Here's Why (And How) You Need To Go Sheer This Summer
Sheer is the new black – seen across the red carpet and designer racks
If you've worked hard to get that chiselled summer bod, now is the time to flaunt it in a sheer attire!
Hate it or make peace with it but the see-through trend in menswear collections shows no signs of fading out. Shirts, tees, shorts and trousers in diaphanous, wispy fabrics have been doing the rounds by the pools and in celebrity circuits. Dsquared2's Spring Summer 25 outing explored the '80s underground gay culture with an erotically charged showcase of bondage and fetishes at Milan Fashion Week. During this titillating presentation, sheer shirts were paired with BDSM-inspired harnesses and leather pants.
Even Pharrell Williams during his Louis Vuitton menswear showcase couldn't resist the charm of the translucent turtleneck sweaters which revealed the models’ torsos.
Gossamer shirts, ultra-fine jackets, perforated pants (yes, really!), and any other piece of apparel you can think of seem to be absolutely summer-appropriate. Thanks to designers like Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent, LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi, Ludovic Saint Sernin, Rick Owens, Denzil Patrick and Dries van Noten, the subversive and bold pieces have become quite mainstream and also lend themselves to a beautiful textural interplay while layering.
Talking of erotica, one couldn't help but mention David Koma's menswear showcase, which was a fantasy gym workout with men pumping iron and flexing muscles in crystal mesh tees, feathered boots and leather brief bloomers.
Early this year at the SAG Awards, Slow Horses' Kadiff Kirwan hit all the right style notes in a cropped double-breasted suit, sheer shirt, and lug-sole loafers. Heartstopper hottie Kit Conner was recently photographed in a mesh Gucci shirt for an editorial. Back home, Karan Johar made a dramatic landing on the ramp in a sequinned and sheer tie-up shirt layered with a statement blazer by Falguni Shane Peacock at Lakme Fashion Week.
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Designers like Payal Singhal have incorporated sheer textiles like organza in the festive menswear space. Whether it's her organza embroidered bandi or organza kurta, she's shown how they can be styled with velvet pants. Moreover, brands like Shivan & Narresh have advocated sheer dressing in their resort offerings. Designer Shivan Bhatiya, founder of the label, observes that when embracing the sheer trend, the goal is to exude confidence without compromising on sophistication. He suggests opting for high-quality sheer fabrics like silk organza, lightweight mesh, or sheer knits that drape well and feel light against the skin. "These materials elevate the look while ensuring comfort and breathability—perfect for summer. Since sheer makes a bold statement, ground the look with tailored silhouettes or layer over structured innerwear to avoid feeling too exposed. Earthy tones, monochromes, or tonal layering can make the trend more wearable and versatile," he notes.
Sheer fabrics strike the ideal balance between sensuality and sophistication, making them a natural choice for summer dressing. "To make a statement, consider sheer shirts as your hero pieces—styled with tailored resort trousers or swim shorts for a breezy, effortless appeal," adds Narresh Kukreja, Creative Director of the brand. Layering adds depth hence he suggests pairing a sheer overshirt with a bold-printed vest to introduce texture and visual interest.
Contrasting sheer with structured or matte materials adds dimension and balances subtle allure with confident masculinity. Ultimately, it's about expressing individuality while maintaining an air of understated elegance. At Siddhant Agrawal Label, sheer isn’t just a fabric — it’s a statement. It’s for the man who’s bold enough to blur the lines between structure and softness, between what’s expected and what’s unapologetically expressive. "This summer, sheer shirts and overshirts are your go-to pieces to amp up the edge. Think lightweight organza, power mesh, net, and even metallic-tinted tulles. These fabrics allow for play — with layering, transparency, and texture," says Siddhant. A wispy organza shirt with exaggerated sleeves over a bold harness makes for a head-turning evening look. "For something more laid-back yet impactful, throw on a sheer mesh overshirt over a vest or go bare-chested with layered jewellery, tailored trousers, and chunky boots," he suggests.
Here are some sheer looks we recommend:
Louis Vuitton
This sheer and embroidered turtleneck from Pharrell William says - rockstar on a night in town. Layer it under a tuxedo or just accessorise it with some gold necklaces to dial up the drama.
Shivan & Narresh
Printed and partly transparent, this vibrant shirt works for a wide array of outings - from a beach to a pool party.
Siddhant Agarwal Label
Ombre hues and sheer fabrics are a great style match. The perfect shirt for the cocktail hour.
Nirmooha
This sheer and textured tank is badass and bold. Wear it by the pool with a pair of swim shorts and see the energies shift.
