How to survive the heatwave as a man: No vests, no flip-flops... and the only acceptable length for your shorts. Our expert reveals exactly how you should dress to avoid looking like a sweaty mess

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Flip-flops and trunks are all good and well around the hotel pool on holiday. But what do you wear to navigate commutes, nursery drop-off and the pub when it’s sizzling in the city?

Men, here’s how to master heatwave dressing (spoiler alert: vests are not city-approved).

Summer shirting

Gaudy prints and almost sheer shirting is not going to cut it in the city. Wafty, billowing linen shirts in single block colours are great for casual occasions and weekend wear – I rate Gant’s, which is currently on sale. Or if you’re in the boardroom, cotton-rich, or even better, 100 per cent cotton shirts will keep you looking crisp and cool. Next’s is a steal for less than £30, and it comes in 12 colours.

City shorts

I’ve already given my spiel on the acceptable length of shorts to wear on holiday – the mid-thigh to just above the knee rule applies whatever your age, height, ethnicity, haircut or location.

It goes without saying that anything vaguely sporty or that resembles swimming trunks won’t cut it on urban streets. If you think I am being dramatic about the swimwear in public, please see the confident fellas sitting outside The Windmill pub in Clapham, south London, on Saturdays, who believe pairing your swimmers with a pastel Ralph Lauren shirt and boat shoes makes them appropriate attire for a local UK watering hole. Wrong.

Linen is fine, as long as it’s not saggy and loose. Your best bet is a pair of city shorts in tailored chino fabric or structured cotton. These will keep you cool but smart. Although be wary of cargo shorts – they are something else entirely.

Linen trousers

If you need to wear proper trousers, a tailored linen pair is the secret to looking sophisticated rather than sweaty. A pair from Mr Marvis is an investment, but one you won’t regret. Percival’s suit style will see you through wedding guest duties and days at the races. John Lewis’s are so highly coveted they sell out every summer – move fast. Or if you’re on a budget, look no further than Arket’s relaxed design.

Flip-flop alternatives…

While smart-flops have been the shoe of the summer for women this year, I’m sorry boys, your thonged feet aren’t welcome in the city. But there are other sandals which will get you by.

Fisherman’s sandals are back and better than ever. As are hiking styles, thanks to the ongoing love affair with gorpcore. I have waxed lyrical about booking a medi-pedi with one of the foot gurus at Margaret Dabbs to get your feet ready for the heat. Or at least trim your nails.

Closed-toe heroes

Leather boat shoes and loafers are a lightweight, breathable alternative to trainers. And they’ll keep your look sharp. The latter work best for summer formalwear and in the office. TU at Sainsbury’s real suede slip-on style are excellent quality for just £32.

If you have wide feet, M&S’s wide fit range is very respectable, and its elegant nautical heritage boat shoe has Freshfeet technology which helps keep hot trotters from getting clammy throughout the day.

The shade guide

Forget flimsy, wiry Maverick-inspired Top Gun aviators. This summer, acrylic structured styles were the shades du jour on the SS26 runways of Paul Smith, Dolce & Gabbana and Saint Laurent instead.

Don’t be afraid to make a statement – cool blue and warm orange, seventies-style tinted lenses were also trending. Splash the cash and invest at the above listed luxury brands. Or on the high street see Le Specs, Jimmy Fairly, Ace & Tate and Finlay.

Grooming

Get to know: whole body deodorant. This is great if you need to get suited and booted for a formal occasion or if your commute is particularly humid.
Afraid of the frizz? Keep unruly locks in check with Aesop’s hair tamer. Lightweight and non-sticky, this hair serum softens your locks and reins in flyaways.
For those that are prone to sweat patches, Certain Dri’s antiperspirant roll-on will help you stay dry and it doesn’t stain clothes.