The art of summer dressing
Tom Wharton, the visionary behind Barrington Ayre, has redefined the art of bespoke tailoring. Tom shares his expertise in curating the perfect summer wardrobe for men.
Tom, what fabrics and materials would you say are best suited for a warm season?
In summer, people always think about linen, which is an amazing fabric. It keeps you cool, looking relaxed and is incredibly sustainable but it also creases. There is sadly nothing you can do about this, even with the slightly heavier luxury linens, so if you are happy with a spot of creasing then linen is perfect.
However, if you don’t like creasing, then lightweight wools are the way forward. People often get worried about wool as they think it is itchy and heavy, but wool comes in all kinds of weights and a lightweight wool is the ultimate fabric for the summer.
Wool is nature's way of controlling your body temperature. It keeps you warm in colder weather and takes heat away in the warmer months. It doesn’t crease and the colours and designs now available are perfect for summer. There are also some incredible wool mixes. Wool with linen gives you the best of both worlds and wool/silk/linen mixes prevent creasing but keep a classic summer fabric look and will keep you cool and stylish however you wear it.
How can men balance style and comfort when dressing for British summer weather?
Sadly, British men overall do not do summer clothing well. Far too often I see men wearing 3/4 length trousers, vests, and ill-fitting T-shirts along with dark socks pulled up with dark trainers. None of these looks is acceptable.
If you are over 25 you need to invest in a decent summer wardrobe. If you want to be more casual, some well-fitted linen trousers, tailored shorts, knitted polo shirts in fine cotton and merino wool and a lightweight jacket are the bare essentials.
Take a look at our European neighbours for inspiration, the Italians are particularly good at summer dressing. Patterns should be steered clear of apart from a jacket, and trousers should be the proper length, tailored and in a plain colour. If you are going dark on top, go light underneath and vice versa. Lightweight cotton and linen shirts work well as do bamboo shirts, and knitted fine cotton or merino wool polo shirts work perfectly with or without a jacket.
What are the key pieces that every bespoke summer wardrobe should include?
A key piece in a wardrobe over the warmer months should be a linen suit. Perfect as a suit, or use it as separates as a pair of trousers or a jacket. Alternatively, a lightweight wool suit, which also works as a suit or as a separate. A fine-knit merino or fine cotton polo shirt. Some soft loafers as well as a pair of light leather loafers. A couple of lightweight cotton suits and/or linen shirts. A lightweight jumper for the cooler evenings and a heavier wool cardigan for the late summer evenings.
How can men incorporate certain styles and ease into their wardrobes when travelling?
If you look towards lightweight wools, especially a more open weave wool, these are crease-resistant and so are perfect for travelling. These fabrics keep their shape and not only regulate the body temperature, but merino wool is also anti-bacterial so won’t smell and the natural fibres work perfectly everywhere. Stick to open shirts and plain coloured trousers and jackets that will allow you to dress for whatever occasion you are in.
What three accessories can elevate a man's summer outfit?
Accessories are incredibly personal, but a nice bright silk pocket square can add a bit of colour or style to any outfit.
What options would you suggest for men navigating Cotswolds terrains whilst maintaining a polished appearance during the summer?
Linen, wool, silk and other natural fibres are all incredibly hard-wearing and durable so will work whatever the terrain you may be navigating! People get worried about finer fabrics like silk, but silk is one of the toughest materials known and merino wool is naturally fireproof as well as all its other incredible properties so don’t be scared to wear your clothes, that is what they are there for.
What are some classic men's pieces for summer that never go out of style?
A classic navy linen or lightweight suit. This will never date and gives you three outfits in one. A suit. A lovely pair of summer trousers and a gorgeous summer jacket that can be worn with other trousers, shorts or jeans.
Classic plain linen or cotton shirts in sky blue will work with every summer outfit and will also never go out of style. Soft plain-coloured knitted merino wool and cotton polo shirts always work and will also never go out of fashion.
What are the key pieces or essentials when visiting the Cotswolds?
Bolder trousers in pinks, yellows and brighter blues will never go amiss and you could always pull out some more patterned jackets if you are brave enough. But as with everything, you could never go wrong with a plain navy, blue or green linen or lightweight wool suit. However, the Cotswolds allows you to wear colour so don’t be scared to go bright!
Find out more about Barrington Ayre at their website, or by making an appointment to visit their atelier in Cirencester.
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