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…
Nomos adds color to Metro line for Ace Jewelers’ 50th
Two new Nomos watches with striking dial colors
Ace x Nomos Glashuette

Dating back to the early ‘90s, German watch brand Nomos Glashutte has dominated the industry with stylish timepieces. It is now collaborating with Ace Jewelers to mark a special milestone in the boutique's journey—its 50th anniversary. The latest additions, the Metro Neomatik and Metro Neomatik 39, are based on the Metro line and are cleverly designed to breathe some life into the collection. Think of it as a splash of color that makes everything look more interesting.

To make the collection more lively, the brand opted for contemporary color shades—orange and yellow. Each model features a subdial above 6 o’clock that’s highlighted by a different shade, which complements the dial. While the orange version has a yellow subdial, the yellow variant comes with an orange sundial, two warm colors that blend perfectly. The Metro line consists of three watch models with white and blue dials—the new orange dials add a touch of spice to the collection.

Read more
Sergio Tacchini taps into its tennis roots for SS25
Channeling the tennis beginnings and the polo origin
Sergio Tacchini Tennis

Athletes who make a mark on their sport almost always go on to create something off the court as well. After they leave a lasting legacy within their respective athletic venture, they look to have the same effect on culture. The most popular example is Michael Jordan and his Air Jordan shoe line. While he is the greatest basketball player of all time (no disrespect to Kobe or LeBron), his shoes have changed the world in so many ways that it's hard to quantify. But before MJ, you had Sergio Tacchini. While he was a legendary tennis star, he made a lasting impact on culture when he launched his self-titled brand. It started on the court and was worn by dozens of tennis legends from the 1970s to the 1990s, but it was also adopted by the British subculture "The Casuals" and hip-hop artists like LL Cool J and Nas. Since then, it went through some hard times before being acquired in 2019 and relaunched. The Sergio Tacchini SS25 drop heads back to its tennis roots, reminding everyone where it came from.

Tennis and the polo

Read more
Zenith unveils chronomaster original triple calendar in rose gold and black
The art of contrast: Rose gold and black redefine zenith's calendar chronograph
Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar white abckground

Zenith introduced a new Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar chronograph model. It has an 18-carat rose gold case and a black dial. This addition comes after the steel model came out earlier in 2024. The new materials and color difference change the appearance of the design.

At 38mm the watch showcases a configuration from El Primero's past. Not many people realize the high-frequency chronograph movement from Zenith had a triple calendar, besides the moon phase. In 1970, the company made 25 prototypes using the A386 case design.

Read more