Shorts suits: are you man enough? Suits from Universal Works

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

I try to be adventurous on the blog, often pushing my comfort envelope in my search for style. Shorts suits tend not to get a good press, so I thought I'd rise to this challenge to see what the fuss is about. After some preliminary nerves (a sixty-year old in shorts) we had good time photographing this feature, appropriate for clothes associated with summer sun and fun. I'm grateful to Universal Works, who supplied the suits, Sarah Gilfillan of Sartoria Lab, who styled it, and Nick Maroudias, who not only did the photography, but was persuaded to model as well (links below).

Universal Works blue woven Ikat jacket and shorts & khaki twill jacket and shorts

Comfortable, stylish (possibly), fun (certainly) and ideal for travel and work in the sun, I have to admit to being a convert. See Universal Works for their jacket and matching shorts combinations. For other suppliers, see below. 




With many thanks to:
Nick Maroudias, photographer
Sarah Gilifillan, of Sartoria Lab, personal stylist

Grey Fox's accessories:
Sunglasses - Oliver Peoples
Shoes - Clarks
Seersucker shirt - Portuguese Flannel
Socks - Pantherella
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13 comments

  1. Matthew Pike21 July 2015 at 10:48

    Yes!

    Buckets & Spades

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  2. Anonymous21 July 2015 at 12:00

    Yes, from looking at those pictures I can quite see why shorts suits don't get a good press. Fit only for the seafront.

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  3. Nick21 July 2015 at 16:03

    Funny isn't it? When I joined the Scouts in the early 70's they had dropped the traditional khaki shorts uniform and moved to beige 'slacks' (to my horror) and for about the next 10 years no youngish chap would be seen dead in shorts even playing togger on the warmest English summer day.

    Cue the run of hot English summers in the 1980s and shorts reappeared everywhere on British men of all ages, and they've stuck around til now, thank goodness. I'd live in 'em, given the chance.

    The khaki outfit in the article looks great on Grey Fox, though I'm not so keen on the patterned one - a bit too Tommy Bahamas and not enough Baden Powell for my purist tastes.

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  4. Dauvit Alexander21 July 2015 at 17:20

    These look fantastic. I felt the same uncertainty about the shorts element of my seersucker summer suit from Earl of Bedlam but now love it with the shorts as much as the long trousers.

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  5. Anonymous21 July 2015 at 21:58

    Really not sure about the suits but why should us older guys avoid shorts? P.S when are we going to see something from Engineered Garments on the site? The AW15 photo shoot is both imaginative and features older models.Why not see what your readership makes of it?

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  6. Anonymous22 July 2015 at 00:06

    Hi Greyfox,

    Yes, I'm all for these. It's something I've done myself, paired a linen jacket with a pair of shorts, very practical for warm climates. Admittedly it's not something I'd wear into town but I certainly did in Italy. Go for it.

    Regards
    David

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  7. Mark22 July 2015 at 01:25

    Great look, great socks.

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  8. Grey Fox22 July 2015 at 03:13

    Thank you to all of you who took this in the right way - with a touch of humour!

    I shall certainly look at Engineered Garments, thanks for that - I have contacted them and if they reply I will feature them.

    There are many brands not yet featured here, Albam being one, and I have my work cut out to cover them all.

    All suggestions are gratefully received.

    GF

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  9. Anonymous22 July 2015 at 03:47

    Personally I think shorts and jackets work better as an "odd" combination rather than a suit

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  10. John Robinson23 July 2015 at 04:23

    Hello GF, looking great, not sure about the socks. Have you tried Falke invisible socks? Great for the no sock look but comfy on your feet. John.

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  11. Grey Fox23 July 2015 at 05:17

    Thanks Anon - I did think about trying the shorts and jackets as odd combinations but wanted to focus in suits, but a good point and I think I may agree.

    Thanks John - yes I did think about this and probably my preference would be for shorter socks. What I haven't said in the piece is that I have a lot of damage to the right foot after a cycling accident so slightly longer socks are necessary cosmetically - but some prefer longer anyway.


    GF

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  12. 21st Century Gent24 July 2015 at 04:58

    I love that blue suit, so cool yet has a great style to it! (and yes, you pull it off well!)

    Ben | www.twentyfirstcenturygent.com

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  13. David Whitehill29 July 2015 at 05:16

    I have sold three of the blue suits down here at Seagate Hastings Menswear, at the seaside, obviously. It puts a smile on your face.

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