Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What to Wear for Labor Day and the Unofficial End of Summer

It’s summer’s last hurrah — Labor Day, that is. As with other summer holiday occasions, you need gear that strikes the right balance between functional, casual,  and rugged — who knows where you’ll find yourself by the end of the long weekend? With that in mind, you’ll find both a handsome short-sleeve shirt and versatile, travel-ready shorts among our Labor Day style selections below.

We’ll leave the weekend plans up to you, but these menswear picks will have you sorted out in style either way.

Recommended Videos

Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt

Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’re all about making the most of the season in style, and there’s no time like the present — and particularly, Labor Day weekend — to wear this subtly stylish patterned short-sleeve shirt from Taylor Stitch. Perfectly laid-back and versatile, yet slightly dressier than a T-shirt.

Roark Revival Stretch Travel Shorts

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Much like Memorial Day, Labor Day is a holiday where anything can happen — you could be at the lake or the river, then called into duty at the town’s real local watering hole. Hence, these go-anywhere shorts from Roark Revival.

Sperry Cloud CVO Deck  Sneakers

Sperry Cloud CVO Deck  Sneakers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Affordable, classic, made to be worn for Labor Day weekend travel and a backyard BBQ in equal measure, these are the casual sneakers that’ll take you from the boardwalk to the bar and back. Great work, Sperry.

MVMT Watches Range Field Watch

MVMT Watches Range Field Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For under $100, you’re getting a rugged, durable-as-heck watch to wear all Labor Day weekend — the field watch style is perfect to keep on your wrist for weekend hikes and brewery visits, no change of wristwatch required.

Duke Cannon Proper Cologne

Duke Cannon Proper Cologne
Image used with permission by copyright holder

No matter if you’re going across the country or just across town for a Labor Day BBQ, the right cologne can actually go a long way — and Duke Cannon’s new Proper Cologne is as good as it gets.

Boarding Pass NYC Shaving Kit Bag

Boarding Pass NYC Shaving Kit Bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’ve talked about the importance of traveling in style for Labor Day weekend, and that principle holds true when it comes to your everyday carry, too. This tough shaving kit bag is perfect for all those critical travel toiletries.

Relwen Bivouac Weekend Duffel Bag

Relwen Bivouac Weekend Duffel Bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Let’s close out this guide as to what to wear for Labor Day by taking a look at the rugged bag that’s going to get you from point A to point B in style, shall we? Relwen nails it here in terms of functionality and style for Labor Day weekend.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
Classy men’s winter fashion: Timeless staples to elevate your cold-weather style
Stay stylish with these timeless winter staples
Man in suede coat in the snow

The winter is here, and you are undoubtedly deep into your winter wardrobe as you find ways to guard against the cold. Every man's wardrobe needs specific staples that carry him from one season to the next, and the winter is no different. But it isn't just about buying new things every winter; it is also about picking up the right things that will last for years and never go out of style. It isn't about the trendy year-in and year-out items. It is about picking up those classic items that you can pass on to your kids after you invest in quality garments because they are iconic and never go out of style. Don't worry, we put together a list of classy men's winter fashion items that you can shop and elevate your cold-weather wardrobe.
The legendary flannel

There is no more iconic men's cold-weather staple than a good flannel. They are the ultimate in outdoor wear. While they started as a hardworking Welsh fabric to guard against the weather in the dreary UK, it has established itself as the quintessential American masculine shirt worn by everyone from lumberjacks to dockworkers.

Read more
JJJJound and adidas announce the release date for the Superstar remix
adidas, JJJJound announce new sneaker
side view of black leather adidas superstar sneakers

Any shoe with the influence and impact as the adidas Superstar sneaker will always see redesigns and remixes. Throughout the years, this sneaker has seen many differing versions, adding to its legacy as one of the hottest sneakers in recent seasons. Although it’s hard to replicate the same impact as the original design, JJJJound is taking on this iconic silhouette and creating a new sleek design. Although much of the silhouette doesn’t change, this collaboration adds new touches and materials that elevate it to another level. A more sophisticated look for the Superstar sneaker, this collaboration is perfect for those wanting to infuse their street style into any occasion. 
JJJJound x adidas Superstar 90 “Made in Japan”

Donning an all-black look, the collaborative Superstar sneaker uses JJJJound’s recognized Japanese leather for a soft and elegant look. Rather than add new features to the original shoe, this collaboration sees fewer details for a scaled-back appearance. In this latest iteration, the Superstar sneaker appears without its tongue logo and sans emblems on the heel tabs. Besides removing these features, the text “JJJJound” replaces the golden “Superstar” text along the side of the iconic three white stripes. A lowkey and subtle switch-up on a classic sneaker, this collaborative shoe draws a statement from how sleek and modern its appearance is. Ideal for those looking for a more sophisticated everyday sneaker, this collaboration is set to hit the shelves on February 1, 2025. Fans looking to purchase these sleek sneakers can do so via JJJJound’s web store.

Read more
Oak & Oscar releases rugged Humboldt GMT SAR watch for outdoor adventurers
A trip to the woods with the Humboldt GMT SAR Edition
Oak Oscar Humboldt GMT SAR Edition

Oak & Oscar has always been popular for its outdoor inclinations, which is one reason why it created a watch that aligns with the outdoorsy vibe: the Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT SAR Edition. For this limited edition watch, the brand teamed up with the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, which patrols northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) and the entire St. Louis County region.

Covering a piece of land stretching over 100,000 acres, the Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe area consists of woodlands with natural streams and lakes—a peaceful haven for getting in touch with nature.

Read more