THE JOURNAL
Summer has come sooner than expected. And with it, the time to update your wardrobe with pieces that have the sole purpose of keeping you cool and stylish in the heat. Suggesting you invest in linen staples – light, breathable and wrinkle-resistant thanks to the fibre’s natural properties – certainly isn’t revolutionary advice. But if your mind immediately goes to the same few trusted, but overworked staples, you’ll appreciate the pieces below for a point of difference.
01. The shirts
That white shirt you find yourself reaching for over and over again isn’t the only way to stay smart – and keep cool – when the sun is out. Consider patterned styles instead, even if the motif is as simple as Sunspel’s micro stripes. Elsewhere, brands such as Charvet and Vilebrequin offer a welcome touch of colour for the evening and daytime respectively. Meanwhile, Kartik Research has mastered the perfect holiday shirt, with skilfully executed embroidery that won’t look out of place at an alfresco lunch in the city.
02. The shorts
Linen Bermuda shorts belong in every discerning man’s wardrobe. And for good reason – they can be easily dressed up or down and they’ll take up minimal space in your luggage. Drawstring pairs from the likes of Aimé Leon Dore and 3sixteen work well with T-shirts and boxy shirts, while tailored styles require a little more consideration. Think a button-up and loafers, or a polo shirt and sandals for a more laid-back look.
03. The T-shirts
Your year-round, most essential “essential” just got an upgrade for the dog days of summer. Enter the linen tee – a staple with the same relaxed and sartorially versatile look of its original counterpart, but with a much lighter and breezier handle. Styles from Ralph Lauren Purple Label and J. Mueser make adaptable cornerstones and can virtually be styled with anything in your luggage – or workweek wardrobe. And a striped design or something a little more eye-catching, such as Inis Meáin’s gradient style, can easily be the focal point of an otherwise neutral outfit.
04. The suits
When the occasion requires you to take things up a notch, there’s nothing worse than being visibly hot and getting stuck in hours-long functions with one too many layers on. Business lunches, garden parties… Oh, and that wedding you forgot about. A linen suit is something of a saviour for all the aforementioned. Opt for a double-breasted jacket for the evening – such as Mr P.’s green two-piece – or consider breaking it up for a spezzato getup in more relaxed settings.
05. The trousers
Linen trousers are sure become one of the workhorses of your summer wardrobe. They’re perfect for when you don’t want to show skin but still stay cool and look put-together in something that retains shape without requiring too much ironing. Think long-haul travel, for instance. Or long days on your feet exploring a new city. We’ve got everything from God’s True Cashmere slub-linen styles, which resemble denim, to NN07’s pleated off-white design and Saman Amel’s more relaxed drawstring options.
06. The jackets
Whether you need an extra layer for crisp summer evenings or are just looking for something to smarten up a tank top, an overshirt or light blouson should do the trick. The likes of Paul Smith and rag & bone have put their fresh spin on relaxed classics, while Mr P.’s blouson, woven in a tactile floral Jacquard, can single-handedly offer the point of distinction amid otherwise neutral layers.