With the summer sun heating up and holidays a calling, men, just as much as women, need to focus on their wardrobe to ensure they feel comfortable, look good and are on trend for the summer season.
Paying specific attention to suiting, Brown Thomas, the Mecca of Menswear Fashion, has helpfully offered JOE their top tips and expert advice when deciding how to create that perfect look.
Firstly, it’s important to remember that with the beautiful summer comes a more relaxed attitude that translates into flexible dress codes leaning towards comfort and summer weather utility. The season is no time to add extra bulk; therefore lightweight suits are an absolute must. Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or tropical weight wool are perfect for any occasion during the summer months. And remember, wearing dark colours during the day will not reflect light, but rather absorb it!
Nothing says summer like a classic linen suit. Avoid billowy, pleated linen and opt for a slimmer, more modern-cut from labels such as Paul Smith, Canali, Zegna and Armani. Don’t worry about the wrinkles – it’s the nature of the fabric. Team with a white long sleeve button-down cotton shirt and a light brown pair of brogues to complete your look.
Cotton is king during the summer months; its natural wicking properties, along with its strength and durability make it the choice for those looking to stay cool and on trend. Dark suits are perfect for evening wear; however, they must be lightweight. A steel blue cotton suit fits the bill and nothing goes better with a cotton suit than a cotton tie, but keep in mind, the busier the pattern on the tie the simpler the shirt. Etro, Paul Smith, and Zegna offer a wide range of cotton attire to choose from.
Often seen in the American southeast, and with its Indian origins, seersucker is an incredible light, classic, breathable fabric found in suits perfect in higher temperatures. Most commonly made from cotton with a striped pattern (blue, brown, grey, although other colours and patterns can be sourced), seersucker’s strength lies in its slack tension weave, where two warp beams enable a tight weave one direction while a loose one the other direction. Make a modern statement with a seersucker suit by wearing a light coloured linen sweater underneath.
Opting for lighter weight woollen fabrics is a popular way to wear traditionally constructed suits during the summer. With this season’s key colours shades of blue and grey it will give any look a suitably summery edge. Canali and Hugo Boss have a wonderful range of fine wool mohair separates.
To really get ahead in the style stakes this Summer, accessorise appropriately. Keep shoes light weight and look out for lower-cut dress shoes made from more pliable leather and even canvas. Throw on a cotton driving cap (not a tweed one) with pretty much anything, or take it up a notch with a straw (not felt) trilby, porkpie, or fedora from Paul Smith and Bailey.
The Menswear Rooms at Brown Thomas is home to an unrivalled selection of international menswear labels including Alexander Mc Queen, Armani, Bamford & Sons, Burberry Prorsum, Brioni, Canali, Charvet, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Liberty of London, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Prada, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, Thompson cuff links, Zenga.
