Written by Rakelle Maurici in Tips & Advice on the 5th June 2015

We’re in the midst of a menswear trend where tailoring is at a peak, and you can still keep the sharp suited and booted look during the summer months. When it comes to summer tailoring it’s about being able to stay smart but cool at the same time, often it’s hard to keep a gentleman’s style when you’re hiding in the shade while breaking out in a hot sweat. So if you’re heading abroad for a summer wedding or simply want to look dapper throughout those summer days, there are "cool" ways to get around it.

The best fabric of recommendation is linen or cotton, for both suits and shirts. It’s a breathable material which was designed for men living in the warmer climates. It has a Mediterranean feel and look to it, so if you’re heading to Spain or Greece this summer for a holiday, you’ll fit right in.

Avoid any wool or silk materials, as these are solely for winter suits - keep them in the wardrobe in a suit carrier for 6 months. Choice of colour should be light and fresh; beiges, sand, light blues, greys and whites. Naturally you’ll feel cooler with these colours because darker colours absorb heat. Another great colour for a summer suit is teal, it’s colourful but still understated. A key factor to remember is fit, always choose slim or tailored fittings - baggy linen will make you look like you’ve stepped out in your Dad’s suit from the 70s. 

But on the other hand, a suit can be a little too formal for some occasions, and while some of you are not and will not be a suit owner you can still look smart in separates. Opt for a bolder coloured sports jacket and neutral trousers or vice versa. Unless you’re feeling brave enough, do both. Summer season is a chance to wear brighter colours (so reds, bold blues, teal or even yellow). Match with a pair of smart light brown shoes or suede loafers for a more casual side of smart. And as for your choice of socks, keep them hidden by investing in 'invisible' socks and get some cool air onto those ankles.

The best summer shirt to keep cool in, is again made from linen. However, as linen often creases quite easily you can choose a linen-cotton blend shirt to save that extra time on ironing. Lastly, footwear options include monk strap shoes, lace up brogues or loafers... all in neutral shades such as tan, beige, navy and grey (made from either suede or leather). A footwear rule to remember is that during summer you should leave the black leather shoes in their box, and if you’re feeling brave enough, opt for bold coloured shoes as a contrast.

We focus on formalwear and colourful suits in this 2015 Man’s Guide to Summer Tailoring featuring Massimo Dutti, Hackett London and Burton.