Formal fashion tips for Summer

Ah, the Summer is here. With the chirps of the birds, the green scenery of nature and longer days, also comes the difference in fashion. Away with overcoats for a while, time to give the thick wool suits a summer break – let the fresh colors, lighter materials and bolder outfits come out of the closet. It’s time for them to shine – it’s Summer!

 

Do more with less

Although it’s Summer, it’s no excuse to dress sloppy though, so put away those flip-flops, bathing trunks and tank tops. There’s never a time for that unless you are actually going for the beach. You’d still want to look classy, whether it is at work, or during the night out in town. Certain events, besides work, like black tie events, or weddings (Summer is the season for weddings) call for a suit, a tuxedo, or other formal wear.

Suits are an essential component of the modern gentleman’s wardrobe. However, one suit does not fit all, that rule applies to all seasons. In order to get yourself the best suit, it’s especially vital to pay attention to the suit’s construction. The construction of a suit will determine its weight, texture and breathability. Opting for an unlined or half-lined suit will allow for much more ventilation and coolness, though you may have to sacrifice some of the suit’s structure.

Formal wear shouldn’t be stuffy, so try to avoid overdressing. Not in these temperatures. Leave unnecessary layers of clothing, and instead go for a simple two-piece suit. Your surrounding will be thankful.
Too hot for a jacket? Wear a vest instead.

Vests are the best option for gentlemen that don’t wish to suffer for fashion, but still wants to look great. If your surrounding – be it your colleagues and your boss, or the groom at a wedding chooses to leave out the vest – do the same.

 

CHOOSE YOUR MATERIALS WISELY

Minding the material your suit is made of will also help to keep you cool, as lighter-weight cloth and a looser weave in the fabric will provide for more airflow and minimize heat. Below are a few examples of materials that are suitable for the Summer temperatures.

Linen:

Linen is a classic material for summer and it is one of the most popular fabrics for summer suits due to its light weight. Made from the fibers of the flax plant, linen has a visible weave and great natural texture. It also wrinkles very easily, which is part of its easy charm. However, if you’ll be wearing this suit to work, you may want to try a linen blend that also contains cotton or wool. This way you can keep look of linen without the copious wrinkling.

Cotton:

The cotton suit is one of the most versatile choices, as it allows you to have a refined, yet casual look that is extremely summer-friendly. Cotton is stiffer than your wool suiting but it is also cooler. One of the most popular colors for a cotton suit is Khaki.

Seersucker:

Seersucker has seen a significant growth in popularity over the last few decades. In fact, Wednesday, June 11, has been declared as Seersucker Day to honor this American menswear fashion. Distinguished by its signature striped, crinkled surface and strategic puckering (as well as its funny name), seersucker is a unique cotton fabric that offers the modern man yet another means of wearing a business-appropriate ensemble in the Summer, without having to compromise on style.

Fresco:

Most people wouldn’t think to choose a wool suit for the summer. However, fresco wool is an entirely different story. The word fresco is derived from the Italian word “affresco,” which translates to “fresh,” and that’s exactly how a fresco suit will make you feel. This fabric consists of a multiple yarn, high-twisted wool with an open weave, allowing the fabric to be very airy, yet quite durable. This fabric is designed specifically with summer in mind and although the open weave allows for maximum air flow, the crisp feel and look of the fabric created by the high-twisted wool allows this suit to look extremely elegant and refined. Lightweight wools such as this work much better than cotton or linen because they wick away–not absorb–sweat, allowing you to look (and feel) your best.

GO FOR COLORS

In general, you should always follow the same rule: no matter the weather, it is always important to look professional, appropriate and, if you please, stylish. Doing that is as essential as choosing the right color. Obviously, navy, charcoal gray, and black suits should always make up the foundation of your business wardrobe.

Let us give you a bit of inspiration.

 

Light Grey:

A sister shade to the tried and true charcoal gray, this color will work well with almost any fabric for summer. Try a light gray fresco suit with a bold tie and pocket square for a dapper look that is perfect for the office.

 

Baby Blue:

Move away from the darker navy suit staple and be daring with shades of blue. This attention-grabbing, yet still refined shade is ideal for adding a youthful and fun flare to your look. Baby blue goes best with linen and a blue & white seersucker is a classic look for summer.

 

Khaki:

A go-to color for summer and spring, the khaki suit is perfect for any daytime event. Though you should avoid wearing this color in the evening (as it runs the risk of looking informal), the khaki suit looks extremely pulled together with the proper accessories. Wear your khaki suit with a blue-and-white striped button-down shirt and a navy tie, or a pink button-down shirt with a patterned tie.

 

Red:

Red is popping up more and more in men’s suiting this summer. The runways were filled with cherry, fire truck, crimson and primary red menswear in every designer’s collection. If you already have a strong arsenal of basic suit shades in your closet, perhaps the red suit should be your next move!
Trends to Try – The Shorts Suit

The shorts suit is most definitely having a moment in men’s summer fashion this year. This suit is just like a regular suit except the pants are replaced with tailored, above the knee shorts. Some criticize the informality of this look, while others hail the shorts suit as a guaranteed winner for “best-dressed” men this season.

General Care Guidelines — Clean, Light, and Understated

These three words sum up how a sharp dressed man clothes himself during the summer months.

Clean — A gentleman is showered, well-groomed, and his clothing is free from stains. He realizes that although he may perspire, he does not have to smell nor look like he stepped out of a sauna. If you need to shower twice a day, then do so. Use antiperspirant deodorant, and consider soaps with menthol that will help cool your body. A sharp dressed man never wears stained clothing, even if he believes others won’t notice. His hair is washed and its ends cut regularly, with excess hair on the back of the neck trimmed. Invest in a pair of nose hair clippers (which can be used on the ears as well), opt for a close shave, and treat your skin to lotions that improve health and appearance. Need more guidance here?

Light — Wear light-colored clothing and select fabrics made with breathable weaves and natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or tropical weight wool (perfect for summer’s formal events). Looser fits facilitate airflow, but do not take this to mean you should wear a full-size (or three) larger than what your body size calls for. Remember that dark colors do not reflect light but rather absorb it and all other factors being constant, are thus hotter. On a sunny day, a white long sleeve button-down cotton shirt will be much cooler than a black polyester T-shirt.

Understated — A gentleman wears quality garments that have cuts and patterns that compliment his figure and attitude — his clothing never detracts from the ladies in his company. He pays attention to unstated dress codes, plans accordingly, and shows up in accordance so that he can enjoy the companionship of those around him. If you need to bring a change of clothing, do so; try not to wear your swimming trunks into the evening festivities (unless they are in the water!). Be remembered for your friendly conversation, not for being the over-dressed peacock or under-dressed ruffian.

What are your tips on how to stay cool in hot weather?