Why Every Man Needs a Summer Glow Up in 2025
Summer’s almost here, and every guy wants that summer glow up men are talking about.
Maybe you’re looking in the mirror and thinking, “Alright, what do I actually need to do to look my best this year?” I get it—I’ve been there too.
The whole summer glow up men thing isn’t just hype; it’s real. And honestly, we can’t just keep doing the same old stuff and expect new results.
This year, let’s go all in. We’re talking real routines—workouts that actually work, getting that golden tan (without looking like a lobster), upgrading your style so you stand out for the right reasons, drinking more water than you think you need, eating fruit that makes your skin glow, and, yeah, getting your head in the right place too.
You want to turn heads? You want to feel good, not just look good? Then stick with me. I promise, if you follow these tips, your summer glow up won’t just be talk—it’ll be the transformation everyone notices in 2025.
What Is a Summer Glow Up for Men?
Okay, before we get into the good stuff, let’s just talk about what a summer glow up for men even is. Honestly, it’s not rocket science. It’s about transformation—inside and out. You can’t just hit the gym a couple times and call it a day. I mean, you could, but you won’t get the full effect.
Here’s what I’m saying:
- Grooming? Yeah, I’m talking about getting a fresh cut, actually using a skincare routine (no, soap and water isn’t enough), and just keeping yourself sharp.
- Health? We all know we should move more. So, we’re talking about getting active, maybe hitting the gym, maybe just doing push-ups at home—whatever works. Eat some real food, not just junk.
- Style? Man, you can’t be out here in the same old T-shirt every day. Summer’s about looking fresh, so let’s upgrade that wardrobe.
- Confidence? This is the big one. When you feel good, you stand taller. You walk in a room and people notice. That’s not magic—it’s just what happens when you take care of yourself.
Look, a summer glow up for men in 2025 isn’t just about looking good (though you totally will). It’s about feeling better, building habits that last, and showing up as the best version of yourself.
If you stick with me, I promise you’re gonna see a difference—not just this summer, but every summer after.
Before & After: The Visual Power of a Men’s Summer Glow Up
| Before | After |
| Low energy | Toned, energized body |
| Dull, tired-looking skin | Healthy tan and glowing skin |
| Outdated or ill-fitting style | Sharp, modern, well-fitted style |
| Uninspired mindset | Fresh, confident, positive mindset |
Real Routines That’ll Transform Your Summer
A. Workouts That Actually Get You Noticed
Look, I can’t say this enough: working out is the foundation of any real summer glow up for men. If you want to look like a whole snack by August, you’ve got to commit. Here’s the deal—set up a weekly plan that hits strength, cardio, and recovery. I’m talking five or six days a week, one to two hours each session. Trust me, if you stick with it, you’ll see results.
Try this sample weekly routine:
- Monday: Upper body strength (bench press, rows, push-ups—3 sets of 8–12 reps)
- Tuesday: Cardio (30 minutes running or HIIT)
- Wednesday: Lower body strength (squats, lunges, deadlifts—3 sets of 8–12 reps)
- Thursday: Active recovery (light stretching, walking, or yoga)
- Friday: Full body circuit (mix strength and cardio, 3 rounds)
- Saturday (optional): Bonus cardio or abs
For more detailed routines and tips, check out this ultimate guide to workout routines for men
Consistency is everything. Don’t skip rest days—they’re just as important for muscle growth and avoiding burnout. Stick with this routine through June and July, and by August, you’ll be turning heads everywhere you go.
B. How to Get a Healthy Tan (Without Burning)
Let’s be real—a good summer tan just hits different. It makes your skin glow and shows you’ve been out enjoying life. But you gotta do it right. The sun’s great for vitamin D, but you don’t want to fry your skin. Always use sunscreen—seriously, don’t skip it. Personally, I use Sun Bum (works great for Black and African American skin), but if you’ve got lighter skin, you might need something different, so do a quick search for what fits you best.
Here’s how to tan safely:
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every time you go outside.
- Don’t overdo it—20–30 minutes in the sun is plenty.
- Moisturize after sun exposure to keep your skin smooth.
- Reapply sunscreen if you’re out for a while or sweating.
A healthy tan is about looking good and staying safe. Trust me, your skin will thank you.
C. Level Up Your Summer Style & Grooming
Alright, let’s talk fashion—because how you dress seriously matters for your summer glow up. First off, keep it simple. If you’re rocking graphic tees, make sure they’re quality—no cheap prints, and sorry, but leave the anime shirts at home for now. Go for clean, plain shirts, solid shorts, or a fresh tank top. Trust me, less is more this summer.
2025 style trends you can’t go wrong with:
- Matching sets (they just look put together, no effort required)
- Linen shirts and shorts (lightweight and always classy)
- Pastel colors (soft, stylish, and perfect for sunny days)
- Wide-leg trousers (comfortable and on-trend)
And don’t sleep on grooming. Hit the barbershop at least once a month or grab some clippers and keep that shave clean. Don’t look dusty—look smooth.
You want attention? This is how you get it, bro.
D. Hydration Hacks: Stay Cool, Look Fresh
Let me say it loud: ban the alcohol, soda, and junk food.
If you want that real summer glow up, you can’t be chugging sweet drinks or eating trash all day. I get it—sometimes you want a cheat meal, maybe some seafood boil or ramen. That’s cool, but for the best results, keep your cheat days to once or twice a month.
Your main hydration source? Water, water, and more water.
Trust me, you’ll feel the difference.
For an easy summer hydration tip, add some lemon to your water for flavor. Skip the coffee (it stains your teeth) and go for tea—no sugar, though. Want to level up your hydration game?
Eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges—these are some of the best hydrating foods for men. Want to know more? Here’s a list of 19 water-rich foods that help you stay hydrated
Hydration isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about looking good, too. Staying hydrated will boost your energy, help your skin glow, and make every other part of your summer glow up routine work better. If you want more ways to start your day right, check out these morning routines for men that kick off with hydration and healthy habits.
E. Eat for a Glow: Fruits That Boost Your Skin
Like I said before, if you want that real summer glow up, you’ve gotta eat the right stuff. Fruits are your best friend for glowing skin and a healthy body. When the sun hits your face, you want it to shine—not show breakouts.
Top fruits for glowing skin and health:
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Cucumbers
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Spinach (yeah, it counts—super good for your skin)
Here’s an easy tip: Eat these fruits in the morning before work and again when you get home. Keep them fresh and ready to go. Personally, I’m all about pineapples and watermelon in the summer—they just hit different.
Eat fresh, eat often, and let your skin do the talking.
F. Mindset Moves: How to Stay on Track
Alright, this is the part most guys skip—but trust me, mindset is everything for a real summer glow up. Start by setting clear goals. Write them down, track your progress, and celebrate every win—big or small. I keep a journal on my phone just to see how far I’ve come. It helps, for real.
Stay positive. Use self-talk that lifts you up, not tears you down. Meditate if you can, or just take a few minutes to breathe and reset. Rest matters, too—don’t burn out trying to do it all at once.
Remember: Progress takes time and dedication. If you keep your mind right, the rest will follow. Read more, stay focused, and watch your summer transformation last.
Your Step-by-Step Summer Glow Up Checklist
Alright, let’s keep it real—if you actually want to see a change this summer, you gotta track your progress. I made this checklist so you (and honestly, me too) can stay on point. Don’t overthink it. Just check stuff off as you go. Miss a day? No big deal. We get right back to it.
Workout
- Did I move today? Doesn’t have to be fancy—just get it done.
- Hit the gym or do something active at least 5 times a week.
- Rest matters. Don’t try to be a superhero every single day.
Hydration
- Water, water, water. Seriously—drink up.
- Lemon in your water? Game changer.
- Grab some watermelon or cucumbers if you’re bored with plain water.
- Soda and alcohol? Nah, we’re skipping that (at least most days).
Style
- Switched up the wardrobe? Try something new—matching sets, linen, whatever feels good.
- Booked that haircut or cleaned up the beard? Don’t let it slide.
- No more raggedy tees. Go for quality, not just quantity.
Nutrition
- Ate some fruit or veggies today? If not, fix that.
- Pineapple, bananas, spinach—just get something fresh in your system.
- Junk food? Save it for a real cheat day, not every day.
Mindset
- Wrote down a goal? Doesn’t have to be deep, just something you want.
- Noticed a win today, even a small one? Celebrate it.
- Took a minute to chill out, breathe, or just zone out? Good.
- Read something (or listened to something) that made you think? That counts.
FAQ: Your Summer Glow Up Questions, Answered
How long does a summer glow up take?
Honestly, if you’re actually doing this every single day—putting in the work, staying determined, not slacking off—you’ll see a big difference in about two months. So, if you start in June, by the end of July or even mid-July, you’ll notice that glow up is real. But you gotta stick with it. No shortcuts.
Can you start a glow up late in the season?
Look, I won’t sugarcoat it. Most people start their glow up in the spring or even January, especially when it comes to working out. But if you’re late to the game, don’t stress. You can still make progress if you go hard and stay consistent. Determination beats perfect timing every time.
Quick wins for busy men?
Alright, if you’re super busy, focus on the basics:
- Drink more water (seriously, just carry a bottle everywhere)
- Get moving—quick home workouts or even a walk
- Clean up your style (fresh shirt, haircut, done)
- Eat some fruit, skip the junk
You don’t have to do everything at once. Just start somewhere, and you’ll see results.
Conclusion: Start Your Summer Glow Up Journey Today
Alright, that’s it. That’s the real talk on this summer glow up men need to actually see results. I can’t stress this enough—discipline is the game changer. You can’t just wish for it, you gotta work for it.
Some days you’ll feel lazy, and yeah, we all have those days.
But if you just focus on improving a little bit every day, you’ll be shocked at how far you go.
I’ve been at this since April. I’m seeing the progress. And trust me, people around you will notice too. Women?
Oh, they definitely notice when you level up.
Don’t lose focus, don’t quit when it gets tough. We’re all in this together, trying to get better and glow up for real.
So start now. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Your summer glow up isn’t gonna happen by accident—it’s on you. Let’s get it.
