Summer Ready
After a long cold winter, it’s safe to say we’re all more than ready for a long hot summer. And, with the recent rise in temperatures, we’re also keen to open our spring/summer wardrobes and head to the beach. Enter H&M’s SS14 collection.
This season, the much-loved high street brand emphasises how having a relaxed, versatile and comfortable high summer wardrobe is essential for the modern man. Inspired by surf and the beach – isn’t this what summer’s ultimately all about? – the brand’s new line places casual, seasonal staples such as lightweight tees, shirts and shorts centre stage. Yet this laid-back surfer vibe is given a stylish and contemporary update with relaxed tailoring and on trend floral pieces.
A summery collection where tailored references are merged with a sporty attitude, H&M focuses on modern and easy layering that creates a well-dressed and relaxed statement – the perfect blend of style and comfort for holidaying.
H&M Summer 2014 Campaign
Speaking of summer holidays, the brand has drawn the inspiration for its colourful SS14 campaign from Costa Rica and the clothes you’ll find being worn there. Shot around the ocean, beach and surfer shack environment, the message is clear this season: it’s a stylish surfer’s summer.
H&M Menswear SS14: Key Pieces
Shirts
Floral prints and vibrant summer patterns are at the heart of H&M’s new SS14 shirting. Tying in with the collection’s theme, floral motifs are given a contemporary update via striking graphic designs and bold colour palettes.
So, how do we actually wear these vibrant pieces? Well, as patterned shirts make such an effortless statement, we would suggest combining them with neutral shorts or blazers to keep the emphasis on your shirt’s eye-catching design.
For the less confident among us, the SS14 line also includes shirts with more subtle prints and patterns, as well as a plain shirt crafted in a cotton and linen blend. Simply team these with slim-fit jeans or chinos and you’re good to go:
Legwear
Shorts and swimwear is a core component of any true high summer wardrobe, and this season H&M provide stylish options for every body type and confidence level. Take your pick from eye-catching patterned versions or versatile monochrome styles in classic knee-length tailored fits or more fashion forward cropped silhouettes.
Black denim shorts are ideal for teaming with a plain white tee and leather trainers for a chic-casual look around the city, while colourful printed swim shorts will ensure the attention is firmly on you poolside.
Elsewhere, tailored shorts in a bolt blue offer a subtle differential to ubiquitous navy versions and will instantly breathe life into your summer style; pair with another bright hue for a contemporary take on colour blocking. For a more refined and pared-back approach, try teaming the brand’s grey tailored short shorts with a plain white button-up shirt and slip-on summer loafers.
Trousers and chinos typically come in light shades of white or cream this season, making timeless and versatile additions to any man’s wardrobe. These classic styles will look great worn with a contrasting hue such as a relaxed blazer in deep blue, or paired with a complementary sandy linen shirt to nail this season’s neutral outfit trend.
Slim sweats also feature in this diverse collection, proving that sartorial style doesn’t need to stop when you’re winding down at home:
High Summer Staples
From t-shirts to vests, the high summer staples in H&M’s spring/summer collection come predominantly in monochrome hues, which will help set the foundation of any warm-weather capsule wardrobe. Scoop necks and sleeveless versions add a modern edge, while long-sleeved tops and Henleys are ideal for layering when temperatures drop in the evening.
A plain tee with a scoop neck will look stylish and masculine teamed with faded charcoal jeans and car shoes. Finish the look with a lightweight denim jacket for a summer evening spent in a beer garden, or a simple grey crew neck sweater while watching the sun go down on the beach.
Add interest to your casual look by opting for a tee that features contrast printed detailing, such as a patterned collar, sleeve cuffs or front pocket. We’d suggest teaming with a pair of pastel chinos or shorts to complete your preppy-meets-surfer ensemble:
Blazers & Outerwear
Unstructured blazers play a huge part in H&M’s SS14 collection. Featuring a lightweight design and breathable construction, these jackets come in an array of summer-appropriate shades.
Oozing relaxed chic, we’d recommend throwing these versatile styles over one of the printed shirts found in the range, before finishing the look off with a pair of stylish, neutral shorts. The brand’s white or cream trousers would also work extremely well with these sharp and comfortable designs – perfect for drinking cocktails by the pool. Club Tropicana eat your heart out.
However, if you want to make more of a bold statement with your spring/summer outerwear, opt for a clean and contemporary bomber jacket featuring an all-over geometric print. Not for the faint-hearted, a style like this exudes self-confidence and will get you noticed for all the right reasons. Throw it on over one of the plain Henleys found in the collection, before finishing off with a pair of slim-fit denim shorts.
When Britain’s inevitable summer showers arrive – especially if you’re attending a festival this year – you’ll want to keep your entire body dry in a long rain jacket. Alternatively, for an on trend take on the 1990s rave or grunge aesthetic, reach for a hooded zip-up jacket in a toxic hue or camouflage print.
Keep the rest of your outfit simple to help anchor bold outerwear choices such as this – look to team with casual, masculine pieces such as plain tees/polos and a pair of straight-leg jeans/chinos:
Final Word
With a focus on relaxed tailoring and printed pieces that give beach-ready style a contemporary update, H&M manages to deliver a collection that has something for every man. So whether it’s a heat wave or washout kind of summer this year, you’ll remain comfortable and relaxed in impeccable of-the-moment style.
Shop the latest H&M spring/summer collection now in store and online at hm.com. 
