Understated. Uncomplicated. Unfailingly Reliable.
When the weather warms up, most guys reach for short sleeves and call it a day. But if you want a wardrobe that actually works for you—across temperatures, occasions, and moods—your summer knitwear needs to carry a little more weight.
And here’s the truth: It doesn’t take much. Just a few smart, intentional pieces that do more than one thing—and do it well.
In menswear, it’s easy to get caught up in novelty. But the best-dressed men build wardrobes on the opposite principle: thoughtful repetition. They rely on pieces that never look out of place, no matter the context. The kind of garments that get worn, not just admired.
If you’re building your spring/summer wardrobe and want to avoid regret, here’s our guide to getting it right the first time.
Start with the Essentials:
Color:
Stick to off-white, navy or brown. Why? They’re the most versatile knitwear colors in a modern wardrobe. Both pair well with high-twist wool trousers, raw denim, cotton chinos, or linen suiting—and they move easily between refined and casual.
Off-white leans cleaner. Navy leans sharper. Brown leans warmer. All play well in almost any outfit.
Style:
A three-button polo is the most foolproof spring knitwear silhouette. It’s polished enough to wear under a jacket, sharp enough to stand on its own, and more intentional than a crewneck tee.
It frames the face, nods to classic menswear, and adds quiet structure to layered looks.
Fabric:
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If you want something breathable but still sharp, go with Sea Island cotton or ice cotton. Both offer the structure you need to keep the shirt from looking like a blown t-shirt towards the end of the day.
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Prefer something with a bit more drape and casual ease? Try linen or a cotton-linen blend. It won’t look pristine—but that’s part of the charm.
Recommended Picks from the Shop:
John Smedley Sea Island Cotton Polo
The gold standard in spring knitwear. Made in England, luxuriously breathable, and elevated enough to replace a dress shirt.
MoonCastle Ice Cotton Skipper Polo
An off-white alternative with slouch and swagger. This one’s got vintage soul and a crisp feel that holds its shape.
GRP 100% Linen Crewneck
A warm-toned alternative reminiscent of summers in Tuscany. Washed to create a soft finish that rivals even the finest long-staple cottons with vintage fading that whispers casual elegance.
Build Smarter, Dress Better
You don’t need five different sweaters for spring. You need one or two that actually work—across situations, across seasons, and across time.
At Old House Provisions, we believe in garments that make life easier. Because when your wardrobe is full of well-chosen staples, getting dressed isn’t just quicker—it’s more confident.
So skip the trends. Invest in the pieces that will still look good five years from now.
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