What to Wear in Summer

Simple, Comfortable Style for Real Life (2026 Guide)

Northern NSW summers are warm, bright, and full of easy, everyday moments. Things like beach runs, backyard catch-ups, long weekends, and “I’ll just duck into town” errands.
What you wear shouldn’t make life harder. It should feel comfortable, suit the heat, and help you feel confident.

At Stewart’s Menswear, we’ve been helping men dress for Mullumbimby summers since 1929. Here’s our simple 2026 guide to staying cool, confident, and comfortable without overthinking it.

TL;DR 

For Northern NSW summers, choose breathable fabrics like bamboo, cotton and linen, simple lightweight shirts, comfortable shorts and easy footwear. Keep outfits relaxed, practical and suited to warm weather. Aim for comfort first, confidence second.

Keep It Simple (and Practical)

Summer clothes don’t need to be complicated. A few well-chosen pieces can easily take you through warm days and relaxed nights.

Look for:

• Light, breathable fabrics
• Easy fits that move with you
• Colours that suit the season
• Clothes you can wear for work and weekends
• The goal isn’t “on trend”. The goal is easy to wear.

Choose Fabrics That Breathe

Our customers reach for:

• Bamboo - soft, breathable and great for sensitive skin
• Cotton - a classic for a reason
• Linen blends - cool, relaxed and classic

These fabrics work with the heat, not against it. They help you stay comfortable from morning coffee to the evening breeze.

Comfortable Shorts That Do the Job

A good pair of shorts is a summertime staple. The right ones should be lightweight, loose fitting and move well.

We usually recommend:

• A light simple short for everyday wear
• Something a little smarter, like a chino, for going out
• A soft, relaxed option for weekends and holidays

If you’re unsure where to start, we can point you in the right direction..

Shirts That Feel Good to Wear

Not every shirt works in a Northern NSW summer, so choose pieces designed to keep you cool.

Good options include:

• Lightweight cotton short-sleeves
• Bamboo button-ups (soft, breathable, extremely comfortable)
• Simple polos in breathable fabrics

The key is comfort and confidence. A shirt shouldn’t restrict you, it should feel natural the moment you put it on.

If you’re ever unsure what good fit actually feels like, our free Shirt Fitting Guide walks you through a few simple checks we use in-store every day, so you can feel confident before you step out.

 

Footwear That Works for Warm Weather

Shoes matter more than most men want to admit. The right pair can make even the simplest outfit feel “put together”.

Think:

• Easy slip-ons
• Light canvas styles
• Cushioned sandals
• Smart casual shoes for dressing up

If you’re on your feet a lot, we’ll help you find something supportive and comfortable.

Three Easy Outfit Ideas (No Overthinking Required)

1. Everyday Errands

• Lightweight cotton tee
• Comfortable shorts
• Easy slip-ons

Perfect for town trips, coffee runs, and school pickups.

2. Dinner Out or Drinks

• Bamboo button-up
• Smart casual shorts
• Relaxed, clean footwear
  Simple, sharp, and still comfortable in the heat.

3. Weekend Relaxing

• Soft cotton tee
• Relaxed shorts
• Thongs or casual slides
  

Ready for anything from the backyard to the beach.

If putting outfits together still feels harder than it should, our 20-Minute Wardrobe Reset is designed to make things simple. For $9.97, it walks you through easy outfit combinations, what works for your lifestyle, and how to feel confident getting dressed without overthinking it.

A Final Word: Dress for Comfort, Confidence & Your Lifestyle

Summer style in Northern NSW doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s all about choosing clothes that feel good, keep you cool, and suit the way you live.

If you want a hand finding the right outfit (whether it’s a new shirt, a lightweight pair of shorts, or something for a summer event), we’re here in store with friendly, local advice. That’s something we’ve always been proud to offer. We’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear.

If you enjoyed this guide and want more simple, practical style tips (plus new arrivals and fabric advice), you might like to follow Stewart’s Menswear on Facebook. We share easy outfit ideas, seasonal picks, and helpful updates from our award-winning family-owned store in Mullumbimby located in the Byron Shire on the Northern Rivers of NSW.

FAQs

1. What should men wear in Northern NSW summer?

Light, breathable clothing works best. Bamboo tees, cotton shorts, linen-blend shirts and easy slip-on shoes. These fabrics help you stay cool in the heat while keeping your style simple and comfortable.

2. What are the best fabrics for hot weather in Northern NSW?

Bamboo, cotton and linen blends are ideal. They breathe well, feel light on the skin and help manage humidity, making them perfect for Mullumbimby’s warm climate.

3. What’s a simple everyday summer outfit for men?

A lightweight tee, comfortable shorts and slip-on shoes will take you through errands, coffee runs and relaxed weekend plans without overthinking it.

4. What should I wear for a casual dinner out in summer?

A breathable button-up shirt with smarter shorts and relaxed footwear is an easy option for warm evenings while still looking put-together.

5. Where can I get men’s summer clothes in Northern NSW?

Stewart’s Menswear in Mullumbimby stocks handpicked, quality summer pieces designed for comfort, great value and everyday wear and with friendly local advice to help you choose.