time of year, no matter the occasion, jeans are always essential for men’s fashion. Jeans can work in smart casual outfits when you choose a dark wash and pair them with a blazer. And they also look great when worn casual – especially if you go for a light wash denim. They’ll never go out of style, and you’ll likely reach for them year-round. Definitely invest in some good denim!

1. J. Crew 484 Slim Fit Jeans ($118)
2. Uniqlo Slim Fit Jeans ($50)
3. Asket Raw Denim Jeans ($145)
4. Levis 512 Jeans ($90)
5. Rogue Territory Stanton 15oz ($245)
6. Rag & Bone Slim Fit 2 Jeans ($225)

Related: Best Jeans for Men

Chinos

Chinos are a great closet staple for guys. Go for lighter colors when it’s warm weather and darker for those cooler nights. Chinos going with pretty much anything in this wardrobe. Pair with polos and t-shirts for something more casual. Or matched with an Oxford shirt and a blazer for something more formal.

1. Rag & Bone Fit 2 Classic Chino ($225)
2. J. Crew 484 Slim-Fit Chinos ($80)
3. Asket The Chino ($150)
4. Bonobos Stretched Washed Chinos ($98)

Related: Best Chinos for Men

Lightweight Wool Pants

Lightweight black or dark grey wool gabardine trousers are a great way to dress up a spring outfit. Wear them with a blazer, a t-shirt, and derbies with no socks for a great cocktail party outfit.

1. Suit Supply Grey Soho Turnup Wool Trousers ($199)
2. J. Crew Wool Suit Pants ($128)
3. Filippa K Wool Trousers ($260)
4. Brooks Brothers Regent Wool Dress Pants ($105+)

Related: Best Wool Trousers for Men

Joggers or Sweat Pants

I live in my Adidas Tiro joggers year-round. They’re great for working out or lounging around the house. I wear them with t-shirts, and sweatshirts & hoodies. A must-have for any seasonal wardrobe.

1. Adidas Tiro Soccer Pants ($45)
2. Sunspel Cotton Loopback Track Pant ($160)
3. Todd Snyder Joggers ($118)
4. Vince Track Pant ($225)
5. Adidas SST Track Pants ($65)

Related: Best Men’s Joggers and Sweatpants

Men’s Spring Fashion: Lightweight Jackets

Lightweight jackets are a perfect addition to a spring wardrobe. A good jacket provides comfort for those cool nights. And can help to transform your look in the right kind of way. Here are some great options.

Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets never went out of style but they’ve been making something of a comeback. They can offer a great alternative to a leather jacket and offer wind and rain protection. One of my favorite outfits is to layer a bomber over a hoodie. And instead of jeans, I’ll throw on a pair of cargo pants for a full urban look.

1. J. Crew Everyday Bomber Jacket ($98)
2. Everlane The Bomber Jacket ($88)
3. Todd Snyder Jet Bomber Jacket ($368)
4. DSTLD Leather Bomber ($350)

Related: Best Lightweight Jackets for Men

Harrington Jacket

Harrington jackets are the perfect smart-casual choice for men’s spring fashion. The original Harrington jacket was the Baracuda G9. Which has been around for around 100 years. A Harrington is a bomber jacket with a two-button stand-up collar. It can also have a standard lay flat collar. Today there are a ton of other options from many brands. Harrington works well with dark wash jeans and a polo shirt underneath. On crisper days, it’s fine to pair with a chunky sweater.

1. Barracuda G9 Classic ($390)
2. Asus Design Harrington Jacket ($48)
3. Sunspel Men’s Cotton Drill Harrington Jacket ($435)
4. J. Crew Harrington Jacket ($178)

Related: Best Lightweight Jackets for Men

Denim Jackets

Levis Strauss made the first denim jacket all the way back in 1880. Almost 150 years later and they’re more popular than ever. The denim jacket has been around for so long because of its versatility. It can go from working cattle on a ranch to a cocktail party in place of a blazer.

Choosing what to wear with a jean jacket can be tricky. One option is to go the “double denim” route. The safest option is to opt for two different washes for the top and bottom. Although I have seen guys wear the same wash throughout. It can definitely be hit or miss. A nice jean jacket will also work with chinos and joggers. A dark wash jean jacket looks good with smarter pants and dark tees. Or you can use light-washed double denim and embrace a retro look.

1. Levis Trucker Jacket ($90)
2. Todd Snyder Japanese Denim Jacket ($288)
3. J. Crew Classic Denim Jacket ($98)
4. Rag & Bone Definitive Jean Jacket ($350)

Related: Best Denim Jackets for Men

Overshirts

One of my favorite pieces is a dark blue overshirt from Vince. Overshirts are great for layering with just a t-shirt or even over a button-down. But you can also wear them alone or under an overcoat for those cooler spring days and nights.

1. A Days March Overshirts ($165+)
2. Everlane Chore Jacket ($88)
3. Sunspel Cotton Twill Overshirts ($225)
4. Unrecorded Work Jacket ($180)

Related: Best Overshirts for Men

Trench Coat

During the spring, you’re going to need solid wind and rain protection. Rather than add two more coats to this wardrobe you’re better off killing two birds with one stone. The Trench coat fits the bill.

Standard raincoats and windbreakers are plain and used only on specific occasions. A trench coat adds style and added functionality over the options. You can wear it over casual gear like sweatshirts and joggers. With sharp casual gear like merino sweaters and wool trousers. Or even over a suit. A trench is a perfect addition to any spring wardrobe.

1. Burberry Kensington Trench Coat ($1990)
2. London Fog Men’s Trench Coat ($100)
3. H&M Men’s Trench Coat ($129)
4. Aquascutum Bogart Trench ($1250)

Related: Best Trench Coats for Men

Men’s Spring Fashion: Shoes & Sneakers

They say that shoes make the man, and we’re not ones to argue! Here are a few must-have men’s spring shoes.

Casual Sneakers

Casual sneakers are your everyday sneaker. I like to start with a blue or grey cause they go with everything. Some of my favorite kicks include new balance classics, Oliver Cabell Rennes, Adidas Yung 1s, and Nike Air Maxes. These are the shoes you’ll be in the majority of the time so make sure you have a nice selection.

1. Nike Air Max ($140+)
2. Oliver Cabell Court ($238)
3. New Balance 574s ($80)
4. Adidas Yung 1s ($100)
5. Balenciaga Triple Sole White ($995)

Related: Best Casual Sneakers for Men

White Luxury Sneakers

I’m not a daily white sneaker wearer. Not because I don’t like them. But because I like keeping them as fresh as possible for those special occasions. I like to consider these guys my dress up kicks. I’ll wear them to dress down a suit, or a pair of wool pants. But for the most part, they’ll go with anything. White Sneakers are an absolute men’s spring fashion essential.

1. Common Projects Achilles Low ($415)
2. Oliver Cabell Low 1 White Men’s ($188)
3. Beckett Simonon Reid Sneakers ($149)
4. Maison Margiela Off-White Replica Sneakers ($495)

Related: Best White Sneakers for Men

Chukkas

I specifically like suede chukkas. Pairing them with chinos or jeans is my favorite combination. They’re a little more elevated than sneakers but down a rung from dress shoes.

1. Clarks Men’s Desert Chukka Boot ($117)
2.  J. Crew Macalister Boot in Suede ($150)
3.  Red Wing Heritage Men’s Work Chukka ($185)
4.  Thursday Boot Company Scout Men’s Chukka Boot ($149)

Related: Best Chukkas for Men

Derby Dress Shoes

If you’re the type that likes to get dressed to the nines then you’ll probably want a good pair of Oxford dress shoes. I myself like versatility and a more casual approach to style. So, my go-to dress shoe is the Derby. It will go with anything in this wardrobe other than the most casual gear like sweats or sweat shorts. Jeans, Chinos, or wool trousers. It doesn’t matter they all go with Derbies.

1. Trickers Woodstock Derbies ($519)
2. Grenson Derby Shoes ($315)
3. Beckett Simonon Dunham Derby ($199)
4. Common Projects Derby Shine ($1295)

Related: Best Dress Shoes for Men

Leather Boots***

Every guy needs a great pair of leather boots. Whether they’re a pair of Red Wing Iron Ranger work boots, a dress boot from Alden. Or a pair of Chelsea boots from Beckett Simonon. I great pair of leather boots are an absolute necessity. I personally like to have at least two of thee boots on hand. My mudders which I also wear with jeans, and a pair that I’ll throw on with a nice pair of wool trousers.

1. J. Crew Kenton Cap-Toe Leather Boots ($248)
2. Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot ($329)
3. Trickers Burford Plain Derby Country Boot ($479)
4. Beckett Simonon Preston Chelsea Boots ($229)
5. Thursday President Men’s Lace-up Boot ($199)

Sandals

Towards the end of spring with those temps are steady in the 70s you’re going to want to break out your sandals. Now when I talk about sandals I’m not talking about Flip-Flops or slides. I’m talking about there more formal (if that’s possible) cousin. I good pair of black leather sandals will take you a long way. Casual for sure, but can look sharp if necessary.
Flip-flops are also great, but I like to keep them at the beach or the pool. As far as slides, I would wear these bad boys with my athletic gear.

1. Suicoke Moto-Cab Two Strap Slides ($168)
2. Allen Edmonds Sparrow Sandals ($178)
3. Ancient Greek Bios Leather Sandals ($114)
4. Grensen Chadwick Two-Strap Leather Slides ($152)
5. Allen Edmonds Oscar X Band Sandals ($125)
6. Allen Edmonds Thong Sandals ($125)
7. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Foot Bed Sandal ($135)

Related: Best Sandals for Men

Men’s Spring Fashion Accessories

Men’s spring fashion isn’t complete without so great accessories. These will help you finish off your outfit and show your attention to detail. A few essential items:

Sunglasses

You can never wrong with a great pair of sunglasses. Whether you’re into aviators, square frames, or Perisols. It doesn’t matter just make sure they fit, are the correct shape for your face and have good lenses.

1. Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses ($130)
2. Persol Sunglasses ($114+)
3. Randolph Engineering Sunglasses ($219)
4. Maui Jim Sunglasses ($129+)

Shoe cleaners

If you wear white luxury sneakers in the spring you’re going to encounter sloppy weather. Make sure to have a good shoe cleaner on hand to wipe away mud and scuffs.

1. Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Kit ($15)
2. Reshoevn8r Shoe Cleaning Kit ($15)
3. Sneaker Lab Starter Kit ($10)
4. Angelus Foam Tex Cleaning Kit ($17)

Men’s Bracelets

A subtle men’s bracelets are a great way to finish off any outfit. Some of my favorite are slim leather rope bracelets with metal accents. As well as natural wood beads. With the beads, I like going black instead of natural wood.

1. Miansai Men’s Bracelets ($75+)
2. Caputo & Co. Men’s Bracelets ($70+)
3. Scosha Men’s Bracelets ($115+)

EDC Watches

Get yourself a nice everyday carry watch. I watch you can wear to any occasion, that can handle short dips in the pool or shower, and can take a beating. Some of my favorite types are dive and pilot watches. I’m also in love with my Apple Watch. I just wish it had a little more battery.

1. Apple Watch ($399)
2. Kronaby Sekel ($572)

Related: Gifts for Watch Lovers

Ball caps

In the winter I love wearing my black wool ball caps. I wear the same caps in the spring. In the summer I’ll switch over to a cotton cap when the temperatures start to rise.

1. American Trench Ball Cap ($55)
2. Varsity Headwear ($96+)

Backpacks

Whether you’re headed to the cafe to get some work done. Or down to the city for a little fun a great backpack will come in handy. You don’t need a huge rucksack just something sensible to hold your gear. A laptop, associated tech and maybe some clothes for an overnighter.

1. ISM Backpack Large ($235)
2. Sandqvist Folke Backpack ($435)
3. Becket Simonon Logan Backpack ($289)
4. Bennett Winch The Leather Backpack ($1200)

Related: Best Backpacks for Men

Weekender Bags

Spring is the time to take those trips you’ve been putting off due to the frigid temps. The best trips to take are those quick ones. Where you can get it and out in a couple of days. Get a beautiful leather bag they will show your style and hold a couple of outfits and all you get for the weekend. One more tip, make sure it’s sized to be a carry-on. Something around 24x14x10 inches should do the trip.

1. Bennett Winch Full Grain Leather Weekender ($1800)
2. Beckett Simonon Davis Weekender ($359)
3. Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend Bag ($675)
4. Korchmar Twain Weekend Bag ($645)
5. Mismo M/S Explorer ($767)
6. Sandqvist Damien Leather Weekend Bag ($625)

Related: Best Weekender Bags for Men

Cologne

It’s spring. Get yourself a great smelling cologne to welcome in the new season. For spring I love colognes with a bit of citrus in them like Issey Miyake.

1. Joseph Abboud Signature Cologne ($65)
2. Le Labo Santal 33 ($200)
3. Byredo Sunday Cologne ($172)
4. Issey Miyake Cologne ($30)