Casual jackets and coats are one area we haven’t covered yet. Wardrobe Building Series. Mostly because it’s such a big topic. From housecoats to blouson to field jackets, there are dozens of styles, and your choice will depend a lot on your personal style.
But we have tried to categorize these styles. hereEspecially applicable to casual jackets here. So if someone wants a framework to think about their style, they can read that framework.
And I know my readers find it equally useful to hear what I wear, what I like, and to be inclusive. So today I’m going to do that with some summer casual jackets – suede, canvas, linen, etc. – including actual pieces to buy from a variety of brands.
1. Chore jacket
The first thing you think of when it comes to a casual summer jacket is that it’s going to be a chore. Because it is the most practical in terms of the pockets it comes with. This is because it is suitable as a substitute for a blazer and is also good for layering.
The point of layering is to make your household chores seasonally versatile. Unlike short jackets such as blouson or windbreakers, the length is longer and has a straight cut, so you can wear it with just a t-shirt or wear a cardigan or knit underneath for a more trendy look.
As with all of these choices, having a fairly limited wardrobe means we want a versatile color that can go with a lot of things. Duck canvas, dark brown, blue denim or white would also be great.
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2. Windbreaker or Harrington
I’ve always had a weakness for short jackets like this, I think either because the shape is too flattering or because, being a slimmer guy, they give us chest we wouldn’t otherwise have. This is a chic item that can be worn in the summer even with shorts.
Cotton is a definite Harrington material, but synthetics and synthetic blends can be very useful for lightness and weather resistance, and of course linen, like the PS version, is very chic.
Color-wise, classic navy works very well, but given the history of red or yellow Harringtons, there’s also the opportunity to be more adventurous.
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3. Try suede
The first two options are both very casual. Have something you can expand into smarter territory if you need to, or just dress it down with jeans and soft loafers/boat shoes. Switching to suede is the best option.
Then it’s mostly a question of length. Do you want a bomber, suede valstarino Or do you want something longer like an overshirt? Both can be cooler or warmer depending on the thickness of the suede, the looseness of the fit, and the lining.
Color-wise, we are mainly seeing navy or earthy tones such as brown, beige and tobacco. They bring out the best in suede.
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4. A piece for real excitement
All of these choices inevitably create assumptions about lifestyle and location, but none of the choices so far are about the hottest places. For some readers this will be an absolute necessity. For me in London I only use it occasionally in the summer, but I use it a lot more than I used to.
To maximize air circulation, longer styles may be best. Probably linen. jungle jacket The reason it falls into this category is because it is a very lightweight cotton material. In most cases, they are worn open to maximize airflow.
Color-wise, you’re probably looking at something similar to the suede above.
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5. Something more interesting
To be honest, this list is much easier than the winter list. Because in the summer you often don’t need a jacket. But if we stick to the conceit of five per half year, then the fifth here is an opportunity to add something a little more unusual.
In that category I’d put things like fishing/utility vests (very practical, but with a very special style), souvenir jackets (basically bombers, but with a bit of an excuse since they come in a lot of colors), and mandarin collar jackets like Forestier. I now have the linen version of Chato Lufsen’s Bores and it fits into this summer jacket category very well.
Or maybe you especially like canvas or denim. This is your chance to add a Type 2 jacket or a Carhartt Detroit jacket (both are better vintage than new). Or in fact, leather jackets often don’t fit into any of these categories.
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If you try to cram everything into your fall/winter list, things will get a lot more difficult. There was no need to get caught in the rain this time…
