The best summer suits for showing the oncoming heatwave who's boss

• Sizes: Jacket S-XL, Trousers 30-36
• Shape: Single-breasted

Toast may have been established almost three decades ago, but its wares have never been more relevant than today. Sustainably-minded and rooted in loose, comfortable, workwear-adjacent fits, its knitwear is spectacular come autumn, but for cool summer smarts, this cotton/linen grid check set is killer.

• Sizes: Jacket 44-54, Trousers 44-54
• Shape: Single-breasted

Marks & Spencer is a top port of call for affordable tailoring with a fashionable appearance. The latest example? This single-breasted suit. Summer-ready thanks to its beautiful pastel blue shade, it incorporates recycled polyester in its construction (a planet-conscious choice) and is fitted with an innovative active waist to grant extra freedom of movement. Offered in three styles of shape – regular, slim and skinny – extra points for accommodating all fit preferences.

• Sizes: Jacket XS-XXL, Trousers 28-40
• Shape: Single-breasted

In our eyes, this might be it: the ultimate unstructured linen pairing for the shores of Lake Como. Crafted from Italian-sourced linen by Sunspel’s designers, the jacket is regular fit, but darted for a touch of nipping and tucking, while the trousers follow an almost vintage pleated aspect for a full picture that’s irresistibly wearable.

• Sizes: Jacket 44-54, Trousers 44-54
• Shape: Double-breasted

Serving serious high fashion appeal at a more pleasing price, Cos’ latest addition to its tailored department is the sharp summer style move you’ve been waiting for. Perfectly padded across the shoulders to house its boxy silhouette, it’s cut from a breathable linen and features a deep set of patch pockets at the base of its double-breasted frame. We predict this one will sell out fast, so add it to your basket before it's too late.

• Sizes: Jacket XXS-3XL, Trousers 28-40
• Shape: Single-breasted

Uniqlo’s affordable office set just makes sense. AirSense, that is. Though wool-like in appearance, these garments are preternaturally light, meaning you can get away with the office siren thing all the way through the inevitable Indian summer.

• Sizes: Jacket S-XL, Trousers S-XL
• Shape: Single-breasted

Inspired by the heritage of traditional Indian craft textiles, New Delhi-based brand Kardo has got you covered with a suited statement this summer. Designed for a lightweight feel and shaped to a relaxed fit, its statement is delivered through an overall striped motif: achieved using an age-old weaving process which warps a unique set of burgundy lines into its cotton texture. What a beauty.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-44, Shorts 28-40
• Shape: Single-breasted

The summer of the short shorts is on, which in our books means it’s okay for the hems of suit trousers to shoot skyward, too. Note that these linen trouser shorts aren’t quite as short as you might be used to wearing with T-shirts: that’s because nobody wants to mistake you to be wearing a jacket with nothing underneath…

• Sizes: Jacket 36-50, Trousers 30-43
• Shape: Single-breasted

Assembled in Italy from a luxury wool texture, Paul Smith’s latest addition to the suit department is as playful as it is classic. Overdyed with a marl pattern across its bright blue frame, it has been cut using the tailor’s brand new Brierley block, combining the precise construction of a single-breasted silhouette with a finishing layer of stretch for comfort. The best design for cooler summer nights.

• Sizes: Jacket S-XXL, Trousers 46-56
• Shape: Single-breasted

Summer is the season to take a more relaxed approach to tailoring, and this offering by Parisian brand De Bonne Facture is an excellent way to do it. Crafted in collaboration with Mr Porter, it reflects the French brand’s knack for nonchalant style: whether it be through the unstructured canvas, straight leg to the trouser or pure linen fabrication, which is made using at least 50 per cent lower-impact material. An easy (and ethical) win, if you ask us.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-46, Trousers 29-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

Mango’s remarkably affordable pure linen set comes in khaki and beige, but it’s this safari-adjacent camel shade that has us furiously mashing “Add to bag”. We envision wearing the trousers with raw linen shirtsleeves for holiday and adding in light knitwear and the jacket come the first fallen leaves of autumn.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-46, Trousers 30-40
• Shape: Single-breasted

Since its inception in 1992, Savile Row-situated brand Richard James has proven itself to be one of the best sources for a finely-crafted suit with contemporary appeal. A current case in point for both factors in action? This ‘Hyde’ titled design. Sartorially refreshing thanks to its pastel pink shade, it promises to enhance the natural build through its dropped shoulders, nipped in waist and straight cut to the trouser. La vie en rose never looked so appealing.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-46, Trousers 28-40
• Shape: Single-breasted

Crisp and clean from head-to-toe, this navy seersucker suit by Drake’s strikes the perfect balance between tailoring and workwear. A signature ensemble from the Savile Row-based brand, its unlined construction is shaped to a boxy silhouette – therefore perfect for casual events – and effortlessly drapes across the natural lines of your frame through its soft shoulder line. ‘A’ grade summer style, sorted.

• Sizes: Jacket 44-54, Trousers 44-54
• Shape: Double-breasted

The kind of uber-slouchy suit that you can only hope to stumble upon in a vintage store or the dusty wardrobe of an older relative, this double-breasted pick is the perfect neo-retro suit for the modern man. Oversized and cut with a double vent at the rear, this breathable, flexible, number from Cos can handle anything your social calendar – or the weather forecast – might throw at it.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-46, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

Summer may be dominated by a sea of saturated shades, but for those who prefer to retain a more muted style stance, a black suit will always be a strong choice. The key to doing it right for the season? Linen. Designed from the lightweight texture, Oliver Spencer’s ‘Wyndhams’ set is subtly embroidered with tonal stripes and topped with pointed peak lapels to show you mean business. A classic favourite for team GQ.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-48, Trousers 28-40
• Shape: Single-breasted

Blending together The Big Three in desirable fabrications – wool, silk and linen – Mr P.’s single-breasted suit knows exactly what you want from summer formalwear, and delivers it. Tied together in a subtle beige hue, this pick pays respect to the menswear classics of old, all the while adding a modern verve.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-44, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

To those in search of a striking summer suit at a more affordable price point, allow us to introduce this offering from Asos. Designed to sit with a regular fit and draw attention through its petrol blue shade, it’s detailed with a wide set of peak lapels on top for a dose of glamour and falls with a tapered fit down the trouser to streamline your shape. We suggest tucking a simple white T-shirt into the trousers to show off their buckle belt feature.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-44, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

Not all summers are prone to a super hot climate, so if you’re looking for a suit with slightly more textural coverage, a cotton-crafted design is the way to go. Enter AllSaints’ latest offering. Cut from the aforementioned fabric, this skinny-fit suit is fused with a subtle stretch for comfort and features tonal checks across its taupe-coloured body to bring just the right dose of formality.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-44, Trousers 42-60
• Shape: Single-breasted

To those looking for the most fashionably casual suit to align with an easy-breezy summer, allow us to point you in the direction of Burberry. Specifically, for this impeccably louche style. Partly resembling workwear, partly athleisure (look at the elasticated waistband and hems across the trousers), it has been woven in Italy from a cotton blend and finishes with an alternative press-stud closure. Easy peasy.

• Sizes: Jacket 46-56, Trousers 46-56
• Shape: Single-breasted

Brunello Cucinelli is a master of making suits that draw the right kind of attention: a point proven by this latest linen ensemble. Clad in a bold white shade and contrasted with camel buttons across its double-breasted fastening, it’s partially lined for a slightly structural appearance and is finished with two deep patch pockets at the base of its blazer. Well worth the investment considering its effect upon wear.

• Sizes: Jacket 46-58, Trousers 46-56
• Shape: Single-breasted

Nothing turns heads like a flash of pink – except a flash of Tom Ford. Renowned designer of all things sultry and sexy, the rosey hue of this ‘Atticus’ suit might be a swerve, but it’s a welcomed one nonetheless. Thanks, Peter Hawkings.