The heat brings discomfort, but this doesn't mean that sartorial excellence has to go out of the window. I don't have a smart summer suit and am on the lookout for one. Here are some images that inspire me in my search for the elusive ideal suit.
If you own the rights to any of the above images and would like them removed, please get in touch.
Linen, cotton, lightweight wool, silk, or a combination of these, make the best cool cloths. I like the crumpled, comfortable, casual style of linen and would look for pale blue or cream/tan as the most classic and practical colours. Wear with a linen or seersucker shirt; no tie, or with a cotton floral tie and a silk or cotton pocket square in pale, sunny hues.
Make sure the suit fits properly, snug across the shoulders and the correct length in arm and leg. Have the suit altered if it's not too far out; there are alterations tailors on most high streets. If it's too far out in sizing, alterations won't succeed, so don't buy.
Here are some of the places I will try for my summer suit (if you're quick you may find something in the summer sales):
For off the peg:
Or for made to measure or bespoke:
Edit Suits (affordable)
Hirsch Tailoring (bespoke)
Susannah Hall, Tailor (bespoke)
I have to look quite smart for work. In the summer I like to combine dark blazers (cotton, linen or lightweight wool) with contrasting trousers (same materials). Loafers are my default choice shoe wise. Dressing smartly in summer is I find quite hard work, particularly if you are in the city, so it best to have options/changes of clothes. Can I also suggest white V neck t shirts beneath shirts as they enable one to avoid sweat marks under arms and allow one to take the tie off and wear an open neck.
ReplyDeleteStaying sharp in the heat can be a constant battle and I agree with this article that choosing the right fabric can be key.
ReplyDeleteHere's our guide to choosing to summer suits. Looking at linen, cotton and not disreagarding a lightweight wool for the summer.
http://www.tailormadelondon.com/summer-suits/