Guides

Every summer, the same question comes back: what do I actually need in my closet when it's 90°F and I've got a beach trip, two cookouts, and a dinner reservation on the calendar? The short answer for 2026: a lightweight linen button-down that works tucked or untucked, swim trunks you wouldn't be embarrassed to wear to a beachside lunch, and at least one short-sleeve shirt that bridges the gap between "I tried" and "I'm comfortable." These three categories cover about 80% of warm-weather situations — and this year's editor picks confirm it. Here's the full checklist, broken down by what actually matters: fabric, versatility, and whether you'll reach for it more than twice before September.

The safest Father's Day move under $50? A linen shirt in a neutral color. It works for backyard grilling, a casual dinner out, or just looking put-together on a Saturday — and most dads won't buy one for themselves. If he's more of a pool guy, a solid pair of swim trunks at $15 is a no-brainer add-on. Both are the kind of thing he'll reach for all summer, not shove in a drawer. Below, we break down four picks by the type of dad you're shopping for — plus how to choose if you're not sure about his style. --- Here's a better question — what does he actually reach for every day? For most dads, it's the comfortable shirt that goes with everything, the swim trunks that dry fast at the pool, or the one button-down that makes him look sharp without any effort. We rounded up our favorite summer picks under $50 that work for the dad who grills on weekends, the dad who's always at the beach, and the dad who could use a wardrobe refresh but would never buy it himself.