Ahhh, summer time and the living is complicated. It seems that girls start scheming about this season while they’re shoveling snow in December, while their male cohorts (myself included) get around to thinking about their summer wardrobe around the beginning of August. Guys, we owe it to the ladies to be a little quicker off the draw.

   I took to the streets on a sunny afternoon to talk to women about the keys to Summer Hotness. Hopefully the findings will help men to jump start our summer selves.

   Main thoughts I unearthed:

1. Girls like to see a minimum standard of cleanliness, but are NOT fans of the extremes of male grooming. I have cancelled my Brozilian appointment.

2. Hats on guys seems to be a divided issue. And safari hats are NOT hot. I was a bit taken aback.

3. I got a thumbs up for capris on guys! Who knew?

4. Being active in the summer is definitely hot. Several girls expressed distain for the man who splits his summer hours between sitting on the couch and sitting at the bar.

5. In a related question, beach volleyball was seen as the hottest summer sport, followed by soccer… but I expect this to change in the next few weeks. Tennis was a strong third.

6. The age old dilemma of “to V-neck or not to V-neck” has been settled: V-neck. However, don’t go too low with that cut or the gods of wankerdom will descend on you like one thousand upset hornets.

   In the end, the overwhelming message I got from girls was just be you. Don’t push the envelope too far with your summer selves… most responses to questions followed this template: “I really like it when guys _____________ - but not too much or else it sucks.”

   In conclusion, being comfortable and confident is hot this summer - much better than summer 2009’s trend of self-loathing. Rejoice!

   Here’s a video of one of my interviews - big ups to Jessica for having the confidence to speak on camera. Guess it’s a two way street for what’s hot.