It’s heating up out there and sometimes you just don’t feel like wearing your granny’s beach hat. What’s a man to do? Well, I’d like to point you to a couple other options: the doo rag and the bandana. These items won’t neccesarily keep the sun from roasting your brain cells, but they will keep sweat out of your eyes (It stings, right?). I couldn’t let you go without showing you how to wear these, so pay close attention to the following styles.

The Juvenile informal look: just plop a rag on top.

The Juvenile formal look: double camo on neck and forehead.

The Wayne-double-layer small wrap: ingredients include one bandana and one sweat band.

The Mannie Fresh guaranteed* fresh small wrap.
*Mannie Fresh in no way guarantees the freshness of your bandana this Summer.

The Birdman a.k.a Baby head wrap: best for baldies (Wrap it like a diaper.).

Now get out there and be a stunna.
Once the sun goes down and you’re headed for shore, pick up one of the following tops to cover your burnt belly. All of these should go nicely with the trunk options that I mentioned earlier.
The first is a basic and affordable white oxford from Lands’ End Canvas. And unless you’ve picked the white trunks, this white oxford is going to match anything. If you did get a white pair of trunks, you can grab this shirt in blue.
For a few more pennies (with the 30% discount it comes to $41.65) you might also like this Martin + Osa oxford option.

But if money is no object, I’d sink a few extra dollars in a Gitman Vintage oxford.

Depending on what beach you visit, it might get a bit nippy. I’m no doctor, but I do have a cure for goose bumps. All you’ll need to cure that rash is a thick shirt or sweater. The options below will layer nicely with the oxfords above. Just click through to read more about them.


Note: It’d be great if you could add your recommendations in the form of a photo note. If you would like to do this, just click the map and you’ll be taken to flickr where you can add the note.
If I haven’t already mentioned it, I’m heading off to San Diego. I’m going down for a wedding on May 21st and I’m looking forward to getting sand betwixt my toes. I’m not familiar with San Diego, so I’d love any recommendations you have as far as sights to see, food to eat, and places to shop. In return I’ll give you some suiting options for the beach. As far as I’m concerned, there are two brands that should be considered for that bum bum of yours. Both options are offered up with classic materials and color options. This is a must for me when shopping for trunks.

photo credit: South Willard, second photo credit: Kona sports
The first trunk comes from Birdwell. They’ve been making beach britches in SoCal since 1961. Their selection includes a handful of basic colors and styles. They offer the primary colors (plus a few more) and a Hawaiian print option for the tropical flower lovers. The styles range from the lifeguard 14” (style 307) to the boarder 18” (style 303). I prefer styles 301, 307 and 303. I’d go for style 301 and 307 if you’re just planning on a casual splash or if you’re on duty. And if you’re planning on participating in any water sports, go for style 303. If you’re surfing, you’ll definitely want the longer trunk. You don’t want that board wax ripping off the only thing covering those untanned legs, do you? Before you navigate the Birdwell mess-of-a-website, check out the versions that South Willard is serving up.

photo credit: O’Connell’s
Most times I try to stay away from manmade materials, but when it comes to swim trunks the versatility that the fake stuff offers is hard to beat. They’re quick drying, tough and who doesn’t love the bright colors in the sunshine? If you’re still not convinced, you’re in luck. Navigate over to O’Connell’s and check out their trunk varieties. Each trunk is made from either 100% hand-loomed cotton or a cotton poplin blend. The selections come in colors that will keep you looking proper from your day at the beach until your dinner at night. You could probably even pull off the madras patterned varietal at that garden party you’ve been invited to. You have to pair them with a madras tux though.

white sneakers by robksawyer on Polyvore.com
Tipped off by a Put This On post, I decided to see what other good deals 6pm was offering on shoes. I found quite a few and decided to collect all of the ones that I thought would be great for the summer. I added a few more from other stores too. So what I’ve come up with above is a wide selection of sneakers under $80 (many are under $30) that’ll keep you looking fresh in the heat.