Men’s Fashion: Suits in Summer

For many men, the weather is one of the greatest obstacles to fashion. Leather shoes are averse to any sort of precipitation, while any layer of clothing on top of your t-shirt can be stiflingly warm in summer. The peak of summer, however, is no excuse to trade in a sharp wardrobe for flip-flops and patrol shorts. You simply have to be more conscious about the style choices you make to get through the season smartly.

A Liking for Linen
Men who know their beachwear should also be familiar with linen. It’s a very popular material for shorts and shirts bound for the seashore. The material, however, is far from exclusive to beach bums in the Bahamas; it’s an excellent choice for suits as well.

What’s not to like about linen suits? They come in about as many colors as wool (though khakis, blacks and whites are the most common), they’re fantastic even when worn apart and – best of all – they’re light and breathable, keeping them comfy even during summer. There’s really not much to think about with a linen suit, since you can use them as direct replacement for your standard wool suit, which is likely too warm by half for summer.

One of the key differences between the beach and the boardroom, however, is the cut. A suit – linen or otherwise – should be cut as slim as possible, and tailored with all the right details in mind. Seams should be exactly where they ought to be, and billowing should be nonexistent. Don’t bother ironing, though; wrinkles are a signature element in linen suits.

White Weather
Despite its image as a universal style challenge, a white suit is prime property for summer months. Not only do you get to stand out against a sea of somber grays and blacks, but you get to stay much more comfortable in the process.

A white suit isn’t just a different color; it’s a different attitude of style. You change from dour corporate type to fresh summer fashion plate. Change up the striped tie and white shirt for a textured necktie (or open neck, if the dress code allows it) and a pastel color (try a contrast collar) shirt. It’s contemporary and young without losing sophistication.

The other rules of formal fashion still apply. A good leather belt and pair of leather shoes are still necessities, and the fit of everything is much as ever. If you want to bend a few rules, though, we suggest a bold print pocket square and a pair of fun, color block socks.

Pattern Party
A lot of men get intimidated by patterns; it usually takes some amount of moxie to try it out the first time. If you’ve never attempted it before (or have, but simply didn’t succeed) then summer is the perfect time to take the plunge with patterned styles.

Wearing patterns is like layering for the summer months. It adds paunch and attitude to an otherwise very blah outfit but – unlike layering – doesn’t contribute to the bulk and stuffiness of your ensemble. Pieces like happy check shirts and bright plaid neckties – worn separately, of course – are just the things to get you into that bright summery mood.

Formal men’s fashion isn’t always very friendly, having been refined by Europeans from colder climes. With a couple of tweaks, the right neckties and a few fun shirts, however, you can easily assemble the perfect summer suit to go with your natty straw fedora.

Further Suggested Readings:
Guide to Mens Suit Cuts
Tips for Proper Dress Shoe Storage

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