Punchy prints to pack this summer.

The summer is, technically, supposed to be the most relaxing time of year. So why is choosing what to wear so difficult? Working up the courage to bare your sun-starved skin to the outside world is to play fashion roulette. A man can go much less wrong with a pair of wool trousers, for instance, than he can with swim shorts – them’s just the rules. So imagine our excitement when a brand comes along that assuages our anxiety about looking good when we’re at the mercy of summer’s sartorial demands. Fortunately, Okun – which goes live on MR PORTER today – does exactly that.

Founded by Mr Bola Marquis and drawing on his African heritage, Okun translates as “the ocean” in Yoruba, and the brand is all about natty prints, quality fabrics, and holiday-appropriate style that will give you a sartorial edge when you’re on the beach or by the pool.

Although Okun is known mostly for its swimwear, it doesn’t just do shorts – the printed short-sleeved shirts are a summer staple, and are cut with a side slit for a relaxed fit that will look great on their own or layered over one of the brand’s soft white T-shirts. The brand’s prints are bold but cool, and they’re easy to pull off. Team a bright pair of Okun’s swimming shorts with one of their plain T-shirts for a relaxed look that’s vibrant and summery without going overboard. Finish everything off with some sandals and shades, and there’s that summer-dressing dilemma solved.