© Frescobol Carioca
Now that we have been reminded how good it is when the sun’s out, I’m sure a few of you are already planning your summer holidays. We all have differing visions of how best to soak up the sun, whether that be lounging by the pool or nursing a cocktail along the Riviera. No matter the occasion, staying appropriately well-dressed can pose a trickier task than at first glance. No-one wants to be caught out, even if you are supposed to be relaxing.
We all know that white is always a good option in the sun as it reflects the light. In fact, we are all wrong. It does reflect, but in both directions, turning your body heat on itself. Apparently black is the best colour to keep you ‘cool’. Black absorbs the energy generated from the body rather than reflecting it. Myth: busted. This might be a fractional difference, but it gives you the option now to wear dark colours in the sun.
This might cause a lot of discussion, and I’d happily suggest (and even encourage) to wear white in the sun simply to bring out other colours all the better. However, we can now bring a different mix to our holiday wardrobe.
If your pool shorts won’t do – for an evening of fine dining, for example – go with looser-fitting trousers in summer friendly fabrics like linen or seersucker. Similarly, fresco is a fabric designed for warm climates and would be a recommended go-to for a suit or jacket at an elegant garden party. Wear with vintage-inspired polo shirts for a more relaxed vibe and perhaps, if open to it, place the collar over the jacket lapels if you’re coming over all Scarface. You can even add your own sartorial little friend in the form a neckerchief tied neatly around the neck.
Continuing the Cuban theme, there are a host of camp collar shirts that offer a boxier fit suitable for warmer climates, but can also pass as a stylish top layer. Wear with linen trousers or shorts and you can indulge in all the rum and cigars you want in comfort. You can even add bolder, statement print versions, provided you’re not trying to stay off Interpol’s radar.
However, do steer clear of tacky versions of Hawaiian shirts. It’s a fine line, but keep things pared-back or in muted colours to avoid garishness. Plain block colour options are probably the easiest options, and won’t do any wrong mixing and matching with your trousers or shorts. Wearing a white or black t-shirt underneath can make the look more versatile. Finishing off the outfit, holidaying footwear can stretch from anything from sneakers to pool sliders and loafers. It goes without saying though, that with all the above options, go sock-less. Those ankles need some tanning time.
For lounging poolside ensure you have an extra-large towel to claim your spot with stylish sliders to get you to and from the water. Most importantly though, the single most vital holiday wardrobe investment, is the swim shorts. Obviously.
If you’re spending all day in your swim shorts, you’ll want a few options to switch things up. You can go with a block colour for a more formal look which can pass as an everyday short. Orlebar Brown are the champions here with their tailored, pool-to-bar style. For a bit more flair, you can choose an array of printed shorts that offer the fun factor you probably want when on holiday. Choose a print and colour that reflects a bit of your personality; you’ll most likely find something at Vilebrequin.
In addition to the shorts, terry towelling t-shirts are a great option to wear around the pool – part shirt, part towel, what more do you want? A button up version is versatile with the option to leave the buttons undone and let the sun reach your skin, while buttoning up when needing offers the option for a bit more decency. Equally, polo shirts are good alternatives. You could go with a textured number with contrast collar and sleeves, or polos that have designs featuring stripes knitted into them for a slight difference.
If you’re heading to a tropical beach you’re probably best advised to stick to shorts and loose-fitting linen shirts that allow your body to breathe in the heat. If blessed with clear skies and rare clouds, you might want to make sure your face doesn’t end up a bright red disgrace. A nice Panama – and the Hollywood glamour it brings with it – wouldn’t go amiss. There are some more relaxed styles with different rim sizes and bands available. Lock & Co., Bates and Christys’ are always good places to go on a hat hunt.
No matter what you decide on, remember to travel with a cashmere jumper because, like the best laid plans of mice and men, you never know what’ll happen. But you can guess: it’s probably going to rain.
