By Cameron Mellin
Summer’s here, and it seems every new-age office has begun to opt for comforted style over the staple suit-and-tie combo. But keeping it casual (be it in the workplace or on the weekend) doesn’t have to mean a wrinkled T-shirt and faded, loose-fitting jeans. Keeping your personal style satisfied this summer just takes some extra effort, and let’s be honest gents: If we’re going to bare more skin, it may take a few extra reps at the gym as well.
Tank over T-shirt
When the summer rolls around and the sweating starts, a fresh tank seems like the only logical option for casual wear. But how do you avoid retention of the “bro-tank” moniker when baring some shoulder? It starts with the cut—both how the tank fits and, in this particular case, the literal cut of the shirt. Too many make the mistake of rocking the cut-off tee courtesy of a pair of scissors, and what’s left behind is a muscle shirt as sloppy as it is obnoxious. Better to invest in a tank that is form-fitting and designed to alleviate any and all remnants of a farmer’s tan.
Make the plunge for a few sleeveless wonders via ViveShirt, the NYC-based athletic line sure to keep you cool in both temperature and attitude.
Snapback or ball cap?
The answer is both. After all, what’ s the point of a hat if it’s not blocking out the sun? And that’s where the standby baseball cap comes into play. Just make sure you’re not dusting off the sweat-laced cap from childhood. I mean come on man, that’s just gross.
It’s the peak of the season for America’s pastime, and catching a Nats game has become a D.C. summer tradition. But that doesn’t mean you have to go traditional with your cap choice. Stick to something both functional and fresh this season and head over to the ’47 brand to get in the summer spirit.
If you do feel the urge to flip the brim backward, just ensure you’re wearing a hat designed to do so. Quick tip: Anything fitted (without an adjustable strap) is designed strictly to keep the sun at bay. If you’ve got a snap- or strap-back on your hands, then say sayonara to the shade and keep the logo facing away. Mitchell & Ness can satisfy every snapback need with hats ranging in color and in fabric.
Polo
The polo is a true cross between clean-cut and casual. Keeping the temperature at bay with its short sleeves and breathable fabric, it’s a shirt designed for the style-conscious man just clocking out for the weekend. Pair a colorful polo from the brand that made them famous with equally crisp shorts to make a Sunday brunch statement. If long sleeves are a must, make the material a priority. Lightweight cotton works best and will keep you free of heat- or stress-induced stains.
Shorts
Style is no longer a top-only affair, and summer is the time to get colorful with fashion choices below the belt. Mix up your color combinations and pair the shorts with a lightweight long sleeve and boat shoes for a true Nantucket feel, or toss together a tank and pair of colorful Bermudas to keep the beach-side vibes going.